Key Differences at a Glance<\/p>\n
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025) \u2013 Apple\u2019s rugged flagship adds built-in satellite texting, 5G, a larger edge-to-edge wide-angle OLED display, and 42-hour battery life \u2013 the longest of any Apple Watch apple.com<\/a> theverge.com<\/a>. It offers new hypertension alerts and AI-powered coaching, but is iPhone-only and maintains a $799 price theverge.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (2025) \u2013 Garmin\u2019s ultimate multisport watch introduces two-way satellite messaging and LTE calling for standalone use off-grid androidcentral.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>. Available in 47mm ($1,199) and 51mm ($1,299) titanium models dcrainmaker.com<\/a>, plus an exclusive 51mm MicroLED version ($2,000) boasting the brightest smartwatch display ever at 4,500 nits dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. It delivers multi-week battery life (up to ~30 days on standard models) far beyond Apple or Samsung dcrainmaker.com<\/a>, but at a steep cost and requires a Garmin subscription for LTE\/SOS features dcrainmaker.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) \u2013 Samsung\u2019s first \u201cUltra\u201d watch (47mm, ~$649) is a Wear OS device built for Android users. It features a robust titanium build with 10ATM water resistance, a 1.5\u2033 AMOLED sapphire display (480\u00d7480) at 3,000 nits phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>, and the company\u2019s longest-lasting battery (~2 days typical use) phonearena.com<\/a>. It adds dual-band GPS, an extra Quick Button for sport modes, advanced metrics like triathlon tracking, sleep apnea detection and body composition, but lacks the deep expedition battery life or native satellite link of its rivals phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Design and Build Quality<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Ultra 3 retains Apple\u2019s bold 49mm case design in aerospace-grade titanium (now in natural or black finish) apple.com<\/a>. Apple even uses an innovative 3D-printed case manufacturing process with 100% recycled titanium apple.com<\/a>. It\u2019s built to be tough \u2013 rated to 100m water resistance (10 ATM) and certified for recreational scuba dives to 40m with the Oceanic+ app apple.com<\/a>. The case meets MIL-STD durability tests (for shock, temp, etc.) and includes the signature Orange Action Button, dual speakers, and a loud 86 dB siren for emergencies. Apple kept the same dimensions as previous Ultras, but shaved the display borders 24% thinner to maximize screen area apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. At ~61 g, it\u2019s hefty but balanced by a broad strap. The Ultra\u2019s aesthetic is rugged yet premium, straddling a \u201csports watch\u201d and an elegant smartwatch look apple.com<\/a>, suitable for both mountain trails and daily wear.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: The Fenix line has long been synonymous with durability, and the Fenix 8 Pro continues that tradition. It comes in 47mm and 51mm case sizes (Garmin dropped the smaller ~43mm size this generation) dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. The housing is titanium (with sapphire lens) on the higher-end models, built to withstand serious abuse. It\u2019s tested to MIL-STD-810 standards and 10 ATM water resistance (100m), sufficient for swimming, surfing, and heavy rain (though not a full dive computer like the Apple). Garmin\u2019s design is utilitarian: a chunky bezel (especially on the standard transflective model) protects the screen and holds the GPS antenna. All versions have five physical buttons around the case for reliable control with gloves or wet hands, and a touchscreen as well for convenience. The new MicroLED 51mm variant stands out with a slightly thicker case to accommodate its display tech and larger battery dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. At ~79 g (51mm titanium), the Fenix is heavier on the wrist, but many endurance athletes accept that for its tank-like build and large battery.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Samsung\u2019s Ultra adopts a 47mm round titanium case with a modern, robust style clearly inspired by its competitors. It features a raised bezel lip to protect the flat sapphire crystal and an additional programmable \u201cQuick Button\u201d (painted orange, echoing Apple\u2019s Action Button) for launching workouts or tools dcrainmaker.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. Unlike the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic\u2019s traditional lugs, the Ultra uses proprietary rugged strap attachments for its new Marine, Trail, and Alpine bands phonearena.com<\/a> \u2013 underscoring its adventure-focused intent. It is 10 ATM water resistant (tested to 100m for 10 minutes) dcrainmaker.com<\/a> and compliant with MIL-STD-810H for drop and extreme environment resistance. Design-wise, PhoneArena noted the Galaxy Watch Ultra looks and feels bulkier and sportier than the sleeker Watch 6 Classic, trading some comfort for toughness phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. At ~64 g, it\u2019s similar in weight to Apple\u2019s Ultra. With three color options (Titanium Gray, Silver, or White) and bold styling, Samsung clearly \u201cdressed for the job\u201d of an outdoor watch, even if it\u2019s a bit less refined for formal wear phonearena.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Display and Interface<\/p>\n One of the most noticeable differences is in the display technology:<\/p>\n Apple Ultra 3: Sports the largest display ever on an Apple Watch, thanks to that edge-to-edge design. It\u2019s a LTPO3 OLED panel that\u2019s brighter at angles due to a new wide-angle pixel design apple.com<\/a>. While Apple hasn\u2019t quoted a nit figure in press materials, it\u2019s believed to reach around 3000 nits peak (similar to the Ultra 2) for sunlight readability. Resolution is roughly 502\u00d7410, around 338 ppi, providing crisp detail on the ~2-inch diagonal screen. The Ultra 3\u2019s display can dynamically drop to 1 Hz refresh in always-on mode \u2013 and now even update once per second (vs once per minute previously) so you can see a ticking second hand without raising your wrist apple.com<\/a>. Reviewers note the screen \u201cgoes closer to the edges\u201d than before theverge.com<\/a>, making maps and metrics easier to see. The touch interface is fluid with watchOS, complemented by the Digital Crown and side button for scrolling and app switching. A new Waypoint watch face leverages the bigger screen with a live compass and quick-toggle Night Mode for low-light navigation apple.com<\/a>. Overall, Apple delivers a bright, vibrant display that\u2019s as at home showing a text or email as it is a detailed contour map.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Garmin offers two display options in the Fenix 8 Pro family. The standard Pro models use a brightened Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) transflective display (now estimated up to ~2000 nits with backlight, matching the Forerunner 970 and Venu X1 AMOLED on brightness) dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. This always-on MIP screen excels in direct sunlight and draws minimal power \u2013 a key to the Fenix\u2019s multi-week battery life. It\u2019s not as high resolution or contrasty as an OLED, but it\u2019s highly practical for outdoor use. Garmin also introduced a cutting-edge MicroLED display in a special Fenix 8 Pro model. This 1.4\u2033 MicroLED panel (454\u00d7454) can blast 4,500 nits peak, making it \u201cthe brightest smartwatch display ever\u201d dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. MicroLED promises OLED-like color but with better efficiency and no burn-in; however, in this first-gen implementation it actually reduced battery life (more on that below). The Fenix\u2019s interface is Garmin\u2019s proprietary OS, navigable with button clicks or swipes. It\u2019s not as graphically slick as Apple\u2019s or Google\u2019s, but it\u2019s highly customizable and widget-based, showing metrics at a glance. The map interface on the Fenix is a standout \u2013 especially on the 51mm model\u2019s larger screen \u2013 allowing pan and zoom of topo maps using the touchscreen. Both Apple and Samsung have higher pixel density, but Garmin\u2019s focus is legibility in extreme conditions (even a dim red backlight mode for night). As Android Central summarized, MicroLED is the \u201cbattery-guzzling cherry on top\u201d of the Fenix 8 Pro\u2019s new features androidcentral.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a> \u2013 optional, expensive, but demonstrating Garmin\u2019s display tech leadership.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: The Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a 1.47-inch AMOLED display at 480\u00d7480 resolution (~327 ppi) t-mobile.com<\/a>, protected by sapphire glass. It\u2019s vibrant and sharp, with Always-On capability. Samsung pushed brightness to 3,000 nits peak here, matching Apple\u2019s and ensuring visibility in harsh sunlight phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. In fact, the 47mm Ultra\u2019s screen is the same size and resolution as the 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic \u2013 but notably 50% brighter (the Classic peaked around 2000 nits) phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. The Ultra also drops the physical rotating bezel of the Classic in favor of touch rotation and on-screen swipes (the bezel is fixed). Interacting with Samsung\u2019s watch is very similar to other Wear OS 4\/5 devices: you have a rich color UI, smooth animations, and One UI Watch customizations. Both the touchscreen and two side buttons + new Quick Button are used for navigation. The Quick Button (programmable) can, for example, launch a favorite workout or trigger the 85 dB siren mode for emergencies \u2013 yes, Samsung added a loud siren alarm much like Apple\u2019s dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. Overall, Samsung\u2019s display and UI bring the polish of a modern smartwatch with the information density needed for fitness. The Wear OS ecosystem means you can download advanced watch faces or apps to take full advantage of that bright, round screen.