Why I swapped my Apple Watch Ultra for a Garmin Fenix 7 Pro!
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- I’ve been testing the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar for the last few weeks and it’s brought me to a startling conclusion about the Apple Watch Ultra. Find out what I think during an 11-mile hike around London in my full Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar review!
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
01:33 - Specs and pricing
05:04 - Smartwatch capabilities
07:11 - Apple Watch realisation
09:01 - Conclusion
Are you a Garmin or an Apple Watch kinda person?
Garmin... Got a Garmin two years ago.. And ended up ditching my iPhone too...😮
Garmin. But it is the same than with PC OS, you use what is good and handy for you. For me, I'm not interested having a phone #2 in my wrist. Yes, phone in watch is handy and even safety feature, no doubt of that, but I have my phone with me anyway because it is easier to use. I'm sooooo bored to charge every bleeping device all the time so at least my watch should not be one to charge after a 2-4 days. (but I also think that situation might get better with apple sooner or later, maybe. We'll see...) I like Garmin data and how it is presented, it's a big fitness motivator for (not very sporty) me. I also do not like the look of ultra. Sorry apple fans (not actually sorry), but it's shape looks like luggage to me. Ultra is good smart watch, but I'm not interested having smart watch, I want dedicated sports watch and that's Garmin for me. And don't forget many other brands, Suunto, Polar, Coros etc.
Garmin since tne Fenix 3 💪
Garmin on right wrist. Galaxy watch 6 classic on left wrist..... Its why humans have two - isn't it?
Garmin.
At the moment its Garmin all the way ..- I love you have all the data build in the watch. Key factors for me; Body battery, training readiness, Heart rate viability, performance condition , stamina. Beside that I love all the navigation options.
Simply amazing high quality and thought in your videos. I absolutely love and really appreciate how much time each video must take you in both the planning and editing. Much of your work is nearly invisible, which is what great video production should be. Love the content, just love everything about your channel. Thank you for everything.
This comment has already made my day - thank you 😊
I switched to Garmin from an Apple Watch about two years ago. I have my Fenix 6S Pro for over a year now and one of the main reasons to keep using it is in fact battery life. Also I like the Watch look over the square form of the Apple Watch.
Same here. Having to charge my Apple Watch Ultra every other day got old. I’ve been using my Garmin Instinct 2x Tactical and with 30+ days in between charging I couldn’t go back
My hat is off to you for another awesome video. Thanks. I really like your “walking tour” videos and getting a peek at all the sights and sounds around you. Having been to London several times, I understand why you say it is the greatest city. Nothing compares to sitting in a London pub with some friends and having a pint or two (maybe three) with some good pub food. Simply wonderful!
Ah, thank you! Glad you're enjoying these videos. I love making them.
Thank you for a well-balanced review with some nice landscapes in the background. I am also a two watch user. I use my Samsung Watch 5 pro as an extension of my phone and Suunto Vertical as my running watch. Although Samsung 5 pro has a decent battery life and sport tracking options it simply fails when put to more extreme conditions. It would switch off for safety reasons when exposed to Italian sun, when in water it has to be on water lock function and you can't operate it till you dry it out again (it will still tell you the time of course when submerged but that's it). If you go away even for a few days, you need to take a charger with you. Suunto actually benefits from hot weather as it has a solar panel, no need to charge it if you are away for a week even during proper expeditions. Unfortunately, sometimes I end up wearing two watches, for example if I go for a longer run and want to be able to pick up a phone call during the activity without reaching for my phone but if I was to choose between them I would go for Suunto because of its durability and battery life.
Once again, many thanks for a solid real-life review 👍
Garmin hands down. Garmin has always been rugged, reliable, excellent battery life and very intuitive. I don't need all the smart features on a watch, simple text notifications and ability to play music via bt earbuds is plenty. Love my Garmin Enduro 2 and recently picked up the Fenix 7 Pro.
Garmin is a tool watch. It does what it needs to do and does it very well, right ? No fluff.
