GPS, health, sports profiles: urban precision vs. outdoor regularity

GPS. The Ultra 3 is making further progress in dual frequency (L1/L5) and surprises in the city: trajectories that “hug” the sidewalks, less drift between buildings, very solid under dense plant cover. Several independent tests confirm traces at the level of the best sports watches in an urban environment. Press references as of Oct. 27–28, 2025.

The Venu Point of detail: it does not include multi-band GPS. It can count on tight urban marathons, less on open trails. Specificities noted in the announcement and technical instructions.

Health. ECG? Ultra 3 yes. Came X1 no. For the rest, SpO₂ sensors, HR, HRV, sleep/nap derivatives, alerts — both cover a lot. But the Ultra 3 takes health integration further (hypertension, sleep apnea, SOS satellite – practical, not a gadget). ECG/absence ECG and health: sources Apple + The Verge.

Sports. Garmin remains Garmin. Over 100 activity profiles, configurable fields, training metrics readable in Garmin Connect. For a triathlete, a trailer, a cyclist, we find our marks. Apple is progressing quickly in terms of metrics (running power, HR zones, segments). But the third-party app ecosystem still hides some native limitations — honestly, it's very usable on a daily basis. +100 sports and product orientation confirmed at launch.

Want to calibrate the Ultra on other more “mountain” Garmin competitors? Consult Garmin Fenix ​​8 Pro versus Apple Watch Ultra 3 to put priorities in the field.

Mapping & navigation: the Venu X1 takes the advantage

This is the crux of the outdoors. The Venu X1 arrives with TopoActive maps downloadable, integrated map manager, guidance, POI, ski/golf… We find ClimbPro (profile of climbs in route tracking), Up Ahead (next key points), and comfortable on-screen guidance. And the LED lamp integrated finish the picture at night - useful on technical descents or to be seen. Checkable functions in Venu X1 manual.

In contrast, the Ultra 3 does not have an on-board Garmin-style topographical map. It relies on simplified maps, compass, waypoints and above all the iPhone ecosystem (Maps, third-party apps). Sufficient for the city, could be improved in the mountains. That's reality.

Useful aside: connected health is good, but keep a cool head. Read this decryption connected watch health benefits and hidden dangers to avoid hasty interpretations.

At night: the torch changes the experience

The Venu X1 lights the way. Programmable, white/red depending on mode, it avoids blinding. Yes, the battery is damaged, but the safety benefit is clear. When running at the end of the day or returning from a late hike, it's reassuring. Torch function detailed in the manual.

Price, integration, final choice: to each their own

Public prices France : Apple Watch Ultra 3 from ~€899 on the Apple Store. The Venu Price observations recorded as of 10/30/2025.

Ecosystem : with an iPhone, the Ultra 3 becomes obvious (iMessage, calls, Wallet, pro apps, automations). The Venu X1 remains multiplatform and better integrates into the Garmin sports world (Connect, training metrics, clear restitution). Two worlds. Neither better nor worse. Just different.

Are you still comparing the Ultra 3 to the Ultra 2 to set your budget? Go through a detailed comparison of Ultra 3 versus Ultra 2 before deciding (avoid buying by reflex).

Recommendations by profile (frank)

• iPhone, city, productivity + regular sport : Apple Watch Ultra 3. Urban GPS on the line, satellite security, ECG, fast charging. You want a “total” everyday watch. Point.
• Trail, hiking, mountain biking, autonomous navigation : Garmin Venu X1. Native map, ClimbPro/Up Ahead, torch. In open terrain, she was more comfortable. She still is.
• Priority autonomy + solar : look instead at the Fenix/Epix family (yes, the X1 is not the endurance queen). “Ultra” on the Apple side does not change the situation here.
• Cardio/advanced health (ECG, alerts, SOS): Ultra 3. Clear, clean. Venu X1 doesn't check the ECG box today.

Need a very “mountain” comparison to expand? Take a look at Garmin Fenix ​​8 Pro versus Apple Watch Ultra 3 before freezing your cart.

Shopping experience: avoiding false compromises

Bracelets & comfort : on Ultra, the Trail Loop holds sweat well and dries quickly. On Venu X1, the ComfortFit nylon is a success (featherweight, no pinching). If sensitive skin, alternate with smooth silicone. Yes, detail. No, not gimmicky.

Warranty & updates : Apple quickly pushes its updates (watchOS), Garmin delivers regular firmwares which stabilize GNSS/maps. Check the pacing in the release notes, it's telling.

Return & handling : test 7–14 days when possible. A screen too present at night? A chassis that catches the sleeve? Better to realize it early.

To delve deeper into the health ecosystem on the Apple side and remain pragmatic, read health connected watch benefits and hidden dangers — a good reminder not to overinterpret a graph.

Our method (transparent, no nonsense)

Cross-analysis of manufacturers' technical sheets, user manuals (ClimbPro, map, map manager), press tests and FR price bases. Data: Apple (Ultra 3 specs), Garmin (Venu X1 sheet + manual), Frandroid (autonomy measured in AOD), The Guardian/Wareable (Ultra 3 urban GPS), idealo (FR price). Source dates: June–October 2025, verified 10/30/2025.

Final recap

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 — advantages: high-level urban GPS precision, ECG, security (satellite SOS), fast charging, iPhone/apps integration. Weak points : outdoor map natively limited, “2 days+” autonomy in heavy use.
• Garmin Venu X1 — advantages: complete mapping (TopoActive, ClimbPro, Up Ahead), LED torch, comfort/weight, +100 sports profiles, autonomy of up to 8 days in moderate use. Weak points : no ECG, no multi-band GNSS, energy-intensive AOD.
• Clear choice : City + iPhone + health? Ultra 3. Outdoor + autonomous nav + night comfort? Came X1. “Between two” exists, but quickly becomes frustrating. Frankly.

Want to explore the Apple side in more depth? Dive into the full Apple Watch Ultra 3 sheet and tests to validate everything before purchasing.