While Garmin Epix 2 offers more advanced outdoor activity tracking, metrics, and navigational capabilities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers more advanced smartwatch features like phone-free communication, as well as unique wellness features like sleep apnea detection and body composition measurement.
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2: Which is a Better Outdoor Watch?
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
If you're looking for a durable, feature-packed smartwatch for outdoor adventures and activities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Garmin Epix 2 are two top contenders worth considering. While both offer impressive capabilities, each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses that may appeal to different users.
So let's compare the key features and capabilities of these two premium outdoor watches to help you decide which one is the better fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
While Garmin Epix 2 offers more advanced outdoor activity tracking, metrics, and navigational capabilities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers more advanced smartwatch features like phone-free communication, as well as unique wellness features like sleep apnea detection and body composition measurement.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Smart Outdoor Smartwatch
✓ Multisport Workout
✓ ECG, BIA, Sleep Apnea
✓ On-Wrist Calling, Texting, and Music
✓ Galaxy AI
Garmin Epix 2
Premium Fitness and Outdoor Watch
✓ Advanced Training, Health, Fitness
✓ MultiSport Auto Transition
✓ Optional TopoActive Maps
✓ Multi-band GNSS
#1 Price
Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch Ultra and Garmin Epix 2 are both high-end smartwatches, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra is more affordable at US$649.99 compared to the Garmin Epix 2 which retails at US$799.99.
Garmin Epix 2 also comes in the Pro variant and Sapphire Edition, which are priced even higher up to US$1,099.99.
The decision then boils down to whether the Garmin Epix 2's extra features are worth the higher price. If you have budget constraints, then the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the more cost-effective option.
You may also want to consider Garmin Fenix 7, which is priced exactly the same as the Galaxy Watch Ultra at US$649.99 for the standard model and comes with some benefits that the Epix 2 offers.
Read also: Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Epix 2
Garmin Epix 2 offers 3 size options: 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. Each size boasts slightly different physical specs like display resolution, but every model features a bright AMOLED display with excellent outdoor visibility. The standard edition offers a stainless steel build and Corning Gorilla Glass, while the Sapphire Edition offers a more premium and durable titanium build with Sapphire Crystal Glass.
Galaxy Watch Ultra only comes in 47mm size, featuring a 1.5" Super AMOLED display with 480 x 480 resolution, which is higher than any Garmin Epix 2 model. Similar to the Sapphire Edition of Epix 2, Galaxy Watch Ultra also offers a titanium build and Sapphire Crystal Glass, providing a premium and durable construction at a lower price point.
Galaxy Watch Ultra has a dedicated Quick Button, which can be customized for quick access to your favorite function. While the Garmin Epix 2 has no dedicated Quick Button, the combination of its five buttons can be customized via the Hot Keys feature to achieve similar functionality.
When it comes to durability, both watches are on par. They have a 10 ATM water rating, meaning they can withstand water pressure equivalent to 100 meters of depth, and have been tested to US military standards, making both options equally rugged and suitable for outdoor activities.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Galaxy Watch Ultra
A range of wellness-tracking features are available on both watches, including heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, and sleep tracking. The ECG feature, which can detect atrial fibrillation and monitor heart rhythm, is supported by the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Pro models of Garmin Epix 2.
Galaxy Watch Ultra, along with its sister Galaxy Watch 7, is the first smartwatch that offers an FDA-approved Sleep Apnea detection feature, which can help identify potential sleep disorders.
Galaxy Watch Ultra also offers a BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) sensor not commonly offered by other smartwatches, allowing it to provide detailed body composition analysis. These two unique features give the Galaxy Watch Ultra an edge over the Garmin Epix 2 in the wellness-tracking department.
Garmin Epix 2
When it comes to fitness tracking, however, Garmin Epix 2 seems to be the more comprehensive and advanced option. While both watches support a range of activities and workouts, the Garmin Epix 2 offers more specialized training features and metrics tailored for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
For example, for mountain biking, Epix 2 offers MTB dynamics like Grit and Flow to measure trail difficulty and riding smoothness. For golf, Garmin AutoShot automatically records your shots and uploads the stats to the Garmin Golf app. For running, PacePro Pacing Strategies help you maintain an optimal grade-adjusted pace throughout your run. For hiking, ClimbPro provides real-time information on current and upcoming climbs. The Epix 2 also works with Surfline Sessions for surfing.