Worth pointing out that the Apple Watch Ultra was brought out to try to grab some of the sports pie from Garmin, Polar et al. rather than the other way around. It's an activity watch which links to your phone, rather than a smartwatch in the Apple sense. I swap between my AW7 for daytime and my Fenix 6Pro for my workouts. If you want the OLED display, go for the Garmin Epix series which does the F7 stuff with the nice display. I have used the Fenix as my daily and nightly watch but honestly it's a bit bulky for my daily use. There's also a gotcha on the AW series where they by default will pair and use the iPhone's GPS rather than its own, and that is not accurate (I did some testing to see what was going on there). In terms of the data you get, it's about what you're using it for. I use all the fitness data and find the AW doesn't tell me enough, but unless you're interested in that aspect the AW do a reasonable job. Their dive into the fitness market has certainly shaken up the Garmins/Polars of the world into trying to do more of the user friendly stuff so that's a good thing.
I own both and love both. Each watch has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Garmin is the king of GPS and navigation. Apple is the king of smart features. I daily drive the Apple, but take my garmin anytime I’m doing outside activities. If I were to only have one, I’d definitely go Garmin. It’s definitely meant more for active people that spend a lot of time outdoors. The Apple for me is just really convenient. They are both awesome!
I actually wear my Garmin to bed for sleep tracking and in the shower.
I treat my Apple Watch as an extension of my iPhone and I’ve started wearing hearing aids in June and I’m able to use my Apple Watch to control my hearing aids instead of using my iPhone and there’s no way my Garmin would be able to do that because Garmin does not talk to Apple and my hearing aids are made for iPhone or MFI. I have an Apple Watch Series 8 And I’m debating on trading it in on an Ultra 2 for battery life alone! Lol G
My first Garmin was the Fenix 7 after various Apple Watches over the years. It was actually the release of the Ultra that made me get a Fenix as I realised the Fenix was more Ultra than an Ultra. When the Pros came out I got the Epix Pro and that has been perfect watch for me with the Amoled screen.
I’ve been using Forerunners for years and want to switch to Epix/Fenix. How long does Epix actually last using it daily for at least 1 hour GPS activity/day?
@@jkbdbrvck I haven't used it for 1 hour gps every day, but not long ago I went away for a long weekend, did two gym workouts and it lasted for 6 days with a bit left when I put it on charge. That's on medium brightness and always on, sleep mode on (so screen goes off at night). Hope that helps
How were the differences for you between Apple and Garmin, in usability? What are the benefits of both sides?
I have a Garmin that is dying (lower budget range) and am now spread between getting another Garmin or a Apple Watch 9. Budget would be max 500 euros.
I’ve got the Epix Gen 2 and the Ultra. I prefer the Ultra, but use the Epix for mountain biking and anything that requires long battery life. They are not the same and can’t be compared. One is an every day lifestyle watch with enough activity tracking for what most people do, the other is a beast that is probably over kill for what most people do.
@@mavfan1 always one.
What fitness features do you think the ultra lacks? As a long distance runner and triathlete I’m tossing up between the two watches but I want to know what I’d be missing if I went with the ultra
@@pm7364 Hi mate, good question. I guess you can get the data, but the native app doesn’t give you what the Garmin watch/connect app has integrated already. From what I experience, you have to have various apps to get the data. For instance, analytic subscription, maybe zones app etc for equivalent of body battery etc that Garmin has on their watches.
I’m not slating the Applewatch at all as I think it’s great. It’s just I think there is too much fuss. It depends on what you want. If it’s just pace, distance and HR zones, anything will do.
Each person is different though. You may have exactly what you require with the AWU. It is good enough, just not Garmin level. I hope that helps.
Awesome balanced review ! Thank you for not taking sides and distinguishing the apple garmin difference
Glad you spotted that - thanks, mate!
I have the garmin fenix 5X and I love this watch. I had Apple Watches in the past but I always come back to the garmin. All of the Apple Watch advantages does not bother me because I carry my phone everywhere I go.
