🚨DECEMBER 2023 - 6 MONTHS LATER UPDATE: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-moIqavoWmTc.html The Apple Watch Ultra has been a fantastic product for me, without a doubt. But Garmin produces incredible smartwatches too. It’s not as ‘clear cut’ as I’d like to be but I found a decent compromise for now, and I hope my findings help you decide too, if you’ve been on the fence. Wearing two watches for a few weeks has been fun 🤣 Do you 'double-fist' like me? 😅 Have a great day! 🙏🏼
Yes, I went from garmin to apple, missed garmin, but liked apple too. I wear the apple watch 6 together with the fenix 7 (just upgraded from a forerunner 245 earlier this week) 24/7.
Hi Alex, weird that in UK Garmin Pay does not work in Poland almost every bank accepts it as a payment device and it works flawlessly, even without a phone with you.
Yeah, unfortunately, the Garmin pay issue is more on the bank side to support the payment method. Short of switching banks to one that the supports Garmin, the easiest way to get Garmin pay support is for your bank to get bought by another banks which supports it …
I initially ditched AWU for Fenix Solar Sapphire Pro and then got my hands on the AMOLED display and to be honest ended up keeping the Solar as I preferred more gentle tone on my display vs extremely bright display in low light environments. I don’t need my watch to make calls, answer texts or watch RU-vid videos. AW is great for those who want a phone on their wrist. I want a watch that looks nice and can give me a week + of battery life for my camping trips and not depend on charging it every other day.
I’m a die hard Apple fan, but I made the switch to the Fenix in 2019 while training for my first Marathon. I agree with your overall assessment: Apple Watch is a better smart watch, but Garmin makes a better fitness and outdoors watch. I personally can only afford one, and for me tracking my runs and hiking trips are more important than duplicating my phone on my wrist. Others have other priorities, and that’s fine. Both work well, it just depends on what you want in a watch.
that's changing now with apps...and Apple is making it better every year... time will tell and I wear both and Apple is still my Favorite, it's just to easy.
I do read a lot about the inaccurate heartrate meassure from Garmin. Even though Garmin is known for fitness/activity tracking, it seems to lack accuracy. Whats your view on that? Did you come across this info before changing to Garmin?
@@markvogelaar for reference, I came from an Apple Watches series 2 to a Fenix 5. At that point, I would say both were about the same, and that is to say that when running I don’t think either responded to changes quickly enough. However, I added the Garmin chest strap to help better track HR as well as the additional features like lactate threshold and the HR tracking with it is rock solid.
Hey Alex, moved over from the ultra to the Epix Gen 2, will never go back! Don’t miss the cellular, as i use the watch for training so in theory shouldn’t be on the phone, although have the S23 Ultra to hand. I thought i was going to miss all the other software features but i really don’t. Look up DC Rainmaker, he does in depth videos on all Garmin watches and his hints and tips are awesome. I love the morning report telling giving me suggestions for training and providing sleep data. Turn off always on to gesture(Old Apple Raise to wake). I charged mine last Tuesday and still have 6 days remaining. And i train either in the gym or out for runs or walks most days! Once you figure it all out the buttons are handy when training as you can disable the screen, so no accidental activation of something. Only the buttons work. All in all mate. I thought Apple was king for years, but broke free and realised there is much more choice out there. I won’t be going back anytime soon.
Thank you, will definitely check out FC rainmaker! Feels like I'm still learning the ins and outs of the Garmin. Great point about cellular, its a nice to have but 99.9% of the time not needed. I do hope Apple improves their gear as it pushes others too, but so happy with Garmin now, can't see me not owning one anymore. Have a lovely weekend fella!
@emperorminiatures i too have moved from the apple ultra, i liked the watch, hated that after a year with out the always on screen i would just get 2 days if not using some of the extra options.. i went the epix pro v2 47mm and after a few days i am impressed, i still have 14 days left and its not been on charge for 2 days now.. its a little overwhelming as it does so much more, but first impressions are that it does an awful lot write. Sure i cannot make or receive calls on it, but hey you have to pay extra per month to do this on the ultra and i am not Michael Knight, i did nto really use reply to text as the screen on the untra is so small... i will miss a few issues but love it. I will check out DC Rainmaker for more help, but a big heads up to anyone wanting to use cards not accepted by garmin pay in the UK, get a curve card, is a very small amount to sort out and you can add any cards you would not be able to, i added my barclaycard to this curve card awile ago and its now available on garmin pay so yay. thanks for the good vid Alex, unless ultra 3 comes with 6 days or more battery (which it will never do) i am not going back.
Garmin user here. I think most people miss the point of both watches. Apple Watch is for people who want a smartwatch with a few fitness features. Garmin is for the person who mostly exercises and cares about health metrics but doesn’t mind a couple of smartwatch features sprinkled in.
I was in the same dilemma, got the Watch ultra and missed my Garmin. Then I remembered all the things I couldn’t do on the Garmin, that just work out of the box on the ultra and realised, day by day ultra is better. For a marathon, hiking etc Garmin is better but I can buy a Garmin 6 for that when and if needed
That's a great approach! Those more expensive Garmin watches do make me feel like I 'must' wear them. I am going to give it a proper go as some of the features like HRV, and other metrics only show up after a few weeks of use so I will do a follow-up review after a more extensive usage. So far so good and I am honestly struggling to decide on a single one 😬
Heard your points. I think it all comes down to preference. Everyone has different preferences. As a senior, I see the biometrics capability as a big plus. The iPhone watch compatibly is a plus. It give doctors a picture of your bodies condition & symptoms during a medical event. If you decide to give away as a promotion, the gift would benefit a senior. The watch is too expensive for me. I am striving to save up for an Ultra Apple Watch.
