1 Week With The Apple Watch Ultra (Versus The Garmin Epix 2)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2022
- I'm a huge Garmin fan - so let me bias be known right up front. But I am in love with the Ultra and it's ability to connect you outside of your phone (and in tandem with it). I think it's an incredible device. But is it enough to pull me away from the Epix?
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Dude great video. I think you hit on something most reviewers are missing, Connectivity. I was going to try to do both as well but like you said they work best when they have day after day to set their algorithms up and track stuff. Both are fantastic. I ended up going with ultra as it fits slightly better for me.
Appreciate you man! Thanks for the kind words. I think you made a good call. I’m wearing my Epix all day today and just remembering all the great things about it but I’m also working and wishing I had my Ultra on for phone calls. It’s tough. But yes … connectivity is key!
Also: are notifications enough, do you want the best battery life (epix 51mm 31 days), do you want to be able to run Android and iPhone, do you want the watch to work independently, you want to be able to control the clock with buttons, do you want a built-in flashlight, do you want insanely unique data reading when you do sports? Then choose garmin.
Thanks for the excellent video , I am trying to decide between the instinct 2 solar I have been using for months and the Epix Sapphire I have just ordered
i just ordered the EPIX PRO sapphire 47mm...reason being i am an avid golfer....love the idea having an all in one watch....health / fitness / golf and activities and connectivity is not a concern to me at all....great video....cheers from Canada
i got the Abanen hook and loop band for my epix a while back...just makes everything so much better ...
Coming from a Garmin Instinct Solar (Consistant 24 days battery life fr) I am considering upgrading to either of these watches. Great point on connectivity. No one else has really talked about it. However, the more I think about it, it's also a reason why I am leaning towards getting the EPIX. I don't want notifications, emails, calls etc coming to the watch.
The screen on the AWU is gorgeous (a hairs width in front of the epix) and the I really dig the overall design, but there are 2 things that just can't get me over the line. The fact I need to install 3rd party apps to do the same thing on the garmin (body battery, stress, constant HR etc) and I can't get past the 2 day battery life on the AWU. 6 on the Epix 2 is better than 2.
True! I love that Instinct 2X, Garmin just keeps knocking it out of the park. But great points!
For me personally I’m good with my Garmin (FR955 and next will be one with a AMOLED screen). I have my phone on me when I need and don’t need things to be duplicated. I’m the opposite way, when I’m exercising or out for a run/bike, I want to disconnect from the world. I don’t need to be accessible 24/7, one of the best thing I’ve done is to set boundaries, turning off Slack from work after hours/weekends, setting DND during times I want to focus. Fitness and battery are more important to me than having a phone on my wrist. Obviously many may think the opposite.
And just because the Ultra can get through a long workout or a extended activity doesn’t mean I’ll like it. I charge my watch for 45 minutes every Sunday morning while I make breakfast, that’s great for me. I wouldn’t want to charge it every 2-3 days.
Je, I think you're right in your thinking. What's most important for you is well served by the 955 and eventually the Epix Gen 3 would be a great fit for you. I ultimately returned my Ultra since I was only getting 36 to 40 hrs of battery life (well-quoted by Apple) with GPS activities. Most reviewers get 3 days because they aren't using the GPS at all, haha. Yes, I enjoy charging my watch every 6 days with AOD and the Epix. The Garmin-exclusive health features are huge for me, so I'm sticking with them after a fun time with the Ultra.
The ultra is super nice. I just wish they had more proprietary options for data though.
I’ve got the Garmin Fenix 7x Solar I bought it for hill walking and the fact that it had maps and a led flashlight which came in handy for finding your way in the dark. Unfortunately I had a motorcycle accident and was pretty banged up with a brain injury effecting balance, so now I’m thinking of getting Apple Watch Ultra for the Fall detection and connection without a phone being able to make calls if I get lost “ It happens now”. Any advise would be good. Thanks.