I had a Garmin Fenix years ago, switched to an Apple Watch series 3 but got fed up with charging and not being able to run for longer than 2 hrs. I bought a Garmin Instinct in 2018. I did buy an Apple Watch series 6, but it wasn't long before I sold it and went back to my Instinct that I'm still wearing nearly 5 years later. I get notifications. The battery life is still awesome. And it reminds me of the much loved Casio Pro-Trek I had for years... still if you decide to sell the Garmin, let me know :)
Try any Garmin with an android phone, the integration is way higher and the experience is far better. I use a Fenix 6 Pro and I moved from iPhone 14 Pro Max to Z Fold 4, you can manage notifications in a completely different way. Apple ecosystem is always good only with Aplle devices, as you say frequently too
I have been back and forth with Apple Watch and Garmin this year, I just returned the Garmin Epix Pro 51mm. I loved that watch, I loved the battery life, and I loved the buttons. But, I am not a regular hiker, and I am not a serious runner, in fact, I hate running but I do it as I feel good afterwards. I went back to the Apple watch in the end because I DO like unlocking my Mac with my watch, I do like paying easily for things, and I do like turning the volume up and down on my podcasts and music while my phone is elsewhere, I do like closing my rings, I do like seeing Snoopy do silly things on the watch face. I love that when I am driving using Apple Maps when it is time to turn, my watch vibrates and makes the indicator sound, I find it easier to jump into an activity on the Apple Watch or find my notifications, or use it on the trams and tubes to clock in and out of stations, I do like asking Siri to set a timer. I love the weather animations on the Apple Watch, the UI feels more intuitive. The Garmin is a rugged, outdoors, fitness device, and ultimately if you are going to charge 700 -1000 for a device you want it also does all the smart things the Apple Watch can do, which is why I am sticking with Apple for now.
Controlling the volume on my phone with the watch buttons is way better than any touch screen. I can do it blind white doing 15 on a skateboard
Great choice.
im right there with you I returned my garmin after one day of use. The AWU does so many things better then the garmin that even the battery life doesn't make me want to get the garmin.
How long does apple battery last?
@@paulrodrigues5562 about 3 days with regular use. If you mess with the battery settings you might get a day or 2 more.
Daily drive Garmin 6 pro solar for two years now. I love it. I wanted something that had long battery life and would give me notifications. I am looking at the 7 but maybe will wait on an 8. I love everything about it.
Great video! I had both and kept my Fenix 7x pro but the ultra is incredible as well, just depends what is important to you. If I could I would have both lol
I currently I’m using a Apple Watch 6 and I’m looking at the Garmin fenix 7 pro and I’m looking at the Suunto vertical and the race. Do you have any experience with the Suunto watches?
Love the review while strolling around London town, nice work and great watch
Glad you enjoyed it!
I got talked into getting a Samsung Galaxy watch 5 pro... fully a smart watch and battery last 3 to 4 days, 2 with heavy feature use and tbh its kinda perfect.. i really don't think im taking a full vantage of all the features and im think about getting a Garmin at some point, but im interested does it have alarms and timers that vibrate so that you can actually wake up? Or just can't miss the alarm in general... i really need basic functions on daily the most. The GW5 pro has good workout and sleep tracking, would garmin offer really anything to me, apart from cool watch and excellent battery life?
I agree, London is fantastic. I’m an Apple guy that would appreciate 5 days on an Ultra.
I was a Garmin watch user for 10 years (various things inc Forerunners, Fenixes) before a new job (with health insurance) gave me an AW7. I'd just obtained a new Foreunner 945 the month before, tried the AW7 for a couple of days....loved it so much that I sold the 945 the week after.
It's important to note that charging on the AW7 is really quick. I can go out for a run for an hour, lose 5% of battery, stick it on charge while in the shower and we're back at 100%. It's similar to managing phone battery life and we're all used to that. I've done multiway trips, and just took a power bank and stuck the watch on charge while sleeping. Marathons are no problem for it, ultras take some more consideration.
But that speaks to a more modern problem, one we didn't used to have- recording everything. Do we need to? SOIDH? Anyway, it's a nice to have.
I recently erred and flirted with a Venu 2 Plus. I lasted an hour, back to the AW.
Your post made me laugh mate. Everything you said is spot on. The AW is more addictive than sugar itself...
Its like crack :) @@hdmedia7404
Good video, have you tried the Epix yet. I went from the Fenix 6 to the forerunner 965 which i love.
I loved seeing you walk around London! Such a cool view to have along with your review 🔥
Glad you enjoyed it!
Especially those Royal Guards marching
Marky Mark. I can't tell how long i've been looking for a review like this. Great stuff and many thanks! I'm subbed!
Welcome onboard!
A very nice review, just what I have been looking for... This looks like it will work very well for me.
In November ( waiting for black Friday sales ) I'm getting the Garmin Enduro 2 or Fenix 7x pro, but I'm keeping my AW Ultra, unless someone makes me an offer that's too good to refuse.