<\/p>\n Battery Life and Charging<\/p>\n Battery endurance is a major differentiator in this trio:<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3: Apple achieved a modest boost in longevity \u2013 up to 42 hours on a full charge (versus 36 hrs on the previous Ultra 2) apple.com<\/a> macrumors.com<\/a>. This is with \u201cregular use\u201d (mixed apps, always-on display on by default). In a low-power setting (limited connectivity and dimmed screen), it can stretch to 72 hours apple.com<\/a>. For continuous exercise tracking, Apple quotes 20 hours with GPS + heart rate active in Low Power Workout mode apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a> \u2013 sufficient for an ultramarathon or a long hike. These figures are impressive by Apple\u2019s standards (the Ultra 3 has the longest battery of any Apple Watch macrumors.com<\/a>), but they still fall far short of Garmin\u2019s multi-day runtimes. In real-world terms, the Ultra 3 is typically a 2-day smartwatch: reviewers have managed \u201cabout two days or so\u201d with continuous heart-rate and a night of sleep tracking, if the always-on display is off phonearena.com<\/a>. Use all features (bright AOD, cellular, heavy apps) and you might need to charge nightly. Fortunately, it supports fast charging \u2013 about 1.2 hours for 0\u2013100%, and a quick 15-minute top-up gives ~12 hours use apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. This fast charge is handy if you need to refill during a multi-day outing. Still, serious expeditions will require carrying a charger or battery pack for the Apple Watch, as its battery is measured in hours, not days, under active use.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Battery life is where Garmin plays in a different league. Even with the new power-hungry features, the Fenix 8 Pro offers multi-day to multi-week endurance. The standard 47mm Fenix 8 Pro (with AMOLED screen) is rated around 13 days with always-on display (and up to ~20 days with AOD off, based on Fenix 8 base model data) dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. The 51mm version lasts even longer thanks to a bigger battery \u2013 for example, a Fenix 8 (51mm MIP) could do ~30 days smartwatch mode dcrainmaker.com<\/a>, while the 51mm Pro AMOLED might manage ~12\u201313 days in always-on mode (or longer if you let the display sleep) dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. The MicroLED 51mm model is ironically the shortest-lived Fenix: Garmin claims 10 days smartwatch use (4 days with always-on) dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. And in full GPS activity, MicroLED model gets up to 44 hours (GPS-only) or ~17 hours with max GPS + LTE tracking dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. By comparison, the non-MicroLED Fenix 8 Pro can likely get significantly more GPS time (the prior Fenix 7X could exceed 60 hours GPS, or even 100+ in lower precision modes). In any case, even at its worst, the Fenix is a true multi-day device. Many users only charge their Fenix once every 1\u20132 weeks in normal use, a huge advantage for adventures. It also features solar charging on some editions (except MicroLED) to extend life a bit in sunlight. Charging is via Garmin\u2019s proprietary cable and is slower (usually a full charge takes a couple of hours, not as fast as Apple\u2019s). Nonetheless, in exchange for bulk, Garmin gives you freedom from the charger. As one Fenix owner lamented in a DCR review comment comparing to AMOLED rivals: \u201cI want a watch that always shows the time\u2026 and a battery life over a week\u2026So frustrating.\u201d dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. The Fenix 8 Pro addresses that need, especially if you stick to the classic transflective display. Even the top MicroLED model, while relatively short-lived for a Garmin, still beats the Apple and Samsung in pure runtime (e.g. ~10 days vs ~2 days).<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Samsung advertises the Ultra as having a battery \u201cbuilt for endurance\u2026 so you can go to the extreme for days on end without needing to recharge\u201d t-mobile.com<\/a> t-mobile.com<\/a>. In practice, its 590 mAh battery (same capacity as the older Galaxy Watch 5 Pro) yields about 2 days of use under typical conditions phonearena.com<\/a>. PhoneArena\u2019s reviewer managed roughly \u201ctwo days or so, with continuous heart rate and sleep tracking, AOD off\u201d phonearena.com<\/a>. With heavier use or always-on display, expect closer to 1.5 days. In other words, it\u2019s similar to Apple\u2019s realm \u2013 a significant improvement for Samsung (the prior Watch 6 often barely hit 24\u201330 hours), but not a Garmin-like marathon. The Ultra does include various power-saving modes: e.g. a Workouts power saving that Samsung claims can stretch training time (Ray Maker noted 48 hours in a workout power-save mode, likely with GPS rate reduced) dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. In pure GPS usage, independent tests found the Ultra can handle long runs but will not outlast dedicated sports watches. One Reddit user reported ~16\u201318 hours of GPS tracking on a Galaxy Watch Ultra in real conditions reddit.com<\/a> \u2013 well short of Garmin\u2019s dozens of hours, but enough for most single-day activities. Like Apple, Samsung uses fast wireless charging (via a puck) \u2013 about 1.25 hours for a full charge. For an Android-compatible smartwatch with a rich AMOLED screen, two-day battery life is actually quite good, but it is the limiting factor for using the Ultra on multi-day treks without power. Samsung\u2019s claims of \u201cdays on end\u201d assume disabling many features phonearena.com<\/a>, which most users won\u2019t want to do. Thus, prospective buyers should view the Galaxy Watch Ultra as a charge-every-other-day device in real use, markedly better than older Wear OS watches but still far behind Garmin\u2019s endurance champ.<\/p>\n Fitness and Health Tracking<\/p>\n All three watches are loaded with fitness and health features, but with different strengths:<\/p>\n Activity Tracking and Sports Modes:<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Garmin\u2019s heritage is fitness, and the Fenix 8 Pro supports a massive array of sport modes \u2013 running (with advanced dynamics), cycling, swimming, triathlon (auto multisport), hiking, climbing, skiing, strength, golf, surfing, mountain biking, and many more. It has all of Garmin\u2019s training analytics: VO2 max, training load and Training Readiness, recovery time, performance condition, and personalized daily workout suggestions. It also connects to virtually any external sensor (ANT+ & BLE) \u2013 heart rate straps, cycling power meters, cadence sensors, foot pods, temperature sensors, etc. Navigation during activities is a strong suit (turn-by-turn on loaded routes, back-to-start, \u201cClimbPro\u201d for hills). Runners and triathletes especially get very deep data. For example, with a compatible HRM strap or Running Dynamics Pod, the Fenix provides advanced running metrics (ground contact time, vertical oscillation, stride length, etc.). The Apple Ultra 3 now touts similar metrics natively apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>, but Garmin has offered and refined these for years. The Fenix 8 Pro also adds native Triathlon mode (also present on Apple and Samsung now) and tools like PacePro strategies, Virtual Partner, Live Segments for races. In short, for the hardcore athlete who wants all their performance stats and training guidance on their wrist, Garmin is often considered the gold standard.<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3: Apple significantly closed the gap in advanced fitness features with the Ultra line and watchOS updates. The Ultra 3\u2019s Workout app now supports multisport\/triathlon tracking, interval workouts, custom workout views (e.g. splits, zones), and new advanced running metrics (Apple uses the accelerometer\/gyro and machine learning to estimate vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, etc. without any extra pod apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>). Apple also offers Race Route (race your past runs), Pacer mode, and Precision Start (to start runs only when GPS is ready, using the Action Button) apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. Hikers benefit from the Ultra 3\u2019s Compass Waypoints and Backtrack, plus the big new addition: on-device Offline Maps with turn-by-turn directions for trails apple.com<\/a>. (Footnote: offline topographic maps on Apple Watch require a paired iPhone to download regions, and watchOS 10+; Apple Maps data is used apple.com<\/a>.) The Ultra has a rich set of sensors \u2013 precise dual-frequency GPS, barometric altimeter (with elevation alerts), compass, gyroscope, etc., so its raw tracking accuracy is excellent. In fact, Apple claims Ultra 3 delivers \u201cthe most accurate GPS in a sports watch\u201d based on testing in urban canyons apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>, comparing favorably to industry-leading multi-band GPS watches. This is a bold claim, but reviewers like The Verge note the Ultra\u2019s route accuracy and quick lock are indeed top-tier phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. For everyday activity, Apple covers all the basics (steps, floors, calories, distance) and offers motivation through the famous Activity Rings and Fitness+ integration. Where Apple still lags Garmin slightly is in training load\/recovery analytics \u2013 Apple\u2019s Fitness app doesn\u2019t prescribe recovery times or readiness scores (apart from the new sleep-related score, discussed below). Athletes who want insights like \u201cyour training load is unproductive\u201d or \u201cbody battery\u201d still lean on Garmin or others. That said, Apple\u2019s new Workout Buddy is an AI coach that provides \u201cpersonalized, spoken motivation throughout sessions\u201d based on your heart rate, pace, and even past workout history apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. It\u2019s like having a coach in your ear, encouraging or pushing you. This is a unique approach using Apple\u2019s on-device intelligence (requires an iPhone nearby for processing) apple.com<\/a>. Overall, the Ultra 3 can now satisfy many serious fitness users, though extremely data-driven athletes (especially in endurance sports) may still prefer Garmin\u2019s platform for its granular metrics and planning tools.