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Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin GPS and Other Fitness Trackers

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Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin GPS and Other Fitness Trackers

Key Points:

  • The Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin GPS trackers are fierce competitors in the smartwatch industry. These two watches also compete with the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, which are also gaining favor in the smartwatch market.
  • Garmin gives you an in-depth analysis of your sleeping routine, which you will not get with the Apple Watch. It also monitors your stress levels during workouts and gives accurate warnings to avoid health emergencies.
  • Fitbit watch monitors your cardio workout routine by analyzing your heart rate. It also tracks your recovery period after a workout routine to ensure you are not stressing your body.
  • With the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 pro, you will get a heart rate monitoring feature that tracks your heartbeat during workouts. It also has a thermometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope.

    

Are you looking for a new fitness tracker but do not know the right one to buy?

While most people may have probably heard of the Apple Watch Ultra that was recently released, there are other cool smartwatches and fitness trackers in the market. The Garmin GPS watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, and the Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch are examples of advanced watches you can acquire today.

Continue reading if you are conflicted about buying the right fitness tracker. We’ll look into the Apple Watch Ultra, the Garmin GPS, and other fitness trackers to help you identify which watch suits you best.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin GPS and Other Fitness Trackers: Side-by-Side Comparison

Apple Watch UltraGarmin GPSFitbit SenseSamsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
What it isSmartwatch and fitness trackerGeolocator and fitness trackerFitness trackerSmartwatch and fitness tracker
What it doesCollects health-related data and provides navigation Tracking fitness progressCollecting fitness dataFitness tracker
Screen size49 x 44 x 14.4 mm47 x 47 x 14.5 mm40.5 x 40.5 x 11.2 mm45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm
Storage32GB16GB and 32 GB4GB (OS only, inaccessible)16 GB
Battery LifeUp to 36 hours normal, 60 hours low power14 days normal and 87 days low powerSix daysThree days
Water Resistant100m water-resistance100m water- resistance50m water-resistance50m water-resistance
Health and Fitness SensorsCompass, heart rate, GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, depth gauge, blood oxygen, altimeter, barometerGPS, heart rate, compass, blood oxygen, gyroscope, barometric altimeterHeart rate, gyroscope, temperature sensor, light sensor, altimeter, skin temperature sensorAccelerometer, heart rate, barometer, thermometer
Display Resolution502 x 410 pixels260 x 260 pixels336 x 336 pixels450 x 450 pixels
Voice AssistantYesYesYesYes
Manufacturing CompanyAppleGarmin Ltd.FitbitSamsung
Price$799$699.9$299.95$449
Date of ReleaseSeptember 23, 2022January 18, 2022August 25, 2022August 26, 2022
Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm]
$624.00
  • 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
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11/28/2023 03:53 am GMT

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin GPS and Other Fitness Trackers: What’s the Difference?

The Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin GPS trackers are fierce competitors in the smartwatch industry. These two watches also compete with the Fitbit Sense 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, which are also gaining favor in the smartwatch market.

So, as a potential buyer, you may want to know what sets these watches apart to ensure you acquire the right one.

Let’s explore some of their differences.

Design

First impressions are essential when buying a product. The same analogy applies when acquiring a fitness tracker as people prefer watches with unique designs.

The Apple Watch Ultra has a cuboid design; its screen size is 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm. The watch weighs 61.3 grams without a strap. This watch also gives you the ultimate protection, especially if you are a diver, because it is water-resistant for up to 100 meters.

In contrast, the Garmin, especially the Garmin Fenix 7, has a round shape. The watch has a screen size of 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm, meaning it is slightly smaller than the Apple Watch. This watch is also lighter than the Apple Watch as it weighs 56 grams without the straps. The Garmin also offers water-resistant protection of up to 100 meters.

The Fitbit Sense 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro are other trackers you can check out in the market.

The Fitbit Sense 2 is lighter than the Apple watch because it weighs 48g. This watch is also smaller as it has a screen size of 40.5 x 40.5 x 11.2 mm. The Apple Watch Ultra edges the Fitbit Sense 2 on water-resistant protection because it only allows a 50m water dive.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a round shape and weighs 46.5 grams. The watch has a 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm screen size, making it smaller than the Apple watch. It also offers water-resistant protection of up to 50 meters.