Interesting thoughts! Well, the Fenix series does have Incident Detection, but I *believe* you must enable it in settings first. support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=RfaXahBWkH8Q7pVFLsuUmA
I have both. I change watches based on what I think I’ll be doing that day and whether I think I’ll need a smart watch more or fitness. I like the fact however I can use my Ultra without having my phone. Something my Epix can’t do with my iPhone. Goes back to Connectivity.
Great video. I’ve had an Ultra and Tactix 7, returned both for different reasons. Loved the ultra but having to go to gesture base for battery wasn’t fun and tactix felt too big. Basically want a fitness watch, with an always on display that doesn’t need frequent charging. As someone who has had both the Fenix 7 and Epix gen 2, which would you go with?
Honestly? The battery life is what is special on the Fenix. The day-to-day with the Epix is what makes it special. For the Fenix, I would get the Enduro 2 because of the battery life and the $100 price difference between the 7X. If you can fit a watch of that size on your wrist. If not, go for the Epix, it's a fantastic experience. IF there was a 7X-sized Epix, that'd be a much more challenging decision, haha.
@@oxeneers thanks, I picked up the Epix today. The screen looks so much better in person. Perfect fit too, good call
@@christianmazza Do you miss the flashlight? I have a 7X Sapphire Solar and considering exchanging for either the EPIX2 or Apple Ultra.
@@gustavogo2915 the flashlight was definitely missed! Although to follow up, I actually flipped back to the Ultra despite battery woes. I think sacrificing always on, for all the added function of cellular is a good trade off (for me)
Great review and fair comment. Love my Epix2 and I usually bring along my iPhone for all outdoor activities anyway, so I can easily use iPhone for connectivity 😊 Ultra maybe my cup of tea until it's battery can last for 2 weeks like Epix2.
Thanks man! Yep, I ended up sticking around with Garmin.
Are you awake for 2 weeks?
@@newsballet Sleep tracking?
Great comparison. The real deal. Thanks.
Hey man, really appreciate you responding and watching the video!
Very nice comparison! In resume, Conectivity = Apple W. Ultra.
Yep!! Exactly.
Hey great video, very interesting points. I think I am going to buy the Epix to try it out. You mention the Epix is not good with bluetooth headsets? How does it work with AirPods pro (if you have them)? My current Apple Watch is a bit finicky with Spotify.
Hey man! I've tried it with AirPods and if the watch is going up and down (like on a run), there's always some weird drop outs. Many people have experienced this.. if you're cycling and hands on the bars the whole time and there's less space between the ear buds and your watch, it's better. The Apple Watch (Ultra) is so much better with headphones, it's kind of nuts. But yes, Spotify isn't great on the AWU but Apple Music (surprisingly lol) is much better. So finicky.
Garmin gives me my lap time every 5 miles thru my airpods no problem. Ive never tried to run music thru it though.
please read i'm stuck between a rock, i'm thinking about getting the Apple watch ultra or Garmin Epix 2 outdoor exercises such as hiking trails,skiing, walking a lot especially, jogging, running I have a MacBook Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max i never had a fitness watch before, i'm just tired of lugging my iPhone 14 promax in the gym I would like to pair up my $280 bose QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS to the Garmin if it allows? i was also looking at something called Garmin fenix 7x and Garmin Epix 2 which I love the brighter AMOLED display from the youtube videos more then fenix 7x now, i've never had any garmin stuff except for GPS for the car lol i'll get the geek squad protection plan from best buy if i do get the Garmin Epix 2, I need to know if it’s good in tracking my pace, calories while jogging or running at a local track does it come with some good tracking stuff? and what about a map overview where i can click back when my walk is done to see the map?? are u able to blow map up big to view? and have my calories etc display on front screen while running etc? also is the Garmin any good for indoors in the gym like stairmaster?? and will the Epix 2 be good for my hardcore days etc?
I have everything Apple but watching videos on it and playing with it in the store as a demo I don't care for it I care about fitness I could care less about emails and messages on a small tiny screen that's what the phone is for I preferred not to be bothered while I'm on the track or in the gym I just want to listen to my music etc and I do care about battery life also my other thing is what if I was to get some type of arm strap for my iPhone when I'm out and about I can still listen to my different music apps and still have my Garmin running good idea? ha
Great video, I have battery-anexiety as well as I prefer not having "connectivity" on my watches, as a user of Instinct, I turned off all the bloody notifications on the second day.