Other features like Race Predictor, Garmin Coach, Daily Suggested Workouts, Animated Workouts, and more provide in-depth training guidance and analysis that elevates the Epix 2 as a more capable fitness and outdoor companion.
#4 Maps & Navigational Features
Garmin Epix 2
Multi-GNSS offers more reliable navigation than GPS alone, especially in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons. While the Garmin Epix 2 offers GPS, Glonass, and Galileo, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou.
The Sapphire Edition and Pro models of the Epix 2 come equipped with SatIQ, a GPS technology that automatically selects the optimal GPS mode to provide the most accurate and reliable location tracking in any environment without draining the battery excessively.
Garmin Epix 2 also stands out with TopoActive maps, which provide detailed topographical data for many outdoor activities with turn-by-turn directions, real-time breadcrumb trails, and support for waypoints and routes. Note that only the Epix 2 Pro Sapphire Edition comes preloaded with the maps, while other Epix 2 models require purchasing and downloading the maps separately.
However, all Epix 2 models are preloaded with golf course and ski resort maps, giving it a clear advantage over the Galaxy Watch Ultra in terms of comprehensive navigational capabilities for outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch Ultra offers more basic navigational features, such as trace back and turn-by-turn navigation via Google Maps.
#5 Smartwatch Features
Galaxy Watch Ultra
One feature that sets the Galaxy Watch Ultra apart is its LTE connectivity, allowing users to leave their smartphone behind and still stay connected through the watch. The built-in speaker and microphone support calling and voice commands, while Galaxy AI can provide Suggested Replies for quick responses to texts.
On the other hand, Garmin Epix 2 lacks LTE connectivity, a built-in microphone, and a speaker. Receiving notifications is limited only when a connected phone is nearby, while on-wrist calling is not possible. Responding to text via the on-watch keyboard is also only supported for Android phones.
Some other useful daily smartwatch features supported by the Galaxy Watch Ultra but not the Epix 2 include a remote camera control, a flashlight, and an 86dB siren. Flashlight in the Epix 2 is only available in the Pro models.
#6 Battery & Charging
Garmin Epix 2
Galaxy Watch Ultra is rated for a battery life of up to 60 hours in normal usage, up to 48 hours in exercise power-saving mode, and up to 100 hours in power-saving mode.
The battery life of Garmin Epix 2 varies depending on the specific model, but the standard 47mm model claims to last for up to 42 hours in GPS mode, 16 days in smartwatch mode, and 21 days in battery saver smartwatch mode.
This makes the Epix 2 the better option for those who want longer battery life, especially for extended outdoor activities. However, when it comes to charging methods, Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a more sophisticated and convenient wireless charging compared to the Epix 2 which still uses a standard charging cable.
#7 Compatibility
Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is only compatible with Android phones, while Garmin Epix 2 is compatible with both iOS and Android phones, giving it the advantage in terms of compatibility across a broader range of smartphone platforms.
In addition, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra is compatible with Android phones, some features require certain Samsung Galaxy phones, which restricts non-Samsung Android phone users from fully utilizing all the capabilities of the watch.
For example, the Energy Score is a Galaxy AI-powered wellness that can only be accessed via the Samsung Health app on Galaxy phones that support Galaxy AI, including the Galaxy S and Z series. Other Galaxy and non-Samsung Android phone owners will miss out on this feature even if they have the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2
Final Thoughts
Garmin Epix 2
If you prioritize a more comprehensive and advanced fitness and outdoor activity tracking experience, the Garmin Epix 2 is the clear winner with its specialized training features, detailed mapping, and comprehensive navigational capabilities. It also has a superior battery life, wider compatibility, and varying sizes to suit different user preferences.
However, for those with high-end Samsung smartphones who want advanced wellness and fitness tracking without sacrificing daily smartwatch features like phone-free communication, the Galaxy Watch Ultra can be a compelling option.
Ultimately, both watches are excellent choices for outdoor enthusiasts, and the decision will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Venu 3
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Forerunner 265
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Fitbit Sense 2
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