Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 & Garmin Forerunner 965 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rather than the Garmin Forerunner 965.

Table Of Contents hide

1 Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra 2?

2 Side By Side Comparison

3 What Common Both Can Do?

4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a 1.92-inch LTPO OLED Retina display for superior outdoor readability and color accuracy during workouts, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 965 uses a smaller 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with lower peak brightness.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a titanium case with sapphire crystal glass for higher durability and scratch resistance in extreme environments, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 uses a fiber-reinforced polymer body with a titanium bezel.
It includes dual microphones and a loudspeaker for clear voice calls and Siri interaction directly from the wrist, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 965 lacks full call capability and only displays notifications.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with an ECG and wrist temperature sensor for advanced heart and health tracking, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 supports only optical heart rate and blood oxygen measurements without ECG or temperature data.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports LTE connectivity for independent calls, messages, and streaming without a phone, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 965 relies entirely on Bluetooth connection to a smartphone.
It includes a 3000-nit display brightness to ensure clear visibility under direct sunlight, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 reaches only about 1000 nits.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has 64 GB internal storage to store more apps, music, and offline content for travel and training, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 965 provides 32 GB storage.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is EN13319 certified for diving up to 40 meters to support underwater activities and professional diving apps, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 is only rated 5 ATM.

Maybe the Garmin Forerunner 965 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check Apple Ultra 2 Best Price

Check Forerunner 965 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

Feature	Apple Watch Ultra 2	Garmin Forerunner 965
Display size	1.92″	1.4″
Display resolution	502 × 410 pixels	454 × 454 pixels
Display peak brightness	3,000 nits	~1,000 nits
Storage capacity	64 GB	32 GB
Battery life (smartwatch mode)	Up to ~36 hours	Up to ~23 days
Battery life (GPS mode)	~72 hours	Up to ~31 hours
Depth / water-resistance rating	100 m / EN 13319 dive certified to 40 m	5 ATM (~50 m)
Cellular support	Yes	No cellular
OS / App ecosystem	watchOS	Garmin OS
Health sensors – ECG & temperature	ECG + wrist temperature sensor	No ECG + no wrist temp sensor
Maps & offline mapping	Limited offline maps	Built-in full-colour topo maps & offline support
Payment system	Apple Pay	Garmin Pay
Smart features (calls/messages)	Full support	Notifications only
Case material	Titanium	Fiber-reinforced polymer case + titanium bezel
Price	Check Apple Ultra 2 Price	Check Forerunner 965 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

AMOLED Display: Both smartwatches feature AMOLED technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast for enhanced visibility. This results in a sharp and visually pleasing display even in direct sunlight.
Always-On Display: Each device supports an always-on mode that keeps key metrics visible without needing wrist movement. This makes it convenient during workouts or when checking time and stats hands-free.
Touchscreen Interface: Both models use responsive touchscreens for intuitive control and navigation. This allows users to swipe through widgets, menus, and apps easily without relying solely on physical buttons.
GPS Functionality: Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Forerunner 965 have advanced GPS systems for accurate outdoor tracking. They provide detailed route mapping and distance metrics ideal for runners, hikers, and cyclists.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Each device continuously monitors heart rate for fitness tracking and health alerts. This helps users maintain optimal intensity during workouts and detect abnormal heart rate patterns.
SpO₂ (Blood Oxygen) Sensor: Both watches can measure blood oxygen levels to assess respiratory efficiency and sleep quality. This feature supports overall wellness tracking and early detection of potential issues.
Barometric Altimeter: Both include a barometric altimeter to measure elevation gain and loss. It benefits hikers, climbers, and athletes training at different altitudes.
Compass Sensor: Each smartwatch integrates a digital compass for orientation and navigation. This is especially useful for outdoor exploration and directional awareness during off-road activities.
Accelerometer: Both models use accelerometers to detect movement, step count, and motion-based gestures. It forms the foundation of fitness tracking and automatic activity recognition.
Gyroscope: Both devices feature a gyroscope to measure wrist rotation and motion precision. It enhances motion tracking accuracy for activities like swimming or cycling.
Sleep Tracking: Both smartwatches analyze sleep duration and quality across light, deep, and REM stages. This helps users identify patterns and improve recovery and rest habits.
Stress Tracking: Each model uses heart rate variability to estimate stress levels throughout the day. It enables mindfulness and recovery planning for better balance between training and rest.
VO₂ Max Measurement: Both provide VO₂ Max data to estimate cardiovascular fitness. This allows users to track performance improvement and endurance over time.
Music Storage: Both watches include internal music storage for phone-free listening. Users can pair Bluetooth headphones and enjoy playlists during workouts or runs.
Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Connectivity: Each model supports Bluetooth for accessories and Wi-Fi for syncing data and updates. This ensures seamless connectivity with smartphones and fitness platforms.
NFC Payments: Both feature NFC-based payment systems—Apple Pay and Garmin Pay—for convenient contactless transactions. This makes quick purchases possible without carrying a phone or wallet.
Water Resistance: Both watches are designed for swimming and withstand at least 50 m water depth. This makes them safe for pool workouts, rain, and water sports.
Customizable Watch Faces: Each allows customization of watch faces and data widgets. Users can personalize appearance and displayed information to match their style or training needs.

