Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: A Detailed Comparison

## Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Detailed Comparison

Choosing between the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 may seem like choosing between two behemoths. Both are premium smartwatches with impressive specs, but their needs and preferences are slightly different. To help you decide which one is right for you, here’s a detailed comparison.

Design and Build

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 features a rugged design with premium materials like titanium and sapphire glass. It’s incredibly durable and ready for any adventure, and the AMOLED display is bright, crisp, and easy to read in a variety of lighting conditions. However, some users may find the interface a bit complicated and the learning curve steep.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, has a titanium case and sapphire crystal display for superior durability. Its standout feature is its extremely bright display, with a brightness of up to 3,000 nits, making it surprisingly easy to read even in direct sunlight. The design is bulkier than Garmin’s and may not be as comfortable, especially for people with small wrists.

Fitness and Features

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is a strong product when it comes to fitness tracking. It’s compatible with a wide range of sports and activities, has customizable metrics and data fields, GPS tracking is accurate, and the advanced navigation tools with topographic maps are a godsend for outdoor enthusiasts. Battery life is impressive, especially considering the AMOLED display, which often runs for days on a single charge. However, there’s no voice assistant or speaker for calls, and the step counter can be counted with hand gestures. Also, unlike other Garmin models, there’s no solar charging option here.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a new S9 chip for faster processing and improved performance. The dual-touch feature is a convenient way to interact with the watch without using the screen. Features such as a siren, dive computer and dual frequency GPS make them suitable for outdoor activities. However, the blood oxygen sensor has been disabled in new models sold in the US, and GPS accuracy can be erratic in dense urban environments. The sleep tracking feature is also not always accurate, especially when tracking time in bed. Use of offline maps is also limited.

User Impressions

From a user’s perspective, the Garmin Epics Pro Gen 2 feels like a tool designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The sheer amount of data and customization options can be overwhelming at first, but once you get a handle on them, they give you incredibly detailed information about your performance. The flashlight function, initially thought to be a gimmick, has proven surprisingly useful in a variety of situations. The heart rate sensor is very accurate, even during intense workouts. However, the interface can seem dense, and the lack of a voice assistant or speaker may be a drawback for some.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a smoother and more intuitive user experience. The double-tap function is revolutionary, and can be easily operated even when both hands are occupied. The bright display is pleasing to the eye, and with faster data processing, everything happens faster. However, sleep tracking isn’t always reliable, and the limited availability of offline maps can frustrate travelers. The large size and bulky nature can also be a problem for some users.

Pros and Cons

Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Pros:

• Sturdy construction made of premium materials such as titanium and sapphire glass.
• Bright AMOLED display with excellent clarity and outdoor visibility.
• Extensive tracking capabilities for a wide range of sports and activities.
• Customizable metrics and data fields for personalized analysis.
• Advanced navigation tool with accurate GPS tracking and topographic maps.

Disadvantages of Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2:

• High price, especially with Sapphire Edition.
• Complex interface, requiring lengthy training for new users.
• No voice assistant or speakerphone for calls.
• Hand gestures may cause the step counter to count steps.

Benefits of Apple Watch Ultra 2:

• Extremely bright display (up to 3000 nits) that can be read even in direct sunlight.
• Faster processing and improved performance with the new S9 chip.
• Convenient interaction with dual-touch.
• Longer battery life (up to two days) than other Apple Watches.
• Titanium case and sapphire crystal display for enhanced durability.

Disadvantages of Apple Watch Ultra 2:

• Blood oxygen sensor is disabled on new models sold in the US.
• High price makes them a significant investment.
• Large and bulky size.
• Inaccurate GPS accuracy in dense urban environments.
• Low sleep tracking accuracy.

Garmin is a strong product for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, offering detailed tracking and navigation capabilities. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, is a more versatile smartwatch that focuses on easy integration and user-friendly features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and lifestyle. If you need a reliable, data-rich device for intense workouts and outdoor adventures, Garmin is the right choice. If you value convenience and integration and prefer a more user-friendly smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice.