Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Garmin Venu 3
The Verdict
Both smartwatches excel in health tracking with ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, and sleep monitoring, but serve different priorities. Apple Watch Ultra features a premium titanium build rated for scuba diving (40m depth), the S8 SiP processor for superior app performance, and cellular connectivity, justifying its $799 price point for users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. Garmin Venu 3 delivers exceptional battery longevity, lasting 14 days in smartwatch mode versus Ultra's 36 hours, making it ideal for adventure athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Display quality favors Apple's LTPO OLED Retina screen with 410x502 resolution, while Garmin matches with a 454x454 AMOLED display. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing battery life and fitness features, Garmin Venu 3 offers remarkable value at half the price. However, if you need daily cellular independence, faster app responsiveness, and premium materials, Apple Watch Ultra justifies the investment.
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 3 if…
- →Outstanding 14-day battery life with AMOLED display
- →Comprehensive health tracking including ECG and skin temperature
- →Built-in speaker and microphone for calls
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 3
Pros
- Outstanding 14-day battery life with AMOLED display
- Comprehensive health tracking including ECG and skin temperature
- Built-in speaker and microphone for calls
- Advanced sleep coaching and nap detection
- Multi-band GNSS for accurate GPS tracking
Cons
- No third-party app ecosystem like Wear OS
- Limited smartwatch features compared to Apple/Samsung
- No cellular connectivity option
- Garmin Pay supports limited banks
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Garmin Venu 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 47 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case |
| Water resistance | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) | 5 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 14 days smartwatch mode, 26 hours GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 1.4 inch |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | — |
| 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 3.