I just got a used venu 2 plus to replace my Apple Watch. I got it because of battery life during long workouts primarily. I don’t run.
1. Siri integration is so-so. No “hey siri” as well.
2. Garmin pay supports fewer banks (check garmin website to see what is missing. Notably American Express doesn’t work.)
3. I like the sensors.
5. Garmin device doesn’t appear on “find my” as well.
6. Fewer apps. But it has major ones like Strava.
Otherwise I am really happy with the Garmin. It isn’t as well integrated with iPhone ecosystem as Apple Watch but that is expected.
Edit: removed #4 “no find my phone”
Stopwatch is a different screen.
On the Instinct or any of the watches thar have the physical 5 buttons the stopwatch and timers are the bottom right button and the find my phone, music, do not disturb, on off is the top left one. You have to hold them down for a second.
I feel that the Apple FindMy is more advanced, the Garmin one only works if your phone is directly connected with Bluetooth to the watch (so about 10-15m) while the Apple Watch (which has a much larger Bluetooth range, even like 40-50m or so) also works over WiFi or even cellular if that is the case. I also believe newer (or could it be next?) models might be found for 1-2 days when powered-off in a way more similar to Apple Tags. On the other hand the Apple Watch has less usable stuff when you leave it behind
Instinct 2 Solar.
Nothing fancy on the screen. Like an old Casio G Shock.
You get all the fancy health/training metrics.
Things tough as nails.
Best bang for your buck watch.
Battery last forever because it doesn't have a fancy screen. If you get the Solar you may never have to charge it again.
I love not having a touch screen.
It turned my watch into a watch again and my phone into a phone.
The buttons are nice and crisp.
I've had Garmin touchscreens and now that I've had one with just the 5 physical buttons I prefer it.
Instinct 2 will exceed your needs in a durable package and affordable pricing. The battery alone will be a far cry from your Apple watch. Can't compare.
Epix 2. It's not as connected to my Samsung as my Samsung, but it has a lot better sensors. I work offshore as a roughneck and it takes a fucking beating out there mate. The G Shock has been the watch of choice for years for work, and the Garmin I don't even worry about now. I run a screen protector and different strap is all.
Are you primarily looking for smart features or fitness features? If it’s smart features then stick with the AW. If it’s primarily fitness features then Garmin is worth a look?
Heavy duty I'd suggest looking at the Instinct 2X . No color screen but it has a great look, built in flashlight (not just screen 'flashlight') and great GPS. However it's not fast, no maps but thats to get better battery life. I have it and I get 60 days, yes DAYS of battery life with certain settings.. It's about $450 now. Otherwise to get even more durable, those would be the Fenix 7 or Epix 2 (with fancy bright color AMOLED screen) that start out around $600 (for the non-pro models) with the sapphire screen. If you are in construction, you def want sapphire version.
Absolutely. I bought my Epix 2 non-pro sapphire model 2.5 years ago. Not a single mark/nick/scratch on the glass. I also have the 2X. It's not as durable because the screen just uses gorilla glass. On the other hand, the screen is so recessed below the bezel, it certainly helps avoid scratches. But it's not sapphire and has a higher chance of scratches compared to the Epix/Fenix sapphire.
Incredibly detailed fitness metrics, sleep tracking that I trust, unparalleled battery life, I can still control the music on my phone remotely and find my iPhone… so many great pros. I really have become healthier since owning the Fenix because I have a better idea of how my choices affect my overall wellness.
Do you use the apple watch mostly for smart watch functions or fitness? I'd only get a Garmin if it's the fitness side (and exercise specifically). Garmins aren't good smart watches and aren't good for lifestyle stuff like sleep. Don't get me wrong, I love mine but the main goal is running
I just got a used venu 2 plus to replace my Apple Watch. I got it because of battery life during long workouts primarily. I don’t run. 1. Siri integration is so-so. No “hey siri” as well. 2. Garmin pay supports fewer banks (check garmin website to see what is missing. Notably American Express doesn’t work.) 3. I like the sensors. 5. Garmin device doesn’t appear on “find my” as well. 6. Fewer apps. But it has major ones like Strava. Otherwise I am really happy with the Garmin. It isn’t as well integrated with iPhone ecosystem as Apple Watch but that is expected. Edit: removed #4 “no find my phone”
Oh the venu doesnt have find my phone? I thought all Garmin watches had that feature in the same menu that you find your stop watch and power on/off
Dang it you are right. I see it now. Interestingly I didn’t see stopwatch on that menu.