Great video Mark, that battery life is amazing! But Apple Pay, AirPod compatibility and Apple Music aren’t things I could live without. PS VO2 Max of 48? Show off! 😀
I just bought the Epix pro sapphire. I got that version for the better screen, heart rate monitor and O2 monitor. I can charge once a week, no problem.
I have the Garmin Marq2 Captain. Best Garmin I’ve tried. Take a look at the Marq series Mark!
Mark! Thanks Much!
I has an Apple Watch 3 , I bought the ultra and I returned it for a forrunner 745 at 75% off :) I don’t know what type of screen the 745 has but when there’s sun , Holly Molly the screen is bright like the sun ! I only enabled my iMessages and sms/mms notification, everything else has a smart notification is disabled. I use my iPhone to pay , so it’s not a problem for me
I have genuinely, for the last three weeks been asking myself the question “do I stick with my Apple Watch 6, get a Garmin Fenix/Epix or the Ultra”. You nearly swayed me Mark, but I’ve just ordered myself an Ultra for the measly sum of £600!
What size did you choose?
How long did it take you to get the Garmin watch after you ordered it?
Thank you for such a good usage-content of using a Garmin watch! -> BUT thank you also for such a great video while walking in London! Great city - have to visit it again
Very nice video, you should try the Epix Pro 2 as well, it's like a Garmin Fenix 7 Pro but with a better Amoled display (and a worst battery), the comparison with the Apple Watch Ultra would be on the same level
Great comparison. I should be an apple watch person - I have an ipad and an iphone. I only use probably 50% of the features my Garmin offers, especially as I'm not that in to fitness other than hiking. The Apple watch is almost certainly a MUCH better smart watch than a Garmin. But. I just can't get past the fact that the battery life on my Garmin is measured in weeks, even with occasional hike recording. If Apple made a watch that had even 1 week battery life I'd be there, but at the moment they don't.
I have a MacBook, Iphone, Ipad but the Iwatch is of no consequence to me. Garmin wins hands down for running etc.
Awesome review, been thinking about a garmin for my hiking etc and not on apple so this was great yo see. Was this filmed on the DJI osmo action 4? If so did you tweak the sharpness/noisr reduction settings as im trying to work out whats best on mine and your vid looked great!!🙌👍
Glad you enjoyed it! And yep it was - and everything is straight out of camera, no tweaking at all.
@@MarkEllisReviews awesome, it really is an amazing wee camera. I'm slowly learning editing on DaVinci Resolve and colour graded my first D-Log footage from it the other day. 💪🙌
Ive used Garmins for years, had an Apple Watch then got a Fenix 6 pro solar and was blown away by how good it was. Had been looking at an Apple Watch Ultra but going for a Fenix 7 as it ticks all the boxes for me plus the battery life is amazing
I bought the Instinct 2 Solar Tactical. I hardly ever have to charge it. It does most things I need it for. I do use an Iphone and would buy an Apple watch but it is the battery life that puts me off. I also like the diver watch style and military style watches. I would like to try the Ultra and see how I felt with it, but it's an expensive exercise to buy two expensive watches. I'll stick with my Instinct 2.
Nice concept of review!
Glad you think so!
Two watch guy myself. Garmin Epix2 Pro 51mm for daily driver and the ultra for my long weekend runs when I want cellular capabilities. I'd gladly sacrifice half the battery life of the EPIX if Garmin would add LTE.
Not that I don't appreciate your reviews, but the best part of this video for me personally was the virtual tour of London 🙂
I love this city so much!!!
I’m no trekker or runner but I did get 25 days from my honor watch that cost me about £150 about 4 years ago. I moved to an Apple Watch 5 last year which also cost me the same, I was concerned about the 1 day battery life but to be honest it hasn’t been an issue I just put it on the charge stand when I’m in the shower or around the house. And I love the whole apple eco system as you mentioned. I use so many apps that I use for notifications, my security camera pops up a photo of what it’s seen, and it’s connected to Siri that I can use to reply to messages or turn on and off smart devices.
But if I was serious about outdoors I’d go with a garmin as they seem to do the best tracking watches.
I had the apple watch , then the garmin 7X and finally the Epix pro 51, in my opinion the best of both worlds
Well the great thing is that there is a choice and we can all get what we like. I'm a pretty serious marathon runner with two marathons a year and around 3.000 km. total running annually - And in my case a COROS or Garmin might be marginally better for the runs themselves, but for the 99% of the day when I don't run - the Apple Watch Ultra just kicks them with the smart capability. Apple is catching up to much of the sports features gradually and it's great enough for me - especially with the build in LTE for music/emergency phone calls etc.
