Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 1st Gen excels with its vibrant LTPO OLED display, premium titanium construction, and comprehensive health suite including ECG and skin temperature monitoring. Battery life reaches 36 hours standard, extending to 60 in Low Power Mode. Garmin Forerunner 955 prioritizes endurance athletes with exceptional battery longevity: 15 days smartwatch mode and 42 hours GPS (extended via solar), plus superior sport-specific tracking through Connect IQ apps. Its MIP display prioritizes legibility over vividness in sunlight. Apple's ecosystem integration, cellular connectivity, and advanced biometrics make it ideal for general users seeking daily smartwatch functionality. Garmin suits serious runners and multisport athletes prioritizing battery independence and specialized training metrics. Value favors Garmin at $499 versus Apple's $799 premium positioning. For everyday wear with premium features, Apple wins; for adventure sports requiring minimal charging, Garmin prevails.
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 Forerunner 955 if…
- →Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- →Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- →Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
Category Scores
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 Forerunner 955
Pros
- Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
- Solar model extends battery to 20 days — charge once or twice a month
- Music storage and playback without needing your phone
Cons
- MIP display looks dull compared to AMOLED on the Forerunner 265
- 14.4mm thick — chunky profile under dress shirt cuffs
- No touchscreen — button-only navigation
- Solar variant adds $100 for marginal battery improvement indoors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 53 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) | 5ATM |
| 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 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 46.5mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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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 Forerunner 955.