The choice between the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro can be a daunting one. Both these devices are highly regarded, and in this comparison review, we will delve into the most critical factors that should influence your decision.
With a focus on five major differences between these two watches, we aim to help you make an informed choice. It’s worth noting that both watches offer excellent displays, GPS accuracy, heart rate sensors, and durable build quality, so we’ll be looking at the factors that set them apart.
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- Buy Apple Watch Ultra here>>
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What They Have in Common
Before we dive into the key differences, it’s essential to recognize the common ground shared by the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro.
Excellent Displays: Both watches boast big, bright AMOLED touch-enabled displays, making them easy to read in various lighting conditions.
GPS Accuracy: Both devices are equipped with dual-band or multi-band GPS/GNSS chipsets, ensuring highly accurate location tracking.
Build and Durability: Crafted from titanium and featuring Sapphire lenses, both watches are rugged and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
Smartwatch Features: Both watches offer a range of smart features, including phone notifications and support for music playback from popular sources like Spotify and Amazon Music.
Now, let’s delve into the five major factors that differentiate these watches and should guide your decision.
Compatibility: iPhone vs. Android
The most fundamental distinction between the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro is their compatibility. The Apple Watch Ultra is exclusively designed for iOS devices, meaning it only works with iPhones.
In contrast, the Garmin Epix Pro is platform-agnostic, making it compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. If you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch is a natural choice. However, if you use an Android phone or prefer cross-platform flexibility, the Epix Pro is the way to go.
Cellular Connectivity
Cellular connectivity is a crucial consideration. The Apple Watch Ultra offers a cellular option, enabling you to take calls, send texts, stream music, check emails, and access third-party apps directly from your wrist, even when your phone isn’t nearby. However, this convenience comes with a monthly cellular plan cost, varying depending on your carrier.
On the other hand, the Garmin Epix Pro does not offer cellular connectivity. To access features like text messages and weather updates, you’ll need to have your smartphone nearby. Garmin has moved away from producing cellular-enabled watches, focusing instead on other aspects of fitness and wellness tracking.
Out of Box Experience
The out-of-box experience plays a significant role in your decision-making process. The Garmin Epix Pro comes with a comprehensive suite of wellness and fitness tools pre-installed. These include sleep tracking, stress level monitoring, HRV status, training readiness assessment, estimated VO2 max, body battery (energy monitoring), and more. The user interface prioritizes this data, ensuring it’s readily accessible.
Conversely, the Apple Watch Ultra also tracks similar metrics but spreads the data across various apps, such as Apple Health and the Activity app. While the Apple Watch can perform most of the same functions as the Epix Pro, it may require more customization and the installation of third-party apps to achieve a similar out-of-box experience. If you prefer a streamlined, fitness-focused experience, the Epix Pro may be more appealing.
Offline Maps and Navigation
The Garmin Epix Pro excels in offline maps and navigation. It stores detailed maps of entire countries directly on the watch, without requiring an internet connection or a paired smartphone. The Garmin also offers on-demand routing, allowing you to get turn-by-turn directions on roads or trails in real time. Additionally, you can easily return to your starting point during an activity, all from the watch itself.
While the Apple Watch Ultra has improved its mapping and navigation capabilities, it still relies on your iPhone for offline maps. This means you need to carry your phone during outdoor activities to leverage offline mapping. Furthermore, accessing maps during a workout requires exiting the workout app and entering the Apple Maps app, which can be cumbersome.
However, the Apple Watch Ultra offers a unique Trailhead feature, allowing you to access trail information directly from the map. This feature can be valuable for hikers and trail enthusiasts.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor, especially for those who engage in extended outdoor activities or want a watch that lasts several days between charges.
The Garmin Epix Pro boasts exceptional battery life, with the ability to last up to about a month in normal day-to-day use. In a GPS activity, it can provide up to 82 hours of tracking with basic accuracy or 62 hours with increased accuracy. This extended battery life makes it an excellent choice for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra requires more frequent charging, with a typical battery life of two to three days in regular use. During GPS activities, it can last up to approximately 17 hours with low power mode enabled. While this may suffice for most users, those engaging in ultra-endurance activities may find it limiting.
Bonus Factor: Flashlight
An additional feature that sets the Garmin Epix Pro apart is its built-in flashlight. This handy tool can be surprisingly useful in various situations, such as finding your way in the dark without disturbing others or searching for lost items under the couch. While the Apple Watch Ultra can simulate a flashlight by brightening its display, having a dedicated LED flashlight on your wrist can be a valuable convenience.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro offer exceptional features and capabilities, but the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a summarized breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra if:
- You own an iPhone and want seamless compatibility.
- Cellular connectivity and access to a vast app ecosystem are essential to you.
- You don’t mind charging your watch every two to three days.
- You value a vibrant display and a wide range of smartwatch features.
Opt for the Garmin Epix Pro if:
- You want a more fitness-focused experience with comprehensive wellness and fitness tracking.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Android and iOS) is important to you.
- You prioritize extended battery life for long outdoor activities.
- Offline maps and on-demand navigation are crucial for your outdoor adventures.
- You appreciate the convenience of a built-in LED flashlight.
- Shopping Links:
- Buy Apple Watch Ultra here>>
- Buy Garmin Epix Pro here>>
Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro are top-tier smartwatches, and you can’t go wrong with either choice. Consider your specific requirements, and let these key factors guide your decision. Whether you prioritize smart features, fitness tracking, battery life, or offline navigation, there’s a watch that suits your needs.
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