Check Apple Ultra 2 Best Price

Check Forerunner 965 Best Price

Common Features

Feature	Apple Watch Ultra 2	Garmin Forerunner 965
AMOLED Display	Yes	Yes
Always-On Display	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen Interface	Yes	Yes
GPS Functionality	Yes	Yes
Heart Rate Monitoring	Yes	Yes
SpO₂ (Blood Oxygen) Sensor	Yes	Yes
Barometric Altimeter	Yes	Yes
Compass Sensor	Yes	Yes
Accelerometer	Yes	Yes
Gyroscope	Yes	Yes
Sleep Tracking	Yes	Yes
Stress Tracking	Yes	Yes
VO₂ Max Measurement	Yes	Yes
Music Storage	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Connectivity	Yes	Yes
NFC Payments	Yes	Yes
Water Resistance	50 m +	50 m +
Customizable Watch Faces	Yes	Yes
Price	Check Apple Ultra 2 Price	Check Forerunner 965 Price

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 compatible with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not compatible with Android devices. It requires an iPhone to set up and access its full range of features such as messaging, calls, and app syncing.

Can the Garmin Forerunner 965 make phone calls or send messages?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 cannot make phone calls or send direct messages. It only displays smartphone notifications, which you can view but not fully respond to like on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 have better screen brightness than the Garmin Forerunner 965?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it significantly brighter and easier to read under sunlight than the Garmin Forerunner 965’s 1000-nit AMOLED display.

Which smartwatch has a longer battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Garmin Forerunner 965?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 lasts much longer, up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and around 31 hours in GPS mode, whereas the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lasts up to 36 hours in normal use or 72 hours in low-power settings.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 suitable for diving?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is EN13319 certified and suitable for diving up to 40 meters, making it ideal for recreational divers. The Garmin Forerunner 965, on the other hand, is only rated for swimming up to 50 meters and is not designed for diving.

Does the Garmin Forerunner 965 support offline maps?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 includes full-color offline topo maps for navigation without needing a phone. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports limited offline maps through Apple Maps or third-party apps.

Which watch has more health sensors?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has more comprehensive health tracking with ECG, blood oxygen, heart rate, and wrist temperature sensors. The Garmin Forerunner 965 lacks ECG and temperature tracking but still measures heart rate, SpO₂, and HRV.

Can both watches measure VO₂ Max?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Forerunner 965 measure VO₂ Max, allowing users to monitor their cardiovascular fitness and track performance improvements over time.

Do both smartwatches support NFC payments?
Yes, both devices support contactless payments. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 uses Apple Pay, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 uses Garmin Pay for quick and secure transactions.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 more durable than the Garmin Forerunner 965?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a titanium case with sapphire crystal and 100-meter water resistance, providing higher durability. The Garmin Forerunner 965 uses a fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium bezel, which is lighter but less robust.

Which smartwatch is better for athletes and training data?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is generally better for athletes due to its advanced training metrics, recovery data, and long battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is versatile but geared more toward general fitness and adventure users.

Do both watches have sleep and stress tracking?
Yes, both models include sleep tracking and stress monitoring. They analyze sleep stages, recovery patterns, and daily stress based on heart rate variability to improve wellness insights.

Can both watches play music without a phone?
Yes, both allow music playback without needing a smartphone. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has 64 GB of storage for Apple Music playlists, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 offers 32 GB for offline playlists and streaming services.

Do both support GPS tracking for outdoor workouts?
Yes, both smartwatches include advanced GPS tracking. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), while the Garmin Forerunner 965 includes multi-band GNSS for accurate location tracking during outdoor activities.

Which smartwatch integrates better with iPhones?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 integrates perfectly with iPhones, offering native support for iMessage, Siri, and the Apple ecosystem. The Garmin Forerunner 965 works with iPhones too, but its functionality is limited to notifications and basic syncing through the Garmin Connect app.