Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

Smartwatches aren’t just wrist-worn gadgets anymore—they’ve become everyday essentials for tracking your health, powering your workouts, and keeping you connected on the go. In 2025, two of the most talked-about models leading the charge are the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. While both are packed with powerful features, they’re built for very different lifestyles. The Fenix 8 is a rugged, multisport GPS watch known for its epic battery life and military-grade toughness, perfect for backcountry adventurers and serious endurance athletes. Meanwhile, the Ultra 2 blends Apple’s polished interface with advanced health sensors and outdoor-ready features, offering a best-of-both-worlds experience for fitness lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.

In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll break down everything from design and durability to tracking tools and smart features, helping you decide which of these powerhouse wearables is the right fit for your goals.

Price & Value

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Garmin Fenix 8:

The Garmin Fenix 8 starts at $999.99 for the standard model, with prices increasing up to $1,199 depending on the selected size and features. It is available in multiple sizes—43mm, 47mm, and 51mm—and offers display options including AMOLED and transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging. The Fenix 8’s robust build, extensive battery life, and comprehensive sports tracking capabilities justify its premium price for dedicated athletes and adventurers.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

Priced at $799, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a 49mm titanium case with cellular connectivity as standard. While it lacks the size variations of the Fenix 8, it delivers a suite of advanced health features, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, and a user-friendly interface, offering substantial value for users seeking a versatile smartwatch.

Design & Build

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Garmin Fenix 8:

The Fenix 8 showcases a round design with a titanium bezel and options for AMOLED or MIP displays. It is available in three case sizes—43mm, 47mm, and 51mm—accommodating various wrist sizes and preferences. Designed for durability, the watch boasts a 10 ATM water-resistance rating, suitable for diving up to 40 meters. Additionally, it incorporates a built-in LED flashlight, enhancing its utility in low-light conditions.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

The Ultra 2 features a rectangular design with a 49mm titanium case and a sapphire crystal display. It maintains a WR100 water-resistance rating, supporting diving activities up to 40 meters. The watch includes a customizable Action Button for quick access to various functions, enhancing user convenience during workouts and daily activities.

Display & Interface

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Garmin Fenix 8:

The Fenix 8 offers a choice between a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels and a transflective MIP display with solar charging capabilities. The AMOLED variant delivers vibrant visuals, while the MIP version ensures readability in direct sunlight and extended battery performance. Navigation is facilitated through a combination of five physical buttons and a touchscreen, providing versatile control options.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

The Ultra 2 features a 1.91-inch Retina LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 502 x 410 pixels, offering exceptional brightness and clarity. The interface is operated via the Digital Crown, side button, and touchscreen, ensuring intuitive navigation through apps and features.

Performance & Battery Life

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Garmin Fenix 8:

Equipped with robust processing capabilities, the Fenix 8 supports seamless operation across its extensive feature set. Battery performance varies by model:

• MIP 51mm version with solar charging: Up to 30 days, extendable to 48 days with sufficient solar exposure.
• AMOLED 47mm version: Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

Powered by the S9 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor, the Ultra 2 offers smooth performance and supports advanced features like on-device Siri. It provides up to 36 hours of battery life in regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Charging is efficient, reaching 80% in approximately 1 hour.

Fitness & Workout Tracking

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Garmin Fenix 8:

The Fenix 8 excels in multisport tracking, offering modes for activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and hiking. It includes advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, and recovery time. The watch supports dual-frequency GPS for precise tracking and provides topographic maps and turn-by-turn navigation, enhancing its utility for outdoor adventures.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

The Ultra 2 supports a wide range of workouts, including running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. It offers advanced running metrics such as stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation. The watch also features dual-frequency GPS for accurate location tracking and supports offline topographic maps and curated national park hikes, catering to both urban and outdoor activities.

Health & Wellness Features

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Garmin Fenix 8:

• Heart rate monitoring (wrist-based and chest strap compatible)
• Pulse Ox sensor
• Sleep tracking with stages
• Stress tracking
• Hydration and respiration tracking
• Menstrual cycle tracking
• Body Battery™ energy monitoring
• Morning report summaries While it lacks medical-grade ECG capabilities, the Fenix 8 emphasizes long-term wellness and energy management for performance optimization.

