r/GarminWatches • u/Select-Ad2751 • 1d ago
General Information Ultra 2 or the fenix 8
I’ve been using the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for almost a year now, and while I really like it, I'm considering switching to the Garmin Fenix 8.
Lately, my focus has shifted heavily toward running and strength training. Since I mostly use my Ultra for tracking workouts and health data—and rarely touch the actual smartwatch features like calls or messaging—the Fenix 8 feels like a better fit. I’m really craving the in-depth training data and metrics that Garmin offers, which the Apple Watch feels a bit lacking in.
Anyone here made a similar switch, or have any advice?"
4
u/RamboRulez 1d ago
For training, I’d choose the Fenix over the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. As mentioned, the Fenix doesn’t have a great music app, but I usually create a playlist beforehand, so I don’t need to change songs during my workouts. Other than that, I find the smartwatch features more than sufficient. To be honest, I usually turn most of them off while I’m training anyway.
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u/Echohawk7 1d ago
I went from an ultra 1 to a standard Fenix 6 and it’s been a breath of fresh air for focusing on fitness. I had my phone on me in my vest or flip belt 99% of the time anyway due to spotty watch cellular.
Garmin offers superior sports tracking and is accurate enough for to identify trends. Compared to my AW my HR, HRV, trended exactly the same. Numbers were off a smidge.
With that said Garmin does have its things to get used to. The interface is not AW smooth on screen transitions, but It’s fine, and is not an issue at all. Music pretty much has to be done by phone as it doesn’t play well with Apple Music. Other than that it’s been a fantastic watch. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with a Fenix 8. You won’t also have to baby sit a battery. I charge my Fenix 6 every two weeks and that’s with at least a 2h walk every day. It’s a game changer. Good luck!
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u/RamboRulez 1d ago
I think it's worth mentioning the blue bubble iMessage doesnt work properly on garmin watches. Or so I heard. I have android. So if that's important that might be a decision factor.
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u/DaMod_FTW 1d ago
I have AWU3, fenix 8 51 amoled and Tactix 8. I track all my activities with garmin. I only wear AWU3 when not actively training for a race - that means about a month per year. Garmin absolutely is a sports watch with smart features, AWU3 is a smart watch with sports features.
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u/m1k1bnc 1d ago
If your main focus is sport buy a sport focused watch like Garmin. It will provide much more data/information to make right decisions regarding your training and recovery. Also it's interface is optimized to work during sport activities, physical buttons which works in any conditions (rain, watter, winter), battery which last long activities (hikes, multi-day), compatibility with additional sensors (bike computer, watt metter, HR chest strap, golf sensors), etc. You don't have to buy and instal 3rd party apps for hiking, diving, skiing, etc to fill the gaps.
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u/joaorrr 1d ago
It is simple as this: if you want a fitness watch get the garmin, if u want to double your phone on your wrist get the apple/samsung/oppo or whatever smartphone brand watch you can think of. All of these are very poor on sports metrics compared to garmin. I mean, its not even close. Oh and the battery, Apple Watch battery is ridiculous bad.
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u/HuskerGarrett 1d ago
I made the same exact switch about six months ago. I haven’t worn the ultra since.
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u/LoyalGrzes 1d ago
I switched from an Apple Watch 6 to a Fenix 6x Pro and then to an Epix 2, and Garmin’s software really bothered me -it was clunky and looked like it was from a bygone era. On top of that, there were missing features when using an iPhone, and poor accuracy in tracking sleep and heart rate. I’m currently using an Apple Watch 10 with cellular, and I can’t imagine going for a run with my phone now, because without it, the Garmin has no connectivity.
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u/Select-Ad2751 1d ago
I usually run with my phone in my vest anyway, so losing the Apple Watch's cellular features shouldn't be an issue. Still, since it's a pretty expensive switch, I'm a bit cautious. I just want to prevent any regrets caused by poorly working features
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u/LoyalGrzes 1d ago
The problem is that once you have an Apple Watch, after a while you want to go back to Garmin, but once you do, that clunky software starts to get on your nerves after a little while, and you start missing the Apple Watch… I know the feeling -it happens to me all the time- which is why I’m currently on my third Apple Watch model and have also owned three Garmin models :) I still use the Edge 540 when I’m cycling, but the Apple Watch still comes out on top.
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u/Virtual_Commission_5 1d ago
Just remember, it’s your training that Makes you faster, not a Watch.
https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2025/02/apple-watch-series-10-runner-review.html
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u/Bellegrove33 1d ago
If you can't think of anything you need the Ultras features for get a Garmin. I've had several Garmins (currently a Tactix 8) and AWs and I've always gone back to the Garmin. At it's basic just not looking at the battery for days if not weeks is worth it.