Apple Watch Ultra 2
S9 SiP · 49mm titanium · 3000 nits
Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular
2024 · Fitness + health
Apple Watch Ultra 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch Ultra 2 lands at 93 and Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular at 90. That puts Apple Watch Ultra 2 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…
- ✓Brightest smartwatch display
- ✓Excellent health sensors
- ✓Rugged titanium build
Pick Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testDisplay
Apple Watch Ultra 2Compared on the display sub-score
Apple Watch Ultra 2 leads on display (96 vs 88).
Fitness
Apple Watch Ultra 2Compared on the fitness sub-score
Apple Watch Ultra 2 leads on fitness (94 vs 90).
Health
Apple Watch Ultra 2Compared on the health sub-score
Apple Watch Ultra 2 leads on health (95 vs 88).
Value for money
Apple Watch Ultra 2Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Apple Watch Ultra 2 more score per dollar ($799 vs $1,099).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple S9 SiP | — |
| Display | 49 mm LTPO OLED, 3000 nits | — |
| Battery | Up to 36 h (72 h low-power) | — |
| Water | 100 m | — |
| GPS | Dual-frequency L1/L5 | — |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2
- +Brightest smartwatch display
- +Excellent health sensors
- +Rugged titanium build
- −~36h battery still short
- −Requires iPhone
- −Large for small wrists
Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular
Which is better, Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular? +
Apple Watch Ultra 2 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth the price? +
At $799, Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in display.
Is Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular worth the price? +
At $1,099, Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for display, Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular? +
Apple Watch Ultra 2 — leads on display (96 vs 88). Compared on the display sub-score.
Which is better for fitness, Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Garmin fenix 8 · Compact · GPS + Cellular? +
Apple Watch Ultra 2 — leads on fitness (94 vs 90). Compared on the fitness sub-score.