Apple Watch Ultra:

The Ultra 2 focuses more on clinical-grade health features, offering:

• ECG app
• Blood oxygen monitoring
• High/low heart rate notifications
• Irregular rhythm alerts
• Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
• Sleep stages and sleep apnea detection
• Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking
• Medications app
• Noise monitoring It excels at real-time alerts and medical-grade assessments, especially valuable for health-conscious users or those monitoring specific conditions.

Water Durability & Adventure Features

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Garmin Fenix 8:

Engineered for harsh outdoor use, the Fenix 8 meets MIL-STD-810 standards, offers 10 ATM water resistance, and includes a barometric altimeter, gyroscope, accelerometer, and thermometer. It also features expedition GPS mode, climbPro ascent planner, solar charging on select models, and backtrack navigation for wilderness safety.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

Tested to MIL-STD 810H, the Ultra 2 is rated 100m water-resistant, supports EN13319 certification for scuba diving, and features an emergency siren, Backtrack GPS, depth gauge, and topographic maps. Ideal for outdoor survival, diving, and extreme sports.

Audio, Microphones & Connectivity

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Garmin Fenix 8:

The Fenix 8 supports Bluetooth®, ANT+®, and Wi-Fi®. While it doesn’t feature onboard voice assistants, it can control music, receive notifications, and sync with Garmin Connect. Some models support music storage and Spotify integration.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

Offers Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4, LTE & UMTS, and second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. Includes dual speakers, three-microphone array, on-device Siri, Apple Pay, and GymKit. It’s a more voice-driven, connected ecosystem.

Operating System & Smart Features

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Garmin Fenix 8:

Runs Garmin’s proprietary OS with access to widgets, data fields, watch faces, and apps through the Connect IQ Store. It’s highly customizable and integrates with Garmin Connect Mobile.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

Runs watchOS 11, offering seamless integration with iOS devices, App Store access, smart replies, AssistiveTouch, Taptic Time, Personal Voice, Apple Watch for Kids, and international roaming.

Pros & Cons

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Garmin Fenix 8

Pros:

 ✔ Unmatched Battery Life – Offers up to 40–50 days in smartwatch mode (depending on solar exposure and model), making it ideal for multi-day adventures and long-distance training without frequent charging.
✔ Rugged & Reliable Build – Constructed to military-grade MIL-STD-810 standards and water-rated to 10 ATM, the Fenix 8 is built to handle the harshest conditions, from alpine climbs to deep-sea dives.
✔ Solar Charging Capabilities – Select Fenix 8 Solar Editions feature Power Glass™ solar charging, which extends usage further when exposed to sunlight—a significant advantage for extended expeditions.
✔ Advanced Fitness & Recovery Tools – Includes VO2 Max, Training Readiness, HRV Status, Sleep Score, Recovery Time, and Load Ratio, giving athletes an edge in optimizing performance.
✔ Multi-Band GNSS with Expedition Mode – Offers precision GPS across all major satellite systems with a special Expedition Mode that conserves energy while still tracking your route.

Cons:

✖ No Voice Assistant or Call Support – Lacks integrated voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, and you can’t take phone calls directly on the device.
✖ MIP Display Lacks Visual Pop – Uses a Memory-in-Pixel display for battery efficiency, but it’s noticeably dimmer and less vibrant compared to Apple’s Retina OLED screen.
✖ Bulkier Design – With its utilitarian styling and larger footprint, the Fenix 8 may feel heavy or oversized for users with smaller wrists or those seeking a more minimalist watch.
✖ Limited App Ecosystem – While Garmin Connect IQ offers some customization, it doesn’t match the breadth or polish of the Apple App Store for watchOS apps.

