Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 26
ZDNET Pits Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Against Apple Watch Ultra 3 as Prime Day Cuts Prices
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 26

ZDNET Pits Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Against Apple Watch Ultra 3 as Prime Day Cuts Prices

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 26

Summary

  • Prime Day discounts through June 26 prompted ZDNET to weigh Garmin’s Fenix 8 Pro against Apple’s Watch Ultra 3 for buyers choosing a premium rugged smartwatch.
  • Garmin’s case rests on endurance and training depth: the Fenix 8 Pro offers up to 10 days of battery life, broader workout and recovery metrics, and a 4,500-nit MicroLED option.
  • Apple’s pitch is broader everyday utility, with the Ultra 3 pairing rugged features such as satellite communications and topo maps with a more intuitive interface and tighter iPhone integration.
  • Price and compatibility sharpen the split: Apple’s model starts at $800 and works only with iOS, while Garmin runs $1,200 or $2,000 and supports both iOS and Android.
  • The comparison frames the choice less as a head-to-head winner than a use-case divide between serious outdoor training and a connected daily-wear smartwatch.

Insights

Do premium watches justify their price, or do budget alternatives offer better value for most outdoor enthusiasts?
With Garmin adopting MicroLED, did Apple make a strategic error by abandoning the technology for its watch?
Is AI coaching reliable when the smartwatch health data it uses can be significantly inaccurate?