🏋️ Garmin Enduro 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Battle of the Titans 🥊
In the ever-evolving world of smartwatches, two giants stand out: the Garmin Enduro 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra. Both devices promise cutting-edge technology, exceptional fitness tracking, and rugged design. But which one truly reigns supreme? Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison that will help tech enthusiasts and fitness fanatics make an informed decision.
🖥️ Display Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Display Size | 1.4″ (35.56 mm) diameter | 1.92 inches |
| Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density) |
| Always-on Display | Yes | Yes |
⚙️ Processor Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Not Specified | Apple S8, Dual-core |
| GPU | Not Specified | PowerVR |
🔌 Ports and Connectivity Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi® | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Charging Method | Garmin proprietary plug charger | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min |
| SIM Support | No | eSIM |
📱 Smart Platform Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Garmin OS with Connect IQ™ | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 11.1 |
| Smart Notifications | Yes, with text response (Android) | Comprehensive iOS integration |
💾 Memory Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
🏋️♂️ Body Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 51 x 51 x 15.7 mm | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm |
| Weight | 63 g | 61.3 g |
| Materials | Titanium bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case | Titanium frame, sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM | 100m water resistant |
📶 Connectivity Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | Multi-band GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| NFC | Garmin Pay™ | Yes |
🔋 Battery Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 36 days (90 days with solar) | Not specified, typical daily charging |
| GPS Mode Battery | Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar) | Not specified |
💓 Health and Fitness Features Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Monitoring | ✅ Constant wrist-based monitoring ✅ Daily resting heart rate ✅ Abnormal heart rate alerts ✅ HRV Status | ✅ Continuous heart rate tracking ✅ ECG Certified ✅ High/Low heart rate notifications ✅ VO2 Max tracking |
| Fitness Tracking | 🏃 200+ Activity Profiles 🚴 Multisport Tracking 🏊 Swimming Metrics 🧗 Advanced Running Dynamics | 🏃 Multiple Workout Types 🚴 Comprehensive Fitness Tracking 🏊 Water Sports Modes 🧗 Precision Movement Tracking |
| Advanced Metrics | 📊 Body Battery Energy Monitor 📈 Training Load Focus 🌡️ Stress Monitoring 💤 Advanced Sleep Tracking | 📊 Fitness+ Integration 📈 Workout Recommendations 🌡️ Temperature Sensing 💤 Sleep Stage Analysis |
🏔️ Outdoor and Adventure Features
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | 🗺️ Preloaded Maps 🧭 Point-to-Point Navigation 🏃 ClimbPro™ Ascent Planner 🌍 Multi-Satellite System Support | 🗺️ Built-in Compass 🧭 Waypoint Navigation 🌊 Depth Gauge 🌍 Precision Positioning |
| Extreme Environment Support | ❄️ Ski Resort Maps 🏔️ Expedition GPS Mode 🌞 Solar Charging 🌡️ Storm Alert | 🏋️ MIL-STD 810H Certified 🌊 100m Water Resistance 🌡️ Temperature Sensing 🚨 Emergency SOS |
🤖 Smart Features and Ecosystem
| Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem Integration | 📱 Cross-Platform (iOS/Android) 🌐 Garmin Connect App 🏆 Third-Party App Support 💡 Connect IQ Store | 📱 Deep iOS Integration 🌐 Apple Ecosystem 🛒 App Store Support 📞 Seamless iPhone Connectivity |
| Communication | 📲 Smart Notifications 📞 Call Rejection 💬 Text Responses (Android) 🆘 Incident Detection | 📲 Full Messaging Support 📞 Cellular Connectivity 🆘 Emergency SOS 📡 Ultra Wideband Support |
💰 Value Proposition
| Aspect | Garmin Enduro 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Target User | 🏃 Endurance Athletes 🚵 Outdoor Enthusiasts 🧗 Ultra Runners 🌍 Adventure Seekers | 🏋️ Fitness Professionals 🌊 Water Sports Enthusiasts 🏃 Performance Athletes 🌐 Tech Ecosystem Users |
| Unique Selling Points | ☀️ Solar Charging 🔋 Extreme Battery Life 🧭 Advanced Navigation 📊 Comprehensive Fitness Metrics | 🖥️ Premium Display 🛡️ Rugged Design 📡 Cellular Connectivity 🆘 Safety Features |
Comparison Description
In this battle of premium smartwatches, the Garmin Enduro 3 and Apple Watch Ultra emerge as two titans in the industry. While Garmin targets outdoor adventurers and endurance athletes with extreme battery life and robust multisport tracking, Apple positions its Ultra model as a versatile device catering to fitness professionals, water sports enthusiasts, and tech ecosystem users. Both watches boast cutting-edge features, but their differences make them ideal for distinct audiences.