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Apple Watch Ultra 2

Pros:

✔ Brilliant Display – Features an ultra-bright Retina LTPO OLED Always-On display with up to 3000 nits of peak brightness, perfect for direct sunlight or underwater readability.
✔ Smart Assistant & Communication – Equipped with dual speakers, a three-mic array, and full Siri integration, enabling on-device voice control, dictation, and phone calls—even in loud environments.
✔ Adventure-Ready Features – Includes EN13319 dive certification, depth gauge, water temperature sensor, Backtrack GPS, emergency siren, and precision dual-frequency GPS for rugged navigation.
✔ Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration – Syncs effortlessly with iPhone, AirPods, Apple Fitness+, and the entire Apple ecosystem for messages, music, smart home control, and apps.
✔ Robust Wellness Tracking – Provides sleep apnea detection, cycle tracking with ovulation estimates, ECG, mindfulness, and comprehensive health alerts in a clean, user-friendly interface.

Cons:

✖ Shorter Battery Life – Offers up to 36 hours of regular use or 72 hours in Low Power Mode, which pales in comparison to Garmin’s multi-week stamina.
✖ Limited Case Size & Finish Options – Only available in one 49mm titanium case with Natural or Black finishes, reducing customization for style or size preferences.
✖ Higher Cost with No Solar Charging – While it delivers impressive features, there’s no solar charging option or multi-week battery performance to justify extended off-grid use.
✖ iPhone Dependency – To unlock full functionality, users must have an iPhone—limiting its use for Android users or those looking for a more platform-agnostic option.

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Final Verdict—Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are elite smartwatches—but they serve fundamentally different purposes and users.

• The Garmin Fenix 8 is the clear winner for outdoor athletes, mountaineers, ultramarathoners, and long-distance explorers. It’s built to last for weeks in rugged terrain with solar-assisted battery, expedition tracking, and advanced recovery metrics that give high-performance users the data they need to push boundaries—without worrying about charging every night.

• On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a powerhouse for users who want versatility, style, and smart functionality baked into their daily routine. It’s perfect for triathletes, divers, and fitness-minded professionals who also want seamless access to messaging, apps, and wellness tools inside Apple’s expansive ecosystem. Its crisp OLED screen, intuitive interface, and advanced health monitoring features deliver a premium user experience both at the gym and in the boardroom.

Choose the Garmin Fenix 8 if:

• You train off-grid, need weeks of battery life, or prefer detailed fitness metrics over smart features.
• You want a true expedition watch with solar charging and extreme durability.

Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if:

• You value display quality, app versatility, and modern smartwatch convenience.
• You live in the Apple ecosystem and want a high-end smartwatch that doubles as a wellness tracker, phone companion, and fitness coach.

FAQs

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What is the battery life difference between the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Garmin Fenix 8 offers multi-week battery life, especially with solar charging models, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lasts 36 to 72 hours depending on usage and power mode.

Is the Garmin Fenix 8 better for extreme outdoor adventures than the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Yes, the Garmin Fenix 8 is designed for rugged use with MIL-STD-810 durability, 10 ATM water resistance, solar charging, and specialized features for expeditions, making it a top choice for extreme outdoor exploration.

Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 support scuba diving like the Garmin Fenix 8?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters, is EN13319 certified, and includes a dedicated Dive Computer app, offering a user-friendly diving experience not found on the Garmin Fenix 8.

Can both the Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 track advanced fitness metrics?

Yes. The Garmin Fenix 8 provides advanced tools such as VO2 Max, recovery time, training readiness, and race predictor, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes metrics like stride length, power zones, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time.

Which is more customizable: the Garmin Fenix 8 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Garmin Fenix 8 offers more customization options, including various case sizes, materials, and solar editions. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, while only available in a 49mm titanium case, offers deeper software and app customization within the Apple ecosystem.

Do the Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 both support GPS?

Yes. The Garmin Fenix 8 supports multi-band GNSS for enhanced satellite accuracy in challenging environments, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 features precision dual-frequency GPS for accurate tracking during high-speed or remote activity.

Which watch offers better smart features: the Garmin Fenix 8 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels in smart features, offering on-device Siri, voice control, a rich app ecosystem, and seamless iPhone integration. The Garmin Fenix 8 focuses more on fitness and navigation than smart connectivity.

Is the Garmin Fenix 8 compatible with iPhones like the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Garmin Fenix 8 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is exclusively compatible with iPhones, offering full functionality only within the Apple ecosystem.