## Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 vs. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra: Detailed Comparison
Choosing between the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 and SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra can be a tough choice. Let’s do a detailed comparison to determine which one is more suitable for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 watch features a rugged design with premium materials such as titanium and sapphire crystal. The watch is incredibly durable and can withstand anything you throw at it. The AMOLED display is bright and crisp, easy to read even in direct sunlight. The watch is comfortable enough to wear all day long, though some may find the interface a bit complicated.
Meanwhile, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra also feels luxurious thanks to its titanium bezel and sapphire crystal display. The watch is a bit larger than we’re used to, but it’s a pleasure to wear. The watch face is easy to customize, and the pinch gesture is a useful feature for turning off alarms and notifications. The watch is also very durable, with no scratches or dents after a month of use in a variety of conditions.
Tracking Capabilities
The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 offers extensive tracking capabilities for a variety of sports and activities. It offers customizable metrics and data fields for individual analysis. GPS tracking is accurate, and advanced navigation tools with topographic maps are a godsend for outdoor enthusiasts. Battery life is impressive, especially considering the AMOLED display, which lasts for 5-6 days with normal use. However, there is no voice assistant and speaker for calls, and the step counter can be counted by hand gestures. Also, unlike other Garmin models, there is no solar charging option here.
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra also offers accurate heart rate and GPS tracking comparable to the Polar H10 and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2. The new watch face is easy to read and provides useful information at a glance. However, the buttons aren’t optimized for workout navigation, and the marine strap can snag on your sleeve. Battery life is about 2.5 days with an hour of GPS training, which is less than the Garmin. Also, because of the large sensor, Samsung cell phones cannot be used to charge the battery.
User Experience
From a user’s perspective, the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 feels like a tool designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The AMOLED screen is great, the flashlight function is surprisingly useful, and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 has a very good user experience. The Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor is very accurate, and the new endurance and elevation metrics are interesting. The interface is powerful, but may be too complicated at first.
On the other hand, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra feels like a versatile smartwatch that can handle both everyday tasks and intense workouts. The pinch gestures are very useful, and the watch’s customizable face is a nice touch. Heart rate and GPS accuracy are impressive, and sleep tracking is detailed. However, the buttons aren’t optimized for workout navigation, and the strap is difficult to put on. Battery life is also a bit disappointing compared to the Garmin.
Pros and Cons
Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Pros:
- Sturdy construction with high-quality 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 with accurate GPS tracking and topographic maps.
Disadvantages of Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2:
- High price, especially on the Sapphire Edition.
- Complex interface, requiring lengthy training for new users.
- No voice assistant or speakers for calls.
- Step counter can recalculate steps due to hand gestures.
Pros of SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra:
- Highly accurate heart rate and GPS tracking comparable to high-end fitness watches.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Easy to read, easy to customize watch face.
- Easy to use gestures to turn off alarms and notifications.
- Highly durable - not a scratch or dent after a month of use.
Disadvantages of SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra:
- Buttons are not optimized for navigation during workouts.
- The nautical strap has a tab that can snag on sleeves.
- Battery life is approximately 2.5 days with an hour long workout with GPS.
- Due to the large sensor, the device cannot be charged on Samsung cell phones.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs. Garmin is perfect for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want the best data, navigation, and tracking. Samsung is the best all-around smartwatch for those who want a durable, feature-rich device for everyday use and workouts. Your choice will depend on your priorities and preferences.