Nailed it! I own both AWU and Epix2 and agree. Frustrating from Apple is basically all sensible data are tracked. The Health app is absolutely crap compared to the Garmin app. It’s like an excel data dump with no analysis. We expect better from Apple given their IT history. AWU also can’t do ANT+ connections required for many external sensors and BT is limited - major flaw for fitness audience. If Garmin adds the mobile option it will probably be the best watch in my opinion. However that might impact battery life. But I still love my AWU when I’m only in active mode and not in sport mode
with watchOS 10 you can use external sensors. is there anything else needed? for me the only thing I hate about the AWU is the battery life and the lack of feedback on workouts unless you use third party apps.
The way I see it is that with AWU you get easier access to what your phone already can do. But Garmin gives you so much more functionality on top of that. So, it's a no brainer. Also, the buttons and touch screen on Fenix 7 / Epix is perfection in terms of interface. No need to change it. Currently, you just can't make it better.
@@leonpatrick5606 I kept debating between Fenix Pro or Epix Gen 2 and then deciding factor was the MIP vs Amoled - my activities are out doors and I think the MIP will be better.
@gainknowledgeandinsight Battery life and I don't like and can't work with a bright display. I should have brought the Instinct 2X solar tactical, which is more adequate for my job. But there's no doubt about it, the Fenix 7X is the beast I've come to love.
The Avatar or market segment for each watch is different. IMO, the AWU is for those who want an iPhone on their wrist, and are athletes or gym goers that have aspirations for the "Ultra" lifestyle. Good on them. The Garmin however is actually useful for those who live or train the "Ultra" lifestyle. As an owner of both devices it is clear to me and others that if you are outdoors recording your activity for more than 12-15 hours, and you need topo maps, you can potentially put yourself at risk with an AWU depending on the terrain or environment, as the AWU does not have the juice or the proper mapping software for longer missions or objectives. In my case I train on a bike five to six days a week, and hike year round about once a week in terrain with unreliable cell phone service. In the winter the temps where I live can easily go to -20F in the mountains and unless someone has already laid tracks ahead of you, the existing paths and markers are useless as they are covered in snow. In the winter a proper GPS with built-in topo maps has been clutch for me when missing a turn, or when hiking out at night. To my surprise, my Fenix (7X Sapphire) was easier to operate than my dedicated handheld Garmin 67i GPS. FYI, I returned the handheld 67i.
Hi Alex, i think the best way to look at this is the garmin is for people that actually go outside, exercise, work out, don’t scroll thru tic tok all day (et al) i,e, have a life, whilst the Apple Watch is for people that……….!! Well, you get the idea. Im no more going to consider an Apple Watch than someone from its target audience would consider a garmin. Great video as always by the way. AND nearly 100K subscribers. Keep it up bud
Battery wise, the new 51mm Epix Pro actually even competes with the Fenix 7X in gesture mode. But you’re right, once past a certain point it doesn’t really matter.
Cheers Lee, I am amazed at how the Epix goes for a whole busy week, including sleep tracking. Super happy with that. I could probably accept 3 days with the AWU, which is how it was when it was brand new. 2 days is poor for that price, despite all the extra smart features
@@AlexGTech yeah, I was down to 3% before going to bed on the second day with just two recorded activities on my AWU which basically means if you want to do a longer activity you have to charge it every day to have at least a small buffer. My Fenix 6X only ever goes flat because you charge it so infrequently I’ve occasionally nearly forgotten :-)
love the intro :) I started using AW s1 as my first smart watch. Then I started running and Garmin was the best decicion i have made. Few years later I thought about AW ultra... But all that running metrics and controls over activity, I will stay with Garmin.
Went with the Casio. Multi Band 6 and solar power. No sport or smartphone functions, but ALWAYS the right time and NEVER needs to be plugged in. There's something to be said for unteathering from a conected watch.
sometimes less is more and I agree. Even wearing the Garmin without the ability to respond to messages/calls feels a bit liberating when I am on a run. If I ever go a longer run/hike I'd probably have my phone on me anyway and my shorter runs only last about 30 mins so failry low-risk...
Hi, In usa, my epix 2 pro works on the contactless payments with no problem at all. Also the Spotify download was not a problem at all, It worked flawless once the wifi was connected to wifi.
I‘m stuck in the same dilemma. I would love to have all the sports data from garmin but would miss all the smartwatch features on the AWU. So I stay with Apple for now. Hopefully one of these two improves their weaknesses.
The rumor that the next Apple Watch and Apple Watch ultra will use a an A15-derived chip instead of A13 with significantly less battery draw is my main hope. I want an Apple Watch Ultra that lasts a week.