Exactly - it's all about choice.
Love my Fenix 6X Sapphire. No argument from this American: London’s the best.
recently made the switch from an AW series 7 to the Epix pro and i don’t miss the apple watch at all. My only complaint at the moment is the psycho overly priced watch bands lol
Great vid! I really like Suunto and Garmin which makes me a 2-watch guy with a Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar on my right wrist and a Suunto Vertical Solar on my left wrist. I feel like an outdoor king 😜🌲⛰️
Maybe when the price will decrease I will purchase a Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar... 🤔
I just really long battery outdoor devices! 😊
Regards from Belgium 🇧🇪
I have had the Epic Gen 2 for 9 months now having had an Apple Watch for years previous. I really miss the Apple Watch and would take it hands down over every aspect of the Garmin, bar the battery. If you combine Workoutdoors with the Apple Watch and Rungo, you have the best sports watch hands down. The only reason I went with the Garmin is that I have got into Ultramarathons and the Apple Watch simply won't last a single race (at least not at the pace I run!).
Hi Mark, with what camera did you record outside? And did you color grade the video or is this SOOC? Thnx
All shot on the DJI Osmo Action 4, straight out of the camera 👍
@@MarkEllisReviews looks nice.... Little bit HDR to the extreme but i like it!
While I consider myself to be a very active person (6 days a week of workouts, 10-15 hikes and overnight backpacking trips a year, 4 bike rides a weeks, etc) most of the time, I want a good smart watch, not a marathon sports watch. Other than some overnight backpacking, nothing I do requires battery life beyond what the Apple Watch Ultra provides. A small battery pack does the trick for me. So, there is no question which is a better use for my money. If I ever do get into long distance running/biking, I think Garmin's offerings are unparalleled.
I've been wearing the Fenix line since the 3. They're so impressive and the battery is in fact insane. They're nearly bullet proof, and one has never failed me.
I even like that they're "dumber" than other smart watches. It's nice having a watch that's really good at being a watch and that's it.
Mark, a few tips:
The watch will autopause runs, just turn on the feature and set the minimum speed to like 4-6 mph. I think there's also a feature to autosave, but I don't use that.
If you want even better battery life with less compromise than the battery saver mode, turn off pulse ox.
Apple watch is great, only thing i wish they offer is some fitness analysis like garmin connect, telling how fit you are. Until then i'll keep using garmin.
I own a bunch of these, Apple Watch 6, 7, 8, 9, ultra 1 and 2.
I also have some Garmin watches, instinct, instinct 2, tactix delta, fenix 7X pro sapphire solar, and the Tactix 7 AMOLED. By far my favorite is the Tactix 7 AMOLED with either the factory digital face or SHN TxD II-E by Steve Evers.
The AMOLED display is amazing! The battery life is great, even with lots of use. The only thing I’d like to see is an AMOLED with a solar ring in the Tactix 8 as an upgrade.
If that never happens I’ll stick with the Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED forever!!!
great video! whats your wrist size?
Great video thanks, you and me are on the same page i to have the ultra, and Epix and my views are exactly the same as yours..
These days outdoor activities are limited to walking the dog. Garmin seems a bit of overkill for that. I have been thinking of diving back into a plain old Apple Series 8. I do not need it, goodness knows, and I hesitate to add another thing that needs daily charging. My old Casio came with a ten year battery and is still going strong. I hope I can fight off the urge.
Sir, thanks for this video.
Please advise me and put me on right track please.
I live a normal life, i do not walk a lot, i do not exercise a lot also do not perform any adventure.
Is fēnix 7 Pro - Sapphire Solar still a good choice or i get Apple watch.
Please i request you to guide me on this.
I want buy one time which i can use for next few years.
Yes i work from home, stay at home mostly but walk 1 kilometer daily.
Please advise.
No Mark, I'm not going to fight you over which city is the best 😂 Every person will say their city is the best, no surprises there. I use the Galaxy Watch5 Pro and it's good enough for me. The Fenix 7 Pro looks great, but not for me at the moment. Keep up the good reviews, Mark! Cheers!
Haha - thanks for the kind words!