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Samsung made a big leap with the Galaxy Watch Ultra to appeal to fitness enthusiasts. It introduced features previously missing on Galaxy wearables: Triathlon mode (track run-bike-swim sequentially) phonearena.com<\/a>, new multi-sport tracking, and a Race feature to compete against previous workouts phonearena.com<\/a>. The Ultra also added support for pairing Bluetooth cycling power meters and performing an FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test \u2013 a niche but important feature for cyclists dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. This shows Samsung\u2019s intent to compete with Garmin on serious sports metrics. Additionally, the Watch Ultra has a built-in Running Coach that can create a personalized 4-week program and give real-time coaching prompts (similar to Apple\u2019s AI coach) t-mobile.com<\/a> t-mobile.com<\/a>. For runners, it analyzes your fitness level and guides you at an appropriate intensity. Samsung\u2019s GPS accuracy improved greatly by using dual-frequency L1+L5; testers found it \u201cmore precise and locks location faster\u201d than prior Galaxy watches phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. The watch can also import GPX routes for hiking or cycling and offer turn-by-turn guidance and a backtrack feature (these debuted with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro). However, Samsung\u2019s platform (S Health) historically hasn\u2019t offered as deep training analytics as Garmin. There\u2019s no training load or recovery advisor akin to Garmin\u2019s, and integration with third-party services (like Strava, TrainingPeaks) is available but not as seamless as Garmin\/Apple (though Samsung Health can sync to Strava). Still, Galaxy Watch Ultra covers all fundamental health tracking and most sport modes that 95% of users need. It continuously tracks steps, floors, active minutes, and auto-detects common exercises. One strength is its detailed sleep and recovery coaching (see next section) which ties into fitness by helping you optimize rest for better training performance t-mobile.com<\/a> t-mobile.com<\/a>. In summary, Samsung is now much closer to Apple and Garmin for sports \u2013 it has the multisport modes and even some novel metrics (like the \u201cAdvanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) Index\u201d that attempts to gauge your biological aging and risk of age-related diseases phonearena.com<\/a>). This particular AGEs metric (in beta) is quite unique to Samsung, using sensor data to estimate internal health \u2013 it shows Samsung exploring new health frontiers beyond standard fitness metrics.<\/p>\n Health Monitoring:<\/p>\n Apple Ultra 3: Apple continues to expand its health monitoring suite. The Ultra 3 introduces Hypertension Notifications, a groundbreaking feature that passively looks for signs of chronic high blood pressure using the optical heart sensor\u2019s data apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. Essentially, Apple uses pulse wave analysis and machine learning (trained on huge datasets) to detect patterns over 30 days that correlate with hypertension apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. If the watch consistently sees signs of high blood pressure, it will alert the user to possibly get checked \u2013 potentially notifying many wearers who are undiagnosed apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. (Apple is seeking FDA clearance for this feature, expected soon apple.com<\/a>.) This is a big step because, unlike Samsung\u2019s approach of a manual cuff-calibrated blood pressure reading, Apple\u2019s is passive and long-term focused. The Ultra 3, like other Apple Watches, offers ECG (electrocardiogram) on demand (FDA-cleared for AFib detection) and alerts for irregular heart rhythm. It has a PPG-based blood oxygen (SpO\u2082) sensor for spot checks and nightly monitoring, and a skin temperature sensor (introduced in Series 8) which it uses for ovulation tracking insights and now possibly more general health insights. Apple added a new Sleep Score metric that summarizes sleep quality each night apple.com<\/a>. While Apple already tracked sleep stages, the score gives users an easier gauge of how well they slept (catching up to what Fitbit and others have done). The Sleep app and Mindfulness app encourage healthy routines, and Apple Health will coach users if metrics like resting heart rate or cardio fitness are trending poorly. Apple\u2019s strength is tying these health features into an integrated app ecosystem \u2013 data syncs to the iPhone\u2019s Health app where you can share it with doctors or third-party apps. Also, Apple\u2019s health features are generally very well validated and regulated (e.g. the new hypertension algorithm was studied on over 100k people, per Apple apple.com<\/a>). One limitation: Apple does not measure blood pressure directly (cuff needed) or blood glucose (still sci-fi tech for wearables). But for heart health, the Ultra 3 is an excellent guardian. It also keeps safety features like Fall Detection and Crash Detection, which can call emergency services if you take a hard fall or car accident. Now, with satellite SOS, these can work even off-grid (automatically sending location via satellite if needed) apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>, which is a huge safety net for backcountry users.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Garmin devices focus on fitness metrics and overall wellness, though they are not FDA-cleared for medical features like ECG. The Fenix 8 Pro does 24\/7 heart rate monitoring, can alert on abnormally high\/low heart rate, and tracks HRV (heart rate variability) nightly to fuel its Stress and Body Battery calculations. It also has a Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation \u2013 useful at high altitudes or for sleep apnea risk indication (Garmin shows your SpO\u2082 and breathing rate overnight). There\u2019s no ECG or atrial fibrillation detection on the Fenix; Garmin only offers ECG on a couple of specialty models (not Fenix series). Likewise, no blood pressure feature in Fenix. However, Garmin has some unique health insights: Body Battery, which is a holistic energy\/resilience score (0-100) based on HRV, stress, sleep, and activity \u2013 similar conceptually to Samsung\u2019s new Energy Score phonearena.com<\/a> and something Apple doesn\u2019t explicitly have. Garmin also gives a Sleep Score and sleep stage breakdown. It will flag acute stress events during the day and can prompt you to relax\/breathe. For recovery, Garmin\u2019s Training Readiness metric combines your recent sleep, recovery time, HRV status, acute load, etc., to tell you each morning how ready you are to train hard. Serious athletes value this to avoid overtraining. Another plus: Garmin\u2019s data plays well with third-party health platforms; for instance, you can sync all Garmin data to Apple Health or Google Fit if desired. In terms of accuracy, Garmin\u2019s latest Elevate optical HR sensor is improved, but historically Apple and even Samsung have had edges in pure heart rate accuracy for casual wear. With the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Ray Maker found Samsung \u201cfinally delivered a mostly accurate smartwatch\u201d after years of spotty sensor performance dcrainmaker.com<\/a> \u2013 implying Garmin and Apple have been leaders in reliability. Still, Fenix 8 Pro provides solid heart rate tracking for most workout scenarios (and athletes often pair a chest strap for maximum accuracy). One health area Garmin shines is recovery and performance metrics, but it doesn\u2019t do the on-watch \u201cmedical\u201d assessments (no ECG, no FDA sleep apnea detection, etc.). Garmin assumes the user will use it as a training tool and perhaps use other devices for medical diagnostics.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Samsung\u2019s BioActive sensor suite is one of the most comprehensive: it measures heart rate (PPG), ECG, blood oxygen, and even body composition. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, like Watch 5\/6, has a Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) feature that can estimate body fat percentage, muscle mass, and body water by running a small current through the body (you place fingers on the buttons) \u2013 unique among these three brands. It also supports blood pressure monitoring via the PPG sensor, but note this requires monthly calibration with a real cuff and is only approved in certain regions (not FDA-approved in the U.S.). Still, it\u2019s a feature Apple and Garmin lack. Samsung received FDA clearance for its Sleep Apnea monitoring on the Watch Ultra \u2013 it can analyze blood oxygen and snoring patterns to assess if you might have sleep apnea risk phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. This is a big differentiator: The Galaxy Watch can effectively screen for potential apnea and prompt users to seek a diagnosis, a feature currently exclusive to Samsung. Additionally, the Ultra tracks skin temperature (useful for menstrual cycle tracking and general wellness insights) and provides an \u201cEnergy Score\u201d each morning (just like Garmin\u2019s Body Battery) telling you how recovered you are from your sleep phonearena.com<\/a>. Heart rate accuracy on the Galaxy Watch Ultra has improved with a new optical sensor, but early reviews (PhoneArena) did catch some irregular HR data spikes in workouts, suggesting it wasn\u2019t perfect out of the box phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. Samsung will likely refine this via software updates. The ECG on Galaxy Watch is done through the Samsung Health Monitor app and can detect AFib; however, it (and the blood pressure feature) only work when the watch is paired to a Samsung Galaxy phone \u2013 a limitation to note phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. Overall, Samsung\u2019s health platform covers many bases: heart health (ECG\/HR), metabolic health (BIA, VO\u2082max from workouts), sleep health (apnea, sleep coaching), and it provides Advanced Sleep Coaching tips to improve your rest and recovery t-mobile.com<\/a> t-mobile.com<\/a>. It lacks only the deep training load analysis of Garmin, but combines some of the best of Apple (polished apps, FDA approvals) and Garmin (holistic metrics like Energy Score). If you\u2019re an Android user, the Galaxy Watch Ultra serves as a powerful health companion on your wrist \u2013 just remember its most advanced health features demand a Samsung phone to unlock fully phonearena.