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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Venu 3
If you're considering the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Garmin Venu 3, the decision hinges on display brightness and battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a staggering 3000 nits, making it incredibly visible outdoors, while the Garmin Venu 3 offers a respectable 1.4" AMOLED display but falls short in brightness. In my testing, the Apple Watch Ultra 2's battery lasts up to 36 hours under normal use, a significant upgrade for Apple watches, while the Garmin Venu 3 can stretch up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. If you’re someone who values outdoor visibility and a solid battery for daily use, the Ultra 2 is a no-brainer, but the Venu 3 is still a great pick if you want a more lifestyle-oriented smartwatch with a lighter footprint.
⚖️ Weight: 2.18 oz vs 1.66 oz💽 Storage: 64 GB vs 8 GB🏷️ Display: 3000 nits vs 1000 nits
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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)
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Garmin Venu 3
★4.5
(5,399)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
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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 Venu 3
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
1185 sq mm display area
Garmin Venu 3
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution
Apple Watch Ultra 2
410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Garmin Venu 3
454 x 454 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Apple Watch Ultra 2
64GBWinner
Garmin Venu 3
8GB
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Garmin Venu 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple Watch Ultra 2
61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]
Garmin Venu 3
47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)Winner
Water Resistance
Apple Watch Ultra 2
100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Garmin Venu 3
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple Watch Ultra 2
watchOS
Garmin Venu 3
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 Venu 3
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 Venu 3
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Garmin Venu 3
★4.5(5,399)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Venu 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,082)Amazon | ★4.5(5,399)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) | 45mm x 45mm x 12mm |
Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish) | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display) | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available |
Display Size | 1185 sq mm display area | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi) | 454 x 454 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (optional) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319) | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof |
Durability | IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel |
GPS | Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou) | GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS) |
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 (ECG hardware); 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 | Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation |
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) | Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others |
Storage | 64GB | 8GB |
Speaker Mic | Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls) |
Calls | Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering) | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) |
Battery | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) | Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours |
Charging | Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) |
Weight | 61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only] | 47 g (with included band); 30 g (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 | Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands |
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) | Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only) |
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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.
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Garmin Venu 3
Rating:★4.5(5,399)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel
GPS:GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS)
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation
Workout Modes:Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others
Storage:8GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands
Extras:Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only)
✓ Pros:
- • Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI
- • Built-in speaker and microphone for wrist calls and voice assistants
- • Latest Elevate Gen 5 sensor supports FDA-cleared ECG app
- • Dedicated Wheelchair Mode tracks pushes rather than steps
- • Excellent 14-day battery life significantly outperforms Apple/Samsung
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Multi-Band GPS (found in similarly priced Forerunner 265)
- • Plastic case body feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
- • No LTE option available (phone required for calls/safety)
- • Gorilla Glass 3 is older tech compared to Sapphire or newer Gorilla Glass
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Which one is better?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the better buy for most people - its 3000 nits display crushes the Garmin Venu 3's brightness. That said, grab the Venu 3 if you prefer a lighter watch at 1.66oz and need a more budget-friendly choice.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if: you need the brightest display at 3000 nits, want a longer battery life up to 36 hours, or prefer a rugged design with a titanium build.
Choose the Garmin Venu 3 if: you want a smartwatch that lasts up to 14 days, prefer a lighter weight of 1.66oz, or use a mix of iPhone and 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 Venu 3 is better if you prioritize bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui. 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
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