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If you are an outdoor adventurer, fitness enthusiast, or always on the move, investing in a smartwatch is a wise decision. These wrist-sized computers are super convenient, allowing you to monitor physical activity and even check social media alerts when your phone isn’t handy.
Apple Watch Ultra and Fenix 7 are two high-end smartwatches that can support various day-to-day activities, from fitness tracking to monitoring your health and even GPS tracking. But which one is best for you? While both offer a range of features, they differ significantly in functionality, design, and device compatibility. Ultra is the latest Apple smartwatch release, but is it a better competitor to Garmin’s Fenix 7? Let’s find out in this Apple Watch Ultra vs. Fenix 7 comparison!
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Fenix 7: Side By Side Comparison
| Apple Watch Ultra | Fenix 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | Sempter 23, 2022 | January 18, 2022 |
| Brand | Apple | Garmin |
| Bazel material | Titanium | Stainless steel |
| Screen size | 1.92 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Resolution | 502 x 410 Pixels | 260 x 260 Pixels |
| Weight | 2.16 oz | 2.6 oz |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours | Up to 18 days (standard mode) |
| Compatibility | iOS | Android & iOS |
- Rugged and sturdy design for outdoor use
- .Advanced metrics for fitness enthusiasts
- Corrosion-resistant titanium case with good water resistance.
- Bright and magnificent retina display
![Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm]](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/51XU-XHOOQL._SL500_.webp)
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Fenix 7: Key Differences
Choosing between the Apple Watch Ultra and Fenix 7 is no easy task, as they represent the best on-wrist smartwatches money can buy.
Unlike the Ultra and all the top Apple watches, which are only compatible with iOS, the Fenix 7 is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Let’s look at some notable differences between the two smartwatches.
Price and Availability
The price is a key factor when picking between any two devices. The Apple Watch Ultra costs $799. This model is unique as it comes with in-built cellular support, unlike Apple Watch 8, which offers optional cellular connectivity. You can get the GPS-only version for $399.
Fenix 7’s basic version starts at $699 and goes up to $999 for the Sapphire Solar edition, Fenix 7X. If having a 51mm Sapphire Solar screen watch is not a bother, you’ll probably spend around $699-$799 on the Fenix 7, which is more expensive than the Ultra.
Apple Watch Ultra launched in September 2022, so it’s unlikely you’ll find any deals. On the other hand, Fenix 7 launched in January 2022. You’re likely to get a discounted price on Amazon Prime Day.
Of the two watches, the Fenix 7 is slightly cheaper by $100 and delivers an equally comprehensive package that easily rivals Apple Watch Ultra’s, minus the hefty price.
Design and Display
Both watches aren’t that similar in design. The bezel on the Apple Watch Ultra is 49mm and is sizable on the wrist. It has a lip around the screen and a durable Titanium bezel to enhance protection. The digital crown has deeper groves and is a little big, and melds on the right side of the device in a protruding ledge with the side button. This, in turn, makes the buttons easier to use while wearing gloves. An added action button on the left side of the Apple Watch Ultra can work as a quick-launch button when purposely assigned.
On the other hand, the Fenix 7 follows the same Garmin design we all know (two buttons on the right, and three on the left, to help you navigate). While it has a touchscreen, by default, all sports modes on the Fenix 7 have touchscreen disabled. So, you can’t start or stop an activity using the touchscreen. The Fenix 7 is available in three distinct case sizes, 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm.
Apple Watch Ultra features an always-on Retina display (2,000 nits display brightness), brighter than Fenix 7, which has a transflective MIP touchscreen.
Battery Life
Regarding battery life, Garmin and Apple’s devices are chalk and cheese, which is expected regarding their display differences. The Apple Watch Ultra outdoes the Apple Watch Series 8, as it can last 36 hours instead of 18. In the later update, the power-saving mode will come in and extend from 36 hours to 60 hours. Apple says it will last 12 hours of outdoor GPS use in the standard power mode.
While it is impressive for an Apple Watch, you cannot compare it with the Fenix 7 battery life, which can last up to 57 hours on GPS tracking mode or 73 hours on the Fenix 7X, Sapphire Solar Edition, while wearing it several hours outside. In its standard mode, the Fenix 7 can last up to 18 days and 57 days when in battery-saving mode.
