Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin epix Pro Gen 2 (Don't Buy, Until You Watch This)

Summary

In this detailed comparison, the presenter evaluates the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2, discussing design durability, user experience, fitness tracking, health integration, and smartwatch features. They highlight the Apple Watch's superior touchscreen and integration with Apple Health, while praising the Garmin's physical buttons and battery life. The review also touches on recovery metrics, GPS accuracy, and the practicality of each watch for daily wear and sports, ultimately guiding viewers on which device might suit their needs better.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has been testing both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 for several weeks, covering aspects from design to software and personal experience.
• 🔩 Both watches are durable, but the Apple Watch Ultra has a digital crown and microphone that can collect debris, unlike the Garmin which has buttons and is possibly more resistant to extreme conditions.
• 📐 The speaker experienced a malfunction with the Fenix 7X Pro, which was the first watch to break, while the Ultra and Epix Pro remained intact despite rough use.
• 🌟 The Apple Watch Ultra has a brighter display and better touch responsiveness compared to the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2, which has a color AMOLED but slightly lags in responsiveness.
• 🔄 The Apple Watch integrates more seamlessly with Apple Health, providing more data than the Garmin, which is a significant factor for data enthusiasts.
• 🏃 Both watches offer robust fitness tracking, but the Garmin is easier to start a workout with due to its physical buttons, while the Apple Watch has a more intuitive touchscreen.
• 📊 The Garmin provides race prediction and training load features that the Apple Watch lacks, offering insights into athlete's performance trends over time.
• 📲 The Apple Watch excels as a smartwatch with features like Apple Pay, Express Transit, and camera control, which the Garmin does not match.
• 🔋 The battery life of both watches depends on usage, with the Garmin lasting longer without daily charging, but the Apple Watch offering a more convenient charging experience.
• 💰 The Garmin Epix Pro is more expensive than the Apple Watch Ultra, and the decision to purchase should be based on specific needs rather than price alone.
• 👍 The speaker suggests that the Apple Watch Ultra is suitable for both daily wear and training, while the Garmin may be more for dedicated workout sessions.

Q & A

What are the main differences in durability between the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2?

The Apple Watch Ultra has a digital crown and microphone and speaker that can accumulate sand and other objects, while the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 has no such features and only has five buttons, making it potentially more resistant to extreme conditions.

Which watch has shown to be more durable in the user's personal experience?

Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 have shown to be durable, with no significant damage or screen cracks even after being hit against a wall and exposed to harsh conditions.

What are the advantages of the physical buttons on the Garmin Epix Pro compared to the Apple Watch Ultra?

The physical buttons on the Garmin Epix Pro allow for starting a run without using the touchscreen, which can be advantageous in wet conditions or when certain areas are hard to reach.

How does the Apple Watch Ultra's touchscreen experience compare to the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2's?

The Apple Watch Ultra has a superior touchscreen experience that is more responsive and user-friendly compared to the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2.

What are the differences in health integration between the Apple Watch and the Garmin devices?

The Apple Watch has deeper integration with Apple Health, providing more data, whereas the Garmin devices provide some data but not as comprehensive as the Apple Watch.

How does the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 perform in terms of third-party integrations like Strava?

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 can connect to Strava and automatically uploads data from the app to the Garmin server and then to Strava, making the process seamless.

What is the user's preference regarding the watch straps in terms of security and ease of use?

The user prefers Velcro straps for their flexibility and ease of putting on and off, but acknowledges that silicone straps are more secure and less likely to be lost.

How does the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2's display compare to the Apple Watch Ultra's in terms of brightness and visibility?

The Apple Watch Ultra is brighter and has better visibility in daylight, offering pristine glanceability, while the Epix Pro Gen 2's display is good enough but not as impressive.

What are the user's observations regarding the GPS performance of both watches during outdoor activities?

Both watches have dual-band GPS, but the Apple Watch Ultra uses Apple Map data to smooth out the tracking, potentially hitting the mark a bit earlier than the Garmin, which may take slightly longer.

How does the Apple Watch Ultra handle fitness tracking for activities like running, cycling, and swimming?

The Apple Watch Ultra performs well for outdoor fitness tracking, offering features like precision start and the ability to wait for GPS lock, ensuring accurate distance and pacing data.

What is the user's opinion on the recovery metrics provided by the Garmin devices compared to the Apple Watch?

The user finds the recovery metrics on the Garmin devices helpful for understanding their training load and recovery status, while the Apple Watch lacks these features, necessitating the use of additional devices like WHOOP or Oura Ring.