Garmin Fenix 7 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3 – Why I Switched

I am a late adopter.

When new technology becomes available, I prefer to let others test it, iron out the faults, and help ensure the next generation is the one we all actually want.

My first Apple Watch was the Series 2 – the premium stainless steel version, back in September 2016. How titanium has changed things since. 🙂 I was thrilled with it. It replaced my odd-looking activity tracker and, by today’s standards, felt quite hefty. Paired with the right strap, it could look dressy or casual, which I loved.

As usual, though, I resisted the hype for a while before eventually caving in for a later generation. A couple of years on, I fell for the excitement around the Series 4. While the aluminium model felt like a step down in build quality, it was cellular. For a time, I loved making calls from my wrist – very Dick Tracy.

Eventually, however, I grew weary of being constantly connected. No matter where I was or what I was doing, there was no escape. People could message or call me while I was using the toilet, working in the attic, or meditating. I had no excuses.

Mum – “Didn’t you hear my call?”
Me – “Sorry, no. I was doing something embarrassing.”
Mum – “But I thought you had an Apple Watch?”

Although I was enamoured with the cellular model, I managed to scratch the cheaper glass face within weeks. The countdown to replacement had begun.

Hello Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar

Looking to escape constant contactability, in 2022 I chose the Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar. A bit of a mouthful, but it offered almost everything I wanted – and, crucially, being Android-centric meant I couldn’t respond to texts or take calls. Bliss. I could finally use the toilet in peace.

The Garmin came loaded with features I never used, such as golf courses and workout activities my body remains blissfully unaware of. But that’s no different from any smartwatch.

I wore the Garmin every day for three and a half years and, when I sold it, it still looked new. Other reasons I enjoyed the Fenix 7 included:

• It was built like a tank. I banged it on desks and doors without a scratch.
• Battery life was incredible. I’d charge it before a holiday and it would last weeks, thanks to its memory-in-pixel screen – a low-power alternative to OLED.
• Due to iOS restrictions, you couldn’t respond to messages without an iPhone, but you could read them.
• Best feature of all: the built-in LED flashlight. A real light at the end of your arm proved invaluable time and again.

Over time, though, I began to miss the simple lifestyle benefits of the Apple Watch. Ironically, the very things I’d grown to dislike became the things I longed for.

Garmin is often described as a true athlete’s watch, whereas the Apple Watch is more of a lifestyle accessory – and I get that now. It was the little things I missed: dictating a quick response to my wife, or leaving the iPhone at home when going for a run.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 – Best of All Worlds

It’s ironic. The features that drove me away from the Apple Watch are the very ones that brought me back. This time, though, I wanted something that looked different. The Apple Watch Ultra series offered a rugged design and, for me, something genuinely fresh.

After three months, I’m happy to say I have no buyer’s remorse. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has become my favourite Apple-related purchase in years.

What has pleased me most?

• Leaving the iPhone at home when going for a run. There’s a real sense of freedom in ditching the phone while still being contactable if needed.
• The super-sharp, colourful display on the 49mm sapphire screen. With my eyesight, it’s a godsend.
• Dictating responses by voice – something I didn’t realise how much I’d missed.
• The rugged yet stylish design. I’ve knocked the watch against various objects without damage. This is a tough watch, and the natural titanium finish looks fantastic.

What Has Surprised Me About the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve fallen for hype – it’s been nearly every time. But the Ultra 3 has delivered without disappointment. I’ve been surprised by just how much I enjoy using it. My favourite surprises include:

• Battery life. With a run and a few calls, I can still stretch charging to every third day. While that’s nothing compared to Garmin, it’s a significant improvement and removes the nuisance of daily charging. I turn the watch off at night and rely on how tired my face looks to track my sleep.
• Cellular connection. The Series 4’s cellular performance was dreadful – whether that was the watch or the network, I’m not sure. The Ultra 3, however, just works. Connectivity away from the phone is strong, including on 5G.
• Overall look. This is subjective, but I love the rugged design, the action button, and the impressive resistance to scratches.

I can also get by with the Apple Watch's torch which is simply a white bright screen. Assigned to the action button, the torch is a single press away.

As great as the Ultra 3 is, there are a few irksome nuances worth mentioning.

If you want the best battery life, there’s a wide array of settings to tweak – from disabling the always-on display to adjusting brightness and background activity such as blood oxygen monitoring. Be wary of some YouTubers who seem determined to deactivate everything and turn the watch into an expensive ornament.

Despite the passing years, Apple Watch faces remain largely unchanged. Yes, the Ultra has additional options, but the Face Gallery still lacks real innovation.

I also got carried away with strap options. Within days, I’d bought five straps: two from Apple, two from Nomad, and a discontinued Apple strap via eBay. I eventually calmed down. While they all have their place, my favourite by far is the Nomad titanium strap – pure luxury and a perfect match. Apple’s synthetic Trail and Alpine loops cost roughly double what they should.

Do I Regret Buying the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

No.

While Garmin offers an incredible range – including the Fenix 8 with an OLED screen and optional bespoke cellular connectivity – the cost now places it above Apple’s pricing.

Bottom line: if you’re into multiple sports, triathlons, or you’re an Android user, Garmin is perfect. If, like me, you enjoy a few different activities and are deeply embedded in the Apple iOS and Mac ecosystem, the Apple Watch is a no-brainer.

Or is that a slam dunk?

Thanks for reading this far. If you found this story helpful, please consider buying me a coffee. It would mean so much. 😊