Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7x - An EXPENSIVE Mistake

[@PeteMatheson]

What do you think about the Apple Watch Ultra? Best smart watch ever? Should I try a different Garmin?

[@TheMaidenOnes]

I am on my second Garmin watch (Enduro), never crashes, rock solid, charges once a month. have not had any problem with garmin pay. I am a long distance runner so battery life is essential on those 10h+ distances.

[@1eryear]

It's too boxy big for my wrists. Granted, the Coros and Ticwatch Pro 5 will look like boyfriend watches but I am going to try them out.

[@jhgjhghgjhg]

Try different profession

[@KnightJackSWO]

I have had a Garmin Fenix 5 that came out in 2017 and it is rock solid, charge last 12 days with constant use and does everything I feel I need in terms of being smart watch and fitness/health tracker. Apple Watches can’t really be a health tracker since 90% of user have to charge it at night for 1/3 the day. Garmin all day, every day.

[@vkoivula]

What? Why do you compare synching Garmin on Samsung Health as Apple Watch doesn't sync at all. Garmin works perfectly fine and out of box to Apple Health LOL.

[@nukerecoil]

The problem with these reviews of Garmin vs Apple. It is like comparing an off-road 4x4 truck "Garmin" and a daily use truck "apple". A tool watch vs a smart watch not the same.

[@ayaoviespoirdjissenou8729]

Spot on mate. I have seen a dozen of these review videos. I have come to the conclusion that people should stop making these videos or give a BIG disclaimer in the title or at the beginning of these videos if the choose to make one. A Garmin watch is a secondary smartwatch at best (maybe excluding the Venus 2 plus). Its primary function is performance and sports metric tracking.

[@aintrxiden]

No the Apple Watch Ultra is sold as a Tool Watch like you say. Even the packaging feels tough and made for extreme conditions

[@nabo4604]

@@aintrxiden yeah, not really

[@ΝικολαςΣπυροπουλος-λ4λ]

I totally agree with you

[@TPoorthuis]

Garmin watches aren’t ‘Android watches’. They are fully compatible with iOS

[@quijybojanklebits8750]

Android watches work with ios too

[@chereecarter1782]

Not completely. I have an iPhone 13 pro and a Samsung watch. I lost some pretty important functionality when I switched to iPhone- namely the ECG function no longer works. It will measure my heart rate on my wrist, but the button reader to measure the quality of your heart rhythm is lost. I almost went back to Samsung over it as it was the main reason I got the watch in the first place. @@quijybojanklebits8750

[@LordPicasoNL]

@quijybojanklebits8750 no they do not. You need android phone to use an WearOS watch like the Galaxy Watch 4/5/6 and the pixel watch.

[@quijybojanklebits8750]

@LordPicasoNL you don't, I would know since I owned an I phone and the 5 and it worked fine.

[@NickBEADG]

Not quite, using an android gives your Garmin much more options for things like notifications, etc

[@Thedoctorjosh]

The battery life alone is the deciding factor for me. I don't need a second phone on my wrist. I already have one in my hand

[@guus007]

Same here. I already hate to charge my iPhone and AirPods Pro everyday. For a watch that is really no option. So it’s already as simple as that. Garmin is also a fantastic and reliable health watch by the way.

[@palaHD]

You run with your phone in your hand ?

[@guus007]

What is meant by the second phone on your hand is that an Apple Watch basically is the same as a phone but then more compact. A Garmin is a different approach

[@Thedoctorjosh]

@@guus007 that's what I'm saying. I don't need something like an Apple watch because it's basically another phone which I already have.

[@waynejohnstone3685]

@@palaHD I use a flipbelt for running and biking. Alas AirPod pros so I have Siri access. So my Epix pro is perfect for me. Besides, aw was frustrating to use as a smart watch so I didn’t. Because I have my phone anyway.

[@joemikeska2657]

You nailed it: Fenix for fitness, Apple for smart features. A couple of things you left out though: for full functionality, the Apple Watch requires a cell network subscription. Also, part of the reason Garmin is difficult to sync is because Apple is the one making it difficult. If they opened up all the features to Garmin, they would lose a huge market share from people switching from AW to Garmin. Personally, I already have a phone, I don’t need a duplicate on my wrist. The Garmin fits my needs for fitness and outdoors tracking better but I understand others have different priorities. Great and honest review.

[@PeteMatheson]

Thank you! To be fair I didn't test the Garmin with Apple. I'm in the process of switching to Android and so my focus was on the Garmin & Android being a suitable replacement for my Apple Watch!

[@misarthim6538]

The only feature missing on Apple for Garmin are the pre-programmed responses to messages and I doubt that if that would be available, people would switch en masse to Garmin. Garmin and AW are fundamentally different devices for people with fundamentally different needs. The only way how each company can dig into other's market share is by providing a product that fits those peoples' needs. Apple is trying with AWU, but they still have way to go. Like, AWU doesn't even support GPX import, etc... so for people doing lots of outdoorsy stuff like me there's just no way I'm getting it. Also 36h is laughable :) There are some sync issues between Garmin and Apple but it's not that Apple is blocking anything for nefarious reasons. It's Garmin's laziness to change their sync algorithm to match Apple's API. It will sync, but will cause double counting of some activities because of that. It's been reported to Garmin for like 3 years:)

[@ChristopherLecky-e5x]

Nonsense. Most people would Never switch from the garmin it is quite obviously meant for athletes. It has some benefits but as a smart watch it is abysmally subpar

[@Superz3ro]

The Ultra and the Fenix are two completely different animals. You can literally leave your phone behind and the Ultra has all the functionality of your iPhone and the Fenix. You can’t say the same for the Fenix. Imagine leaving your phone in a gym locker and going out to the track to do a workout, and a random emergency occurs you need to to call 911 / 112, simply call from the Ultra, however, you have to run back to your locker with the Fenix, or carry the actual phone with you… 🤔

[@TheSonyExperience]

They wouldn’t lose a lot of market share because the vast majority of Apple Watch users aren’t fitness minded whatsoever.

