Garmin Epix Gen 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Verdict
Garmin's Epix Gen 2 and Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra represent different philosophies in premium smartwatch design. Samsung delivers superior health tracking with ECG and skin temperature monitoring, a brighter 480x480 AMOLED display (3000 nits peak), and the versatility of Wear OS 5 with cellular connectivity. Its 60-hour battery in Power Saving mode outpaces Garmin's 16-day smartwatch mode significantly. However, Garmin excels in dedicated sports tracking, multi-band GPS accuracy, and exceptional everyday battery longevity without sacrificing features. The Epix Gen 2 remains lighter and offers proven durability for outdoor enthusiasts. Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra edges ahead for comprehensive health monitoring and integration with Android ecosystems, plus its MIL-STD certification adds ruggedness. At $250 less, it delivers substantially better value. Choose Samsung for smartwatch completeness; select Garmin for focused fitness excellence and multi-week autonomy.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Epix Gen 2 if…
- →Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- →16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- →Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if…
- →Premium titanium build with 10ATM water resistance and MIL-STD durability
- →Bright 3000-nit Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection
- →Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for precise outdoor tracking
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Garmin Epix Gen 2
Pros
- Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- 16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
- 10ATM water resistance and flashlight for extreme conditions
- Touchscreen plus 5-button interface for flexible navigation
Cons
- $899 starting price — Sapphire edition exceeds $1,000
- Heavy at 70-76 g — noticeable compared to lighter smartwatches
- 14.5mm thickness is very chunky under shirt cuffs
- No cellular or phone call capability despite the premium price
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Pros
- Premium titanium build with 10ATM water resistance and MIL-STD durability
- Bright 3000-nit Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection
- Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for precise outdoor tracking
- Big 590 mAh battery delivers up to 100 hours in Power Saving mode
- Customizable Quick Button for fast access to workouts and apps
Cons
- Very expensive at $649 — Samsung's priciest watch yet
- Only one 47mm size, too large for smaller wrists
- BioActive sensor and BP/ECG features require Samsung phone
- Design closely mimics Apple Watch Ultra
- Limited third-party app ecosystem versus Apple Watch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Epix Gen 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 76 g (steel) / 70 g (titanium) | 60.5 g |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel / titanium bezel | Titanium Grade 4 |
| Water resistance | 10ATM | 10ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 16 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS | Up to 60 hours in Power Saving mode (590 mAh) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 47mm (1.3 inches) | 47mm (1.5") |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED with Sapphire Crystal glass, up to 3000 nits |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 480 x 480 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Samsung Exynos W1000 (3nm, 5-core) |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
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 Garmin products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Garmin Epix Gen 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.