As a sailor, will just proceed with Quatix 7 at this time (was searching for apple watch ultra sailing features and somehow stumbled on this video :) )
The Quatix 7 is SO good. Don't they have an AMOLED version of it?
@@oxeneers hehe, that’s the one I already am wearing 😅
Hello. Great video. Different take. I have AW8 stainless which I love for dressing up. Buying ultra seems waste of money just for running / fitness. Thinking getting the Garmin for fitness and then back to aW8 for day to day. Just hope can sync Garmin with apple .
Yes, the stainless steel AW models are an entirely different discussion. Incredible for office and work stuff. You're right on the money with that take.
I was so excited thinking it was a finally an in depth comparison of a AWU vs widely used diving computer.
Diving computer? Nowhere is the Epix marketed as a diving computer.
Dylan Hit the nail on the head with the precision of an atomic clock!
Haha I appreciate that! I ended up keeping the Epix then jumping on a crazy Enduro 2 sale ($800!) and moved to the Enduro 2. I will likely make a video about this watch soon.
@@oxeneers I also decided I’m keeping my Epix.
Cool video, I have the Epix gen 2 pro, and the ultra, and I wear the ultra mostly, since I feel like its more useful at work. I wear my garmin on the weekends and for any activities, and its just better for those things. I like the way the epix looks A LOT more. If had to choose one, I'd pick the epix, since it doesn't really need cell service to work. The ultra has been great for me though, been using it over a year and banging it up against chainrings and other sharp metal all day and its still scratch free. Its a really good smart watch, very useful for work, plus with the airpods and iphone its just works so well.
Like it you review, honesty first ;) not easy decision to make it - I am Apple user, still with AWseries3 and wondering what next…. ;)
Thank you! You hear it a lot on TH-cam, but everyone has different needs but something that I can't believe more people don't discuss is the absolute abysmal lack of maps and what not on the Ultra. It's sad.
Wearing the ultra on my wrist now and it’s going back for the EPIX 2. Sports more important to me and I love some things about the ultra- but it’s an iPhone on your wrist…. Which is absolutely fine for your needs, it’s a dam good smartwatch!! The epix though…. ❤
Yes! Well said. I sent back the Ultra and kept my Epix after all. The connectivity is so important for me but I found workarounds with just having the phone out more often, and keeping a tablet nearby at work haha. The Epix is just too fantastic for mapping and sports, especially for my hiking. The 60-hour battery life update on the Ultra is interesting but still doesn't come anywhere to the Health metrics I get on my Epix.
@@oxeneers can you respond to text messages from the epix 2 for iPhone ?
@@steve9348 Unfortunately not. Apple has made it so only the Apple Watch can interface with text messages. You can simply "clear" the notification on 3rd party, non-AW devices.
@@oxeneers big reason i don't own anything apple, it's a walled garden and that wall will never go away.
Let’s us know what you decide! 😅
I’m the same way rn with my Tactix 7. The fact that everyone and their grandma has an AW makes me want to get the ultra for the mere competition. Also, I agree whole heartedly on music and Bluetooth connectivity. 🤢 on Garmin.
Solid video.
Thank you man! Appreciate the love, seriously. The Tactix 7 is so sexy... LOVE the green light! Then the Enduro 2 comes out and makes it even brighter. Damn Garmin.
Yes, I am not sure why Bluetooth audio is so hard for Garmin. I truly believe it's because the processor is undervolted like crazy but the Epix processor is a bit more "powerful" in benchmarks. From DCR: "Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire: CPU 9.4 / 58.8 Pips / Connect IQ 4.0.6 (software 7.20)
Epix Sapphire: CPU 9.4 / 62.5 Pips / Connect IQ 4.0.6 (software 7.20)
About 2 times the speed of the 945:
2.50, CIQ 3.0.11 | 4.2/27.8 Pips"
The competition with the Apple Watch is cool but the #1 thing that will probably keep me sticking with the Garmin is Connect on the Web. I will make another video comparing Apple Health (which is so hobbled it doesn't even have a macOS or iPadOS app) and Connect. The watches are great but I want to see trends, historical averages, etc. with my data. Only Garmin gives you that.
