Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra targets premium users seeking robust health monitoring and tight iOS integration, featuring an always-on LTPO OLED display, ECG capability, and titanium construction rated for 40m scuba diving. Battery reaches 36 hours with standard use and 60 hours in Low Power Mode. Garmin Venu 2 Plus prioritizes endurance athletes and value-conscious buyers with exceptional 9-day battery life in smartwatch mode, SpO2 tracking, and lighter 51g design. Its 5ATM water resistance suits swimming but lacks deep-dive certification. Display resolution matches at 416x416 pixels, though Apple's screen offers superior color and brightness. Garmin excels in battery longevity and fitness-specific features, while Apple dominates in health sensors, processor power, and ecosystem seamlessness. Budget matters significantly: the $350 price difference favors Garmin for practical value, yet Ultra justifies premium pricing for divers and Apple loyalists. Choose Ultra for comprehensive health data and premium materials, Venu 2 Plus for weekend-lasting battery and serious fitness tracking.
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 Venu 2 Plus if…
- →Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- →Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- →Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
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 Venu 2 Plus
Pros
- Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
- 9-day battery with AMOLED is excellent
- On-watch music storage with Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer
Cons
- No cellular — phone calls require Bluetooth connection to phone
- No multi-band GPS — less precise in urban canyons
- $449 approaches Apple Watch Ultra territory
- Stainless steel bezel adds bulk at 51 g
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Garmin Venu 2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 51 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Stainless steel bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case |
| 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 9 days (smartwatch), 24 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 43mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 416 x 416 |
| 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 Venu 2 Plus.