Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Garmin Venu Sq 2
The Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 1st Gen commands premium pricing at $799, delivering superior performance via the S8 SiP processor, advanced health metrics including ECG and skin temperature monitoring, and impressive 36-hour battery life with low power mode extending to 60 hours. Its titanium construction, LTPO OLED display, and cellular connectivity enable comprehensive fitness tracking and independent communication. Garmin Venu Sq 2 ($249) offers exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers, providing solid AMOLED display quality, 11-day battery longevity in smartwatch mode, and reliable health sensors minus ECG capability. Water resistance differs significantly: Ultra reaches 100m certified for scuba diving versus Venu Sq 2's 5ATM rating. For serious athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, or those prioritizing premium build quality and comprehensive health data, Apple Watch Ultra justifies its investment. However, users seeking daily-wear convenience and extended battery performance will find Garmin's offering compelling, especially given the substantial price difference.
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 Sq 2 if…
- →11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- →AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- →Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
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 Sq 2
Pros
- 11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
- 25+ built-in sport modes with detailed workout analytics
- NFC for Garmin Pay contactless payments
Cons
- No ECG or skin temperature monitoring
- Square design is polarizing — not as elegant as round watches
- Garmin OS has far fewer third-party apps than Wear OS
- No cellular option — phone must be nearby for notifications
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Garmin Venu Sq 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 38 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Aluminum bezel, 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 11 days (smartwatch mode), 26 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 40 mm (1.41 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 320 x 360 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Garmin proprietary |
| 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 Sq 2.