[@pauloconnor2]

I’ve had a Fenix 3 for 8 years and hardly change the watch face it’s not an issue about charging the screen as far as I’m concerned. And been using it with a iPhone without problems

[@marcelopadilla1198]

I have had every Apple Watch since series 3, when the ultra released I didn’t hesitate to get it, but almost immediately felt scammed, it is basically the same old Apple Watch but with an armor jacket and an extra day of battery (can’t even go away for a weekend without a charger). I ditched the ultra and got a Garmin Epix, I loved it and made me realize I didn’t want another phone in my wrist, I never replied messages on it since it is still a small screen and I have my iPhone with me always anyway. The health and fitness data Garmin provides is amazing, not just HR, calories and time. Eventually decide to trade my Epix for the Fenix 7X and loved it even more, the screen feels more like a regular watch, and that also made me realize I don’t need an amoled screen on my wrist, plus charging only once a month makes it already worth it to me over the AWU. I did wear both at the same time for 2 weeks and every time I glanced at my wrists, the AWU looked like a toy compare to the amazing look of the Garmin.

[@jurgenvandenhouwe3670]

I have the Garmin Tactix and feel the same as you about smartwatches.

[@alexstruenorth]

Exactly this! I don’t have notifications etc turned on as I like my Garmin Tactix 7 Solar and older Delta Solar to just be a watch with health tracking capabilities in the background, my Apple Watch hardly gets used and I also have other Casio watches etc I like to wear

[@captainAOG]

@@CarrotCrunchingWabbit so? if someone wants your data, they can get it out of a half eaten apple too if they want to

[@cristobalbalenciaga7295]

You had ever apple watch since the AW 3, but felt scammed after the ultra because it was basically the same..? It took you 7 apple watches the realize how minimal the upgrades were..? How😅

[@idkau]

I have the epix 2 and never looked back to Apple Watch. I hated charging every night

[@doctorrobert60]

I use the Garmin. Instead of relying on a smart watch for doing everything I use my phone for that. I do not like dealing with email, calls, messages, etc. when exercising. The long battery life of the Garmin is more important to me. Do not like having to charge a watch frequently. Everyone's priorities and needs are unique to each person and I can respect the choices others make. Thanks for the video!

[@adamprint644]

Garmin is not an android watch. It’s neither Apple or android. It’s compatible with both and runs on its own software.

[@serpadu]

I was a AW user from series 3 to series 7, but recently switched to a fenix 7s, and it’s WAY better for my use. I do road cycling and casually hike. I prefer the MIP screen, because it doesn’t need backlight to be seen, which saves tons of power. And in general, the apps are better, since they are more focused on the healthy and training side than connectivity and iPhone integration.

[@tristazmista]

Yeah but they are so poorly built, I was amazed how 1000$ feel and operate after 3 years…

[@qwerty-or1yg]

@@tristazmista is it really that bad? I'm literally considering moving from AW series 7 to a fenix7 (not sure which one yet)

[@bartoszkawecki440]

I was always not in favor of comparing Apple Watch and Garmin Fenix since they seem to be direct competitors but that's not true. Apple Watch is primarily a lifestyle smartwatch with fitness-related capabilities, whereas Garmin Fenix is 100% sports watch with smartphone fuctions. Really happy that you made that point. I wouldn't call Fenix or any Garmin product line a "smart watch" but a "sports watch". Every single feature of Garmin Fenix is included having in mind that it's going to be used by people who run/swim/bike/do any other sport (almost) every single day. Not having OLED is helping to maintain the 2 weeks battery (also makes sleeping while wearing it not a hassle -> helps you measure the sleep quality -> take advatage of that data when it comes to general strain of your body), sturdy buttons - to set anything during in-activity on purpose not by swiping your hand accidentally. Garmin Connect platform is sublime when it comes to having all the necessary information and also export that data to training planning platforms such as Training Peaks. Whereas imo Apple Watch Ultra is wrongfully being positioned as ultra watch (with the release clip of hikers climbing something of a Himalayan peak), having 36h battery in the same time...

[@jakclarke3101]

this comment is perfect

[@techierg1862]

If you want oled go epic 2 pro will go 11 days with always on display and 28 days with out and both fenix 7 and epic do have touch screens

[@Mdogbrown]

From someone that has an Apple Watch 7 and fenix 7 pro solar… I will say I ultimately prefer the 7 pro. It’s a REALLY difficult decision. For anyone that does a lot of hiking, uses maps and needs better battery, the Garmin is a no brainer. If you want most of your smartphone features on your watch just get an Apple Watch. The only thing I miss since switching is weightlifting apps. Garmin has them, but they are less intuitive. I was hiking in the Rockies last week. I took a trail that was more difficult to navigate and the Garmin safely navigated me through and notified me when I was about 100ft off the trail. I would’ve never attempted it with the Apple Watch. Last year my Apple Watch died before my hike was over and I lost my data. Side note: I got the 7 pro because I wanted a flashlight on smaller model, updated HR sensor and a brighter backlight.

[@liuyang9599]

How's the hiking accuracy of Fenix 7? I have a Fenix 5. It's awfully inaccurate on hiking.

[@Mdogbrown]

@@liuyang9599 Spot on. I’ve never used a Fenix 5 but I can confidently say the Fenix 7 is really accurate. The HR sensor is also on par with Apple Watch. I’ve worn both at the same time while doing hikes to compare and tracking is similar.