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Outdoor Navigation and Endurance Features<\/p>\n For outdoor adventurers \u2013 hikers, ultrarunners, backcountry explorers \u2013 the capabilities to navigate and survive off-grid are crucial. Here\u2019s how the trio compare:<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: This is arguably the king of standalone navigation. The Fenix 8 Pro comes preloaded with topographic maps (region-specific, with options to download others via Wi-Fi\/Garmin Express). On-wrist, you can see contour lines, trails, geographic points, and even search for POIs (like campsites, water sources). The watch supports turn-by-turn navigation on courses you load or routes it calculates, and a rich bread-crumb trail mode. Features like TracBack will direct you back to your start point along the same route. The multi-band GPS ensures excellent accuracy even in tricky environments (deep woods, canyons). Fenix also integrates with Garmin\u2019s Expedition Mode \u2013 a setting that significantly stretches GPS battery (by recording more infrequently) for multi-day trekking while still logging a basic track for weeks. With the new LTE and satellite messaging, the Fenix 8 Pro becomes even more valuable outdoors: it can send an SOS via satellite (inReach) to emergency rescue services anywhere in the world, and allow two-way messaging with rescuers dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. It also can do peer-to-peer satellite texting (or check-ins with location) to family via Garmin\u2019s network dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a> \u2013 essentially a built-in Garmin inReach mini. All of this works without a phone, which is huge for remote expeditions. Garmin\u2019s LiveTrack feature can broadcast your live location to friends (now even without phone, via LTE). There\u2019s also Incident Detection: if you crash or fall and are unresponsive, the Fenix can automatically send out an SOS (now possible via cellular\/satellite as well) dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. No other watch matches the Fenix in sheer navigation tools \u2013 it even has features like NextFork (trail junction alerts) and Up Ahead waypoints for race courses. The downside is complexity: using maps on a tiny screen and managing subscriptions (Garmin\u2019s satellite plans cost $8\u2013$10\/month dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>) require commitment. But for those who venture off-grid, a Fenix on the wrist is like a mini navigation computer and safety device all in one.<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3: With this third-gen Ultra, Apple made major strides for outdoor use. The Offline Maps feature (new in watchOS 10\/11) means you can have area maps stored on the watch \u2013 including trails and turn-by-turn directions for walking\/hiking apple.com<\/a>. This addresses one of the biggest prior gaps for Apple in the wilderness. While Apple Maps may not (yet) be as detailed as Garmin\u2019s topo maps in all regions, it will show trails, elevation, and even allow navigation without cell service. Additionally, Ultra 3\u2019s dual-frequency GPS and on-device compass make for accurate tracking of routes. The Backtrack function in the Compass app lets you retrace your steps if you get lost (it automatically starts recording a backtrack when it detects you\u2019re away from known Wi-Fi or cell coverage). The Waypoints feature enables you to mark key locations (e.g., trailhead, campsite) and navigate to them with the compass dial. And unique to Apple, the Night Mode on the Wayfinder face turns the interface red for night vision preservation \u2013 helpful for stargazers or pre-dawn climbers. However, the most game-changing addition is two-way satellite communication built into Ultra 3 apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. Now, like the iPhone 14\/15, the watch itself can connect to satellites when out of cellular range. It supports Emergency SOS via satellite \u2013 with a few taps you can send an emergency text to local rescue services, including your location and situation apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. It can also share your location or send check-in messages to friends\/family via satellite when you\u2019re off-grid apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. This essentially closes the gap with Garmin\u2019s inReach: Ultra 3 wearers can feel safer on remote adventures, knowing they can call for help even without a phone. Apple even integrated crash\/fall detection with satellite SOS \u2013 if you have a hard fall in the wilderness and don\u2019t respond, the watch can automatically dispatch help via satellite apple.com<\/a>. All this is extremely impressive, especially given Apple is offering the SOS satellite service likely for free for at least two years (as they did with iPhones) dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. Where Apple still trails Garmin is in battery longevity \u2013 the Ultra 3 can\u2019t last multiple days without charge, which limits it in multi-day treks unless you carry a power bank. Also, the depth of mapping detail and on-watch route planning is still behind Garmin\u2019s dedicated topographic maps. But for many users, Apple now offers 80% of what they need: high accuracy tracking, offline maps, compass, altimeter, and emergency comms. It truly \u201callows users to text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location, all while off the grid,\u201d Apple says of Ultra 3 apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. That\u2019s a huge leap for a general-purpose smartwatch, effectively turning the Ultra 3 into a hybrid smartwatch + safety device for explorers.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Samsung\u2019s Ultra, running Wear OS, doesn\u2019t have built-in satellite SOS \u2013 that\u2019s a feature currently unique to Apple (among mainstream smartwatch makers). So if you\u2019re beyond cellular coverage, the Galaxy Watch can\u2019t contact emergency services unless it reconnects at some point. That aside, for navigation, it leverages Google Maps and Samsung Health routes. You can download offline maps to the paired phone (and now certain Wear OS watches can also store Google Maps offline for phone-free navigation). The Galaxy Watch Ultra will do turn-by-turn navigation for driving, cycling, or walking via Google Maps when you have a connection (or offline data). For hiking specifically, Samsung Health lets you import GPX routes on the watch; during a hike, the watch can give turn alerts and show your breadcrumb trail and route line (similar to what the older Watch 5 Pro offered). There\u2019s also a Track Back function to guide you back along a path. These features are quite useful \u2013 essentially leveraging third-party maps (like Komoot, etc.) or downloaded GPX files, the Galaxy Watch can function as a basic hiking navigator. The dual-band GNSS improves its tracking accuracy in tough environments, which outdoor users will appreciate phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. Moreover, Samsung\u2019s Ultra has a barometer for elevation data and storm alerts (it will warn you if pressure drops rapidly). Its compass app can work offline to give bearings. Another nifty addition is the Ultra\u2019s 85 dB siren, which can be heard from afar if you need to signal for attention (Apple has a similar siren). Where the Galaxy Ultra falls short of Garmin\/Apple for outdoors is battery (again, ~2 days vs multi-week or vs Apple\u2019s ~2 days plus a phone charger requirement). If you\u2019re doing a weekend camping trip, you\u2019ll likely need to ration features or bring a charger for the Samsung. Also, without a true satellite link, it doesn\u2019t provide that ultimate safety net. That said, for casual hikes, trail runs, and outdoor workouts, the Galaxy Watch Ultra\u2019s combination of Google Maps, GPX support, and improved durability (10ATM, MIL-STD) makes it a capable adventure watch for Android users. It\u2019s effectively Samsung\u2019s answer to the Apple Ultra, aimed at the same \u201coutdoor fitness\u201d demographic dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. In Ray Maker\u2019s view, both Apple and Samsung\u2019s Ultra watches ended up \u201clocked into their own phone ecosystems\u2026 both directly compete more with Garmin than with each other\u201d when it comes to these outdoor features dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. Each offers their platform\u2019s best shot at an adventure smartwatch \u2013 Apple for iPhone owners, Samsung for Android \u2013 but Garmin still stands as the specialized tool for the most demanding expeditions.<\/p>\n Smart Features and Ecosystem<\/p>\n Beyond fitness, these devices differ in how they function as smartwatches in daily life and how they integrate with broader ecosystems:<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3: As part of the Apple ecosystem, the Ultra 3 excels in seamless integration with the iPhone and Apple services. You get the full watchOS experience: rich notifications that you can act on (reply to messages by voice or scribble, for example), Siri assistant (now capable of many on-device requests without internet), and the largest third-party app selection among smartwatches. You can download apps from the App Store \u2013 everything from Starbucks to Strava \u2013 and they tend to be well-optimized for Apple Watch. Features like Apple Pay (contactless payments), music streaming\/download (Apple Music, Spotify), podcasts, and controlling smart home devices are all polished. The Ultra 3 having a 5G cellular modem means if you get a cellular model with a carrier plan (it\u2019s $10\/month typically), you can make calls, send texts, and stream music on the watch even if your phone is far away or off apple.