The Battery: Garmin Crushes
Garmin: 11 days in watch mode, 6 days with GPS.
Apple: 36 hours in normal mode, 72 hours in economy mode.
It’s not a joke. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 lasts 1.5 days. The Garmin lasts 11 days. That’s a 7x difference.
Apple tells you that this is normal, that you charge your watch every day. But honestly, it’s a flaw. You need to charge your watch more often than your phone. It’s ridiculous.
Verdict: Garmin crushes. No debate. See here Garmin Venu 2S review
The Screen: Equality
Both have good quality AMOLED displays. The Apple is a little bigger and brighter. The Garmin is denser and more vibrant.
This is quibbling. Both screens are good.
Verdict: Tie.
Sports Tracking: Garmin Wins
Garmin: 100+ sport modes, multi-constellation GPS, advanced swim tracking.
Apple: 60+ sport modes, dual-frequency GPS, advanced swim tracking.
The Garmin has more sport modes. But above all, the Garmin is made for sport. It’s his thing. The Apple Watch is a general watch that does sports in passing.
If you are a serious sportsman, the Garmin is better. If you do occasional sport, both are good.
Verdict: Garmin wins for serious sports.
Apple Features: Siri, Apple Pay, Calls
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has Siri, Apple Pay, and calls. The Garmin has none of that.
It’s true. But honestly, you’ll use Siri once a month. Apple Pay, you have your phone. Calls, you have your phone too.
These features are cool on paper. In reality, you won’t use them.
Verdict: Apple wins on paper. In reality, it’s marketing. Apple Watch Ultra 3 review
The Ecosystem: Apple Locks Up, Garmin Frees
The Apple Watch works best with an iPhone. If you have an Android, forget it.
The Garmin works with any phone. iPhone, Android, whatever.
If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is more integrated. If you have an Android, the Garmin is your only option.
Verdict: Depends on your phone.
Design: Apple Wins
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a beautiful watch. Robust, premium, impressive.
The Garmin Venu 2S is also beautiful, but more discreet.
If you want a watch that screams “I’m rich”, the Apple wins. If you want a discreet and stylish watch, the Garmin wins.
Verdict: Depends on your style.
The Price: Apple Costs €500 More
Garmin: €399. Apple: €899. Difference: €500.
For $500 more, you get Siri, Apple Pay, and a better battery… no, wait. The battery is worse. You have Siri and Apple Pay. That’s all.
€500 for Siri and Apple Pay. It’s expensive.
Verdict: The Garmin is much cheaper. And it’s better for sports.
The Final Verdict: Who to Choose?
Choose the Garmin Venu 2S if:
- You exercise seriously
- You want a battery that lasts a long time
- You have an Android
- You don’t want to spend €900 on a watch
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if:
- You have an iPhone and you want maximum integration
- You want Siri and Apple Pay
- You have €900 to spend
- You like premium and visible watches
Our clear opinion: The Garmin Venu 2S is better for sports and battery. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is better for iPhone integration and prestige. If you play sports, take the Garmin. If you have an iPhone and you want the best integration, get the Apple. But don’t pay $500 more just for Siri.
Garmin score: 4.2/5
Apple Score: 4.0/5
Where to Buy
Garmin Venu 2S on Amazon
Apple Watch Ultra 3 on Amazon
