Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Fenix 8: The New King?

Display brightness and technology are critical when selecting a smartwatch, especially for outdoor visibility. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 features an impressive 3,000-nit Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED display, offering superior visibility even under direct sunlight. This is a significant advantage for those who frequently engage in outdoor activities. On the other hand, the Garmin Fenix 8 incorporates a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, ensuring vibrant colors and deep blacks. While not as bright as the Apple Watch, the AMOLED technology provides excellent contrast, which is ideal for indoor and shaded environments. Both displays support an always-on mode, although the Apple Watch’s higher brightness may impact battery life more significantly. For users who prioritize outdoor readability, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 stands out, whereas the Garmin Fenix 8 offers a more balanced approach with its AMOLED display.

Battery life is a decisive factor when selecting a smartwatch, especially for those who engage in extended outdoor adventures. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers up to 36 hours of battery life under normal use, extendable to 72 hours in low power mode. This is suitable for short to medium-length excursions without frequent recharging. Conversely, the Garmin Fenix 8 excels with up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, drastically reducing the need for constant recharging. This makes it an ideal choice for long-distance hikers or travelers. Even with the always-on display activated, the Garmin maintains a respectable 7-day battery life. For users who prioritize extended battery life without compromising functionality, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the superior choice, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers a balanced blend of performance and endurance for shorter outings.

For diving enthusiasts, a smartwatch's depth capabilities and features are crucial. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters, equipped with a depth gauge and a water resistance rating of 100 meters. This makes it a reliable companion for divers who need accurate depth readings and robust water resistance. The Garmin Fenix 8, however, enhances its diving credentials with a legitimate dive computer feature, also rated for 40-meter depths. Its leakproof inductive buttons ensure reliability under extreme water pressure. Both watches offer essential dive metrics, but the Garmin Fenix 8's dedicated dive computer functions provide an edge for professional divers seeking comprehensive underwater performance. For recreational divers, either watch will suffice, but those requiring advanced dive features may lean towards the Garmin Fenix 8.

Smartwatches today serve dual roles as both smart devices and fitness trackers. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 integrates seamlessly with the iPhone ecosystem, offering features such as Apple Pay, advanced health monitoring, and a host of smart notifications. Its health tracking capabilities include ECG, blood oxygen levels, and temperature metrics, making it a comprehensive health companion. In contrast, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a powerhouse for professional training, with over 100 workout modes and advanced metrics tailored for specific sports, such as strength training and triathlon. It also supports Garmin Pay and offers extensive mapping features. While the Apple Watch excels in smart integration and health monitoring, the Garmin Fenix 8 provides unmatched training metrics and customization for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

The inclusion of 5G connectivity in smartwatches introduces new possibilities for standalone functionality, but it comes with considerations. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports GPS+Cellular capabilities, allowing users to make calls, send texts, and stream music without a nearby iPhone. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who prefer to leave their phones behind during runs or outdoor activities. However, this convenience requires a separate cellular plan, which adds to the overall cost of ownership. The Garmin Fenix 8 does not offer standalone cellular connectivity, relying instead on a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone. For users who value complete independence from their phones, the Apple Watch Ultra 3's 5G capability could justify the subscription cost. Conversely, those who don't mind carrying their phone may find the Garmin Fenix 8's setup more economical.