Apple Watch Ultra & Fenix 7 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra rather than the Garmin Fenix 7.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra?
- The Apple Watch Ultra has a brighter & sharper Retina OLED display, which provides up to 3000 nits brightness for better visibility than the Garmin Fenix 7’s MIP screen.
- It has a larger 1.92-inch Always-On Retina OLED Display that allows easier readability, a full-size keyboard for typing, more detailed watch faces, improved accessibility, and a better app experience compared to the Fenix 7’s 1.3-inch MIP screen.
- Apple Watch Ultra has a built-in speaker & microphone for calls and Siri commands, whereas the Garmin Fenix 7 does not support voice communication.
- It includes dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), which provides far more accurate location tracking, especially in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons, than the Garmin Fenix 7’s multi-GNSS support.
- The Apple Watch Ultra supports ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, & skin temperature tracking for health monitoring, whereas the Garmin Fenix 7 lacks ECG and skin temperature features.
- Apple Watch Ultra has built-in cellular connectivity for making calls and sending messages without a phone, while Garmin Fenix 7 lacks cellular support.
- It has an Action Button, which allows quick access to specific functions like workouts, waypoints, or dive tracking, while the Garmin Fenix 7 lacks.
- The Apple Watch Ultra has fast-charging capabilities via USB-C, while the Garmin Fenix 7 lacks fast-charging support.
- It also features a depth sensor and Oceanic+ app for precise measurements during diving and other water-based activities, which are absent in the Garmin Fenix 7.
- The Apple Watch Ultra supports Apple Maps with turn-by-turn navigation for walking, driving, cycling, public transit, running, and hiking, while the Garmin Fenix 7 relies on TopoActive maps, which require manual route planning.
Maybe the Garmin Fenix 7 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Apple Watch Ultra | Garmin Fenix 7 |
Operating System | watchOS 10 | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Display Type | Always-On Retina OLED | Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) |
Display Size | 1.92 inches | 1.3 inches |
Display Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Optimized for sunlight readability |
Touchscreen | Full touchscreen with gestures | Touchscreen available but mainly button navigation |
Display Protection | Sapphire Crystal | Corning Gorilla Glass DX |
Resolution | 502 x 410 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
Battery Life (Power Saving Mode) | Up to 60 hours | Up to 57 hours (GPS mode) |
Charging | Fast charging via USB-C | Standard charging via USB-C |
Water Resistance | WR100 (100m) + EN13319 dive certification (40m) | 10 ATM (100m) |
Dive Mode | Yes (Oceanic+ app support) | No |
GPS Technology | Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) | Multi-band GPS |
Navigation & Mapping | Apple Maps, Backtrack waypoints, turn-by-turn navigation | TopoActive maps, multi-GNSS navigation, route planning |
ECG | Yes | No |
Skin Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
Preloaded Sports Apps | 100+ workout modes, customizable action button | Over 40 preloaded sports apps |
Safety & Emergency Features | Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Crash Detection | Incident Detection, LiveTrack, Assistance Alert |
Smartwatch Features | Full app ecosystem, Siri, calls, messages | Garmin Connect IQ store, limited notifications |
Cellular Connectivity | Yes (GPS + Cellular) | No |
Third-Party App Support | Extensive (watchOS App Store) | Limited (Garmin Connect IQ) |
Voice Assistant | Siri | No |
Speaker & Microphone | Yes | No |
Wireless Payments | Apple Pay | Garmin Pay |
Smart Home Integration | Yes (HomeKit support) | No |
Design | Rectangular, rugged titanium case, digital crown | Circular, fiber-reinforced polymer case |
Price | Check Ultra Price | Check Fenix 7 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
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Rugged Design & Military-Grade Durability: Both smartwatches are built for extreme conditions, featuring military-grade durability that ensures resistance against shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. The Apple Watch Ultra is MIL-STD-810H certified, while the Garmin Fenix 7 meets the MIL-STD-810G standard, making them both suitable for tough outdoor environments.
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Advanced GPS & Navigation Features: Both models include multi-band GPS technology, providing highly accurate location tracking even in remote or obstructed areas. Whether navigating trails, running in urban environments, or exploring new locations, users can rely on precise GPS data.
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Altitude, Pressure, and Direction Tracking: Each watch includes an altimeter, barometer, and compass, allowing users to monitor elevation changes, predict weather shifts, and navigate efficiently. These tools are especially useful for hikers, climbers, and outdoor adventurers who need real-time environmental data.
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Water Resistance for Outdoor & Marine Use: Both smartwatches offer 100m water resistance, making them suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and exposure to heavy rain. This ensures durability in wet environments, whether during workouts or adventure sports.
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Blood Oxygen (SpO₂) Monitoring: Both devices include SpO₂ sensors that measure blood oxygen levels, helping users assess respiratory health, altitude adaptation, and overall wellness. This feature is especially beneficial for high-altitude athletes and individuals monitoring their oxygen saturation.
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Heart Rate Monitoring: Each watch provides continuous heart rate tracking, allowing users to monitor their cardiovascular health in real time. This feature is essential for tracking fitness progress, optimizing workouts, and detecting potential health issues.
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VO₂ Max Estimation: Both smartwatches measure VO₂ Max, which assesses the maximum amount of oxygen a user can utilize during intense exercise. This metric helps runners, cyclists, and endurance athletes track their fitness levels and improve performance over time.
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Sleep Tracking: Each model includes sleep monitoring features that analyze sleep stages, duration, and quality. By providing insights into sleep patterns, both watches help users optimize rest and recovery for better overall health.