Music playback is one thing noted to drain the Fenix 7 battery much faster than the Apple Watch Ultra. You get only 10 hours of battery life when you do music and GPS tracking. Apple Watch Ultra has a slight advantage here as it can last 20 hours of music.
While the Apple Watch Ultra is, at heart, a real smartwatch, the Fenix 7 has better battery life. The Fenix 7 is primarily a fitness smartwatch as it doesn’t give you the feel and focus you get from your phone. Compared to the Apple Watch Ultra, the applications on the Fenix 7 are slightly basic.
As the majority can find the Ultra’s battery capacity to be just okay for their workout and tracking routines, the Fenix 7 battery life is far superior.
Sports Tracking
While both watches can track various activities, including your heart rate, stress, and sleep, Fenix 7 offers a better sports tracking experience than the premium Apple Watch. Fenix 7 provides more options and has niche workout modes like Cyclocross and Snowshoe. Ultra has the most traditional workout modes covered. Its display durability and water resistance of up to 100 meters allow you to go diving, skiing, and windsurfing.
Fenix 7 and Apple Watch Ultra are handy for planned training as they let you create your running sessions. From a training perspective, the key difference between the two is the connected apps. With Garmin, the connect app allows you to download training plans seamlessly. You can also program races in Fenix 7 with advanced metrics like Up Ahead and Stamina, and recovery metrics, that lacks in the Apple Watch Ultra.
While both can track most sports, the Fenix 7 is the better choice if you are gearing up for a race as a result of the Garmin connect app, map manager, and data recovery capabilities.
Smartwatch Features
If smartwatch features are your main interest, the Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly your go-to smartwatch. It takes and builds the Series 8 features into a rugged package. With LTE support, you can use Apple Pay and download and control music from multiple services while staying updated without your phone. It’s a representation of the closest thing you could ever have as an iPhone on your wrist.
The Garmin Fenix range is much short of a smartwatch. While you can make contactless payments, you only have a limited option of using the less-supported Garmin Pay, and with the absence of LTE support, the application situation is weaker. Fenix can offer some core integrations with apps like Spotify, but the overall user experience is much less fluid than on the Ultra.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Fenix 7: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Fenix 7 battery life is far superior to the Apple Watch Ultra, with some models lasting up to 18 days in standard mode while the Ultra lasts up to 36 hours.
- Apple Watch Ultra is more expensive, with the price ranging from $799 to $100 more than the Fenix 7, whose price starts from $699.
- While Apple Watch Ultra might seem a little big on the wrist, it has a spectacular look with the best screen around, whereas the Fenix 7 has a durable design with better outdoor adaptability.
- Both smartwatches can track most activities like fitness, heart rate, and sleep, but Fenix 7 offers a better sports tracking experience.
- The Fenix 7 is compatible with Android and iOS versions, whereas the Apple Watch Ultra is only compatible with iOS.
- Scratch-resistant lens
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Comes with preloaded TopoActive maps
- Multi-band frequency and GNSS network support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo)
- Pulse Ox (not available in all countries)
- Endurance and real-time stamina tracking
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Fenix 7: Which One Wins?
You can’t go wrong with either of the two wearables, as they have unique features and capabilities.
If you are into planned training, going on adventures, or running an ultramarathon, the Fenix 7 is your best option. Thanks to the Garmin Connect app, it offers a top-level battery life, and it’s much easier to use as a training watch. You might never use most of its features, but to Pro athletes, it’s a dream tool to track their training in all aspects.
If you are an Apple Watch enthusiast looking for a much brighter and tougher watch than the Apple Watch 8, the Ultra will deliver that and much more. It’s an exciting, big, and brash watch with sports features and a decent GPS tracker. If you don’t mind charging after a few days, you can get this watch for training. Ultimately, your choice of the best smartwatch comes down to what you want to achieve with the device.
- Rugged and sturdy design for outdoor use
- .Advanced metrics for fitness enthusiasts
- Corrosion-resistant titanium case with good water resistance.
- Bright and magnificent retina display
- Scratch-resistant lens
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Comes with preloaded TopoActive maps
- Multi-band frequency and GNSS network support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo)
- Pulse Ox (not available in all countries)
- Endurance and real-time stamina tracking