I have the AWU and had the Forerunner 745 for a while. I recently got the Epix Pro Gen 2 51mm and it's awesome and shames the AWU in many ways - especially the battery life. But, it won't make me ditch the AWU. The AWU is seamlessly integrated into my Apple ecosystem of Macs, iPhone, iPad, and iCloud for both work and personal uses so it isn't going anywhere. But, for my running, health/fitness, and outdoor activities usage, the Garmin is just so much better. It really isn't even close. Even with the watchOS 10 update coming on the AWU, the Garmin is years ahead. I only used the Forerunner 745 for running and gym workouts and I didn't like squinting to look at its small and dull display. The Epix Pro 51mm display is so huge and clear and, surprisingly, it isn't as heavy as I thought it'd be. It feels lighter and feels even more comfortable on my wrist than the AWU. Anyway, I'm keeping both and will be wearing both most of the time, as ridiculous as that may look. Haha. I don't care. They are both great in their own ways and I have two wrists so why not wear both?
Haha I love your thinking! I was surprised at how 'normal' this is becoming. I never really paid attention but after these few weeks experiment I noticed a few people 'double fisting' 😆 That forerunner looks lovely too, I was tempted for sure!
@@AlexGTech Yeah, life is short. Might as well enjoy all when you can. Haha. You see serious runners and cyclists using two watches all the time these days. It kind of makes sense to use each for displaying different sets of data. I plan to use Stryd with the AWU and monitor that data on it and use the Epix for the general workout data. I was planning to get the new Forerunner 965 to replace the 745 but Garmin is sold out with a long wait time, so I decided to just go all-out and get the Epix Pro 51 and I don't regret the decision. It isn't as big, heavy, and clunky as I thought it may be. Besides running, gym workouts, and swimming, I also like to go camping and hiking and the Epix will be more handy for those types of excursions than the FR965. Great time to be alive and enjoy all this tech that we couldn't even dream of few decades years ago. I never liked wearing watches before or having to spend thousands on some luxury brand just to check the time several times per day. Now I'm wearing these two big watches all the time and thoroughly enjoying the experience of what they offer.
The longer battery life is for people that are too busy or just keep forgetting to charge their watches. Sometimes you forget and next thing you know, you can't record a run or walk or whatever because the battery is too low. It is a huge convenient for many that are too lazy or just forgetful to constantly charge their watch. It's better to have something and not need it vs not having it and needing it.
Totally agree, definitely nice to have and not need it. For me, I like to take a break during the weekends and I take that time to charge my watch instead of sleep tracking. With the Apple Watch I have to keep an eye on it every other day which can be annoying if I forget to charge and go to a work trip for example. Happened a couple of times where I didnt notice it was dead until too late. But happy with 6 days on the Epix! Plenty for me
Battery wear is a big factor for me. I had a Garmin Edge which started out as a maximum 16hr Battery life but after 18 months I could only get about 8hrs. This was a huge pain during long events and had to bring a spare battery with me and charge it during an event. Where as I only replaced my Fenix 3 last year and that was only because of new features. The battery would still go for at least a week. So my concerns with the Apple device is after a year will it be worse than the current battery life. I expect it would but by how much? Not a risk I would want to take on such an expensive device.
Great video Alex! My daily driver is the Pixel Watch but for outdoor adventures I use the Garmin Instinct, which is a great watch, but I do wish the software was more up to date, particularity the app, but then again it doesn’t make it any worse, it’s still an excellent watch and decent app!
I dont need my watch to double as a mini phone on my wrist, au contraire, I am actively trying not to use apps several hours a day and having another smart smart device would actually make it worse. So, my Epix 2 Pro strikes the perfect balance for me - the 51mm version lasts for 11 days, works as the ultimate sports/life tracker and with the right band and always-on-display as a nice watch even for more formal events.
Garmins are great watches and tools that will help you better yourselfs, I personally don't even carry my phone to the gym or when I'm out doing my runs, that time is designated for me and to disconect from the constant chaos of life.
Im mostly interested in highly accurate HR detection without having to use a chest strap. Apple and Gatmin are the best we have, but I'm hoping the flood of new smart RINGS will bring ultra accurate HR readings.
I’ve had an Apple Watch since series 0. And swapped my 6 for the Fenix 6 pro which I loved. After some months I’ve now bought another Apple Watch. Loads of handy features but I’d still have the Garmin for hiking.
It's worth saying that Garmin watches are GPS/sport watches before they are smartwatches. It has some smartwatch capabilities but not as much as an Apple watch. Apple watches are basically a phone in watch form. Whereas Garmin watches, their bread and butter is their amazing GPS capabilities (without using cellular service) and durability. Not saying Apple watches aren't durable but I've had my Garmin Fenix 3 HR since 2017 and I recently just upgraded to the Epix 2. I exercise 3-4 times a week and I charged my Fenix every 3 days...that's having my watch for 7 years! I guess I see buying a watch as an investment rather than seeing its features. Recently the buttons started to stick and it's starting to slow down but that's the nature of technology. The features are user preference but I am okay with getting notifications then getting my phone. I also love not having to rely on cellular service for a Garmin to work. I can't justify buying a $800+ watch then paying monthly for the service. Garmin is like Toyota - they will last longer than their counterparts. Apple is like BMW - they have all of the bells and whistles to woo their consumers.
