If you’re in the realm of smartwatches, the battle between Garmin and Apple is quite the spectacle. Recently, I’ve been exploring the Garmin Epix Pro, and it’s been an eye-opener, especially when comparing it to my trusty Apple Watch Ultra. Let’s dive into what this new contender brings to the table and what the Apple Watch Ultra might glean from its features.
Garmin Epix Pro: A Glimpse into the Specs
Before we jump into the comparison, let’s peek into the Epix Pro’s specifications. This Garmin powerhouse comes in three sizes – 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. The 47mm version, the focus of my exploration, boasts an AMOLED display, a considerable upgrade from its predecessor, the Phoenix 7 Pro. The battery life is astounding, offering 16 days without the always-on display, 6 days with it, and a whopping 21 days in battery saver mode. Built with titanium fiber-reinforced polymer and sapphire crystal, it exudes the rugged beauty Garmin is known for. Weighing in at 70g, it’s surprisingly light. This watch packs 32GB of memory, hosts numerous sensors, and is 10 ATM water-resistant.
Now, let’s dissect what lessons the Apple Watch Ultra can potentially learn from its Garmin counterpart.
1. Sport Watches in a League of Their Own
The Epix Pro asserts that sport watches belong to a distinct category. With an extensive list of tracked activities – from running and gym workouts to boating, golfing, motorsports, and even gaming – Garmin demonstrates its prowess in serious sports tracking. The Garmin Connect app provides an overwhelming array of data, showcasing the Epix Pro’s focus on delivering comprehensive fitness metrics. While the Apple Watch Ultra claims versatility in its marketing, the Epix Pro’s specialization for intense physical activities is undeniable.
Real-life Example: Picture a golfer relying on Garmin for swing analysis, versus an Apple Watch Ultra user jogging through a city park.
2. Battery Life: The Game-Changer
Garmin leaves Apple in the dust when it comes to battery life. The Epix Pro flaunts an impressive 6 days even with the always-on display, something the Apple Watch Ultra struggles to match. Garmin’s extended battery life, a remarkable 16 days without the always-on display, sets a new standard. In a world where frequent charging can be tedious, Garmin offers a liberating alternative.
Real-life Example: Imagine a weekend getaway with your Epix Pro, not worrying about packing a charger.
3. Round Faces Reign Supreme
The aesthetics of round watch faces are a revelation. The Epix Pro’s round display outshines the square-faced Apple Watch Ultra. Not only does it look better on the wrist, but it also provides a more conducive layout for complications. Garmin’s design choice challenges the notion that square-faced watches are the epitome of style and functionality.
Real-life Example: Glance at a friend’s Epix Pro, and the elegance of the round face may make you reconsider your next smartwatch purchase.
4. Price: A Matter of Value
While the Epix Pro might seem pricier, it actually represents good value for what it offers. Priced between £829 and £999 depending on the size, Garmin positions its watch as a premium investment. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, priced at £799, competes fiercely in terms of affordability within the premium smartwatch market.
Real-life Example: Consider the features and longevity of use when evaluating the value of your smartwatch purchase.
5. Ecosystem Integration: The Missing Link
Garmin’s Epix Pro doesn’t create the same sense of dependency on the ecosystem as the Apple Watch Ultra does. While Apple’s ecosystem seamlessly integrates devices, the Epix Pro maintains a more independent existence. Users may not feel the same void when leaving their Epix Pro behind as they do with an Apple Watch Ultra.
Real-life Example: For an Apple aficionado, the sense of detachment is palpable when leaving home without an Apple device, unlike the Epix Pro.
Conclusion: The Battle of Wearables Continues
As a self-proclaimed Apple Watch Ultra enthusiast, the Garmin Epix Pro has introduced me to a world where battery anxiety is non-existent, specialized fitness tracking reigns supreme, and round faces hold a certain allure. While I might not be ready to bid farewell to my Apple ecosystem just yet, the Epix Pro beckons with its impressive features.
In this ever-evolving realm of wearables, the Epix Pro and Apple Watch Ultra continue to push boundaries. Whether you lean towards the all-encompassing embrace of Apple or the specialized focus of Garmin, the battle of wearables is far from over.
Real-life Appeal: Are you Team Garmin or Team Apple Watch? Share your allegiance and why in the comments below.
