## SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar: Detailed Comparison
Choosing between the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar can be challenging. Let’s take a detailed look at a comparison to help you decide what’s right for you.
Design and Build Quality
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra features a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal for a premium look. The design is both rugged and stylish, and the watch’s customizable face contains useful information like the UV index. The watches are a bit larger, but they are comfortable to wear. They are compatible with older watch straps that use lug mounts, which is one of the positives and provides flexibility in strap choice. However, the nautical strap has a tab that can snag on your sleeve or make it difficult to attach the strap.
On the other hand, the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar also has a solid construction, titanium bezel, and fiber-reinforced polymer case. The watch looks as solid and luxurious as a high-end G-Shock. The two-tone silicone strap is comfortable, and the sapphire crystal and solar panel are interesting additions. The always-on MIP display is perfect for outdoor use and remains clear even in bright sunlight. The watch is quite large and some may find it bulky for everyday use.
In terms of performance, both watches do a great job with heart rate tracking and GPS. The Galaxy Watch Ultra tracks heart rate and GPS with amazing accuracy, often rivaling the Polar H10 chest strap and in some cases even outperforming the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2. The new watch face is easy to customize, easy to read, and provides useful information at a glance. The pinch gesture is also very handy for turning off alarms and notifications. However, the buttons are not optimized for workout navigation, and the quick buttons are easy to press while exercising.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro also features advanced multi-band GPS for highly accurate location tracking. Comprehensive health and fitness tracking provides detailed metrics and information. A built-in dimmable flashlight and SOS mode are useful features. However, the touchscreen is less responsive than other smartwatches, and the user interface can be clunky and contain unintuitive menus.
Battery Life
Battery life is the key difference between these two watches. The Galaxy Watch Ultra provides about 2.5 days of battery life with an hour-long GPS workout, which isn’t bad, but doesn’t quite live up to Samsung’s claims. Another drawback is that they don’t support reverse wireless charging from Samsung phones.
On the other hand, the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro boasts excellent battery life and extends usage time up to a month with solar charging. This is a great advantage for those who need a watch that can be used for long periods of time without needing to be recharged. However, heavy use of GPS and tracking can significantly reduce battery life.
Smart Features and User Experience
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features smooth operation and convenient gesture controls, such as turning off the alarm clock with a pinch gesture. The watch face is customizable and easy to read. However, the buttons aren’t optimized for workout navigation, and the touch bezel isn’t as efficient as the rotating bezel. It’s also inconvenient that the watch can’t be charged on Samsung cell phones.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro has a built-in flashlight, offline maps, and music storage. However, the user interface is clunky, with unintuitive menus and buried options. The smartwatch also has limited features compared to the Apple Watch, for example, it doesn’t have a keyboard for text responses. Weightlifting tracking is also basic and lacks detailed calorie burn calculations.
Pros and Cons
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra Pros:
- Very accurate heart rate tracking and GPS comparable to Polar H10 and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2.
- Compatible with older watch straps using mounts.
- Easy to read, easy to customize watch face.
- Pinch gesture to clear alarms and notifications.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra Disadvantages:
- Buttons are not optimized for workout navigation.
- Strap can snag on objects.
- Difficult to attach the strap.
- Unable to charge on Samsung cell phones.
Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Pros:
- Excellent battery life with solar charging.
- Rugged and durable design with titanium bezel and sapphire crystal.
- Advanced multi-band GPS for highly accurate location tracking.
- Built-in flashlight with adjustable brightness and SOS mode.
- Offline maps and music storage.
Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Cons:
- High price tag.
- Slow touch screen response.
- Uncomfortable user interface.
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch.
Final Thoughts
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra and Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar are great smartwatches, but they are designed for different needs: the Galaxy Watch Ultra is accurate, smooth, and easy to use; the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is a great watch for those who want to keep their eyes on the road, with a stylish design and a great choice for Android users. The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro, on the other hand, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who want long battery life, rugged construction, and advanced tracking capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and lifestyle.