Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
The Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) and Garmin Fenix 8 Pro sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) is the cheaper of the two at $799 versus $1,200, a difference of about $401. The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) stands out for titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving, while Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is praised for inreach satellite + cellular connectivity. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) if…
- →Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- →36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- →2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
Buy the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro if…
- →inReach satellite + cellular connectivity
- →Up to 27 days battery (AMOLED)
- →MicroLED display option ($1999)
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
Pros
- Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- 36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- 2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking even in canyons
- Action Button is customizable for workouts, compass, and more
Cons
- 49mm case is very large — may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- Heavy at 61.3 g compared to standard Apple Watch models
- $799 is expensive for a first-generation product
- S8 chip is the same as Series 8 — no processing advantage
- Only one 49mm size option with no smaller variant
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
Pros
- inReach satellite + cellular connectivity
- Up to 27 days battery (AMOLED)
- MicroLED display option ($1999)
- LTE voice calls and two-way messaging
- Built for extreme outdoor adventures
Cons
- $1199 starting price ($1999 MicroLED)
- No ECG sensor
- Garmin OS lacks app ecosystem of watchOS/Wear OS
- 73g is heavy on the wrist
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Garmin Fenix 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 73 g (47mm AMOLED) |
| Case material | Titanium | Titanium bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) | Up to 27 days (AMOLED smartwatch mode) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 47mm / 51mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED or MicroLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | — |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Garmin proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) or the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.