I’ve been wearing Garmin since getting back into running ~4-5 years ago, and I’m stuck in a similar rollercoaster/dilemma. Currently very lucky to have an Epix Gen 2 and an AWU and just can’t decide. I love wearing the Epix and the data/feedback it gives me, and this sounds silly, but the way it makes me feel - it encourages me to get out and run/bike. But then the Apple Watch has some conveniences that the Garmin just can’t match, sadly… Writing this out sounds silly, but it unlocks my Apple laptops, I can approve work VPN requests (happens like 10x/day) from my wrist instead of digging out my phone, Apple Pay is much more convenient, and seeing/replying to notifications quickly is very convenient. But using a touch screen during workouts is a huge drag. Battery life isn’t great, and I don’t even have AOD (for either watch) on. Charging the AW is waaay more convenient, though. I’ve found a lot of the things I used as justification for the Apple Watch (like smart home, car app integration and such) I don’t end up really using. When I got the Apple Watch, some of my local trails were available in WorkOutdoors, but not in the Garmin maps - these have b even updated and are available in both now. Cell availability was a plus for the AW, , as I was dreaming of running/biking without my phone, but without giving up connectivity - but my cell carrier doesn’t offer it as an option, so ended up not being a real plus for me. If Apple Watch got more buttons (and a button-only mode, like Epix can do everything with buttons), longer battery life (I’m sure this one’s a matter of time), better metrics (HRV, VO2 max, etc.) natively, and such, then I might be able to switch to just one watch. But now I end up swapping or looking silly and wearing both… 🤦♂️ Well, this was a ramble, but yeah - as you said, each has pros/cons, it comes down to preference and I wish I could I pick/commit to one like you’re doing, even if it ends up being temporary. 😂
@@thejosef225 Hah, well, if it helps at all, I've sold the AWU, and have been using only the Epix and haven't really missed the AW that much. And to undo all of that help, I actually wish I had gone Fenix 7 (Pro, because why not). I have AOD off, for more battery life (almost 2 weeks even with heavy GPS use) and because I don't like light coming from my wrist all the time just sitting here (it's distracting, I keep thinking I have a notification when it's on). But the gestures aren't super reliable for me lately and I usually have the touchscreen off because my toddler likes to mess with everything unintentionally when I'm carrying her 😂 so just checking the time is pretty annoying. The screen is wonderful to look at and certainly higher fidelity than any of the MIPS screens, but... it's a watch, and I don't feel like I need it there (I haven't been using maps much lately now that I've learned my way around the local trails). So if I could trade my Epix straight up for a Fenix (especially Pro), I probably would. All that said, I got a Wahoo Rival on the way that I got for a steal, just to try something different. It's way less feature packed. WAY less. But maybe that will be good for me for a while haha. Good luck with your own watch journey. 🤣
Hey Alex superb honest and well thought out video 😁👍 Epix 2 is a great watch you Will enjoy that know doubt. Good idea to use the apple watch alongside the garmin. 👍
Thanks Lee!! Yeah, really enjoying the Epix. I am hoping for Garmin to bring a few new features really, but for sports/fitness their gear is superb! Thank you so much for lending me your watch, will make sure it gets safely back to you 🙏🏼 Have a great weekend!
Me too! Some say all the gear no Idea, I call it.. start as you mean to go on! I notice whilst wearing my Apple Watch I don’t want to work out half as much as when I’m wearing the garmin. I guess it makes you feel more like an athlete
Fair, balanced, review. Like most tech (or any product really), people need to understand what they’re using a device for primarily and buy one that serves that purpose best. I would have to agree, Ultra = Best Smart Watch | Garmin = Best Sports Watch (For now…😂)
I think unless you are regularly running marathons and ultra marathons over many hours and in rough, remote terrain then the AWU is superb. I run and train most days and the ability to be able to take my AirPods and listen to music or a podcast seamlessly and then purchase a coffee at the end makes the overall experience better IMHO. I do prefer the data on the Garmin, but it’s a little overkill for most and the UX of the AW is superior in my opinion.
The Garmin has Spotify for music, Garmin pay for your coffee, and a battery that lasts in week increments, not hours like the AWU. Apple Watch has no native topo maps, and an extremely weak training platform. I’m completely bought into the Apple ecosystem, but the watch is a total disappointment.
Soon as I can get 5 days battery life from an AWU, then I'm all over it..long time Garmin user, but all Apple ecosystem users as well....come on Apple - Get that battery life up to 5 days !!
My decision is Fenix 7 Pro vs Epic Pro. I like battery life but I'd like the OLED screen too. I suspect that there are a decent number of people out there with both.
Smart watches was the only tech I was not a first adopter for. It later dawned on why I was 2 years late for a Samsung watch and 3 years late for Apple watch. I'd been using Polar and Garmin devices for years for cycling. I mean maybe one of the first for anyone who wasn't a pro athlete. Well before RU-vid days. They were expensive. But the data was important. Eventually the smart watches came along and they were EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE. And did nothing remarkable. Which left me scratching my head. Why do we need these things? We don't because they aren't stand alone devices. the Data is processed in the app thats based on your phone. So the watch itself is just a sensor with a rudimentary interface. Yet the price rivals a smartphone. Huh?? So I asked myself what's actually expensive in these watches? It will never have a big screen because nobody will ever wear it so Appple, Samsuing, Google Pixel, Xiaomi will never have to worry about a huge screen cost. The batteries are tiny, no major expense there. So basically the major cost are the internals that measure speed, positioning, vitals, etc. These are not high cost items. So the margins will always be excellent for Samsung, Apple, etc. And nowhwere is that more obvious when you look in the trade in values after only a year. It's comical how little they will pay for your old smartwatch. That's telling me it's a cash cow. So unless you're getting these heavily discounted by your phone carrier or Samsung are offering it as part of a promotion for your new phone then I really question the need to buy anything other than a smart watch that's not at least 2 years old. These Apple watch prices are insane now and the functionality is not at all better than my 4 year old Samsuing phone. Until blood glucose monitoring comes to these watches (a major health care game changer) the smarthphone brands are really taking us to the cleaners. Just read Apple's latest earning report. The watches have by far the best profit margins. 😊
I run 5 times a week and do gym 4 days, I wear the watch everyday but not in bed. I am also a qualified diving instructor and find it fine for personal dives. I’ve not had an issue, I see a lot of people complain but not a lot of people telling the positive. I was a die hard Garmin fan and had the fenix right up to the fenix 4 but what the watch can do was always a letdown, it has all the looks and none of what I needed.