Comparison Features (One by One)
1. Display
- Garmin Enduro 3: Features a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display that excels in outdoor visibility, even under harsh sunlight. It has a 1.4-inch diameter with a resolution of 280 x 280 pixels. The display is always-on, prioritizing clarity for endurance athletes in extreme conditions.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Equipped with a stunning Retina LTPO OLED display, offering vibrant colors and exceptional sharpness at 2000 nits peak brightness. The 1.92-inch screen provides superior resolution and detail (502 x 410 pixels), ideal for users valuing high visual quality.
2. Processor
- Garmin Enduro 3: Powered by a custom processor tailored to optimize energy efficiency and performance for endurance tracking. Although not explicitly detailed, it’s built for reliability in extended use scenarios.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Utilizes the Apple S8 dual-core processor, delivering high-speed performance and seamless operation within the Apple ecosystem. Coupled with a PowerVR GPU, it ensures smooth visuals and responsiveness.
3. Ports and Connectivity
- Garmin Enduro 3: Supports Bluetooth®, ANT+®, and Wi-Fi® for versatile device pairing. It relies on a proprietary charging port and does not support cellular connectivity, aligning with its outdoor focus.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Offers Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5.3, alongside eSIM support, enabling cellular functionality. Wireless charging makes it convenient for modern users.
4. Smart Platform
- Garmin Enduro 3: Operates on Garmin OS with Connect IQ™, offering app customization and smart notifications. Limited to Android for text responses, it caters to users seeking straightforward smartwatch functionality.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Runs on watchOS 9.0, upgradeable to 11.1, seamlessly integrated with iOS. Comprehensive smart notifications and app support create a superior experience for iPhone users.
5. Body and Durability
- Garmin Enduro 3: Built with a titanium bezel and a fiber-reinforced polymer case, ensuring lightweight yet rugged durability. Its 10 ATM water resistance suits swimmers and adventurers.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Features a titanium frame with sapphire crystal, offering both elegance and resilience. Its 100m water resistance and MIL-STD 810H certification make it a robust choice for extreme environments.
6. Battery Life
- Garmin Enduro 3: A clear standout with up to 36 days in smartwatch mode (or 90 days with solar charging). In GPS mode, it lasts up to 120 hours (or 320 hours with solar), catering to ultra-endurance athletes.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Designed for daily use, requiring nightly charging. While specifics vary based on usage, it’s optimized for all-day activity with fast charging capabilities.
7. Health and Fitness Features
- Garmin Enduro 3: Excels with over 200 activity profiles, advanced metrics like Body Battery Energy Monitor, and ClimbPro™ Ascent Planner for outdoor enthusiasts. Sleep tracking and training load monitoring further enhance its utility.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Provides ECG-certified heart monitoring, VO2 Max tracking, and fitness integrations like Apple Fitness+. It’s ideal for users who need comprehensive health tracking and intuitive workout suggestions.
8. Navigation and Outdoor Features
- Garmin Enduro 3: Dominates with preloaded maps, multi-band GPS, and Expedition Mode for extended adventures. The solar charging feature ensures uninterrupted use in remote areas.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Offers precision GPS, a built-in compass, and waypoint navigation. Its depth gauge supports water sports, appealing to divers and swimmers.
9. Smart Features and Ecosystem
- Garmin Enduro 3: Cross-platform compatibility with iOS and Android ensures broader appeal. The Garmin Connect app and Connect IQ Store enable data syncing and app customization.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Deep integration within the Apple ecosystem offers unmatched connectivity with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Features like Ultra Wideband and emergency SOS elevate its utility.
10. Value Proposition
- Garmin Enduro 3: Tailored for athletes and adventurers, its focus on battery life, solar charging, and robust navigation makes it an unparalleled choice for outdoor exploration.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Combines fitness tracking with high-end technology and an elegant design, making it ideal for users immersed in the Apple ecosystem or seeking a premium smartwatch experience.
Conclusion:
Choosing between the Garmin Enduro 3 and Apple Watch Ultra depends on your priorities. For extended battery life, outdoor adventures, and unparalleled fitness tracking, Garmin Enduro 3 is the go-to choice. If you’re looking for a sleek design, a vibrant display, and tight integration with Apple products, the Apple Watch Ultra stands out.
⭐ Star Rating & Customer Feedback
Garmin Enduro 3
Average Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Customer Feedback Summary:
- Pros:
- Exceptional battery life with solar charging for ultra-endurance activities.
- Robust build quality suitable for extreme outdoor conditions.
- Advanced fitness metrics like Body Battery and ClimbPro™.
- Multi-band GPS and preloaded maps for navigation in remote areas.
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
- Cons:
- Limited smart features compared to other high-end smartwatches.
- Display resolution and vibrancy lag behind OLED competitors.
- Text response functionality only available for Android users.
- Pricey, given its niche focus on endurance athletes.
Apple Watch Ultra
Average Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
Customer Feedback Summary:
- Pros:
- Stunning Retina OLED display with exceptional brightness and sharpness.
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem for a cohesive experience.
- Advanced health features, including ECG certification and VO2 Max tracking.
- Cellular connectivity and emergency SOS for added convenience and safety.
