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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Apple Watch Series 11
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) takes the crown in battery life, lasting an impressive 16 days compared to the Apple Watch Series 11's 24 hours. This makes it a no-brainer for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers who need a device that won't die mid-hike. In real-world use, the Garmin's lightweight titanium and sapphire build is tough, but it lacks cellular capabilities. If you're looking for a smartwatch that can handle calls and messages without your phone, the Apple Watch Series 11 shines with its LTE option and 5G support, making it a great choice for everyday connectivity.
⚖️ Weight: 2.47 oz vs 1.07 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🏷️ Battery Life: 16 days vs 24 hours
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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
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Apple Watch Series 11
★4.7
(1,649)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later
Operating System:watchOS 26
Case Size:42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
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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
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Apple Watch Series 11
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Apple Watch Series 11
989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm)
Resolution
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
416 x 416 pixels
Apple Watch Series 11
374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
32GB
Apple Watch Series 11
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
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
Apple Watch Series 11
Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Apple Watch Series 11
42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti)Winner
Water Resistance
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Apple Watch Series 11
Water resistance 50 m (swimproof)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Apple Watch Series 11
watchOS 26
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Apple Watch Series 11
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models
+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: Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Apple Watch Series 11
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11
★4.7(1,649)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,201)Amazon | ★4.7(1,649)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | watchOS 26 |
Case Size | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens | Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural) |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED; Ion-X front glass with 2x scratch resistance (Aluminum) or Sapphire crystal (Titanium) |
Display Size | 1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter | 989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm) |
Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels | 374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (Up to 2000 nits peak, 1 nit minimum) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) | Water resistance 50 m (swimproof) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens | IP6X dust resistance; 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (Aluminum models); Sapphire crystal (Titanium models) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor |
Health Features | ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox | Sleep Apnea notifications; Hypertension notifications; Vitals app; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
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 | Custom workouts; Multisport; Race Route; Running; Cycling; Hiking; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Snorkeling (to 6m); Tides app |
Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | Yes (via Wi-Fi/iPhone or 5G/LTE on Cellular models) |
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 | Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) | Fast charge capable (0-80% in approx. 30 minutes) |
Weight | 70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model | 42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible | Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) or 140–245mm wrists (46mm) |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report | S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core); 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; Precision Finding for iPhone; On-device Siri |
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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
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Check Price on Amazon→
Apple Watch Series 11
Rating:★4.7(1,649)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later
Operating System:watchOS 26
Case Size:42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
Display Type:Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED; Ion-X front glass with 2x scratch resistance (Aluminum) or Sapphire crystal (Titanium)
Display Size:989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm)
Resolution:374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes (Up to 2000 nits peak, 1 nit minimum)
Water Resistance:Water resistance 50 m (swimproof)
Durability:IP6X dust resistance; 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (Aluminum models); Sapphire crystal (Titanium models)
GPS:L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor
Health Features:Sleep Apnea notifications; Hypertension notifications; Vitals app; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Workout Modes:Custom workouts; Multisport; Race Route; Running; Cycling; Hiking; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Snorkeling (to 6m); Tides app
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation
Calls:Yes (via Wi-Fi/iPhone or 5G/LTE on Cellular models)
Battery:Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charge capable (0-80% in approx. 30 minutes)
Weight:42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti)
Band Sizes:Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) or 140–245mm wrists (46mm)
Extras:S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core); 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; Precision Finding for iPhone; On-device Siri
✓ Pros:
- • Battery life increased to 24 hours (up from 18h on Series 10)
- • Aluminum models feature 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass
- • First non-Ultra Apple Watch to support 5G (RedCap) connectivity
- • Includes sleep apnea and hypertension notification features
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the same S10 chip as the previous generation (no speed gain)
- • Design and dimensions are identical to Series 10
- • Requires iOS 26, limiting compatibility with older iPhones
- • 5G support limited to Cellular models
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Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the better buy for most people - its 16-day battery life crushes the Apple Watch Series 11's 24-hour limit. That said, grab the Apple Watch Series 11 if you want a lighter device with cellular capabilities - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) if: you need long battery life for multi-day adventures, you want advanced fitness tracking features, or you value rugged durability. (2.47 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Apple Watch Series 11 if: you want a smartwatch that supports calls without your phone, you need an everyday companion for notifications, or you prefer a lighter device with enhanced connectivity options. (1.07 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) and Apple Watch Series 11 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) excels if you value premium sapphire and titanium build is lightweight yet durable. Apple Watch Series 11 is better if you prioritize battery life increased to 24 hours (up from 18h on series 10). 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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