Yes. A better battery. But the advantage is: No need to carry a phone anymore. I can use Apple Music, Apple Pay. The watch can connect to my WiFi instead of the phone. The sensors are much better. ECG and so on. No chance to even compare the garmin to the Apple Watch. And the best Stryd integration so far. Garmin has lost me with their own bad power integration. So many issues now with my Stryd pod.
I use my Apple Watch 4 for resistance training, HIIT, walking outside. I would like to have suggestion when to sit still. I use my Apple Watch for directing music from iPhone, looking messages, opening computer etc.. Apple Watch is the only one for me.
Notifications on my epix pro are very consistent. Not so much on the Apple. Re:price, at the moment, noone in the UK pays £700/800+ for this type of Garmin watch. There are various retailers selling them for half price or less. Garmin, hands down, wins in overall value
Certainly feels nice and robust and that battery life could be a deal breaker for some. I love the Epix display though, despite an inferior battery life. A cellular option, a couple more apps on the Garmin and better integration software and they will be a serious option. But Apple dont seem to be stood still, watchOS 10 looks really nice and brings some nice features like top maps. Interesting times!
As a long-term Garmin user, I can definitely say that I am happy that their watches are not smarter. They do exactly what I want, and combine that with stellar battery life. And many Garmins have proper onboard mapping and navigation, which is much more important than being able to open my garage door...
Think your verdict is the most balanced I have seen in a review. The Apple Ultra does look far better as a smart watch but it can't beat the Garmin for Sports & Fitness tracking. I imagine it is this difference why the Garmin's battery life is so good and Apples battery life is inferior. The Smart capabilities will have a lot more processing in the background which drain the battery and allow for bugs where as the lack of it on Garmin allows it to run more efficiently.
I’d love it if Apple made a plastic rugged watch and phone. With good battery life and no need for a case. For now Apple’s version of sports is simply luxury. For me it is not.
Welcome to Garmin! I totally agree with your comment that the "Ultra" appears childish. I feel like it looks like a Fisher Price kid's toy. The Garmin is more of a tool for working adults. I have zero need to be able to open my garage door with my watch. I have this nifty little gadget in my truck called a garage door opener. Hit the button and the door opens! :) Seriously, though, I place much more emphasis on health data and tracking than having a talking emoji of myself on my watch. My Fenix 7 Solar gets about 20 days per charge. I laugh that Apple calls two-day battery life "Ultra". You've got a new subscriber! I'm looking forward to the next chapter in the adventure!
I'm lazy so the Watch Ultra will do nicely.....constantly reminds me how unfit I am and how much I'm NOT walking or exercising 😆Good video Alex, cheers mucka 👍🏻 P.S. I only get almost two days out of it whilst sleep tracking as well. Just remind me which sleep app you use and do you really think the subscription is worth it for the sleep app? Thx.
Hi Richard, yes I swear by Sleep Cycle. Great integration, it uses the iPhone too when you don't fancy sleeping with the watch (albeit not as accurately). Well worth the subscription for me. Especially when the Mrs accuses me of snoring as I can go back to the snoring recording and prove to her that it wasn't me lol
So i mostly agree with you (see my last comment on your last vid - no commission required!). But there’s a bit of a contradiction in your views - everyone knew about the battery life and the compromise is that it is a proper smartwatch not a fitness watch with some smart features. So we can’t really ‘blame’ it - at the moment (gen 1) there’s a choice between battery life and smart features. Hopefully that gap will narrow with gen 2, 3 etc What I can’t forgive Apple for is the poor fitness tracking etc which continues into WatchOS 10. I’ve gone Epix pro 51mm, which should have had - 1.5inch screen but does have battery life not far off the Fenix now
Yes I'm seriously considering the big boy Epix too. And yes, Apple did a great job for a Gen 1 and I can see how watchOS 10 will bridge the gap further. Would be great to see Garmin push on the software front too, because I'm really enjoying their gear. Watch this space (if you pardon the pun)
Very true! The more I use the Garmin the less I miss the AWU, but there are times throughout the day when I miss the AWU. Am giving the Garmin a 'proper go' and will definitley do an update review soon. Struggling to decide on a single one to be honest as both have good but very different strenghts.
button control on the sides is the advantage over apple watch!!!! I use my ultra only because I think the sensors and sleep detection is more accurate but otherwise the garmin has better information, more information, more trends. Apple watch does nothing extra and I don't care if there's apps on it, I just don't use the apps that are on my iphone on my watch, I use them on my phone. Also notifications of messages are better on the garmin. Very clear and shows a lot of the message.
