← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the smarter buy for most users, thanks to its incredible 3,000-nit display that completely crushes the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition's 1,000-nit screen. In real-world use, that brightness means you can easily read your notifications under direct sunlight, making it a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 72 hours in low power mode, the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition offers a staggering 16 days in smartwatch mode. This means if you're looking for long-lasting power without frequent charging, the Garmin may have the edge in your daily routine.
⚖️ Weight: 2.18 oz vs 2.47 oz💽 Storage: 64 GB vs 32 GB🔋 Battery: 72h (low power) vs 16d (smartwatch mode)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7
(1,082)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish)
Check Amazon Price→
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7
(1,201)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
1185 sq mm display area
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Resolution
Apple Watch Ultra 2
410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
416 x 416 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Apple Watch Ultra 2
64GBWinner
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
32GB
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple Watch Ultra 2
61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]Winner
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Water Resistance
Apple Watch Ultra 2
100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple Watch Ultra 2
watchOS
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple Watch Ultra 2
LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7(1,201)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,082)Amazon | ★4.7(1,201)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) |
Operating System | watchOS | Garmin OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm |
Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish) | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display) | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available |
Display Size | 1185 sq mm display area | 1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi) | 416 x 416 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (optional) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319) | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) |
Durability | IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration) | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens |
GPS | Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou) | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi |
NFC Payments | Apple Pay | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Electrical heart sensor (ECG app); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; temperature sensing; depth gauge (±1 m accuracy); water temperature sensor; compass; always-on altimeter; high-g accelerometer; high dynamic range gyroscope; ambient light sensor; blood oxygen sensor (feature availability subject to US patent rulings) | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor |
Health Features | ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Sleep tracking with stages; Sleep apnea notifications; Vitals app; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; Noise app | ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox |
Workout Modes | Customizable Action Button for instant workout start; Advanced running metrics (stride length, ground contact time); Multisport; Swimming; Hiking; Diving (Oceanic+ app required for dive computer functions) | Advanced Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ others |
Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
Speaker Mic | Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) |
Calls | Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering) | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) |
Battery | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) | Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days |
Charging | Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) |
Weight | 61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only] | 70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model |
Band Sizes | Trail Loop (S/M, M/L); Alpine Loop (S, M, L); Ocean Band (One Size); fits 130–210mm wrists depending on selection | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible |
Extras | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Precision Finding for iPhone 15/16 lineup; 86-decibel Siren; Night Mode (Modular Ultra face) | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Rating:★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish)
Display Type:Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display)
Display Size:1185 sq mm display area
Resolution:410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Durability:IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration)
GPS:Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou)
Connectivity:LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart sensor (ECG app); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; temperature sensing; depth gauge (±1 m accuracy); water temperature sensor; compass; always-on altimeter; high-g accelerometer; high dynamic range gyroscope; ambient light sensor; blood oxygen sensor (feature availability subject to US patent rulings)
Health Features:ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Sleep tracking with stages; Sleep apnea notifications; Vitals app; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; Noise app
Workout Modes:Customizable Action Button for instant workout start; Advanced running metrics (stride length, ground contact time); Multisport; Swimming; Hiking; Diving (Oceanic+ app required for dive computer functions)
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation
Calls:Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering)
Battery:Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included
Weight:61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]
Band Sizes:Trail Loop (S/M, M/L); Alpine Loop (S, M, L); Ocean Band (One Size); fits 130–210mm wrists depending on selection
Extras:S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Precision Finding for iPhone 15/16 lineup; 86-decibel Siren; Night Mode (Modular Ultra face)
✓ Pros:
- • Brightest Apple display ever (up to 3,000 nits) for superior outdoor visibility
- • Excellent battery life for an Apple Watch (up to 36 hours standard, 72 hours low power)
- • Rugged titanium build with sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance
- • Fast S9 SiP allows for Double Tap gesture and on-device Siri
- • Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) offers accurate tracking in dense environments
✗ Cons:
- • Large 49mm x 14.4mm casing is bulky on smaller wrists
- • Blood Oxygen feature is disabled on units sold by Apple in the US (post-Jan 2024)
- • Requires an iPhone to function; no Android compatibility
- • Expensive entry price compared to standard Series models
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Rating:★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Resolution:416 x 416 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox
Workout Modes:Advanced Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable)
Weight:70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report
✓ Pros:
- • Premium Sapphire and Titanium build is lightweight yet durable
- • Built-in LED flashlight is incredibly useful for night training
- • Elevate Gen 5 sensor enables ECG and improved tracking accuracy
- • Excellent battery life (16 days) despite the bright AMOLED screen
- • Multi-band GPS with SatIQ offers top-tier location precision
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks the microphone and speaker found in the newer Fenix 8
- • No LTE/Cellular option (phone required for data/safety features)
- • Significant price premium over standard non-Sapphire models
- • Proprietary charging cable is less convenient than wireless options
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the better buy for most people - its stunning 3,000-nit display crushes the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition's visibility. That said, grab the Garmin if you need extended battery life for weeks on end - it lasts an impressive 16 days in smartwatch mode.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if: you want the brightest display for outdoor use, need advanced health tracking features, or prefer a premium build. (2.18 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Choose the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) if: you need 16+ days of battery life, enjoy outdoor training with built-in flashlight, or require compatibility with Android devices.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels if you value brightest apple display ever (up to 3,000 nits) for superior outdoor visibility. Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is better if you prioritize premium sapphire and titanium build is lightweight yet durable. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.