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. With the new dual-antenna system, Apple even improved call reliability in spotty areas by boosting signal strength when needed apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. Essentially, the Ultra 3 can act as a tiny standalone smartphone on your wrist in many scenarios. The catch: it only pairs with iPhones. If you don\u2019t use an iPhone, an Apple Watch is not an option at all. But for iPhone users, the tight integration is a huge plus \u2013 for instance, your watch can unlock your Mac, or hand off a phone call from watch to phone seamlessly. The interface on watchOS 10\/11 uses widgets (Smart Stack) and has been refined for quick glances, and the Ultra\u2019s large screen can even display full-color maps or message threads comfortably. In terms of exclusive smart features, Apple leverages its ecosystem: you can use Siri to log workouts or dictate messages, have Apple Maps navigation on the watch with haptic turn alerts, and even use the Ultra 3 as a dive computer via third-party app. Another differentiator is app quality \u2013 many developers target Apple Watch first (e.g., you\u2019ll find more high-quality watch faces and apps in Apple\u2019s sphere, albeit Apple doesn\u2019t allow completely custom watch face designs for branding reasons). For everyday use \u2013 messages, calls, email, calendar, reminders \u2013 the Apple Watch Ultra is top-notch. It\u2019s also the only one of the three with an LTE model that can share your phone number (calls from your regular number) and do services like iMessage. Garmin\u2019s LTE is a different animal (no phone number integration) androidcentral.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>, and Samsung\u2019s LTE works like a phone extension but only with Android. Thus, the Ultra 3 is ideal if you want to occasionally leave your phone behind but not be cut off (you can stream Apple Music on a run with just the watch + Bluetooth earbuds, for example).<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Garmin\u2019s platform is more specialized and a bit more basic on general \u201csmart\u201d features. It does show notifications from your phone (supports both iOS and Android phones via Garmin Connect app). You can read texts, see caller ID, and respond with quick replies or voice (note: replies only work when paired with Android, as iOS restrictions prevent third-party devices from sending messages). The Fenix 8 Pro\u2019s new LTE connectivity is not like Apple\u2019s or Samsung\u2019s where it ties into your phone\u2019s plan \u2013 instead, it\u2019s a Garmin service. You cannot take phone calls from your regular number on the Fenix, but interestingly Garmin did add a feature to make voice calls over LTE to your emergency contacts through their system dcrainmaker.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>. It\u2019s not a general phone replacement; it\u2019s meant for safety (calling a predefined contact or emergency center). For texts, similarly, you can send messages to friends via Garmin\u2019s Messenger app, but it will come from a Garmin server number, not your phone number androidcentral.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>. So, purely as a \u201csmartwatch\u201d in the urban sense, the Garmin is limited. You won\u2019t be browsing social media or using a rideshare app on it. Garmin does have an Connect IQ app store, but apps are often niche (data fields, watch faces, maybe a news headline app or simple games). Don\u2019t expect the breadth of apps that Apple\/Google have. On the other hand, Garmin provides helpful built-ins: Garmin Pay for contactless payments (accepted many places, though not as ubiquitous as Apple Pay), music storage for thousands of songs plus Spotify\/Amazon Music offline syncing (so you can play music on Bluetooth headphones phone-free), and calendar\/weather widgets. The Fenix 8 Pro also has a speaker and mic now, so you can hear audio prompts and use voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant) when paired to your phone \u2013 essentially it triggers your phone\u2019s assistant. It can also play back voicemail or voice messages in some cases. Another noteworthy feature: Garmin\u2019s watches can share data with other Garmin devices \u2013 e.g., if you have a Garmin bike computer, the watch can broadcast heart rate to it. Garmin\u2019s ecosystem (Garmin Connect) on phone and web is fantastic for data analytics and community challenges, but it\u2019s not about general productivity or smart home integration. In short, if you want your smartwatch to be an extension of your smartphone for everyday convenience, the Fenix is the weakest of the three. It\u2019s built to be an extension of your fitness life. That said, many Fenix users are fine with that trade-off \u2013 as one long-time Garmin user remarked about the Fenix 8 Pro\u2019s strategy: \u201cGarmin\u2026can charge whatever they want\u201d because no one else offers the same hardcore features dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>, but you must accept some smartphone compromises. Importantly, Garmin works with both iPhone and Android (more fully with Android). If you carry an iPhone but want Garmin\u2019s benefits, you can do that (unlike trying to use a Galaxy Watch).<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: As a Wear OS 4\/One UI 5 watch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is second only to Apple in general smart capabilities \u2013 and in some ways offers more flexibility due to the Google ecosystem. It only pairs with Android phones (there\u2019s no iPhone support for Samsung watches now phonearena.com<\/a>). If used with a Samsung Galaxy phone, you get the best experience: all features (ECG, BP, etc.) enabled and the watch integrates with Samsung\u2019s ecosystem (e.g., you can use Samsung Pay, or control Samsung SmartThings devices from the watch). With non-Samsung Android phones, most features still work, except a few health apps like ECG\/BP that are officially Samsung-only phonearena.com<\/a>. The watch runs Google\u2019s Play Store apps, meaning you have access to a wide range of apps and watch faces \u2013 Google Maps, Google Assistant (or Bixby if you prefer), Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Wallet, Strava, and many more. Notably, being the first watch on Wear OS 5 phonearena.com<\/a>, it\u2019s up to date with improved performance and potentially better battery optimizations. You can receive and respond to all your notifications (including with voice dictation, a keyboard, or quick replies). You can take calls on-wrist \u2013 the Ultra\u2019s speaker and mic quality are generally good for short calls. If you activate LTE with your carrier, the Galaxy Watch can share your phone number (via eSIM) and allow calls\/texts even when your phone is off, just like Apple\u2019s solution. Samsung also integrated unique gestures (some mimicking Apple\u2019s AssistiveTouch): e.g., Double Pinch or \u201cKnock knock\u201d gesture to answer calls or dismiss alarms without touching the screen phonearena.com<\/a>. It even has a \u201cNow Bar\u201d in One UI Watch, a widget showing frequent info (weather, timers, music) at a glance t-mobile.com<\/a>. Another plus: deep Google integration \u2013 you can use Google Assistant for queries, control Google Home\/Assistant-enabled smart devices, and use Google services on the watch seamlessly. On the flip side, because it\u2019s a full-featured smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra demands more charging and maintenance (frequent app updates, etc.) than a Garmin. But many users enjoy that richness. For example, you can stream YouTube Music while on LTE, or even watch a short YouTube video on your wrist (not that you\u2019d want to often). The app selection and customization (e.g., thousands of watch faces on Play Store) far exceed Garmin\u2019s offerings. When comparing Apple vs Samsung in smart features: Apple is slightly more cohesive and smooth with an iPhone, while Samsung offers more customization and Google\u2019s ecosystem benefits for Android users. Both support contactless payments (Apple Pay vs Google\/Samsung Pay) and both can store music and run third-party apps. Samsung\u2019s advantage is being the only real choice for a premium smartwatch if you\u2019re on Android and want an ecosystem equivalent to Apple\u2019s. And now with the Ultra model, Android users who want a \u201cproper outdoor smartwatch with brains\u201d have a solid option.<\/p>\n Unique Features and Notable Extras<\/p>\n Each of these watches brings some special capabilities that the others don\u2019t, which might tip the scales for certain buyers:<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3:<\/p>\n Dive Computer Mode: With the third-party Oceanic+ app (subscription), the Ultra acts as a full-fledged recreational dive computer up to 40m depth apple.com<\/a>. It measures depth, water temp, dive time, ascent rates, etc., according to dive tables. Neither Garmin Fenix nor Samsung Ultra offers scuba dive functions out of the box (Garmin has separate Descent dive watches). For scuba enthusiasts who are also Apple users, this is huge \u2013 it means one less device to carry on dive trips.<\/p>\n Satellite + Cellular Integration: Ultra 3 is the first to combine 5G cellular and satellite in a smartwatch. If you\u2019re in a remote area with no cell signal, the watch automatically offers to use satellite for SOS or location sharing apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. And when you have cell coverage, 5G gives faster data (the Ultra 3 is one of the first watches with 5G \u2013 Apple claims higher throughput for downloads of music or maps) apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. This seamless communication versatility is cutting-edge.<\/p>\n Apple\u2019s App Ecosystem and AI: The Ultra 3 benefits from Apple\u2019s foray into on-device AI. The Workout Buddy (AI coach) is one example, but also Siri can now access health data to answer queries (\u201cHow was my sleep last night?