[@liuyang9599]

Excellent! Another method is to compare with AllTrail APP, which matches with road lablings very well, especially when you take some breaks.@@Mdogbrown

[@ivanschekoldin7315]

@@liuyang9599 but hiking doesn’t really need accuracy. When you cover about 30 km a day, certain errors don’t make much difference

[@liuyang9599]

Thanks for your reply. I did buy a EPIX Gen 2, and found it's has a much better accuracy than Fenix 5 on hiking @@ivanschekoldin7315

[@GeorgeGeo]

The Garmins solar ability and battery life ability makes it much more reliable if you actually go hunting or do things in the woods.. or just are lazy and dont want to take off your watch all the time to charge it. Both are really nice options. I think Garmin over the next few years will be a force in smart/fitness watches.

[@GeorgeGeo]

My friend is a HUGE skier and the ability to load Ski Resort maps and trails on the Garmin is amazing.

[@3nealweber3]

I absolutely Love my Garmin , Apple has some nice features however until they can make a battery that lasts more than 1-2 days , I will stick with Garmin 👍🏻

[@Nornfang]

Well, the watch is running a lot more complex software in the background. It isn’t realistic to think a Smart Watch capable of every thing an Apple Watch can do will ever last that long with current technology. Charging a watch for an hour every 2 days isn’t very tedious and I think an Apple Watch would be more beneficial to every day life for most people. I only run two half marathons a year so a Garmin really isn’t necessary for anything like that. The only way I’d ever consider one is if I chose to do some sort of ultra marathon where battery life like that would actually matter, but truly how many people are doing exercises that last 48+ hours. If you aren’t then why would a 2 week battery even matter

[@TheLoxionKasie]

Same. Besides, I feel the Apple Watch is more "smart watch" with fitness features, while the Garmin is more fitness/tool watch with smart watch features. Different audiences with some convergence in the middle.

[@allmywhat]

@@Nornfang meh I charge my garmin once a week and I won't be swapping that for every day any time soon. On top of that I don't need/want any smart watch features that Garmin isn't already capable of (notifications, music etc)

[@Reiv311]

@@Nornfang "Charging a watch for an hour every 2 days isn’t very tedious..." - it is. You always need to think about where and how you will charge it. Maybe it fits the "9 to 5" lifestyle but with active traveling/working remotely etc. lifestyle, it is big hustle.

[@TheBsheep]

@@Nornfang I totally agree with you. I think the battery life feature is waaayyy overstated. Just stop being lazy and charge your watch..smh

[@teamriggs6325]

I think it’s important to note that Garmin watches do come with touch screens which makes it easier to navigate everything

[@OBrandt-i5c]

I have the Garmin 7X Pro and it works fantastically well with my iPhone. I get all notifications and such that I expect from a smartwatch. The battery life of nearly a MONTH is the clincher for me. I am also a former Apple watch user

[@savagedriver1967]

You seem to be under the impression that Garmin watches are Android watches, but that simply isn't the case. Using a Garmin does not put you into the Android ecosystem. And your remark about Garmin Connect is odd too. In the same way the AWU can't be used without an iPhone, Garmin watches can't really be used without Garmin Connect. And offline navigation on Garmin watches which support this feature is great. I genuinely believe that you don't understand what it is you are trying to review.

[@tommyandersen4004]

I would probably have chosen to compare against the Epix 2 instead of the Fenix, given the screen is more comparable.

[@adamhuffey7590]

Used an apple Watch for three years and had to charge it every day. Bought a Garmin Venu and wear it all the time, and a full charge from 1% takes less than an hour. Love it for sports and that it's not invasive like other smart watches

[@ghostishev]

As a runner, I can prove that Coros does its job very well. Switched from Garmin and don't regret.

[@ShervinShares]

7:56 LETS GOOOOO what an honor to be in your video

[@PeteMatheson]

Heck yeah! Thank you dude! 🙌🏼

[@antonioruizmateos]

For me LTE is a deal breaker. I like very much the Garmin watches as sport powerhouses, but I’m much more confident going for a run or even a walk just with my Apple Watch, having the confidence that I can contact or be contacted in case of emergency. The fall detection gives me also a lot of peace of mind.

[@liquidh5226]

Thing is not everyone would want to get a separate line for their watch. But yeah, they could add in that option and charge more like Apple does for that feature.

[@unotoli]

Huawei Watch Pro can call as well. Let's hope they got new sensor on 4th gen (already was present on GT 3)

[@jesukxd8494]

Garmin do offer lte with 975 I think. Also venu 2 is more like smart watch than fenix or forerunner Garmin also offer emergency features

[@Bike4adventure]

There is a way to customize watch faces for Garmin in the ConnectIQ app on your phone. I have done it many times.

[@VernL4]

But you CAN customize watch faces on the Garmin with your phone. I just did it this morning. If you are changing stuff on the Garmin factory installed watch faces, then you have to do that through the watch. If you want to change things on watch faces that you have downloaded through Connect IQ, you make adjustments using the phone. Swiping through watch faces that you have on the watch is very easy as well- just a long-press on the middle left button on the watch takes you to the screen to swipe through the faces that you have.

[@aabsc]

Even though you preferred the Apple watch, this video convinced me to get the Fenix 7x Pro Solar, the features you like of the Apple watch aren't important to me and the features of the Garmin that aren't as important to you are more important to me.

