Andrew Orr
Garmin has announced a new lineup of watches, and their rugged designs and extensive features could make them a serious rival to the Apple Watch Ultra.
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's latest premium wearable, engineered for intensive activities in rugged surroundings. It has a titanium casing, dual-frequency GPS, a depth gauge, and a durable design.
However, the latest offerings from Garmin's watch collection possess features and functionalities that are on par with the specifications of the Apple Watch Ultra, catering to the needs of hikers, drivers, and athletes engaged in high-intensity sports.
Fenix 7 Pro
First, the Fenix 7 Pro series consists of premium GPS smartwatches designed to enhance the performance of athletes and adventurers. These watches feature solar charging capabilities and are equipped with advanced performance insights, expanded mapping functionalities, and comprehensive health and wellness tracking, empowering users to excel in their activities.
Including a built-in LED flashlight and a solar charging lens in all models, the Fenix 7 Pro Series offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 37 days in smartwatch mode and up to 139 days in expedition mode. As a result, it ensures that users can make the most of their outdoor experiences, both during the day and at night.
Combining durability with style, every Fenix 7 Pro Series variant showcases a solar-powered screen, a highly responsive touchscreen, a combination of traditional buttons, and a robust fiber-reinforced polymer case complemented by a steel bezel and rear cover. Notably, these smartwatches have undergone rigorous testing to meet the stringent thermal, shock, and water resistance standards the US military sets.
Epix Pro
The Epix Pro series is the other lineup of watches that Garmin is releasing. These smartwatches come with a crystal-clear AMOLED display, a rugged design, and an impressive battery life.
With a battery that can last up to 31 days, the Epix Pro Series is equipped with comprehensive health monitoring features and fitness metrics to support users in staying active. Furthermore, users can choose from three different sizes, namely 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm, and each size includes a built-in LED flashlight, making it an ideal companion for any adventure.
Crafted for extended wear, the Epix Pro Series is designed to offer a range of advanced health and wellness tools alongside a collection of intelligent features to keep users connected during their daily activities. With comprehensive 24/7 health monitoring capabilities, the Epix Pro Series incorporates a wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor2, Body Battery energy monitoring, a jet lag advisor, advanced sleep monitoring, sleep score assessment, and various other functions.
Upon waking up, users can access a personalized morning report that provides insights into their sleep quality, training outlook, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) status, and more, allowing them to customize their experience based on the provided information.
Pricing & Availability
The available models in the Fenix lineup consist of the Fenix 7S Pro in a 42mm size, the Fenix 7 Pro in a 47mm size, and the Fenix 7X Pro in a 51mm size. Each model offers Standard and Sapphire edition options, and prices start at $799.99.
Additionally, models in the Epix lineup consist of the Epix Pro in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes. These models offer options for both Standard and Sapphire editions, and prices start at $899.99.
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16 Comments
I work at a returns center, should be long before I see those coming through. 😂
Hmmm probably a better comparison with AW Ultra would be the Garmin Descent Mk2. As far as I know, only their Descent models have dive computers.
I realize this is the least critical of the top Apple fan sites and tailors its editorial to the most committed users accordingly (gotta make a dollar, no shade intended!), but given Garmin has a proven track record of making ruggedized smart watches tailored to that niche for years, and the AW Ultra is still the newcomer, wouldn't a more accurate headline be something like, "Year-old Apple Watch Ultra up now challenging refreshed Garmin options"?
There is nothing specifically wrong with the Apple Watch Ultra. It's a fine, one-size-fits-all product. But presenting the Apple option as the standard bearer through word choice is disingenuous fan service. All companies should have to work for every inch of their reputation through time, revisions, and responding to customer feedback, not have it handed to them for free.
Competition is good for everyone.
I own an Apple Watch Ultra and iPhone Pro 14 and use a Zoleo when out in the boonies.
Unlike Apple's system, with a Zoleo I can send messages from pretty much any location on Earth. It leverages the Iridium satellite network. You cannot text from the Watch with Zoleo, but you can with the phone. I would not be surprised to see that function coming eventually.
Competition is good, especially when it’s not simply based on price. Having strong competitors in the smart watch market further legitimizes the market as as a whole, in addition to validating Apple’s investment in their product that currently serves as the archetype for these products.