In the world of rugged smartwatches, two heavyweights are dominating the scene: the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Garmin Instinct 3. Both are designed for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, but they cater to different needs. If you’ve been pondering which one to pick for your next workout or outdoor journey, this comparison will break down their features, advantages, and drawbacks.
Price and Value
Starting at $799, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its status as a full-featured smartwatch. In contrast, the Garmin Instinct 3 is priced more affordably at $399 for the Solar version and $449 for the AMOLED model. Depending on your budget, the Instinct 3 offers substantial savings, yet still packs impressive features for outdoor activities and fitness tracking.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both devices excel in durability. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a sleek titanium case and a robust AMOLED display that reaches up to 3,000 nits of brightness, ensuring great visibility even in bright sunlight. The Garmin Instinct 3, though not as flashy, comes with a rugged aluminum chassis and a new metal-reinforced bezel for additional protection. While the Ultra 2’s design is elegant, the Instinct 3 offers two size options (45mm and 50mm), which may be a better fit for different wrist sizes. Additionally, the Instinct 3 has a useful onboard LED flashlight, making it a better choice for low-light conditions. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, relies on its screen for flashlight functionality, which is less powerful than the Instinct 3’s “Torch” feature. This category ends in a draw, as both watches cater to different preferences in design and usability.
Battery Life
Where the Garmin Instinct 3 truly stands out is in its battery performance. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, while impressive with up to 36 hours of battery life in standard mode and 72 hours in low-power mode, can’t match the longevity of the Instinct 3. The Garmin model offers up to 24 days in smartwatch mode (depending on the version) and an extraordinary 60 hours of GPS tracking in its Solar variant. In comparison, the Ultra 2’s GPS mode lasts just 12 hours. If you’re planning long hikes or extended outdoor adventures, the Garmin Instinct 3 is clearly the winner in terms of battery life.
Fitness and Outdoor Tools
Both watches track a wide array of activities, but Garmin takes the lead with more specialized outdoor fitness tools. The Instinct 3 is equipped to handle complex outdoor activities such as mountain biking, bouldering, hunting, and snowboarding, offering more detailed insights into elevation changes and time spent in specific conditions. It also features unique tools like altitude and heat acclimation metrics, which are crucial for outdoor enthusiasts in extreme environments. The Garmin Instinct 3’s Body Battery rating, which measures energy levels based on sleep and activity, adds an extra layer of insight into your recovery.
While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 also excels in fitness tracking and includes advanced health features like sleep apnea detection, its training tools and recovery insights are not as extensive as those on the Garmin. Garmin’s sleep analysis, training readiness score, and recovery suggestions make it the go-to choice for serious athletes and adventurers.
Smart Features
On the smart front, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 leaves the Garmin Instinct 3 in the dust. The Ultra 2 offers a wealth of smart features, including on-wrist translations, AI-generated notification summaries, support for third-party apps, and cellular connectivity for staying connected even without a phone. The Instinct 3, while offering some smart features such as Garmin Pay, notifications, and a few apps from the Garmin ConnectIQ store, lacks third-party app support and offline music storage.
Safety and Navigation
Both devices are equipped with safety features, including fall detection and location-sharing capabilities. Garmin’s TracBack and Apple’s Backtrack both help users retrace their steps in case of an emergency. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers downloadable maps for offline navigation, making it the better option for navigation-heavy outdoor activities. Still, Garmin’s real-time location sharing with loved ones is a unique touch for adventurers.
Verdict
Ultimately, the Garmin Instinct 3 is the better choice for dedicated adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts who need advanced fitness tools, long battery life, and rugged durability. It shines with its specialized workout tracking, sleep insights, and outdoor adventure features.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, however, is a more versatile smartwatch. While it may not have the same depth in training tools, it’s an all-in-one device perfect for those who want a smartwatch that excels both in the wilderness and everyday life. Its superior screen, broader range of smart features, and integration with third-party apps make it ideal for those seeking a premium experience with robust fitness tracking.
In conclusion, your decision between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Instinct 3 ultimately depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize advanced outdoor tools and battery life or a comprehensive smartwatch experience with premium smart features.