[@AHungryHunky]

I think you have it right, the Apple Watch is a great smart watch with fitness tracking, and the Garmin is a great sports watch with some smart features. There is a significant overlap for that reason The Feñix 7 does have touch screen, its first Fenix to have it but Garmin has used touch on its lower/mid tier watches for some time now. There are people here telling you to get the Epix. As a fan of Garmin I will tell you not to. From your words your disappointment with the Fenix goes beyond its MiP screen and into the general user experience. The Epix will not correct that, it is essentially a Fenix with a worse battery and nicer screen. It functions identically otherwise. The new Pro models have brought some nice upgrades but have not improved on the Smart Watch experience. The best Garmin "smartwatch" is still the Venu. I dont think anyone will ever top Apple for integration/user experience but that also plays into why I stopped buying Apple products a while ago. Apple works really well with more Apple, but Apple also intentionally tries to make the integration with other devices worse or impossible. Apple really wants you to use only Apple products and that just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. For example, Garmin DOES work on IOS, its not really an "Android" product, but its smart features are gimped on iOS. It cant send messages like it can on Android and to my understanding thats due to Apple not allowing anyone near their message service, rather than a lack lf compatability on Garmins end. The Garmin does have a few tricks up its sleeve though, for example the data fields on its native watch faces can be held to take you directly to the widget with that information. So if you had Altitude as a datafeild you could just press it and it would take you right to the Altitude widget and show you a several hour history. Placing your palm over the screen will return you home. The torch/flashlight was such a handy feature that on the new Pro models all sizes of the watch have it including the Epix pro models, as well as watches like the Enduro and Instinct 2x also receiving it. The native available faces can be customized entirely from the watch, but ConnectIQ faces require you to use the app to customize them, which is why I tend to stick with native faces. The Fenix also can connect fairly easily to exterior sensors and devices like chest straps, bicycle power meters, exterior temp sensors and even Garmin's inReach devices enabling them to receive messages and weather data outside of cellular range. Speaking of Cell service, the Garmin contains fully routeable mapping with street and trail names, and to my knowledge is the only watch on the market that does. They will work anywhere you can connect to a satellite and does not need a phone at all to work. The AWU also only comes in that one, gigantic size meaning it only competes with 1/3 of the Fenix line. The Garmin also does have incedent detection. Being that it does not have LTE capability it requires a nearby phone or inReach device to work and will only automatically triggers during an activity, otherwise you'll have to manually trigger it. Still better than it not being there, but the Apple version is better. I would finally like to add, the Solar charger on the Garmin will NOT charge the watch. The available space for full solar panels is small and the power drain from normal usage outpaces the small amount of charging it can generate. What it does do is offset the battery drain, it's more of a "range extender" than it is a way to charge the watch. If you want a sport/smart watch that can run nearly indefinitely on Solar you'll have to look at their Instinct 2 and 2x, but there are some definite sacrifices there, like color display.

[@denesk2794]

+1 notable feature for the Garmin is ANT+ support. It can talk to external sensors. Speed, temperature and you can pair to certain e-bikes as well to do a complete tracking and display battery status as well. The rep counter is great and I am shocked the Apple Watch has none of that. Accuracy: the altitude / elevation gain of the Apple Watch is subpar. I have the Gen 8, not the ultra, but there is a serious discrepancy between the altitude gain calculation on every single ride. Anywhere from 10-30%. The Fenix (6) was checked against a bigger Garmin unit and maps, and it is spot-on. Might be better in the ULTRA, I am not sure... But hey .. why choose. Garmin on left hand, Apple Watch on right hand. No, seriously, I do that.

[@denesk2794]

BTW, Garmin has crash detection feature as well.

[@davidbraswell1481]

hold on to your seats apple can too in version 10!

[@davidbraswell1481]

I dont have this glitch of altitude we ride buggys all up in the mountains and never an issue!

[@shreddagorge]

ANT is a far better wireless technology for most fitness sensors than Bluetooth, and requires a much thinner software stack. It was designed specifically for that purpose by a Canadian company called Dynastream, and with it you'll have fewer drops and longer battery life. OTOH, Bluetooth is better for streaming audio and video and more network-oriented functions (I kinda think of it like the differences between UDP and TCP). You can get amazing battery life with Garmin devices just by using ANT and keeping BT off.

[@shreddagorge]

Now Garmin altitude sensors haven't always been the best either. I once climbed several hundred feet (with a Fenix 5) SUPping on the Laguna Madre on a hot day. 😆

[@Capitanmerloc]

Personally I agree with most of the video but please consider that Garmin has a whole range of watches with specialised functions. Sailing and sailing race in the quatix or the whole dive computer in the descent version. There are also tactical versions that allow for specialised use like ballistics. No other watch has that! The apple features are ok but they won’t suit any specialised needs. Garmin go much deeper and caters for highly specialised tasks. Hope this positively contributes to the discussion

[@yosefortez4009]

The flashlight on the newer Garmin watches is revolutionary. Nothing on the market competes at the moment. I've used my Garmin Solar flashlight more than my SureFire flashlight.

[@cre8iveworks]

I've had the Apple watch for quite some time and primarily used Garmin bike computers for road cycling to capture power, cadence, heart rate zones and other beneficial data as well as the maps and routes for rides. Now that I kayak quite a bit, I find the Garmin Epix is my go-to watch. The maps (as well as nautical maps) are amazingly useful when out on the water. I can also get the tides info, latitude and longitude positioning and a host of other marine features. I also use the Garmin for mountain bike rides and it's super useful for trail riding and tracking my positioning right from the map on my wrist without having to pull out my phone and drain the phone battery. The watch is basically a full Garmin computer with all of the pages for customized data fields. I think both watches are great, but the Garmin is more practical for my use with all the rich data, insights on performance - and it even tells you when to rest, when to work on your base fitness and when to do more high impact workouts. While I still use both Apple and and Garmin watches, I use Apple when I need to keep track of emails or have handy for calls - but the battery life is just not able to cover a full day of tracking an activity. The Garmin Epix can run for days with multiple GPS tracking activities AND track sleep without needing to be charged every night. The data, maps and battery life on the Garmin Epix makes it my daily go-to watch for pretty much everything while the Apple watch is more than like left on the charger. Also, although Apple Pay is a lot smoother (as you dont have to key in your code every time you want to pay for something) Garmin pay still works great and I can use it anywhere there is Apple Pay. I pretty much use Garmin Pay when I've left the Apple watch at home on the charger.