Follow up video coming soon since a lot of the folks on Facebook didn't like this video. One person even said "It is silly to even compare them". Is it though? Lots of people torn between them, even if you don't personally agree. Thanks again for the comment man!
The watch compettion is tough ..but in 2023 the epix pro 51 mm is the king 🙂
Agreed ☺️👍
Great video, dude; I have been using the Ultra for the past week, coming from a Fenix 6. I am not feeling it. I hike camp and paddle lots. Yesterday decided to take the ultra on a proper test. Did a 9k hike in the backcountry. I kept checking the All Trails map while having WorkOutdoors running on the watch. Annoying to switch between apps to ensure you are on the trail. I can’t wrap my mind around why Apple made an outdoors-focused watch with no options to load TOPO maps. I decided to try out that backtrack option. I would not recommend that to a non-experienced hiker.
As for my final thoughts , It feels like having a second iPhone on you at all times. I get the whole point of leaving the phone at home while staying connected. But I don’t see that happing in this day and age, lol. I might upgrade to the Fenix 7 now. The Epix display is gorgeous, but I’m a sucker for that transflective display from the Fenix.
Man, so much truth bombs in this post. Yes, you're right. I can't imagine using the Ultra on a backcountry hike, I just can't. I use the inReach mini 2 and the integration with Garmin watches is superb. And yes, so true - how did this watch launch with no offline maps? How? I don't get it. I think the connectivity, as I said, is not comparable to a Garmin but when you're doing *hiking*, which I enjoy doing the most, you're kind of stuck. WorkOutDoors is great, but it doesn't have Always On support - and likely won't since it needs to be re-written in Swift to get that feature - which probably won't ever happen. I don't know, I'm so conflicted. I wore my Epix all day today for the first time in the past week and just felt "home". But I missed the connectivity. I'm torn lol.
I’m a dedicated Fenix user and I have the ultra and am trying to figure out whether to keep the AWU. I’m not following you on this concern though: why didn’t you put AllTrails on you AWU? Swipe right twice and it shows the map (download to your phone before hand as you always have to)? Why run WorkOutDoors and AllTrails at the same time? I also never used the Fenix for the maps because it’s too hard to mess with a watch size map. I use inReach mini and Earthmate for actual backcountry navigation but AllTrails for simple well marked hikes. Can’t imagine relying on a watch for actual nav. In that case isn’t AllTrails on Ultra better? Or have you had a different experience?
@@Calidastas That's my point, using one device instead of juggling through multiple. I rely heavily on my Fenix for my backcountry adventures and never had any problems. Apple watch ultra feels more like a phone on my wrist not an “explorer” watch, as they put it. All trails maps on the watch are a joke. TOPO maps are a standard on the industry.
But at the end of the day It’s Apple. Everything on their time. I still think the ultra is a fantastic piece of gear, just not an “explorer” piece of gear. Yet!
Apple does a try before you buy with the Ultra?! Thats pretty sick. I got an Apple Watch in 2021 - I specifically use it for powerlifting and walking in terms of using it for a workout. But for the most part I really like the sleep tracking aspect. Their new update is really great for sleep specs! I was really following the rumors on the ultra - hoping I could justify it as it was being deemed the rugged watch for athletes but alas, its kind of an explorer watch / cardio watch. I enjoyed learning about the Garmin. Honestly I never did any research with it nor did I ever consider it as I wanted a smart watch in addition to a fitness/sleep tracker. It's insane how apple doesn't have a resume workout function. Or even if you select the wrong type of workout, the ability to switch it. Did you end up keeping the ultra?