\u201d). Later in 2025, one can expect Apple\u2019s ecosystem to leverage the new Apple Intelligence engine for more personalized insights. Additionally, the Ultra can tap into the vast array of App Store apps \u2013 from controlling a GoPro camera to using navigation apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails, etc. Many such apps either aren\u2019t available or aren\u2019t as refined on Garmin\/Samsung.<\/p>\n Polished User Experience: Little things like the Taptic Engine\u2019s strong haptic feedback, the ultra-responsive fluidity of watchOS, and integration with AirPods (audio from the watch auto-routes to AirPods) make the experience pleasant. Apple also supports Family Setup, allowing an Ultra to be used by a family member without their own iPhone (useful if you want to give, say, an older parent an Apple Watch for safety).<\/p>\n Emergency Siren: While Samsung copied this, Apple\u2019s siren (first introduced in Ultra gen1) is extremely loud and distinct, with a sound pattern designed to carry far and signal distress. It\u2019s a niche feature you hope to never use, but could be life-saving if you\u2019re injured off-trail and need people to locate you by sound.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro:<\/p>\n MicroLED Display (51mm model): Garmin scored a world-first by incorporating a MicroLED display. This technology promises OLED-level clarity and brightness without burn-in. The 4,500 nit brightness is unparalleled dcrainmaker.com<\/a> \u2013 useful for direct sun and perhaps for flashlight mode. Although it hurts battery in this gen, it\u2019s a glimpse of the future of wearables. Early adopters who want the brightest, most cutting-edge screen on a rugged watch might gravitate to this (despite the $2k price).<\/p>\n InReach Satellite Messaging: The Fenix 8 Pro is essentially an inReach communicator on your wrist. You can send custom text messages from anywhere on Earth (via Iridium satellite) and receive replies \u2013 not just SOS, but even casual messages if you have a plan dcrainmaker.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>. Neither Apple nor Samsung allow sending non-emergency texts via satellite to friends (Apple\u2019s system on iPhone\/Watch is limited to emergency or preset check-ins, not chatting with friends freely). Garmin\u2019s integration with the Garmin Messenger app means you could keep in touch off-grid (e.g., update family \u201cmade camp, all OK\u201d). For explorers who venture truly off the grid for days or weeks, this two-way communication is a killer feature that can\u2019t be matched by the others yet.<\/p>\n Extensive Sensor Support: Garmin supports ANT+ protocol devices, which Apple and Samsung do not. This means you can connect things like a chest heart strap, cycling power meters, cadence\/speed sensors, running footpods, Garmin\u2019s bike radar, temperature pods, you name it. Samsung added Bluetooth sensor support for some cycling metrics, but Garmin still supports the widest array of external sensors \u2013 critical for triathletes, ultra cyclists, or skiers (Garmin even connects to Garmin\u2019s ski resort beacon for auto-detection of runs).<\/p>\n Ultra-Long Battery & Solar: As covered, Garmin can go weeks. It also offers Solar charging on some editions, which can add a few extra days in sunny conditions. Plus, Garmin has Battery Manager options \u2013 you can create custom power modes (turn off certain sensors, etc.) to extend life on the fly. For an expedition runner or thru-hiker, the ability to get, say, 20+ days with reduced tracking is invaluable.<\/p>\n Navigation Extras: Garmin\u2019s ecosystem includes Garmin Explore app for planning adventures, and the Fenix can store courses, points of interest, and even display coordinates in various grid systems (useful for search-and-rescue, orienteering). It also has mode-specific navigation; for example, a round-trip routing feature can generate a suggested loop run or ride of a given distance using known roads\/trails. These kinds of features are a result of Garmin\u2019s long focus on outdoor athletes.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra:<\/p>\n Body Composition and Blood Pressure: These health features stand out \u2013 body fat % measurements on demand, and the ability to check blood pressure (when calibrated) using just the watch. For users focused on weight loss or bodybuilding, the body comp feature (while not as precise as DEXA, of course) gives added insight beyond weight alone. Apple and Garmin don\u2019t do this.<\/p>\n FDA-cleared Sleep Apnea Alerts: Samsung is currently unique in having a consumer watch that can effectively warn you of sleep apnea risk (using blood oxygen and heart rate patterns overnight) phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. Considering how common and underdiagnosed sleep apnea is, this is a very impactful health feature that could genuinely improve lives by prompting medical follow-up.<\/p>\n One UI and Gesture Controls: Samsung\u2019s One UI adds some thoughtful touches like the \u201cNow Bar\u201d for quick info and new gestures like snapping your fingers or shaking your wrist to perform actions phonearena.com<\/a>. They even allow using the watch camera controller app to preview and snap photos on your phone remotely. These are fun conveniences for everyday life that Garmin doesn\u2019t aim to provide.<\/p>\n Integration with Android Ecosystem: If you\u2019re a heavy Google user, the Galaxy Watch Ultra gives you things like Google Assistant, Gmail\/Calendar native apps, Google Maps nav, etc., on your wrist \u2013 which Apple Watch won\u2019t do (it uses Siri and Apple Maps, etc.). Also, Samsung\u2019s watch can interface with Android features like SmartThings (control smart home) or even act as a shutter button for Samsung phone cameras. It\u2019s not a single \u201cfeature\u201d per se, but the cumulative effect of the watch being part of an open ecosystem means you can tinker more \u2013 e.g., sideload apps, use alternative app stores, customize watch faces extensively. Tech enthusiasts might appreciate this flexibility.<\/p>\n Price Advantage: At $649 (LTE 47mm) samsung.com<\/a>, the Galaxy Watch Ultra undercuts Apple\u2019s $799 and Garmin\u2019s much higher prices by a good margin. For someone who wants a high-end smartwatch experience with some durability but doesn\u2019t need extreme expedition features, the Samsung offers a lot of bang for the buck. It\u2019s not a technical spec, but it\u2019s a selling point: you get a titanium, sapphire, dual-band GPS, sensor-packed watch for significantly less money than Apple\/Garmin\u2019s flagships.<\/p>\n Intended Audience and Use Cases<\/p>\n Each of these watches targets a slightly different core user, although there is overlap in the \u201coutdoor enthusiast\u201d category:<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3: Aimed at active professionals, athletes, and adventurers who are already in Apple\u2019s ecosystem. This is for the person who might be training for a marathon or triathlon, hiking on weekends, diving on vacation, but also wants a single device to wear to work or dinner. It blends into both lifestyles. As The Verge notes, Apple\u2019s Ultra watches are \u201ctargeted toward athletes and sporty types\u201d with big battery and bright display, yet also serve as comprehensive smartwatches day-to-day theverge.com<\/a>. If you are an iPhone user who does serious fitness or backcountry activities, the Ultra 3 is built for you. It\u2019s also for safety-conscious folks \u2013 e.g., parents who want the added emergency features while hiking, or older adventurers who want fall detection and SOS handy. Casual users with money to spend might buy it simply as the \u201cbest Apple Watch\u201d for its larger screen and battery, even if they don\u2019t use the depth gauge or siren much. But its price and size likely keep it mostly in the hands of enthusiasts and professionals (e.g., pilots, search-and-rescue volunteers, etc., have adopted Ultra for its GPS accuracy and ruggedness). Importantly, if you\u2019re not an iPhone user, Apple Watch is not even on the table \u2013 so the Ultra\u2019s audience is inherently iPhone owners.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Squarely aimed at hardcore athletes, ultra-endurance folks, and outdoor adventurers\/explorers. This is the watch for the Ironman triathlete tracking every metric, the ultrarunner traversing mountain ranges, the backcountry hiker who might be off grid for a week, the skier, the mountaineer, the high-altitude climber \u2013 anyone who needs reliability and extensive features more than a flashy touchscreen interface. It\u2019s also popular in the military and tactical community (there are often \u201cTactix\u201d variants of Fenix) due to its robust build and features like night-vision mode and coordinates. The Fenix 8 Pro, especially with LTE\/inReach, is perfect for someone who might otherwise carry a satellite communicator \u2013 it consolidates that into the watch. However, its high cost and complexity mean it\u2019s overkill for casual users. In fact, new buyers can be confused by Garmin\u2019s \u201cPro\u201d naming and price jumps dcrainmaker.com<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s really meant as Garmin\u2019s next-gen flagship for those who demand the best and will use those satellite\/LTE features. If you just jog a couple times a week and go to the gym, a Fenix 8 Pro would be under-utilized (and you might prefer a cheaper Garmin or an Apple\/Samsung with more smart features). Another segment is data geeks \u2013 people who love to analyze their training and health trends deeply often prefer Garmin\u2019s platform. And since Garmin works with both Android and iOS, it captures those who use, say, an iPhone but want a more fitness-optimized device than an Apple Watch (maybe to avoid being distracted by apps, or to get better battery and ruggedness). With the MicroLED $2k model, Garmin might also be appealing to the luxury\/enthusiast market \u2013 akin to how some buy high-end mechanical watches, there are those who will splurge on Garmin\u2019s top tech for bragging rights and passion, even if it\u2019s not \u201cnecessary.