I am a two watch guy already although mine in a Garmin 6 rather than the 7. Hiking I use Garmin office I use Ultra. Simples!
Yep, same. Apple Watch for day to day. Sports watch for running / hiking. Was Fenix, now Suunto vertical.
What name of watch face at your watch?
Does it have Speed Skating/Roller Skating or Inline Skating?
Strangely enough I think that the latest firmware version for the Fenix watches did add some sort of skating option. Do check as I'm not 100% sure but I think it does.
Having two wrists means you could be wearing two brands of watches. I hear that’s what the cool kids do. I really enjoyed your review. Thanks for making this one. 👌
Glad you enjoyed it! And I’m afraid I really cannot bring myself to wear two watches!
@@MarkEllisReviews - I'm to the point where I feel awkward when I'm not wearing two watches and it's always funny when people find the courage to ask me why I'm wearing both. I tell them I review watches but the truth is that I'm just super used to wearing multiple brands.
😂 I'm torn between different watches too. @@mlegrand
@@fendermon - Garmin and Apple? I tend to recommend Garmin for people who are hard core athletes or who need the battery life. But the Apple is a better smart watch and yet still has pretty good activity tracking. (In particular running) It'll be interesting to see what Apple does next month with announcements.
I'm torn between Garmin watches. I can't even choose a size I prefer. They are all different. I have three and they're great. Never had an Apple watch, but use an Iphone 12. -Cheers@@mlegrand
Just too big to have on my wrist.. prefer the Polar .. slimmer and more discreet.. great review chap, cheers from Oz 🇦🇺
Starling Bank works with Garmin Pay 6:00
Does anyone know if I can use Spotify o Fênix 7 pro or Epix gen 2 ??
I’m willing to give up my AWU and also my iPhone 14 Pro .
I’m very active amateur athlete and don’t bother me not having a Apple Pay , but music , it is really necessary.
Please someone? 🙏🏻
Garmin is one watch to rule them all. 🎉🎉
You are the best
Try running the whole Jubilee route and then see which watch you prefer! Garmin is legendary for it’s GPS accuracy and mapping. Try using their mapping to navigate as well.
Oh yeah, if you’re not ready to run the whole thing use the Garmin built in training and let it help you get there!!
Last 2 Garmins I had, Instinct Solar Tactical and Tactix 7 Pro both broke within 3 months of owning them. Had to send them to Garmin, wait 2-3 weeks until it was sent back, so at the end of the day without a watch. Battery life is a plus on the Garmins, but if the watch dies/freezes for no reason then the battery life doesn't matter. Apple seems sturdy enough for my every day use and camping, hiking.
Ähm if I’m not wrong the here shown watch is not the sapphire version (the one with the orange button is the one without).
Just to be correct 😋
Ive gone the opposite way, I went from Garmin to AWU. I like being able to leave my phone at home and just having the watch but dtill hsving connectivity in case of sn emergency.
my enduro 2 has 35 days on a full charge . i love Garmin
I wish the garmin would close the apple fitness rings it would be amazing
Just connect garmin pay to revolut card
In order to replace Apple Pay
I still don't really understand why taking your watch off at night and charging is an issue? I hate wearing a massive watch to bed personally, and the Apple Watch Ultra can get you through ultras and full Ironmans just fine. So I guess it's a pain if you're doing a workout over a couple of days with no charging, but that's pretty rare. Whereas all the smart features an Apple Watch come with make all Garmins look pretty...naff tbh. the battery life is just such a minor concern with the AW Ultra vs. all the smart benefits and customizability of the look of the Apple Watch...in my opinion. Thanks for the video Mark, good thorough look at both watches.
Yeah, not going to happen till I can make phone calls with the Garmin.
Garmin has it in battery, although I was able to hike across the Grand Canyon, tracked the whole trip and had plenty of power, with my Apple Watch. 🤷♂️. For running marathon, was able to listen to music, call family, get messages, and had another day of power after.
If you need a watch for hiking and running why do you buy as you said "apple on your wrist" in the first place?
Still cannot understand why not the Epix instead of the Fenix? It does has a so much better display and all the functions of the Epix.
The thing that holds me back is that the quantified scientist (UA-cam channel) has tested all smartwatches and the apple are best in HR sensor ánd sleep tracking accuracy. Since a lot of the data of the watches is based on these measurements it’s more accurate..
