Garmin fēnix 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Garmin fēnix 8 (2024, listed at $1099) and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024, listed at $649) are different kinds of watch: a sport watch and a smartwatch. That changes what you give up for what you get.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin fēnix 8
Garmin's no-compromise multisport flagship — built-in dive computer, AMOLED, multi-band GPS.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung's adventure flagship — titanium case, 100m water resistance, dual-frequency GPS.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin fēnix 8 wins on battery life (16 days vs 2.5 days); Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra wins on weight (60 g vs 73 g), price ($649 vs $1099) and tracked features (8 vs 7).
Check your phone first. The Garmin fēnix 8 works with both iPhone and Android; the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Bottom line: on raw specs the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra leads 3 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin fēnix 8 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 16 days | 2.5 days |
| Weight | 73 g | 60 g |
| List price | $1099 | $649 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 7 | 8 |
| Case size | 47 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | Android only |
| Listed best for | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (6)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Garmin fēnix 8 (1)
- offline maps
Only Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2)
- ECG
- LTE / cellular
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin fēnix 8 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 16 days per charge vs 2.5 days.
- You need offline maps, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra does not list.
- You use an Android phone: the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra does not pair with it.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 73 g.
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $1099.
Pick the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $450 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 60 g vs 73 g.
- You need ECG and LTE / cellular, which the Garmin fēnix 8 does not list.
Skip it if…
- • You use an iPhone — it needs an Android phone for full features.
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $649.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The Garmin fēnix 8 has the longer rated battery life: about 16 days per charge against 2.5 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has the lower list price: $649 against $1099 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin fēnix 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra work with iPhone and Android?
Check your phone first. The Garmin fēnix 8 works with both iPhone and Android; the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 10ATM. 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Garmin fēnix 8
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.
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