Garmin latterly launch its Fenix 8 series which is less focused on radical - endurance jock , like the Enduro 3 smartwatch , and instead promise to offer something for everyone .
With its exchange premium price tatter , the Fenix 8 serial is much more expensive than recent launches such as the Google Pixel Watch 3 , but how does it compare to Apple ’s premium smartwatch the Watch Ultra 2 ?
We ’ve equate the specification of the Garmin Fenix 8 series to last year’sApple Watch Ultra 2 , so you may decide which smartwatch might be well suit for you .
Price
The Garmin Fenix 8 has a bug out RRP of £ 869.99/$999.99 for the 43 mm model with an AMOLED concealment . This price rises according to the desired size of the smartwatch and whether you opt for an AMOLED or solar charging display , with the most expensive offering being the 51mm - sized , solar model which is £ 1039.99/$1199.99
tick here to purchase the Garmin Fenix 8
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a cheaper RRP of £ 799/$799 and , unlike the Garmin Fenix 8 , come in in just one 49 millimeter size option .
The Garmin Fenix 8 has AMOLED or solar always-on displays
As advert to begin with , the Fenix 8 serial publication has two unlike show options for you to prefer from . There ’s the AMOLED screen which is available in three sizes : 43 mm , 47 mm and 51 mm , and the solar screen which come in just two sizes : 47 mm and 51 mm .
While the AMOLED promises to be a bright screen with amend graphic from its harbinger , the solar alternative is an always - on exhibit with a solar charging genus Lens that allows you to broaden your bombardment life when you ’re external . While both offer impressive battery liveliness , the solar option can last for up to 48 days whereas the AMOLED offers up to 29 days of power .
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 does n’t have a solar - charging choice , so needs to be recharge either via briny or through wireless charging . However , it does have an Always - On Retina showing which can get to up to a thumping 3000 nits at its top .
The Garmin Fenix 8 is compatible with Android smartphones
This could arguably be the self-aggrandizing decide factor between the two smartwatches . While the Garmin Fenix 8 series is compatible with both iPhones and Androids , the Apple Watch Ultra 2 only works with the iPhone XS or recent models that run on iOS 17 or later .
If you ’re already in the Apple ecosystem then most of your favourite Apple tool will be synced directly across all your devices , including the Apple Watch Ultra 2 . This includesSiri , access to the App Store and Find My connectivity , which allows you to locate any mislaid Apple devices . you’re able to also sync and access your most - used iOS apps , such as Calendar , Mail and Weather from your Watch Ultra 2 .
Otherwise , the Fenix 8 uses relate I.Q. , Garmin ’s own app store through which you could download apps , determine faces and thingmajig onto your smartwatch . Much like the Apple Watch Ultra , Fenix 8 exploiter can access their calendar and check the weather . Plus , they ’ll receive a Morning Report .
Similar to Google ’s Morning Brief , the Morning Report shows a summation of how well you ’ve slept and displays your preparedness score , a characteristic missing from the Apple Watch Ultra 2 .
Both have preloaded workouts and activities
by nature as smartwatches , both the Fenix 8 serial and Apple Watch Ultra 2 come with numerous activity profiles and workouts for users to take part in and dog their forward motion and vital stats while doing so .
The Fenix 8 series has a 10ATM pee underground evaluation , while the Watch Ultra 2 has a rating of 100 metres under ISO standard 22810 . This mean that both vesture extend the power to track your metrics while float and even when recreationally scuba diving .
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes a depth bore and functionality command by scuba and freedivers for descent down to 40 m . It ’s even EN13319 certify , which is an internationally recognise touchstone for diving event accessories . The Fenix 8 serial publication is also 40 - measure dive - rated and offer features for both aqualung and apnea nosedive body process .
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a gestures feature
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a double water faucet gesture which allows users to check their smartwatch without touch the display . All they call for to do is tap the index number finger and thumb of their watch - wearing hand together .
The double tap motion can be used for various shortcut let in stopping a timekeeper , control euphony , answering phone call and even take a photo . It ’s enabled by the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ’s neuronic engine which uses data point collect from various on - equipment sensors to detect when the motion is made .
The Garmin Fenix 8 has a longer battery life
The Fenix 8 serial boasts an impressive battery life , though the solar model does offer more day of use . Garmin claims the 51 mm AMOLED mannikin can offer up to 29 - solar day of barrage fire when in smartwatch mode while the 51 mm solar model with always - on showing offers up to a massive 48 - days .
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 fall short in this area compared to the Garmin . The smartwatch declare oneself up to 36 hours during normal use or up to 72 hours when Low Power Mode is switch on .
Early Verdict
If you ’re firmly cement in the Apple ecosystem , then it ’s understandable that you ’d require to opt for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as all your data , from health and fittingness stats from the watch to your appointment in Calendar can be synced seamlessly across all your Apple devices .
However , if you ’re an Android drug user or you just want a smartwatch that has the ability to last for week rather than days , then the Garmin Fenix 8 serial might be the well - suited alternative . That read , we have n’t reviewed Garmin ’s claims ourselves yet so be cognizant that our verdict is base on the specs and information Garmin has shared as of publishing this comparison .