[@PeteMatheson]

Thanks! You've just written the script for my next Garmin review! Haha! But cheers for the input though dude :)

[@kobe5952]

you can connect a bike’s full sensor suite as well. I haven’t checked if they had the electronic groupset integration that newer Edge computers have

[@denncardoso]

just one information, you can customize your watch faces on garmin connect. However, the interface is not so friendly compared to apple watch.

[@steelheadranger]

As a metro-urban dweller, the Apple Watch is probably best for you. But you completely mis-categorized the Garmin Fenix 7.The Garmin is not a fitness watch, it is an outdoor adventure and athlete watch and not for city dwellers. That is why battery life matters. as mountaineer, fly fisher photographer of the outdoors, the pitiful battery life and "city-life" features have no attraction for me. The Fenix is far from perfect, but is way better for my needs.

[@marekkozub8957]

But, if you are an outdoorsy person, you can't do much with Apple watch. In the wilderness, you can't charge your watch in the tent. Unless you have a power bank with you. Also, Garmin has great maps. You can set up your route and watch will give you precise directions.

[@Kukussi]

I loved my garmin 7X but the lack of cellular connectivity made me decide to return to iPhone and Apple Watch ultra! If Garmin and Apple can become friends I’d ditch my Apple Watch ultra in a heart beat!

[@bigmaxcc]

🤔there’s a reason why garmin hasn’t cellular drains battery more which makes sense 😅

[@RobBrulinski]

I get your viewpoint! I went with the watch ultra so that I could ditch my phone and still be in cellular connection for work.

[@Tyelkormoko]

one of the cool things about the garmin fenix is, that you don't HAVE to buy the x or Pro version, even a basic 7 comes with almost all the features and at least two weeks of battery life on top. That is a lot of money saved.

[@stevowyeth]

I moved back to Apple for watch Ultra. It does so many more convenient things that my 6x doesnt its not funny. I miss my Pixel 7 Pro though (have 14 Pro Max now) and the battery life on the Apple watch is hard to get used to. It would be the perfect watch for me if it could go for a week. My Fenix only used to get 7-8 days with the more complex watch face displaying similar data to the Apple Watch Ultra.

[@dorinpetrut]

Hello! Unfortunately, I returned my fenix 7x pro solar watch, and I will tell you the reason. It does not record daytime sleep. For example, if I sleep for 2 hours after dinner, it does not record these hours, it considers them as if I were active. From that moment on, what confidence can I have in the health parameters they display? It's a shame, I really liked the watch, but it's a major minus that I couldn't ignore, especially when I'm talking about a gadget of almost 1000 euros.

[@spiercevaughn]

It actually does have nap tracking feature on my fénix 7 pro. It may be a software update? Just got it the other day and haven’t tested that feature out

[@alexstruenorth]

My garmin’s outshine my Apple Watch 7 in so many ways not having to charge it every day wearing it for sleep tracking etc, i do like using the apple one for different things though

[@AlexGTech]

Congrats on 100K Pete!! amazing work mate! And thanks for having me join you for this one!

[@PeteMatheson]

Thanks man! Excited for this one for you too!

[@nobodynemoq]

Nice comparison, but it's generally like comparing oranges to apples 😉 "Garmin is a fitness watch, and has some smartwatch features. Apple Watch is a smartwatch with fitness features." Well said. So well, that I wrote this while watching your video, just before you said that 🤣 If you want gadgets, shiny screen, built-in LTE, calls - you choose Apple. If you do a lot of workouts, appreciate the durability and don't want to care about recharging your watch everyday - you choose Garmin. What you choose finally depends on what annoys your more. For me personally, it is unacceptable for watch to die after 2 days of continuous use. Also, it is absolutely not acceptable to require you to make any hand gesture to see the watchface - with Garmin, I can have a glance at my wrist to see all data, while on Apple you have to use "always on screen" which kills the battery. Of course, if I had problems like you, I might have a lot of struggle - actually lacking Garmin Pay wouldn't be catastrophic for me, since I always carry phone with me. Same with music - it's easier to use phone to stream music, so I wouldn't care. One thing - Garmin seems to be syncing everything wit Apple Health quite well (I'm using Garmin with iPhone) Finally, all goes to the personal preferences and priorities 😊 Nevertheless, thanks for this video, have a fantastic day! 😁

[@cv-claudiu]

I see so many comments about how cool is AWU with his e-sim function and how you can use that watch as a phone. I just want to ask you for real, How many of you use this watch as as phone ? How many of you are you going to run or in the gym without phone on your arm or in your pocket? I'm really curious

[@PeteMatheson]

Great when swimming. You can still get messages and notifications. I've gone for runs without a phone before and been able to take calls and message people. I've forgotten my phone by accident and been able to do a whole day of work, including calls and texting the Mrs without a phone!

[@brianuncharted]

I tried the Garmin Instinct as well as the 955. I ended up returning both and going with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. For me the 5 Pro seems like a half way point between the 2. You get the tracking features like Garmin and the smartwatch features most people use along with LTE connection.

[@PeteMatheson]

The lag on the 5 pro annoys me sometimes 😬 hoping the 6 pro will be a big improvement!

[@jesukxd8494]

Maybe I would go with samsung watch or any other smart watch but battery life of 1 or 2 days is just too short. I don't want to charge my watch everyday its too much extra work. Thats why garmin is way to go for me.

[@OG1983]

Thanks for the review. Thinking of finally upgrading my Fenix 3. You don’t need an Android phone to use the Garmin watch ecosystem though… Or did that change?