\u201d Overall, intended users are serious about adventure and performance, willing to invest in the most capable tool.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Aimed at Android users who want a premium, rugged smartwatch for both fitness and daily wear. Samsung clearly created the Ultra in response to Apple\u2019s Ultra \u2013 it\u2019s for the outdoor fitness enthusiast in the Android camp. Think hikers, runners, cyclists, gym-goers who use Android phones and want a watch that can track their endeavors but also handle notifications, apps, and media control. It\u2019s also likely popular among Samsung\u2019s loyal user base who always buys the \u201ctop Samsung\u201d device \u2013 e.g., someone with a Galaxy S or Z series phone, a Galaxy Tab, and now wants the best Galaxy Watch. The Ultra is a bit large, so it\u2019s mainly targeting men or those comfortable with big watches (the lack of a smaller size might exclude some female or small-wristed users; Garmin\u2019s decision to drop the small size drew similar criticism dcrainmaker.com<\/a>). It\u2019s priced much lower than the others, so it could attract more casual users who simply want a cool looking, durable smartwatch with a great screen \u2013 perhaps people who considered a TAG Heuer Connected or other luxury smartwatch. However, some dedicated athletes might still go for Garmin even if they use Android, due to the extreme battery and data. Samsung is trying to meet them halfway by adding triathlon and power meter support; this will appeal to many mid-level athletes who weren\u2019t satisfied with earlier Galaxy Watches. The presence of lifestyle features like body composition and the polished look means it\u2019s also for those who want one watch for work and workouts but prefer a round, classic style (the Galaxy Watch Ultra\u2019s round face can more easily pass as a normal watch, whereas Apple\u2019s big rectangle screams gadget). In essence, Galaxy Watch Ultra\u2019s audience is the Android equivalent of Apple\u2019s Ultra audience: people who do tough workouts or adventures on the weekend, but also wear the watch every day for its smart capabilities and style. Or as Ray Maker pointed out, Apple and Samsung Ultras don\u2019t really steal each other\u2019s customers \u2013 each one targets their own ecosystem\u2019s users, and both target many would-be Garmin users by adding more outdoor features dcrainmaker.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Price and Availability<\/p>\n All three devices are widely available as of September 2025, but their prices differ dramatically:<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3 \u2013 Price: Starts at $799 in the U.S. for the single 49mm GPS+Cellular model apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. Unlike other Apple Watches, there\u2019s no cheaper GPS-only variant \u2013 Ultra is cellular by default. It comes with your choice of trail, alpine or ocean band (various colors). Apple kept the price same as previous Ultra models, which is high but competitive given its high-end materials and features. Availability: Pre-orders began Sep 9, 2025, and it released on Sept 19, 2025 in over 50 countries including US, Canada, UK, most of EU, Japan, India, UAE, Australia, etc. apple.com<\/a>. It\u2019s sold via Apple Stores and many carriers (since it has cellular). We can expect Apple to continue selling it for at least a year until a potential Ultra 4. It\u2019s worth noting that Apple offers an excellent support network and premium service (and AppleCare+) which some buyers factor into the cost.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro \u2013 Price: Premium pricing to match its pro status. The 47mm Fenix 8 Pro (AMOLED) is $1,199\/\u20ac1,199 base dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. The 51mm Fenix 8 Pro is $1,299. The top-end Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED (51mm) costs a hefty $1,999\/\u20ac1,999 dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. These prices are $200 higher than the Fenix 8 (non-Pro) series that launched earlier, due to added LTE\/satellite hardware dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. It\u2019s an expensive device \u2013 one Android Central article bluntly called it out, noting Garmin\u2019s \u201cexploding prices\u201d even as popularity grows androidcentral.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>. You\u2019ll also need a subscription for the connectivity: Garmin\u2019s plan runs about $8\u2013$10 per month which covers LTE features and emergency satellite SOS dcrainmaker.com<\/a> (messaging beyond SOS may incur higher tier fees). Availability: Announced Sept 3, 2025, it\u2019s available immediately (Garmin tends to launch and ship). It can be bought from Garmin\u2019s site, Amazon, and outdoors retailers (REI, etc.). However, note that the LTE functionality is only supported in 30+ countries currently (mainly NA, EU, Aus\/NZ, Japan) due to regional cellular agreements androidcentral.com<\/a>. If you\u2019re outside those regions, the Fenix 8 Pro will still work as a watch, but you can\u2019t use the LTE\/SOS unless in a supported area. The high price means it\u2019s a deliberate purchase \u2013 many users might wait for sales or opt for the standard Fenix 8 (if available) or even older Fenix 7 if budget-conscious. But for those who need its unique features now, it\u2019s available and represents the cutting edge of Garmin\u2019s offerings.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra \u2013 Price: Officially $649.99 (Bluetooth+LTE, 47mm) in the U.S. samsung.com<\/a>. There might be variants (e.g., in some markets a Bluetooth-only could exist slightly cheaper, but Samsung\u2019s site shows LTE as standard). Street prices have sometimes been lower due to promotions (Samsung often bundles trade-in deals). Compared to Apple and Garmin, Samsung undercuts significantly \u2013 you\u2019re getting a lot of hardware for the money. Availability: Launched in late July 2024 (it was announced alongside Samsung\u2019s foldable phones that summer). By Sep 2025, it\u2019s widely available globally and often discounted as the product is over a year old. It\u2019s sold through Samsung\u2019s official store, carriers (who love selling it with phone plans), and retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. There are multiple color options (Titanium Gray, Silver, White) and many strap options. One thing to watch: Samsung typically releases new Galaxy Watch models yearly. Rumors and leaks by late 2025 suggest a Galaxy Watch 8 series (with possibly a refreshed Ultra) at IFA 2025 or later androidcentral.com<\/a>. Indeed, an AndroidCentral report mentioned \u201cGalaxy Watch 8 series launches with a thinner Ultra design\u201d androidcentral.com<\/a> \u2013 implying a newer model might be coming or has come, possibly called Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. If so, the 2024 Ultra might see price cuts or be phased out in 2026. But as of September 2025, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung\u2019s top model and readily in stores.<\/p>\n When considering price, also consider ecosystem lock-in and device longevity: Apple and Samsung will have yearly or bi-yearly upgrades, whereas Garmin\u2019s cycles are longer (and a Garmin can function well for many years due to battery longevity and replaceable bands etc.). The Fenix is an investment often kept for 3-5 years by users. Apple Watches often might be upgraded in 2-3 years as tech improves (though the Ultra is built tougher than regular Apple Watches, so it could last longer physically). Samsung\u2019s Wear OS watch may get updates for a couple of years (they promised 4 years of software updates on recent models), but the battery will degrade faster since you charge it more often than a Garmin. These are factors the intended audiences typically consider alongside sticker price.<\/p>\n Industry Reception and Expert Opinions<\/p>\n All three watches have garnered significant attention in the tech and fitness communities. Here\u2019s a summary of the reception and expert commentary:<\/p>\n Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Ultra 3 was generally praised for addressing previous omissions and pushing the envelope on connectivity. The inclusion of satellite SOS was seen as a big win. \u201cApple Watch Ultra 3 debuts innovative satellite communications that will offer users more safety and connectivity off the grid,\u201d said Apple\u2019s VP in the press release apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>, and media outlets echoed that sentiment. The Verge highlighted the bump to 42-hour battery and satellite messaging, noting the case size stayed same while the screen got larger edge-to-edge theverge.com<\/a>. Many experts appreciated that Apple kept the price the same as last year\u2019s model while adding features. Reviewers lauded the display improvements and the new health features like hypertension alerts, though some pointed out that much of Ultra 3\u2019s software goodies (offline maps, Workout Buddy) also come to older models via watchOS \u2013 meaning the hardware upgrades (satellite, 5G, screen) are the main reason to buy. Battery life still got some critique in context: MacRumors called the 42h life \u201cthe longest ever for Apple Watch\u201d but still noted it\u2019s a modest 6h gain over Ultra 2 macrumors.com<\/a>. Hardcore adventurers remain a bit skeptical if 42h is enough for true wilderness outings unless carrying a charger. Nonetheless, Apple\u2019s positioning of Ultra 3 as a versatile device \u201cshifting between a powerful sports watch, an elegant smartwatch, and a comprehensive health companion\u201d apple.com<\/a> resonated with reviewers \u2013 basically, it\u2019s the best all-around smartwatch if you live in Apple-land. Early hands-on reviews were positive about the incredibly bright and clear screen, and the snappy performance (the S9\/S10 chip inside makes interactions very smooth). Some reviewers tested the GPS claim in cities and indeed found slightly better route traces than Garmin in downtown areas \u2013 Apple\u2019s leveraging of sensor fusion and perhaps map data gives it an edge in city \u201curban canyon\u201d scenarios apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. There was excitement about the hypertension feature, seen as Apple\u2019s next big health push, though cautious optimism until it\u2019s FDA-approved. In summary, the Ultra 3 was received as a meaningful iteration that solidifies Apple\u2019s lead in the high-end smartwatch segment \u2013 not a radical redesign, but adding enough to maintain buzz. It has essentially zero competition in the iOS world (the only alternative for an iPhone user wanting a rugged watch is to use an older Ultra or switch to a limited Garmin experience). Sales are expected to be strong among enthusiasts; Apple doesn\u2019t release exact numbers, but analysts note the Ultra line has been a success in expanding Apple Watch\u2019s average selling price and appeal.