People keep saying who needs months of battery but it's not about a month in smartwatch mode. With fenix and around 40 min of GPS activity every weekday and longer around 2 hrs on weekends, Fenix gives me 7-10 days. Which is huge considering I wear it for sleep and stuff. I keep forgetting that I'd have to charge.
Honestly. In my opinion, the lack of smart watch features on garmin is in itself a feature. I like that i can have a break from being connected when i do my workouts.
1 more thing the complications when touched pop right up on apple I have to hold and press more than three times to get the data to come up on my 965! Battery don't bother me at all comparing the two because both my Apple and my Garmin go on the charger while I am in the shower before I start my day every morning, and the, I am going into the wild for days and don't have to charge my watch, well I do too every winter I go on hunting extravaganza's and am gone for a week and have no problems with my ultra or my 965. I used to only use the 965 while hunting with offline maps but now I can do that with my Ultra as well. I say it really comes down to personal preference, I can;t tell you apple is better or Garmin is better honestly, I love them both! and probably won't sell either, but one thing is for sure I'll never say I am ditching one for the other because that is just ridiculous because one IS NOT BETTER THAN THE OTHER!! it comes down to one persons need or just plane Desire because Desire bought me the Garmin 965 and need bought me the Apple Watch Ultra, I can use my watch and ear buds and never carry my phone with me again to bang around in my pants or shorts while exercising but I can still receive emergency calls whilst running or w/e I am doing.
Battery life is one of the prime reasons I didn’t go with an Apple Watch ultra, plus I’ve been a garmin ecosystem customer for 10 years now. Still have and use the old 920xt for cycling and currently/daily the 7x pro solar sapphire.
Garmin watch are for serious athletes/ weekend warriors that basically focus on training & details data. Fenix is basically build like a tank & can take a lot of abuse….for casual usage, apple watch are ok. Garmin’s Battery last forever 😀. Currently i’m using fenix 7 sapphire solar, i only charge it basically once a month. Prev owned fenix 3, 945, 735xt …always been using garmin
I wear a garmin on my left wrist and the apple watch on my right. Garmin for tracking health and apple for phone stuff. I might look wierd wearing two watches at all times.
This is my struggle. Over the last 7-8 years I’ve gone from basic Watch to Fitbit to Fitbit ionic (was actually awesome) to Garmin Instinct (also awesome) to AW 5 to various Garmin attempts to AW Ultra. I’ve recently gotten a refurbished Garmin 6 Saphire and it’s great, but it just doesn’t work as good as the AW for day to day use. That said, I feel like a sheep wearing an AW and I have to dig to get to health and fitness related data. The fact that the AW just works the way it’s supposed to 99% of the time is hard to overlook.
I have both the Epic Pro 51mm and Apple Watch Ultra. The only advantage for Apple is the cellular connectivity. I get 31 days of battery on the Garmin with the OLED display. Sleep tracking is more accurate and feature rich than AWU. After using both I will be keeping the Garmin and selling the AWU. Also saving the $10 per month for cellular.
The battery on Garmin is ou tof this world. Really good. I am tempted by the Epix Pro, but really happy with this Epix gen 2. Cellular has definitley got me out of trouble a couple of times, calling the Mrs when I didnt have my phone with me or quick answering to an SMS. Those little moments can save a lot of hassle sometimes.
I agree. Having the cellular on the AWU is a plus but I don't find myself without my phone too much. I guess it depends on individual needs. I have used Garmin watches since the Fenix 3X. I am amazed that I can get 31 days on the 51mm version. I tried the Epix 2 but 8 days just isn't enough of a difference over the AWU. Great videos!
Yes, I have to say it did suit my needs for a long time. It's only been recently with battery issues and me discovering other apps that I realised there's more out there and when it comes to fitness/sports the Garmin is superb! Maybe I am in a honeymoon period, but I am really impressed!
For Garmin pay get a Curve card.....Garmin supports Curve then all you do is link ANY bank card to your Curve account....then when you make a payment with your Garmin it then takes the money from the linked card 👍
I own the Samsung 5 Pro, and a Enduro 2. The Enduro 2 looks terrible against a AMOLED, but after awhile, I think I'll get used to it.. Either that, or I'll end up buying a AMOLED display.
You don't need a top of the line expensive Garmin watch to experience all the features of a Garmin. The Instinct series give you all the same features but with a super long battery life. Also there is something about the analog display that screams rugged, tough, sporty, simplicity and timeless style. Right now I'm sporting the Forerunner 955 and Instinct 2 and couldn't be happier switching from Apple to Garmin.
Welcome to comparison hell, mate. I have done that dance now for quite a while, switching between several Garmins, the AWU and a Withings Scanwatch offering a real watch experience with some health stuff on the side. Garmin is the overall winner, but I find that the sleep tracking of the Apple watch is leagues better for me and the HR tracking is a little more precise. Right now I personally settled for using the Apple watch at night and during sports, the Scanwatch as a daily driver (this is really all the smartwatch features I need, and the watch experience is SO MUCH BETTER). But the Garmin is tempting me all the time with the promise of better training follow-through and being a sports watch. Will it ever stop?