Hey man, yeah, so they don't do a demo thing but you can return products that didn't work for you at retailers, obviously. I ended up returning the watch to Best Buy but had to pay a restocking fee. Worth the trial, IMO. The Epix just fits for me in the long run. I liked the cellular feature on the Ultra but it's just not there with features (why no maps?!) and battery life. If you're 100% in on the Apple Watch, it's a no brainer, but if you're open to Garmin, it's a much more difficult decision.
@@oxeneers I've been watching a lot of videos on the Garmin EPIX GEN2 so far I'm liking what I'm hearing I went ahead and ordered it two days ago. Express mail should be here Monday ha ha I'm usually at Apple person I just didn't care for playing with the demo in the store. I didn't like how it fit my wrist and I've watched plenty of videos so far on the Apple Watch Ultra in the Garmin. I love that super bright display on epix. Plus, I don't care for being bothered while I'm working out whether it's outdoors or in the gym I don't need to be bothered by other people texting and calling me so having the Garmin would be probably a good thing for me I need fitness related stuff with a lot of data to Apple Watch Ultra doesn't seem to offer that sort of thing as for the watch I'm disappointed in Apple as I thought it would have more data tracking stuff. I like the Garmin connect that I'm learning about so I'm getting the watch on Monday express mail from Best Buy squad protection plan so it came to $1165 then I ordered the heart rate monitor from Garmin as well on Amazon sold separately $135
Between epix 2 and fenix 7x which one is better?
If the Epix had a 51mm variant (7x size), it'd be a no brainer. The bigger watch is so amazing. The AMOLED is superior but it really needs to be in a 51mm body.
Is there race predictor on the AW ultra?
No - there's some race functionality coming but it's very bare bones. The Garmin is world's away.
Looking into my first smartwatch / fitness watch. I run on occasion but do road/gravel bike a lot more. I was all gung ho about getting the FR 955 as it's a great value buy... but then I started looking at the whole Garmin line. Confusing to say the least now. I'm an Android guy, so if I go smartwatch... I like the GW 5 Pro ($143 with Fitbit trade in). FR 955 = $400. Epix Steel version, 720 while the Titanium is 800... with Garmin 20% off codes. I don't think I'd ever use the maps to be honest with the way that I understand how it works (GPX files, loading courses, etc.). If this had address entry or POI entry and turn by turn Nav, that would be something interesting ala a Garmin cycling computer. The map seem Gimicky to me. The music and BT pairing issues has me concerned if I go FR or Epix, as I'd like to load music and have a solid headphone experience without disconnects. Do you get frequent disconnects when pairing your headphones with the EPIX? How about the Steel vs. Titanium option? I like the look of the Steel version and it's a bit cheaper. Sapphire I know is more scratch resistant, but can supposedly shatter more easily? Any advice you can lend I'm all ears.
First watch, especially your first fitness watch? Let's make it easy and go for the Forerunner 255 (Music or No Music). The 955 is nice but how much will you be using the mapping? If a lot, then get the 955. You can eventually upgrade to an Epix. I think, right now, you won't gain anything from the Epix over the FR255/955.
Next min he runs out of battery life with the apple on the walk home lol
Yep!!!
@@oxeneers why I never would buy an Apple Watch man.. it’s annoying that I have to watch my phone battery all the time lol
If you want Apple Watch to dim the screen just turn “Always On” setting To “Yes”(turn on) on screen settings.
Which one did you keep?
Hey man! Believe it or not, I kept the Epix and then sold it and got the Enduro 2. I think I've found my "home" with this watch. I will make a video detailing why as I think it's an interesting journey. But if you want AMOLED, the Epix is a hell of an experience!
@@oxeneers nice. I returned my Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar and got the Epix 2
@@oxeneers How are you feeling about Enduro 2 thus far? After seeing this comparison (well done btw), I’m surprised that you didn’t keep the Epix.
I had a Fenix 7x for about a month to test and found it a bit too large relative to the Epix + missed the AMOLED screen. The flashlight though was nice.
That was alot of rambling, if I had done the same video, it might have been worth mentioning that the garmin Epix 2 is the brightest AMOLED display garmin currently makes. Another factor being you can setup friends with the garmin, and almost all of the neat features transition easily into more budget friendly options like the forerunner 955.