- Rugged design with premium materials (titanium and sapphire crystal).
- Cons:
- Requires daily charging, unsuitable for long adventures without power access.
- Heavier reliance on iOS limits appeal to non-Apple users.
- Limited battery life in GPS mode compared to competitors.
- Higher price point than many fitness-focused smartwatches.
Conclusion:
- Garmin Enduro 3 is highly rated for its unparalleled battery life, durability, and specialized features catering to endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers. However, it lacks in smart features and modern display quality.
- Apple Watch Ultra excels in display quality, smart features, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. Its shorter battery life and dependency on iOS might deter some users.
Comparison FAQsGARMIN ENDURO 3 VS APPLE WATCH ULTRA |
Q: Which of the two, Garmin Enduro 3 or Apple Watch Ultra, is better suited for endurance activities? 🏃♀️
A: The Garmin Enduro 3 is more suitable for endurance activities because it has better battery life, up to 90 days with solar charging, and advanced navigation features, besides being tougher in extreme outdoor conditions.
Q: Does the Apple Watch Ultra have solar charging capabilities like the Garmin Enduro 3? 🌞
A: The Apple Watch Ultra does not offer solar charging. The Garmin Enduro 3 offers the benefit of solar charging, increasing the battery life significantly and can be used on long adventures.
Q: Which of these watches is more competent at health and fitness features? 💪
A: Both devices are best for fitness tracking but for varying purposes. The Garmin Enduro 3 has 200+ activity profiles, advanced metrics such as ClimbPro™, and Body Battery, to name a few. These are endurance-focused features in this watch. The Apple Watch Ultra has ECG certification, VO2 Max measurement, and seamless Fitness+ integration, among others.
Q: Is the Garmin Enduro 3 compatible with iPhones? 📱
A: Yes, the Garmin Enduro 3 is compatible with iOS and Android devices, but text responses are only available on Android.
Q: Compared to the Garmin Enduro 3, how does the Apple Watch Ultra perform in terms of display? 🖥️
A: Apple Watch Ultra uses a Retina OLED with 2000 nits of brightness, and while it doesn’t hold much in resolution and vibrancy to the MIP display from the Garmin Enduro 3 – designed to be very readable in direct sunlight – lacks sharpness.
Q: Which one has more GPS functionality? 🗺️
A: Both watches have good GPS. The Garmin Enduro 3 has multi-band GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou compared to the Apple Watch Ultra that only has GPS with L1+L5 support but has GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.
Q: What are the main weak points of the Garmin Enduro 3? ⚠️
A: The Garmin Enduro 3 has the disadvantages of having a lower resolution display, fewer smart features, and an app ecosystem that is limited compared to the Apple Watch Ultra.
Q: Is the Apple Watch Ultra capable of withstanding multi-day adventures? ⏳
A: The Apple Watch Ultra typically requires daily charging, which may not be ideal for extended adventures without access to power. The Garmin Enduro 3, with its solar charging and extended battery life, is better suited for such use cases.
Q: Which watch offers better value for the price? 💰
A: The value depends on your needs. The Garmin Enduro 3 is better for athletes and adventurers prioritizing battery life and rugged features. The Apple Watch Ultra offers more smart features and a premium display, making it ideal for tech enthusiasts and professionals.
| 🏆 Which one should you buy? |
The decision between the Garmin Enduro 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra comes down to your specific needs and lifestyle:
Buy the Garmin Enduro 3 if:
- You are an endurance athlete, ultra-runner, or adventure seeker who spends long hours outdoors.
- Battery life is a top priority, with up to 90 days of battery life (with solar charging) in smartwatch mode.
- You need advanced outdoor navigation features like ClimbPro™, multi-band GPS, and preloaded maps.
- You’re focused on fitness performance metrics and enjoy detailed insights such as training load, Body Battery, and advanced running dynamics.
- You prefer a rugged, lightweight design and don’t mind a simpler display.
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra if:
- You want a smartwatch that excels in smart features like calls, messaging, and app support within the Apple ecosystem.
- You’re a fitness enthusiast or performance athlete who appreciates precision tracking, including ECG, VO2 Max, and sleep monitoring.
- A bright, high-resolution display (Retina OLED) and modern design are important to you.
- You rely on seamless integration with Apple products (iPhone, Mac, etc.) for daily productivity.
- You enjoy water sports or activities requiring 100m water resistance and additional safety features like Emergency SOS.
Final Verdict
- Choose the Garmin Enduro 3 for long-lasting performance, rugged durability, and unparalleled battery life for outdoor adventures.
- Opt for the Apple Watch Ultra if you value a premium smartwatch experience with advanced health features and unmatched integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Ultimately, the Garmin Enduro 3 is the king of endurance watches, while the Apple Watch Ultra reigns as a tech-savvy, feature-rich option for everyday use and active lifestyles.
Discover more tech comparisons at PreVersus Technology. For official specifications, visit Garmin’s and Apple’s websites.