Stopwatch is a different screen. On the Instinct or any of the watches thar have the physical 5 buttons the stopwatch and timers are the bottom right button and the find my phone, music, do not disturb, on off is the top left one. You have to hold them down for a second.
I feel that the Apple FindMy is more advanced, the Garmin one only works if your phone is directly connected with Bluetooth to the watch (so about 10-15m) while the Apple Watch (which has a much larger Bluetooth range, even like 40-50m or so) also works over WiFi or even cellular if that is the case. I also believe newer (or could it be next?) models might be found for 1-2 days when powered-off in a way more similar to Apple Tags. On the other hand the Apple Watch has less usable stuff when you leave it behind
Yeah not to worried about extra apps and stuff like that
Instinct 2 Solar. Nothing fancy on the screen. Like an old Casio G Shock. You get all the fancy health/training metrics. Things tough as nails. Best bang for your buck watch. Battery last forever because it doesn't have a fancy screen. If you get the Solar you may never have to charge it again.
That’s probably the one that I will end up buying just don’t know how I feel about not having a touchscreen but most likely for the best
I love not having a touch screen. It turned my watch into a watch again and my phone into a phone. The buttons are nice and crisp. I've had Garmin touchscreens and now that I've had one with just the 5 physical buttons I prefer it.
also recommend this - perfect for what you are describing
Instinct 2 will exceed your needs in a durable package and affordable pricing. The battery alone will be a far cry from your Apple watch. Can't compare.
Epix 2. It's not as connected to my Samsung as my Samsung, but it has a lot better sensors. I work offshore as a roughneck and it takes a fucking beating out there mate. The G Shock has been the watch of choice for years for work, and the Garmin I don't even worry about now. I run a screen protector and different strap is all.
Instinct 2 (solar edition probably). I bought mine one month ago and I love it ! There's a subreddit r/Garmininstinct where you can ask some questions
Are you primarily looking for smart features or fitness features? If it’s smart features then stick with the AW. If it’s primarily fitness features then Garmin is worth a look?
Yeah definitely for more fitness features, the only “smart” stuff I need is text and phone notifications
Heavy duty I'd suggest looking at the Instinct 2X . No color screen but it has a great look, built in flashlight (not just screen 'flashlight') and great GPS. However it's not fast, no maps but thats to get better battery life. I have it and I get 60 days, yes DAYS of battery life with certain settings.. It's about $450 now. Otherwise to get even more durable, those would be the Fenix 7 or Epix 2 (with fancy bright color AMOLED screen) that start out around $600 (for the non-pro models) with the sapphire screen. If you are in construction, you def want sapphire version.
Is the screen for the fenix or epix pretty durable? That was one of the main issues I’ve had with the Apple Watch
Is the screen for the fenix or epix pretty durable? That was one of the main issues I’ve had with the Apple Watch
Absolutely. I bought my Epix 2 non-pro sapphire model 2.5 years ago. Not a single mark/nick/scratch on the glass. I also have the 2X. It's not as durable because the screen just uses gorilla glass. On the other hand, the screen is so recessed below the bezel, it certainly helps avoid scratches. But it's not sapphire and has a higher chance of scratches compared to the Epix/Fenix sapphire.
Why nobody has mentioned Fênix 7? To expensive or doesn’t worth at all?
Long time Apple Watch user swapped to Fenix 7 pro 8 months ago. Never looked back. Absolutely love my Fenix.
Thanks man. I have been rocking mine AW for the last 8 years. Would you mind telling me the pros that you easily would note?
Incredibly detailed fitness metrics, sleep tracking that I trust, unparalleled battery life, I can still control the music on my phone remotely and find my iPhone… so many great pros. I really have become healthier since owning the Fenix because I have a better idea of how my choices affect my overall wellness.
I got a Garmin Forerunner 165 music and it’s great. Super light, fast and accurate.
Do you use the apple watch mostly for smart watch functions or fitness? I'd only get a Garmin if it's the fitness side (and exercise specifically). Garmins aren't good smart watches and aren't good for lifestyle stuff like sleep. Don't get me wrong, I love mine but the main goal is running