When evaluating the Garmin Fenix 7 and the Apple Watch Ultra for triathlon training, both devices present compelling features tailored to multisport athletes.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Apple Watch Ultra
Here’s a comparative analysis to assist in your decision-making:
Design and Durability:
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Garmin Fenix 7: Crafted for rugged environments, the Fenix 7 boasts a robust build with options for solar charging, enhancing its endurance during extended activities. Its transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display ensures readability under direct sunlight. The Verge
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Apple Watch Ultra: Featuring a 49mm titanium case, the Ultra offers a sleek yet durable design. Its Retina display, with a brightness of up to 2,000 nits, provides exceptional clarity, even in bright conditions. Tom’s Guide
Battery Life:
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Garmin Fenix 7: Excelling in battery longevity, the Fenix 7 delivers up to 57 hours in GPS mode and can extend further with solar models, making it suitable for long-distance events. Tom’s Guide
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Apple Watch Ultra: Offers up to 36 hours of regular use and approximately 12 hours in standard GPS mode. While sufficient for shorter events, it may require more frequent charging during prolonged activities.
Multisport and Training Features:
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Garmin Fenix 7: Equipped with dedicated triathlon and multisport modes, the Fenix 7 allows seamless transitions between swimming, cycling, and running. It provides advanced metrics, including VO2 max, training load, and recovery insights, and supports offline mapping for navigation without a connected device.
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Apple Watch Ultra: Introduced with WatchOS 10, the Ultra supports multisport workouts, enabling users to switch between activities. It now offers Bluetooth sensor compatibility, facilitating connections with cycling power meters and other devices. However, some advanced training metrics are less comprehensive compared to Garmin’s offerings. Triathlete
Ecosystem and Connectivity:
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Garmin Fenix 7: Integrates with the Garmin Connect app, providing a suite of training plans, performance analytics, and community features tailored for athletes. Tom’s Guide
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Apple Watch Ultra: Seamlessly connects with the Apple ecosystem, offering features like music streaming, notifications, and access to a wide range of apps. Its intuitive interface enhances the overall user experience, especially for those already using Apple products.
User Experiences:
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Some athletes appreciate the Ultra’s bright display and integration with the Apple ecosystem, finding it suitable for daily training and activities. Tom’s Guide+1Reddit+1
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Others highlight the Fenix 7’s superior battery life and advanced training metrics, considering it more aligned with the needs of serious triathletes. Tom’s Guide
Conclusion:
For triathletes prioritizing extensive battery life and in-depth training analytics, the Garmin Fenix 7 stands out as a robust choice. Conversely, those seeking a device that balances fitness tracking with comprehensive smartwatch functionalities may find the Apple Watch Ultra more aligned with their preferences.
Note: Individual experiences may vary. It’s advisable to assess both devices based on personal training needs and ecosystem compatibility.