The Apple Watch Ultra edges the Garmin and other fitness trackers in design because the rectangular shape design is unique and offers better water-resistant protection.

Garmin Approach S42, GPS Golf Smartwatch, Lightweight with 1.2" Touchscreen, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, Silver Ceramic Bezel and White Silicone Band, 010-02572-11
$299.99
  • 1.2” easy-to-read color touchscreen display with interchangeable quick release bands.Control Method:Touch,Application.Special Feature:Color Touchscreen; Quick Release Bands; 42,000+ Preloaded...
  • Battery life: up to 15 hours in GPS mode, and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode
  • Green View feature allows manual pin positioning; quickly reference distances to the front, middle and back of the green as well as hazards and doglegs
  • The AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records detected shot distances distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking) and pairs with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors...
  • Offers smart notifications (when paired with a compatible smartphone) and estimated activity-tracking features such as steps, sleep and built-in sports profiles
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11/28/2023 04:07 pm GMT

Health and Fitness Monitoring Features

Always compare the trackers’ health and fitness tracking features when looking for the best fitness tracker. Both the Apple Watch and Garmin have excellent features, but what sets them apart?

Irrespective of all fitness trackers having a heart rate monitor, which is integral for your workout, Apple Watch has taken things a notch higher. The watch has a blood oxygen monitoring feature and a skin temperature sensor, which are essential in your training.

You do not have to remove your apple watch when sleeping because it tracks your respiratory system overnight. Apple Watch also has a GPS and a compass that supports GPS navigation. 

On the other hand, Garmin takes a different approach to track your sleeping routine. The watch gives you an in-depth analysis of your sleeping routine, which you will not get with the Apple Watch. It also monitors your stress levels during workouts and gives accurate warnings to avoid health emergencies.

You can also link your Garmin tracker with specific applications when playing different sports.    

Fitbit Sense vs Galaxy Watch 4
Fitbit watches give you unique features crucial to your workout routine.

©Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com

So, how do other fitness trackers compare to the Apple Watch Ultra?

Fitbit watches give you unique features crucial to your workout routine. For example, the Fitbit watch monitors your cardio workout routine by analyzing your heart rate. It also tracks your recovery period after a workout routine to ensure you are not stressing your body. This is an imperative feature, especially when transitioning from one workout routine to another.

The Fitbit also tracks your sleeping routine and your daily steps. It then uses these steps to calculate the average distance you cover in a day.

For the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 pro, you will get a heart rate monitoring feature that tracks your heartbeat during workouts. It also has a thermometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope.

The final verdict is that each watch has unique features that suit people differently. For instance, if you want a watch that tracks your sleep better, you should go for the Garmin. In contrast, the Apple Watch has other unique features, such as the blood oxygen monitoring sensor.    

Choose a watch that helps you achieve your workout goals.

Garmin Watch vs Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 8 and the latest version of Garmin’s flagship sports watch are excellent devices with which you can monitor your activity and record various metrics.

©kyozstorage_stock/Shutterstock.com

Storage

Many people love listening to music during their workouts. You need a smartwatch with adequate storage space and one that is easy to integrate with your favorite playlist.

Another thing you should consider is the watch’s music management. Check whether it is easy to navigate your playlist using your smartwatch.

The Apple Watch Ultra has 32GB storage space. The Garmin also has 32GB storage space, but you can acquire one with 16GB storage space at a lower price.

The Fitbit watch has 4GB storage space, which is very low, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro has 16GB storage space.

When looking at storage space, music integration, and quality, the Apple Watch Ultra is better than other fitness trackers.

Charge Time and Battery Life

Most fitness trackers may have similar charging times. However, when weighing your options, you should look at the trackers’ battery life.  

The Apple Watch Ultra has a battery life of 36 hours when using it under normal situations. However, it can last up to 60 hours if you put it under the battery-saver feature.

Under normal circumstances, you will get 14 days of running time with the Garmin. However, if you switch the watch to the battery saver mode, it will last for approximately 87 days. The primary reason why Garmin has a higher battery life is that it has a solar charging feature.

You will get six days of battery life for the Fitbit watches, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 pro will give you three days of battery life. 

The Garmin is better than the Apple Watch when looking at the battery life. The watch’s solar charging feature means you no longer have to charge it, especially if you spend most of your time outside.