[@JLTPhotog]

Did not change. Have a fenix 6 with iOS and no issues. 👍

[@AHungryHunky]

You don't, Garmin just has slightly more features on Android than IOS, but that's all on Apple for not letting others in. With Android+Garmin you can reply to texts with predefined responses you can set up on Garmin connect, things like ok, yes, no and I am busy. It's not groundbreaking stuff, but it is nice to be able to do that if your hands are tied or your phone is in a pack or something.

[@PeterBalletta]

..as a runner I've been a long time Garmin user...I still have an old Fenix 3HR sapphire that works fine. However, I purchased a Fenix 6X sapphire and used it for a few months before selling it because I realized that my Fenix 3HR does pretty much all that I needed for a fitness watch including incredible battery life. Garmin software and apps are poorly designed and this is coming from almost 20 years of experience of calling Garmin support to try and fix various App & connectivity issues. I purchased an Apple Ultra 2 and it is now my everyday watch. It provides all the fitness data that I need plus it's is probably the best smart watch ever made. I use an old Apple watch to monitor sleep and charge my Apple Ultra 2 about every 3 days.

[@TCinSoCal]

I’ve gone back and forth so many times.. prefer Garmin. We bike, hike, ski, run, walk, golf, etc. and Garmin rocks them all. I can spend a week in Utah skiing, using watch all day and not have to charge my watch on the trip. Golf courses built in. I’ve stopped even looking when dinging my Fenix 6X on a door or something as I know it’s fine. It’s the best piece of tech I own.

[@leunam3955]

Very bad experience with iwatch Ultra, with even the built in app (workout), when I run the heart rate goes off and stop recording. I tried soo many time, same thing, most of the time dosent work.Can’t even perform the basic. When I use Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar, NO ISSUE at all, rock solid. Have you experienced?

[@poovannaidoo6399]

I find my Apple Watch heart rate monitor going off too. I’m keen on giving the Garmin Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar a go. My AW battery needs to be charged daily.

[@simonj8074]

@PeteMatheson regarding the cards that arent supported by garmin pay, you can sign up to a Curve card and add 3 non supported cards to that on the free tier, and then add the curve card to the garmin. Not the perfect solution but works.

[@nathanbanks2354]

Which one is easier to read in direct sunlight?

[@PeteMatheson]

AWU - It's bright as anything!

[@JPspinFPV]

For me it has to be the Garmin. I'm already an Android user for one, for two it feels like just a better fitness and navigation watch, at least in the back country. Anything that a smartwatch has to offer i will just use my phone because it offers a better user experience and I won't be leaving home without it anyhow.

[@quijybojanklebits8750]

I am the same android is just better in the variety of uses that 3rd party software offers to the literal computer we carry in our pockets. The watches and phones like the galaxy line from Samsung are awesome because of the battery life, cameras and in durability. The watch in this video is freaking awesome for all outdoor stuff cuz kayaking killed 2 watches for me.

[@denisea.9033]

This was helpful, thank you!! I’ve actually been a Garmin watch girl for over 6 years (I have 3 of them and love them, they all still work) and have never had an Apple Watch. Last year I got an iPhone though and now I’m debating between the Garmin Epix 2, the Forerunner 965 or the AW series 8 or 9. I’m not an extreme sports person (mostly weights, rowing, running, hiking, Pilates, etc.) so I don’t really need all the sports tracking features the $1000 Garmin Epix has, but I do love so the health metrics I’ve been tracking. I feel like more of a smart watch might be helpful in my day to day, but I’m afraid I’ll miss the Garmin interface and app and of course the battery life! People think it’s just lazyness but it’s nice to not have to worry about bringing a charger for your watch when you go camping, vacations, weekend trips, etc.

[@HomeboyWild]

did you end up getting the aw, epix or fenix?

[@richardcooper4336]

I have a Garmin 965 and apple ultra . I enjoy the Garmin as for the Apple Watch i sure wont be getting another . The battery alone is a huge disappointment for the ultra . The pricing difference is another factor . The battery life on a ultra will normally last 2-3 days at best whereas the Garmin i easily get over a week without charge .

[@thebonchavez236]

Hey, Pete! Love your videos! You did a great job comparing the two watches. It ultimately comes down to what you’re after. I prefer Garmin due to fitness analytics vs smartwatch features. The only thing I would say is that I consistently use maps on my forerunner 945 to navigate around places (just used it in Africa last week) and it has not disappointed. Perhaps the Apple Watch maps function is faster to get to, but the Garmin’s is not far behind it but equally (if not more) reliable. Thanks, man!

[@sayitamilliontimes7125]

As that as bright as that screen can get? Really interested in a fénix, but have some reservations about that

[@jeffsancricca7041]

The AWU suites my lifestyle, that’s really what it’s all about. A watch or any piece of tech isn’t going to be the “best” if you can’t or don’t use it..

[@PeteMatheson]

Spot on

[@joretoGT1]

Great video, just one thing that you didn't mention or maybe I missed, is that the screen is a touch screen with which you can also operate/navigate the watch .

[@justhavingfum]

That's the same thing that I was going to mention. He definitely has to go to the settings to make the switch.

[@ryanS593]

I use a Garmin watch for everything. I’m an outdoors person who loves to ride bikes, run and hike. It does everything I need it to. And works ok with my iPhone 14.

[@BlazingDeath108]

With my 10 year anniversary at work coming up in a few months, i get a FREE watch from my company, up to $1800 proce range, so im shopping around. Until today, i didnt even know about these other types of fitness watches, i was dead set on getting the Galaxy watch 6 classic. But that's only $650 and id like to get money's worth out of a free watch lol. Thanks for this video, it's really opened up my eyes to other choices and features that watches can have these days!