That did hold me back also, then because my husband bought a Garmin Epix pro . I used both watches during running etc and resting heartrate . And they where spot on from each other. I,m a lifetime Apple Watch user . But I made the switch I love all the metrics the battery life and the look of the watch . Heartrate tracking is amazing
if the garmin have have LTE and the rest features as the apple watch it will the best smart watch of all time i will wait till it get it done so then i can switch
Thanks for this review. Two weeks taking clients and my family out in the Cairngorms, and I charged my F7X Pro once, and even then it was at 50%.
I agree though, it’s not really a smartwatch, although it is smart-ish. I’ve used it daily over the past month for work, and for mountain rescue call outs, and it’s such a robust performer.
It’s not as slick as the Ultra, but it’s perfect for the mountains!
I have a Garmin Venu SQ and am still in doubt between getting a better Garmin Watch (my Venu SQ is showing its age, connection issues and such). Or a Apple Watch 9.
I want the new watch to at least have everything the Venu SQ has. However, I also want something that can last longer. I got this one about 1 year and 3 months ago while many Apple watch owners have theirs like 6 years. The biggest thing against the Apple is the battery.
The ultra is too big for my wrist. And they haven't thought of a Apple Watch Ultra mini.
Don't care much for the headphone stuff, I only use buds or headphones with my phone. Don't mind the password on my mac..
I just don't want to buy a watch every 1.5 years due to it not lasting longer.
On the outside it has not even as much as a scratch on it, it looks as good as new. But the battery time is going down and it loses connection with my iphone more and more often.
My previous watch was a Tomtom, but I believe they don't make them anymore
Wait until you see the Tactix 7 Pro 😊
I use a Fenix 7 pro sapphire solar, I love it. I tried the forunner and epix I always end back with the Fenix Solar idk but I love it. The Apple Watch is absolutely awful for fitness tracking.
i got one of these and returned it the next day. My AWU pairs with my bosch motor, and the ease of use is just sooo much better. As a cyclists I feel the AWU is better. If AWU could add solar or fix the battery problems it might be the best watch. getting to apps is way better on AWU and the software is much better as well. Garmin was laggy and had a bad response time. AWU is lighting fast.
Apple does not support ANT+ so it was never a consideration for me. I am still using my Fenix 3 after all these years and its working very well.
In 2023 garmin epix pro 51 mm is the king 🙂
Doesn't an Apple Watch pull most of its data (altitude, weather, pressure, etc) from the cellular data on your phone? Often times when I need an adventure watch, I don't have service nor do I have access to power for charging. I need a watch that can perform standalone on its own. I don't think the Apple Watch is capable of that?
The 51 Fenix lasts a full month or more!
Cool, but I keep my Bad As% Ultra
Garmin Fenix line-up is simply another level in comparison to any Apple. Apple Watch Ultra is a smartwatch with sport features. Garmin Fenix 7 is the ultimate sport device with smart features.
Yeah, I’m a Garmin fan. It doesn’t have the Apple Watch Ultra apps and integration with the Apple eco system, but boy Garmin has the most cohesive fitness and health metrics of anything out there. In general if you want the best smartwatch and lifestyle watch and you own an iPhone, you need to go with the Apple Watch. But if you care about fitness and health data even a little more than the average consumer, you need to move on to Garmin or any of the other big 4 like Suunto, Polar or Coros. No contest. Closing the rings on an Apple Watch is the most basic way of satisfying those believing that step counting will make you fit. And also, we have to remember that Apple handicaps any non Apple Watch paired to an iPhone. A Garmin paired to an android phone gains some additional features, like replying to messages from the Watch itself. As an exercise physiologist I can tell you that Apple Watch falls way, way short of being the first choice of any endurance athlete, other than the ones that are just as comfortable with tracking their activities with their iPhone.
Apple Ultra is so much better in many ways, screeen, proportions, software, heart rate is much more accurate in Ultra than Garmin, the only one good thing for Garmin is battery , but for me enough 2-3 days with smooth working Apple :)
The price of this particular Garmin in my region is price of an iphone 14 Pro Max 256GB.
Cheeeeese!
Garmin: for when you want to revisit 1994 user interface. Battery life, incredible. Intuitive menu, not at all.
Still love my Fenix 6 sapphire.. Liked my apple watch 5 but it was so fragile in comparison and well looked ... Horrible. 🤣