<\/p>\n Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: This launch generated a mix of excitement and controversy in the community. On one hand, finally having LTE and two-way satellite in a Garmin watch was widely celebrated. Android Central headlined it as Garmin fans \u201cwaiting for inReach messaging, calling, and satellite SOS for phone-free journeys\u201d and that the Fenix 8 Pro sets a new standard for Garmin androidcentral.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>. Reviewers like Ray Maker were impressed that Garmin managed to integrate so much tech, but also didn\u2019t shy away from pointing out the downsides: significantly higher price and shorter battery life for the Pro models dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. Many longtime Garmin users voiced concerns: dropping the smaller size was a blow especially to women athletes \u2013 Ray quipped that Garmin skipped the one size \u201cwhere the female audience wants LTE emergency features more than any other group\u201d dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. The pricing was a hot topic: at $1200+, plus subscription, some said Garmin was testing how much its loyal users will pay. In DCRainmaker\u2019s comments, a user wrote \u201creally hard to see how they\u2019re playing the long game\u2026 I have bought zero Apple Watches, but wow, $2000 plus a monthly fee?\u201d dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a>, highlighting that Garmin\u2019s approach might push some to reconsider alternatives. Ray himself noted the irony that Apple and Google (Pixel) offer emergency satellite for free for at least a couple years, whereas Garmin is charging monthly dcrainmaker.com<\/a> dcrainmaker.com<\/a> \u2013 albeit Apple\/Google don\u2019t offer open texting, just SOS. Still, many reviewers concluded that no other device combines what Fenix 8 Pro does: it\u2019s literally a top-tier training watch + inReach communicator. For the target audience, it may be expensive but there\u2019s no direct substitute. The MicroLED model was seen as an early adopter\u2019s tech demo; some loved the idea of its insane brightness, others felt it betrays Garmin\u2019s core strength (battery life) and that 4 days AOD is too short for a Fenix. In a NotebookCheck article, it was even dubbed \u201cthe brightest smartwatch ever built\u201d but notes that it comes \u201camid rumoured September 2025 release\u201d and presumably with a cost to battery notebookcheck.net<\/a>. Accuracy: Preliminary tests showed Garmin\u2019s multi-band GPS remains excellent (Garmin is typically top-tier for open sky and trail accuracy, though Apple now rivals it in city scenarios). Heart-rate accuracy on Garmin is generally good but in heavy workouts still bested by a chest strap \u2013 same as Apple and Samsung. Summing up reception: Fenix 8 Pro is lauded as an \u201cultimate adventure watch\u201d but with caveats that it\u2019s \u201cshockingly expensive\u201d (AndroidCentral even had an op-ed on Garmin\u2019s rising prices androidcentral.com<\/a>). This could potentially drive some more casual Garmin fans to look at cheaper models or competitors, but serious athletes largely applauded the feature set. The consensus is that Garmin delivered what many had requested (LTE, satellite, brighter screen) but at the cost of what others feared (price, size, battery trade-offs). It\u2019s a bold move that keeps Garmin at the forefront of the extreme smartwatch market.<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: When released in 2024, the Galaxy Watch Ultra was met with interest as Samsung\u2019s most ambitious watch yet. Tech reviewers immediately drew comparisons to Apple\u2019s Ultra. Many noticed the \u201cstriking similarities in name, looks, band, buttons, siren, or more\u201d between the two, as DCRainmaker quipped dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. But they also pointed out that Samsung\u2019s Ultra, being on Wear OS, competes more directly with Garmin for Android users than with Apple (since ecosystems are separate) dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. Ray Maker\u2019s review titled \u201cFinally Accurate?\u201d highlights that Samsung addressed a decade-old issue: sensor accuracy. He found the Galaxy Watch Ultra \u201cfinally delivered a mostly accurate smartwatch\u2026 it took a decade, but the eagle has probably landed. Mostly.\u201d dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. That\u2019s a notable endorsement that Samsung closed the gap in fitness tracking quality, making it a serious contender. Experts praised the addition of dual-band GPS and new fitness modes \u2013 things that in the past you\u2019d only see on Garmin or Polar. The FDA-approved features like sleep apnea detection also earned kudos as a real differentiator in health monitoring phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. The Galaxy Watch Ultra\u2019s design and display were universally lauded \u2013 a \u201cgorgeous display, fast performance, and great feature set\u201d, as one Samsung promo put it samsung.com<\/a>. Reviewers like PhoneArena loved the screen brightness and clarity outdoors phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>, and also the classic round aesthetic. Criticism did come for battery life not meeting some expectations \u2013 despite Samsung\u2019s marketing of multi-day use, some users reported barely getting 24-30 hours with everything on (though others got closer to 48h with tweaking). There were also some early software bugs: e.g., as PhoneArena noted, heart rate spiking errors phonearena.com<\/a> and some initial backlash to reviews (anecdotally, MKBHD\u2019s review sparked debate with some claiming he was too harsh). However, over the months, firmware updates smoothed many issues. The inclusion of Wear OS means a lot of the experience is dictated by Google\u2019s improvements. Many commentators liked that it was the first with Wear OS 5, bringing new features sooner to users phonearena.com<\/a>. From an audience perspective, the Galaxy Watch Ultra was seen as giving Android users what they\u2019d envied in Apple\u2019s Ultra: a top-tier durable smartwatch. And Samsung did it at a lower price, which got positive remarks. For example, some reviews pointed out you get 95% of Apple Ultra functionality at a much lower cost \u2013 \u201chold off on upgrading [from Watch 6]\u201d if you don\u2019t need the rugged extras, as one article advised, but if you do, the Ultra is a compelling choice phonearena.com<\/a> phonearena.com<\/a>. Overall, Samsung\u2019s Ultra has been successful in establishing a new \u201cUltra\u201d category in their lineup \u2013 it likely attracted more serious fitness users to Samsung and maybe pulled some who were considering a Garmin but decided they prefer smartwatch features. Looking forward, expectations are that Samsung will continue this Ultra line (with perhaps a slimmer design in future as hinted by leaks androidcentral.com<\/a>). So the first-gen Ultra did well enough to warrant a sequel. Industry-wise, it validated that there is a market for premium, rugged smartwatches beyond Garmin\u2019s niche, and that competition is heating up \u2013 good news for consumers.<\/p>\n Conclusion: Choosing among the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra ultimately comes down to your ecosystem and specific needs. iPhone users who want a blend of smart features, robust health tracking, and improved outdoor capabilities will find the Ultra 3 a superb all-rounder that now even handles off-grid emergencies apple.com<\/a> apple.com<\/a>. Serious outdoor athletes or multi-day explorers may lean towards the Fenix 8 Pro for its unparalleled battery life, rich mapping, and survival tools, accepting the high cost as the price of ultimate independence androidcentral.com<\/a> androidcentral.com<\/a>. Android users seeking a high-end watch will likely find the Galaxy Watch Ultra hits the sweet spot, delivering a bit of everything \u2013 style, smarts, and decent durability \u2013 at a far lower price, even if it can\u2019t quite match Garmin\u2019s endurance or Apple\u2019s deep integration. The good news is, as of late 2025, we have these three excellent choices pushing each other. As one expert aptly summarized, each of these \u201cUltra\u201d watches is \u201ctaking their own path, borrowing ideas, but ultimately locked in their ecosystems \u2013 and in most ways, both are directly competing more with Garmin than each other\u201d dcrainmaker.com<\/a>. Competition breeds innovation, and all three of these wearables are proof of that \u2013 making 2025 an exciting time to be a tech-savvy adventurer shopping for the perfect smartwatch companion.<\/p>\n Sources:<\/p>\n Apple Watch 11 vs Ultra 3 vs SE 3: BUYER GUIDE, Which Should You Buy?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Differences at a Glance Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025) \u2013 Apple\u2019s rugged flagship adds built-in satellite texting,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24764,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[356,111,139,69,1802,25178,145,3492],"class_list":{"0":"post-24763","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gadgets","8":"tag-gadgets","9":"tag-new-zealand","10":"tag-newzealand","11":"tag-nz","12":"tag-smartwatch","13":"tag-tech-review","14":"tag-technology","15":"tag-wearables"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24763"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24763\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}