Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Epix Pro 2: Which one to buy?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched in September. The next-generation smartwatch is powered by the new S9 SiP chip which is 20% faster than the S8 chip in the Apple Watch Series 8. As it is designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, Ultra 2 features a more durable design, the brightest display, longer battery life, advanced features for health and fitness tracking, recreational diving, and more.

However, Apple’s Ultra 2 is not the only premium smartwatch for extreme sports in the market, Garmin Epix Pro 2 is its competitor.

Released on May 31, 2023, Epix Pro Gen 2 is the latest high-end multisport smartwatch from Garmin. It also features a bright AMOLED display, a long battery life, and a wide range of advanced features for fitness tracking, navigation, and outdoor activities.

If are looking to buy a smartwatch suitable for outdoor activities, and want to which one to buy, here is a comprehensive comparison of both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Epix Pro 2 to see which one is worth it.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs, Garmin Epix 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Epix Pro 2: Specs comparison

SpecsApple Watch Ultra 2Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2
ProcessorS9 SiPMediaTek MT2101
FinishTitanium casing and three band optionsFiber-reinforced polymer case material with titanium bezel and rear cover
Storage32GB32GB
Dimensions49 x 44 x 14.4mm 51 x 51 x 15.0mm
Weight61.3 grams88 grams
Display1.92-inch AMOLED, 3000 nits brightness1.4-inch transflective MIP, 1000 nits brightness
Display resolution410 x 390 pixels300 x 300 pixels
ConnectivityLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual-frequency GNSSWiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual-frequency GNSS
ControlsAction Button
Digital Crown
Side button
Digital Crown
Side button
Water resistance100 meters
Swimproof
Recreational dive up to 40m
10 ATM (100 meters)
FeaturesBlood Oxygen app
Temperature sensing
Cycle Tracking with
retrospective ovulation estimates
Sleep stages
ECG app
Fall Detection
Crash Detection
Noise monitoring Backtrack
Compass with Waypoints,
Backtrack, and Elevation view
Heart rate monitoring
Sleep tracking
GPS tracking
VO2 max tracking
Training load analysis
Recovery time estimation
SensorsOptical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, Pulse Ox, skin temperature, water temperature, depth gaugeOptical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, Pulse Ox
Battery lifeUp to 36 hours
Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Up to 31 days as a smartwatch
82 hours with GPS tracking
Price$799$899

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2: Which one to buy?

When deciding between Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Epix Pro 2, you must consider the following factors:

Display

  • Peak brightness: Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a brighter and more colorful OLED display than the Garmin Epix Pro 2 which has a transflective MIP display.
  • Screen size: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a larger screen (1.92 inches) than the Garmin Epix Pro 2 (1.4 inches). This means that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be easier to read and interact with, but it will also be larger and heavier on your wrist.
  • Resolution: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a higher resolution (410 x 390 pixels) than the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 (300 x 300 pixels). This means that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will have sharper text and images on its display.
  • Always-on display: Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 have always-on display options. This means that you can see the time and other information on the watch face even when the watch is not in use.

Battery life

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 has a much longer battery life than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a battery life of up to 36 hours in smartwatch mode and up to 18 hours in GPS mode.

Fitness tracking

Both watches offer a wide range of fitness tracking features, but the Garmin Epix Pro 2 offers more advanced fitness metrics and training features, such as multi-band GPS and running power. However, Ultra 2 supports recreational diving up to 40 meters and other water sports.

Smartwatch features

Both watches offer a variety of smartwatch features, such as notifications, music playback, and contactless payments. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is better integrated with the iOS ecosystem and offers more third-party apps.

Price

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is more expensive than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 starts at $899, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 costs $799.

Buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…

You should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if:

  • You want a smartwatch with a bright and colorful display
  • You want a smartwatch with a wide range of smartwatch features, such as notifications, music playback, and contactless payments
  • You want a smartwatch that is well-integrated with the iOS ecosystem
  • You are willing to pay a premium for a high-end smartwatch
Apple Watch Ultra 2

Buy the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 if…

You should buy the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 if:

  • You want a smartwatch with a long battery life
  • You want a smartwatch with advanced fitness tracking features, such as multi-band GPS and running power
  • You want a smartwatch with a durable design
  • You want a smartwatch with a wide range of features for outdoor activities
Garmin-Epix-Pro-Gen-2

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About the Author

I'm a passionate tech enthusiast here to break down the latest trends, gadgets, and software. Whether you're a seasoned programmer or just curious about the digital world, I aim to deliver insightful articles that are both informative and engaging.