Pricing

Pricing is imperative when looking for the right fitness tracker to buy. You can tell if it is worth the price by looking at the design and the smart features.

For the Apple Watch Ultra, you will buy it at $799, while the Garmin costs $699.9. Other fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit Sense 2, cost 299.95, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 pro cost $449.

The Apple Watch Ultra is more expensive than other fitness trackers, but remember, Apple is a leading brand, and you can never go wrong with its products.

History of Apple Watch Ultra

Apple first launched its Apple watch series in 2015. The company’s primary aim was to create a watch with wireless technology and various fitness-tracking sensors.

The first Apple watch generation had fewer features, such as the heart rate feature and LED lighting. Its internal storage was also low as it had an 8GB storage capacity.

Fast forward to 2022, and the company released the Apple Watch Ultra, depicting its journey of manufacturing advanced watches. Their new smartwatch has many advanced features and is an upgrade of their past smartwatch series.

History of Garmin GPS

Garmin Ltd. launched the original Garmin Fenix series in 2012. The company’s primary aim was to target those who loved spending most of their time outdoors and doing other activities, such as mountain climbing.

The original Garmin Fenix had fewer features, such as a barometer and compass. However, the company later released the Fenix 2 model in 2014, an upgrade of their original version.

Due to the increased pressure from their rivals, Garmin Ltd. launched the Fenix 7 in 2022, which was a household name. The watch’s solar charging technology made it stand out from other fitness trackers.

History of Other Fitness Trackers

There is a rich history behind the emergence of other fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 pro.

Fitbit launched its first smartwatch aiming to create a small gadget that looks like a wristband. However, the company has changed the watch’s design and incorporated new features over the years.

The first Samsung Galaxy Watch series was launched in 2018. Samsung targeted a smartwatch that mainly offered various fitness features. In 2022, they released the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, an advanced smartwatch with many fitness features.

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11/28/2023 05:18 pm GMT

Apple Watch Ultra Vs. Garmin GPS and Others: 6 Must-Know Facts

  • The Apple Watch Ultra must only be connected to other iPhones.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra has a vibration notification feature if you receive any messages.
  • You can create a workout feature with the Garmin watch.
  • You should link your Garmin watch with the Garmin connect application to optimize its functions.
  • Fitbit has a sleep mode feature, ensuring undisturbed sleep.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a Samsung-powered OS, meaning you will get Google Assistant, Samsung Pay, and Google Maps. 

Apple Watch Ultra Vs. Garmin GPS and Other Fitness Trackers: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Use?

In the past, people could not easily track their fitness. However, due to modern technology, you can buy a fitness tracker that, in addition to monitoring your fitness, can play music, receive calls, and send messages.

You may wonder which fitness tracker best suits your workout needs, as most have amazing features. However, if you are willing to pay more for a fitness tracker, you should acquire the Apple Watch Ultra. It offers superior features that are unavailable on the Garmin GPS and other fitness trackers

Ultimately, you are the one to decide what features you need in your fitness tracker and the amount of money you are willing to spend on it.

Up Next…

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Watch Ultra a better smartwatch than Garmin GPS?

The Apple Watch Ultra is a better smartwatch than the Garmin because it has unique health and fitness features. The most notable feature is the blood oxygen monitoring system that supports on-demand measurements even during workouts.

Which fitness tracker between the Garmin and the Apple Watch Ultra has the superior GPS?

The Garmin fitness tracker has a better GPS than the Apple Watch because the company uses more satellites to improve the GPS’s accuracy.

What is the main disadvantage of buying the Apple Watch Ultra?

The main disadvantage of buying the Apple Watch Ultra is that it is pricey. The tracker also has a low battery life; it requires frequent charging. Also, you can only use it with an iPhone.

Can you use the Garmin GPS with an iPhone?

Yes. You can sync your Garmin GPS fitness tracker with your iPhone. You only need to go to Garmin connect mobile and select Garmin devices. Click the pairing mode button, go to the settings, and choose the pair phone option to connect your iPhone.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra better than the Fitbit fitness tracker?

If your main goal is to buy a fitness tracker, you should buy a Fitbit. However, you should buy the Apple Watch Ultra if you want a device that tracks your fitness and offers more features.

Does the Galaxy Watch5 Pro support iPhones?

No. You cannot connect this smartwatch to an iPhone because it is only compatible with android phones.

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