Thanks for watching and for your feedback!
You'r right ☝️ i have a Garmin venu 3 and the galaxy watch 6 44mm. My Garmin is way bether for the health and fitness tracking and with 14 dans battery life VS 40h for the galaxy watch.
Dude somethings is wrong with your settings, In workout app it will not revert back to that dumb “time screen”. You can get that 1 sec refresh rate workout screen like on epix. I do feel you same struggles epix or ultra. And I also do more work than workout. So leaning towards ultra at the moment
Interesting - I am a pretty intelligent guy - maybe not haha - and cannot find any setting to remove this. I can extend the time it takes but it always reverts back to that screen.
Try Settings -> Always On Display -> Show Apps -> Make sure toggle on and workout app is enabled @@oxeneers
Health is most important = get epix. Plus we all have our smart phone on us all the time, why we need an extra smart watch
The question for me is do I really want to be getting pings and buzzes when I receive a text while I’m on a beautiful hike ? So I think Garmin is the way to go. Nice video
I feel that Apple is eventually going to have recovery metrics or a body battery type of idea. And if not a 3rd party will step in and make tons of money doing it. Athlytic and training today might be enough to bridge the gap for now. The Apple Watch hardware feels more solid and the user experience is just fantastic.
Still hard to give up my garmin though for the reasons you mentioned.
Totally. I posted on Facebook about Athlytic - here are my thoughts: "I think Athlytic is great - I did pay $29 for the whole year even though I am probably sticking with my Garmin primarily - but it relies too heavily on HRV status. If my HRV was poor the night before (maybe caffeine before bed, etc.), then it says I am "overtrained" even though I haven't done a workout in a couple days. Garmin is a bit better here, but still far from ideal. I know you can move things around with Athyltic but for $29 a year, I really expected more sadly."
But yes, the AWU in a few years (for Series 3 or 4) will be compelling but it'll be curious to see where Garmin is by then. The existence of the AWU has already pushed Garmin to release wrist-based running power, which was something they were clearly sitting on software-wise but hesitated to release to the market because it would affect sales of running pods, etc.
Interesting times ahead for sure!
Apple Watch Ultra looks great but there biggest fail is the health/condition apps, thats nothing more then a bulkset without any kind of useful overviews and interpretation.
The most annoying thing of the apple watch I think are these rings ... to childiss.
Totally agree. And I didn't talk about it enough in this video - maybe in a future one - but the web interface for Garmin Connect is also incredibly useful. Your data sits in Apple Health and Apple Health doesn't have a web interface nor does it even have a Desktop (macOS) or iPadOS app. Kind of frustrating.
My data in Garmin Connect is able to be backed up, looked at, for years to come.
Someone help me understand the obsession with battery life on watches. You have to sleep every night, right? I just charge then. Are there a bunch of people sleeping with their watch on? Maybe that’s what i am missing?
For me, it's a continuity thing. I really appreciate the 24/7 nature of Garmin's analytics tracking. Helps you see true trends and true RHR, etc. They also have great HRV Status that is running in the background 24/7.
It's wild, to me, that the AWU isn't doing 24/7 HR tracking and yet the Garmin Enduro 2 is doing 24/7 HR tracking + HRV status tracking and still has a month of battery life. In short, I don't think it's as much an "obsession" about battery life that it is an appreciation for what Garmin is able to accomplish.
Most users want a watch that is all-around good and can be dressed up. Garmin sucks at everything except fitness.
I hear you - I do think the newer Garmin watches can be dressed up with the right band. I think the Marq series that just got updated is exceptional for dress. But very expensive, obviously.
Epix is sports watch. Apple Ultra is not for sports but smart watch…. SMH …. LOL. What a reason to buy “ULTRA” watch
Yep - the Apple Watch Ultra still has a long ways to go before it can call itself a "Sports Watch". Can you use it for Sports and Fitness? Absolutely. But it's nowhere near Garmin.
The question is not which of these to buy... The answer is to buy some other watch! These are very expensive, spend the money on other things!