[@GlomerTorino]

Used Apple Watch for 4 years but I hate charging everyday so I'm now using Garmin Fenix 6. Fenix 6 is great and better that Apple Watch.

[@justinsolum2834]

I traded my garmin epix pro 2 in for ultra 2…. Don’t get me wrong garmin was great but it’s complicated with tons of metrics I missed Apple integration and how easy it is! Plus I’m not going on marathon runs! For the right person garmin is great just not for me

[@petenevard1729]

Great video as always Pete... sure someone else may have noted this or perhaps, you already know by now but if not... A work around on the Garmin Pay is using a Curve card! Its a fantastic solution as it lets you add multiple payment cards to the app but also gives you a Curve card with its own number thats draws funds from the chosen card - you can also, transfer a purchase made on one card to another if you happened to have paid from the wrong account! Anyway... keep making great videos :)

[@just_teen9848]

I’m really really a huge fan of iPhone. But I wouldn’t hesitate to choose Garmin over apple watch. I don’t need a puppet phone on my wrist. I have my iphone already so there’s no reason to have another on my wrist (THIS IS PURELY MY OWN OPINION). But when it comes to phone, sorry for those android user but for me iPhone is the best we have right now!

[@prembulex6833]

Garmin if for people that want proper sport watch, apple is if you looking for smart watch

[@rextrinidad6646]

Yes the most important consideration is what you are going to use it for...I dont need to pay with my watch and neither do I plan to use it to listen to music. Watched a few videos and read a few articles and I have decided to buy a Garmin Fenix. Im basically into trekking, running, and biking...Battery life is the most important consideration.

[@LobsterRavioli]

I was always a traditional watch wearer, but I bought a Garmin vivoactive 3 a few years back, and loved it. After 3 years, it was showing its age, and I bought an Apple Watch to replace it. I wore the Apple Watch for a month, and I really tried to like it, but I couldn’t understand it’s appeal. I bought a Garmin Instinct a little bit ago, and I really like it. I guess I don’t need all that an Apple Watch can do, when I have a phone that does the same and more. Plus the Garmin gives me some vibes of G Shock, and I appreciate that. Either way, you gotta rock what you like and what fits your lifestyle and job to an extent.

[@Stockfish1511]

If you want a bright screen smartwatch and do not live an active lifestyle then go for something cheap in 300 dollar range. If you want a beast of a sport/outdoor/military and in general pretty much a normal watch that will be attached to your wrist all day long and become part of your daily life then. That will perform in harsh situations, take an impact, have longevity, immense battery life and save your life when you are lost and you dont have a phone on you then Garmin is your best option. Either of Epix, Fenix and Tactix goes. I just dont see a point of having apple watch ultra for that price. Its just a smartwatch being marketed under a pretense of being a Garmin competitor when it clearly isnt even close when it comes to activity. Garmin also has always on screen and can keep battery. Apple 2 days of battery. Nah thanks. I own epix 2 and not having to charge every day or is more practical than i thought it would. Planning to get tactix now.

[@MSD-bp6mx]

Went on a hike with a friend. Well Garmin all the way. Gps, navigation…Ultra constant losing connection. So yeah…Garmin is not for everybody and bit to ‘specific’ for all round users

[@tetchuma]

My 8yo Garmin vivoactive diagnosed my sleep apnea and my restless leg. I now have a Venu 2 Plus that monitors my heart and blood pressure. I don’t have any apps per se, by I do have an ECG function AND,… most importantly… I only have to recharge it every 7-8 days.

[@jkpetrov]

You don't need Health Sync on Android. All devices I have (Fitbit Charge, Withings Scale etc) work via Google Fit integration. Am I missing something?

[@PeteMatheson]

You need to use Health Sync to sync the Garmin to Samsung / Google / any other health app.

[@cracnain]

Great video, I used both, but Apple watch got LTE…..for indoor sport, definitly prefer garmin.

[@benluff6079]

I have an iphone in my pocket. I don't need a tiny version on my wrist. Garmin fits the bill for hiking/cycling navigation + faff-free activity tracking. And it looks great

[@RandomUselessKnowledge]

I’ve owned 3 Apple Watches, killed them all, and switched to Garmin about 4/5 years ago. Don’t plan on going back. I’m more athletic than I am smart phone so I need a rough and rugged watch that can get slammed around and won’t die on me. I’ve owned two Fenix’s and now an Epix 2 pro. The Epix answers gives us the nice screen and yet still full athletic programming that we expect from Garmin. I don’t need to make calls from my phone or type texts so there really isn’t any reason to buy a product that I’m probably going to break.

[@GotDamBoi]

if 90% of your usage for a watch is fitness related, then the Apple Watch is a complete waste imo. Just get a Garmin 245 or something similar. I got a series 8 as a gift and it's an incredible watch, but I mainly use it for running and notifications....something that my old garmin 45s already did

[@jandobinski6077]

Nice video but of course it tells almost nothing in details about the watches. The best way to summarise is what was told here: apple is a smart watch, garmin is a sport watch. Two completely different purposes. I can not imagine charging my watch every day. For me only Garmin, but again I don't use smart options for talking or messaging or checking the social media. And I fully agree that apple watch is a great smart watch. If I need a smart watch, I would go for apple.

[@1eryear]

I'm going to try out Ticwatch 5 Pro and Coros Apex 2.

[@David_Palka]

I love to controll my watch by the rotating bezel on my galaxy watch. Easy to controll during run or bike ride and also Samsung Health is all in one nice piece of software.

[@LifeofPano]

You should have done the review for the Fenix7x on an iPhone rather than samsung. Samsung OS is way clunkier than iOS, so anything said on the connectivity and user freindliness of the two should at leasts be on the same device. Garmin app works quite well on the iPhone

[@marksharp]

I use Garmin pay with my Curve Card. I’ve never had an issue with paying, anywhere.