Hey Mat! haha yes, it doesnt stop does it? I think I opened a can of worms now and my wallet is not enjoying it! This was definitely tricky. Halfway through I realised these are two different beasts really and a lot of it will come down to priorities/personal preferences. watchOS 10 will definitely bridge the gap to Garmin, and I am not convinced yet as to whether Garmin cares...
@@AlexGTech Yep, I am not sure as well. I happen to despise using the touch screen on a watch. I am curious to see what you are narrowing it down for you. I know lots of people that are happy with their Garmins or Apple watches full time. Sometimes I also feel like a fool switching watches all the time. You being bought into apple ecosystem automations (and the gorgeous AWU screen), I see you feeling really at the right spot as of now. BTW, I believe that Apple might innovate faster than Garmin in the end, but who knows?
For me, a watch must be reliable and if you will get 2 days on battery with Apple it is hard to say it is reliable, and it is also not a cheap watch. So I bought Garmin Epix 2 :D My impressions are really positive. I bought it because my old Samsung Galaxy watch died and from my experience those smartwatch features like answering calls, sending messages etc are not convenient to use this way. So I will not miss those options on my new smartwatch. I appreciate very good precision of sensors and battery life, build quality.
I have the Fenix 7 pro and I’ll tell you that the Epix 2 pro won’t be much different than the Epix 2. The new HR sensor doesn’t make much of a difference and your gaining a flashlight. That’s about it. I got the Fenix 7 pro because I wanted a flashlight on a smaller Watch. The MIP display doesn’t bother me since I have the backlight on gesture mode so readability isn’t an issue. BTW, I noticed the fenix 7 pro backlight to be a lot brighter than the regular 7 which helps. I took this Watch hiking with me and it was phenomenal. I hiked a mountain that didn’t have well established trails and it navigated me safely. It was SPOT ON and alerted me when I got off trail too far. Without the Watch, I may have gotten too far off the trail and would have lost possibly hours. I like that I don’t need any other apps for it to work how I want it to. I also have an Apple Watch 7. For someone who hikes a lot or needs the extra battery, Garmin is a no brainer. It’s great and I prefer a more health based Watch rather than smart watch. I thought I’d miss the smart features but I don’t. The ONLY thing I miss on Apple is the weightlifting apps. I haven’t dived too deep into what Garmin offers, but so far, it looks to be a little more clunky than Apple. If I didn’t hike at all then I might have not considered Garmin. I appreciate that you can connect to Strava and AllTrails with Garmin. It automatically uploads my activity.
The only reason I have yet to get an Apple watch....I want a ‘round’ face, that's it...C’mon, Tim... I am deep into the Apple ecosystem at this point to jump ship for one device, no matter how appealing (esthetics) Garmin’s are. The software as you mentioned, is just not there....yet. So, for the time being, I’ll stick with my 20-year-old Timex
haha yes not sure Apple will ever go to a round design, but it would be nice to have a choice. watchOS 10 will be nice and bridge the gap to Garmin, but not sure Garmin is doing anything about that.
The thing to remember is this. Apple watch ultra is a smart watch with sports features. Garmin is a sports watch with some smart features. Smart features will always be better on apple. And sports will be better on Garmin.
Try commanding the AWU in water, during a rain shower or with sweaty hands. With a Fenix no issue in any of these cases, neither apps being disabled by accidentally being turned off by a wet long sleeve
I have both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Garmin Marq Adventure. I wouldn’t get rid of either one. I do rotate in wearing them. Well these two are among the four I rotate with. Thank you very much for your video.
I have an epix gen 2 and I’ve tried the Apple Watch ultra. When it comes to what you get with the Ultra, it beats the Garmin hands down. I like the heart rate tracking and it turns out to be more accurate on ultra. For what I paid for the epix, it should be way better than what it is. Also, Garmin pay doesn’t work in Canada with pretty any of the major banks.
Hey Alex, awesome video. I just brought The Casio Watch 5610U. Its over 40 years old and people are still buying it today. It's known to be the best g-shock in world. Used by NASA during the 90s, Powered by solar, 200 meter water resistance, Radio Atomic clock keeping etc. Best watch for surviving a zombie apocalypse. It's pretty insane.
Hey Austin! Yeah, I am really enjoying the extra data points and how easy it is to track exercise and sleep. I love the AWU too but feels like I've been missing out on some features
@@AlexGTech I debated the pro 2 in the bigger size for battery and because I'm a bigger guy but decided to wait til the 3. Also you're videos are incredible! Thanks for sharing
Have tried to like an AW ultra, 4 times now 🙄. Until it can run like 5 or 6 days on a charge, not gonna switch. Just picked up a Garmin epix Pro. The amoled display, plus more battery life than the tactix 7 solar I had, lovin it.
For me, battery on a smart watch is VERY important, i dont see the point of a device, no matter how feature rich if it doesnt have any charge its no use to me. Carrying a charger and constantly having to tether to a plug or a power bank is a big minus for me and very impractical. Taking phone calls/texting on a watch never worked for me and never will, i find the whole process cumbersome and a waste of time. Garmin's solution to all of this works absolutely flawlessly for me, the fact i can get almost 1 months battery out of my D2 mach1 pro and track all my workouts plus have all the extra aviation specific features is unbelievable. The fact it can show me notifications and messages all quickly on my wrist is exactly what i would expect from a smartwatch to see if its worth taking my phone out of my pocket. I guess everyone has personal preferences and not everyone wants to fork out for the garmin devices, but they have hit an absolute home run for me with fitness/sleep/heart tracking all while giving me just the right smart features.