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Stress & Recovery Monitoring: Both devices track stress levels by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) and other physiological signals. This data helps users manage stress, understand their recovery status, and improve overall well-being.
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Comprehensive Workout & Fitness Tracking: Both smartwatches support multiple sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and strength training. Users can track performance metrics, monitor progress, and set personalized fitness goals.
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Fall Detection & Emergency Features: Each model includes safety features that detect falls or emergencies and notify emergency contacts. Apple Watch Ultra features Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and Crash Detection, while Garmin Fenix 7 offers Incident Detection, Assistance Alerts, and LiveTrack for real-time location sharing.
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Smartwatch Features & App Support: Both devices function as smartwatches, supporting notifications, third-party apps, and music playback. Apple Watch Ultra uses the Apple App Store, while Garmin Fenix 7 supports the Garmin Connect IQ store for additional customization.
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Wireless Payments & Offline Music Support: Both smartwatches offer contactless payment options and offline music playback. Apple Watch Ultra supports Apple Pay, while Garmin Fenix 7 features Garmin Pay. Both models allow users to download and play music without needing a phone nearby.
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Customizable Bands: Each watch offers interchangeable bands, allowing users to personalize their devices for different activities or styles. Apple Watch Ultra supports Alpine, Trail, and Ocean Loops, while Garmin Fenix 7 uses QuickFit bands for easy swapping.
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Extended Battery Life with Power-Saving Mode: Both models provide extended battery life through power-saving options. Apple Watch Ultra lasts up to 36 hours in standard mode and up to 60 hours in Low Power Mode, while Garmin Fenix 7 offers up to 18 days in smartwatch mode and up to 57 hours in GPS mode, making them reliable for long outdoor adventures.
Common Features
Feature | Apple Watch Ultra | Garmin Fenix 7 |
Altimeter & Barometer | Yes | Yes |
Compass | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 100m (WR100) | 100m (10 ATM) |
Blood Oxygen (SpO₂) Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
VO₂ Max Estimation | Yes | Yes |
Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Stress Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Workout & Fitness Tracking | Yes, over 100 sports modes | Yes, multiple preloaded sports apps |
Recovery & Health Metrics | Yes | Yes |
Fall Detection & Emergency Features | Yes | Yes |
Smartwatch Features | Yes (Apps, notifications, music) | Yes (Garmin Connect IQ store, notifications, music) |
Wireless Payments | Yes (Apple Pay) | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
Offline Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
Interchangeable Bands | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Ultra Price | Check Fenix 7 Price |
FAQ
Which smartwatch has better battery life? Garmin Fenix 7 offers significantly longer battery life with up to 18 days in smartwatch mode and 57 hours in GPS mode, compared to the Apple Watch Ultra, which lasts up to 36 hours in standard use and 60 hours in low power mode. Does the Apple Watch Ultra support multi-band GPS? Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra features dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for more precise location tracking, while the Garmin Fenix 7 supports multi-GNSS with similar high-accuracy tracking. Which device is better for diving and water resistance? The Apple Watch Ultra is certified for diving up to 40m and has EN13319 certification, while the Garmin Fenix 7 is water-resistant up to 100m but lacks dedicated diving features. Does the Apple Watch Ultra have ECG and blood oxygen monitoring? Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra supports ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and a skin temperature sensor, while the Garmin Fenix 7 lacks ECG and skin temperature tracking but includes pulse oximetry for oxygen level monitoring. Which smartwatch is better for outdoor navigation? The Garmin Fenix 7 has TopoActive maps, multi-GNSS, and advanced route planning, making it superior for navigation, while the Apple Watch Ultra uses Apple Maps and waypoint tracking but lacks topographic maps. Can I make calls and send messages from both watches? The Apple Watch Ultra has built-in cellular connectivity, allowing users to make calls and send messages without a phone. The Garmin Fenix 7 lacks cellular connectivity and only supports notifications from a paired smartphone. Which device has a better display? The Apple Watch Ultra has a 1.92-inch Retina OLED display with 3000 nits brightness, while the Garmin Fenix 7 features a 1.3-inch MIP display, which is energy-efficient but lacks high resolution and brightness. Is the Apple Watch Ultra more expensive than the Garmin Fenix 7? Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra is generally more expensive than the Garmin Fenix 7 due to its premium materials, advanced display, and smart capabilities. Which smartwatch has better app support? The Apple Watch Ultra runs on watchOS, providing access to a full App Store, while the Garmin Fenix 7 uses Garmin’s proprietary OS with limited third-party app support. How do the health tracking features compare? The Apple Watch Ultra includes ECG, blood oxygen, and skin temperature sensors, making it more comprehensive for health tracking, whereas the Garmin Fenix 7 focuses on endurance tracking with VO₂ Max and advanced fitness metrics. Does the Garmin Fenix 7 support touchscreen navigation? Yes, but it primarily relies on button navigation, whereas the Apple Watch Ultra provides full touchscreen interaction. Which watch supports wireless payments? The Apple Watch Ultra supports Apple Pay, while the Garmin Fenix 7 supports Garmin Pay. Is the Apple Watch Ultra better for smart home integration? Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra supports HomeKit and Siri voice commands, whereas the Garmin Fenix 7 does not have smart home integration. Which device has a built-in speaker and microphone? The Apple Watch Ultra has a built-in speaker and microphone for voice calls and Siri interaction, while the Garmin Fenix 7 does not. |