[@PeteMatheson]

I’ll have to pay for curve as I have quite a few cards with each. If I remember it’s limited to 2 cards only, and still doesn’t work with Amex 😞

[@elias6113]

Why do people call anything that isn't by apple "android"?? The garmin watches literally dont even run android, they use GarminOS. No correlation here

[@nsteblay]

I don't need humongous app platform on my wrist with poor battery life. I prefer the Garmins for their integrated sports features and excellent design.

[@justgouds]

my garmin 945 battery last about 2 weeks. i don't need half the apps and features of the Ultra. So garmin wins easily for me.

[@Nick_Lavigne]

I really like my vivioactive 5. One cool thing is that the os on the Garmin watches is anbrand new from scratch OS, and its very impressive.

[@zjshafe]

You can customize each watch face in the connect iq app

[@paulgal]

Surely u should have put the Apple Watch up against the Epix gen 2 sapphire ? Same price, amoled screen and sapphire crystal glass which is basically impossible to scratch. You also mentioned lots of people don’t know much about the Garmin watches. I can assure u, I do lots of different sports an everyone uses Garmin. Apple is a smart watch, Garmin is a fitness watch amazing for hiking especially with maps.

[@PeteMatheson]

Perhaps, but SO many comments said that I should try the Fenix so I did 👍🏼

[@paulgal]

@@PeteMatheson yeah they don’t have clue about Garmin . The Epix is more similar to Apple Watch . Really enjoyed the video. I and get all the stuff from Garmin that’s a pain. One thing I can say is I’ve had a few garmins and always about a year and a half In something happens to it. Garmin always replace it for a refurbed one.

[@marksharp]

Pete. You can change the weight from lbs to KG on your user/profile settings in Garmin connect. I was going to get the AWU, but went for the EPIX Gen 2 in the end. It was purely because I don’t think I’m going to stick with an apple phone when my 13 pro is paid for. I’m in the apple eco system but slowly mixing it up. However, if I was to stay with Apple, the AWU would be the top choice smart watch.

[@PeteMatheson]

Thanks Mark! Pretty sure I’ve changed that already but will double check! Epix is definitely tempting. Are the controls / software just the same as the Fenix?

[@marksharp]

@@PeteMatheson yes all the same. It was the screen that was the deciding factor. If I wasn’t having an AWU, I had to have the better display.

[@marksharp]

@@PeteMatheson it maybe the watch you need to change the weight. System settings, Format, then unit settings I think.

[@mcjc7807]

My Garmin is one of the best products I own. I’m 100% apple ecosystem except for my watch. Fitness and outdoor adventures are a priority to me.

[@gomusicproduction1]

Apple is a tech company. Garmin is a sport (mostly) company. That’s it.

[@tonyg3091]

Only thing I didnt get is what makes one change from Apple to Android phone if they change the watch? I mean I have Tactix Delta and it works perfectly with iPhone.

[@arulashokkumarsingh6725]

It is simple if you want a smartwatch, get the aw. If you want a watch that has fitness tracking built-in, get the garmin.

[@RuckCancer]

People aren’t buying Garmin to have a “smart watch” we use these bad boys for outdoors, running, tracking macros and calories, I don’t think 99% of use are worried about having it as a phone on our wrist. Battery life is my go to, I hated my Apple Watch dying every 15 hours

[@DavidLilja]

I've had the Fenix 6X Pro Sapphire for over 3 years now paired with an iPhone. The only thing I don't like on the Garmin is the notifications. I would love for them to be more granular. It's either on or off. So I'm receiving notifications on the my watch that are not popping up on my iPhone because I've told the app not to push me a notification to the screen. Yeah, that's weird. Other than that, I really love the Garmin Fenix 6X despite its age now. The training programs and health profile thingy is just great. I charge it less than once a week. And the new Fenix 8 looks amazing by the way. Would I consider an Apple Watch? Not until they last at least a week in battery life. I've had the Watch series 2 back in the days and while that was an okay smart watch I do like the Fenix 6X more. Thanks for an informative video!

[@snowbdr89]

To the person who made this video, you want a convenience and social media watch therefore the Apple is your choice. Garmin is a fitness watch which Apple doesn’t even compare to a Garmin.

[@toshitominaga3911]

Bought 3 versions of the AW. Finally got tired of paying Apple Tax so bought a Garmin EPIX and haven't turned back. ;-) Will get the newest Fenix in 3-4 years.

[@samuelbrice3699]

Fenix for activities/battery life/military IMO. Apple watch for convenience with iphone for your every day person.

[@PeteMatheson]

agreed!

[@PartiHippo]

" I have never run into this on even the most basic Apple watch" that's because every Apple watch is still an Apple. Watch. Apple is very popular and is only making very few types of devices any one time It's much easier Too optimise for a couple things than a large variety.

[@Johnny5]

I've used both and I always sell the Apple and keep the Garmin. Just can't beat the Garmin for fitness. Apps I can do on my Iphone.

[@KK-ol5ov]

I am just so tired of the daily charging. I need to try the Garmin with MIP.

[@jasonredwood452]

Funny how some of the downsides you mention are plus's for me. I dont want to be connected 24/7. In fact ive disabled most notifications on my watch. Also garmins are not Android. Garmin has its own OS which is part of the reason they can leverage much much better battery life. Its much more optimised.

[@PurposeTravel]

One thing I never see Apple Watch users do is actually use their watch.

[@DuBsTePxxsAnTa]

Only when looking for my iphone

[@doctoruttley]

😂

[@zoltantorok7479]

I'm using my fenix 7 on my iPhone...what change u talk about ?

[@jbs2ki]

I love apple device, please add features like pace pro, turn by turn navigation and centralized analytic and tracking. I will move to apple ultra