Apple watch OS10 looks promising at first glance. The problem that they are not addressing is battery life, which they can't make better unless Apple comes out with a new Ultra. The deal breaker for me is yes they are adding Topo maps to the watch but in the fine print it says the maps will not work unless you have your phone with you also. I hike in the backcountry with no cell or wifi service and I can't charge the Ultra Watch let alone the iPhone. I want to know Apple how do the people in their ads using the Ultra Watch do it?? And will they be taking their iPhones to the top of Mt. Everest too? Asking for a friend.
No dilemma for me. If I want phone functionality I use my phone, if I want sports stuff I use my Garmin. Right tool for the right job. AWU is a glorified phone and it sucks the battery down like one !!
I am 78 year old runner, who has run marathons, but I don’t need a beast of a sport watch. I want an Ultra, but I’m waiting for the U2 (pun intended), hoping it will do blood pressure. I like the way my AW6 works with my iPhone and other Apple toys, and I don’t want to mix Apples and Oranges (Garmins, pun intended). So, hopefully my dream U2 will be an Awesome Beast. BTW, I’m sorry you Limeys can’t have guns like we do in the Colonies. Cheerio, ‘Mate.
I love garmin watches still have a fenix 6 sapphire BUT garmin not offering LTE/Cellular is a deal breaker for me. I MUCH prefer to not take my phone when hiking or kayaking and since I usually do those activities alone, having a way to connect in an emergency is vital.
I think that it is watches for 2 very different target audiences. As you identify yourself, it is a smartwatch versus a sports-watch choice. The Garmin watches are more like a traditional sports-watch / pulse watch with some smart watch features, while the Apple is a smart-watch with some sports-watch features. I am sure both are great, but I don't own any apple products, so the Garmin watches have been a better fit for me with the memory in pixel displays. It really comes down to your use case. There is a Garmin 945 LTE series that allows phone capabilities in the watch, but they haven't really released an LTE watch in a while in their top watch lines (Forerunner 9XX and Fenix/Epix).
I always loved apple products. However Apple Watch gen 1 was so disappointing that I moved to Garmin Fênix in 2017. Never going to go back to a watch you might charge everyday if you go to some run or ride.
Nice video dude. I tend to come from a different side of things. I've never felt the apple watch or Samsung watches were needed, seem way over priced for 1 day battery and a mimick of feature my phone already does. I bought a Huawei watch for under £100 before they all got band etc. But had features that are only just coming out cheaper now such as spo2. 14 days batter, constant heart monitoring etc. I've been interested in the garmain range for the battery and geeky sport features but never been keen on notifications from the apps I already get annoyed with on my phone. Hello from UK BTW.
Thanks Marlon! Yes, the Garmin was on my list to try one day and I am glad I did now. Super impressed by the robustness and battery life. The notifications definitley got annoying on day 1 but I turned them off for most apps, only living the ones I care about. It's been pretty solid, I am sure this wont be my last Garmin 👊🏼 chat soon!
Thanks Ruben!! I am using Final Cut, it has this new scene removal feature that allows me to mask the background a bit more easily than before. I do have DR but rarely use it. I think I only used it for a couple of special effects to remove a wire from footage before 🤣 And yes, loving this watch, now I just need to find a few mountains to climb 🤣
This is by far the best comparison review video I have watched for these watches and I have watched a ton of them. Thanks Alex for sharing such valuable info ❤
I got my Garmin and the Garmin connect is hard to get ....I guess time will fix it, but so far apples just the easiest to navigate and it does Data to you better than how Garmin gives you the Data with Athlytic app, and work outdoors, and the apple watch ultra 1 just feels like a better watch... you don't have to fidget with looking for stuff which is highly annoying on Garmin but this may just be me needing time to get use to the Garmin, you will see what I mean after spending the grand for the titanium watch. I would be pissed if I had bought a more expensive watch with the way it gives me data.... it would be sent back. I wear both my watches and to my surprise the heart rate and most everything is almost spot on. even all sleep stages are with in 5 to 20 minutes different so far. I can't tell you one is better than the other this is my opinion and wear both apple and a Garmin watch daily. The Garmin 965 is a outstanding watch but to me it feels like a cheap child's toy, plastic, and flimsy bands and I don't get that with any of the Apple watches,(I have not tried a more expensive Garmin watch yet made of Titanium, and Sapphire so those may feel better but for 600 bucks that's still enough to have had a Titanium case and sapphire lens on the 965!!!!!!) plus I have already scratched the screen in the first week. I probably should have bought the more expensive Epix or Fenix pro, but the way I see the data I DO NOT LIKE and would have already returned it.(it still may require time to learn it.) These are my opinions, and your use may yield a different outcome than mine. I hope this helps anyone on the fence. O and one other thing I do like apples maps and navigation better it's more streamline and it does not lag and take time to populate other areas of the map when loading new tiles, no lag at all on apple watch ultra 1 the Garmin lags badly I am not sure if it's only the 965 or all of them.
You mentioned who need month battery. For me when I bought watch I looked which can hold more then two weeks. I was using Fenix 6X Pro and now I switched to Epix Pro (Gen 2) 51mm. And it shows me estimate 30 days left.
