Suunto Vertical vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Fenix 7 – Which is the most complete?

There is no doubt that Apple and Garmin are two of the most recognized brands in the smartwatch market, but it is no less true that Suunto has become a strong competitor in a short time. Above all, in high-end smartwatches, which are the ones that have a more demanding audience. To check which of the three wins, we have chosen three ideal models for those who want to keep exhaustive control over their physical performance. We are going to compare Suunto Vertical vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix ​​7 smartwatches.

As you know, each range of smartwatches has, in turn, several models, whose differences can be reduced only to color or also size. In this case, we have focused on the standard Suunto Vertical Solar and Garmin Fenix ​​7 versions (the Apple Watch Ultra 2 only has one version). And, a priori, we see that there are three different prices, which can give us an idea of ​​the capabilities of each smartwatch. However, we must be cautious, especially with Apple at stake, because its brand reputation does not always correspond to its actual performance.

On the other hand, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 is one of the smart watches that, in our opinion, has the best quality-price ratio at the moment. Will Suunto manage to unseat him? Broadly speaking, Suunto is the brand that achieves the most autonomy, surpassing Garmin, which was already spectacular. In this sense, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 confirms that battery life is not Apple’s main strength.

However, Suunto’s watch doesn’t have as many health and safety features as its two rivals; Here it is Garmin who leads. Of course, from a sports point of view, it is worth noting that the Suunto smartwatch is the one that has the most sports modes as standard. But, in order to check everything in detail, let’s analyze them in depth!

Suunto Vertical vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix ​​7 – Comparison Table

In this table you can check the main differences between the smartwatches that are the subject of this review, although we will explain them in detail later:

(Swipe the table to see all the content)

Three totally different watches

As far as design goes, we mean. It is actually very easy to distinguish which watch is at first glance, because they have different shapes, designs and colors. Perhaps the most recognizable is the Apple Watch Ultra 2, due to the rectangular shape of its screen, unlike the dials we see on Suunto and Garmin watches. This rectangular shape makes the screen surface larger, and you can really notice the difference between the 1.9 inches that the Apple Watch has and the 1.3 and 1.4 inches that its two rivals have. It is especially noticeable when reading messages and WhatsApps. It may seem silly, but they are read more comfortably because there is more text on the screen. Along these lines, it is the Apple Watch screen that has the best resolution, which also contributes to this feeling.

Regarding Suunto and Garmin watches, it is clear that Garmin maintains a more sporty appearance, while Suunto opts for a more casual design. Additionally, the Suunto is available in several colors, many of them very attractive (we are especially fans of orange), while the Garmin can only be purchased in dark gray. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, for its part, has three versions: indigo, olive green and blue. Furthermore, in this case, we can choose between the fabric strap or the silicone strap.

We must say that another noticeable difference is the weight, especially between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the other two watches, which are heavier. However, the weight varies depending on the size and diameter of the strap. In this aspect, the Suunto Vertical is the smartwatch with a narrower range, while the Apple Watch and Garmin Fenix ​​7 have a greater range.

Battery life: a big change

Knowing how long each smartwatch charge lasts is one of the most common questions among users looking for these smart watches. In this sense, Apple maintains its low autonomy in the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which works for 36 hours in normal use mode and 72 hours in battery saving mode. Comparing it with the Garmin Fenix ​​7, whose autonomy lasts 18 and 57 days respectively, and with the Suunto Vertical, which can work for 60 days in watch mode, the difference is even more noticeable.

Connectivity and compatibility

The compatibility of smart watches with other devices is another important aspect in the decision, because it may or may not be a filter depending on the smartphones we have. In this sense, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is compatible with iOS devices, but not with Android, maintaining Apple’s own line of exclusivity. On the other hand, the Suunto Vertical and the Garmin Fenix ​​can connect with both iOS and Android systems, offering more versatility.

In terms of connectivity, it should be noted that the Garmin Fenix ​​7 is the one that wins. First, because it is the only one with compatibility with Bluetooth, Wifi and ANT, since neither the Apple Watch Ultra 2 nor the Suunto Vertical are compatible with ANT technology. And, furthermore, because only Garmin and Apple are compatible with contactless payment gateways, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 is the most complete smartwatch in this sense.

Health and sports functionalities: What differences are there?

If we analyze the functionalities that each smartwatch has related to health monitoring, there are some interesting issues. T he three smartwatches can measure sleep and establish a report on its quality, as well as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation.

The Garmin Fenix ​​7 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are capable of monitoring and recording the menstrual cycle, unlike the Suunto Vertical. This smartwatch, in fact, does not have fall detection either, a function that the two rival smartwatches do have. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not have a stress level meter , something that the Suunto Vertical and Garmin Fenix ​​7 do have.

When it comes to sports performance, it is interesting to see how any of the three smartwatches are ideal, and here we were pleasantly surprised by the Suunto Vertical. When we talk about pre-installed sports modes, we see that the Suunto has 95, followed by the Garmin, which has 70, and the Apple Watch, which has just over 30. However, as in all cases they can be synchronized with an app, it is possible to expand this variety of sports modes.

Suunto and Garmin watches are more designed for monitoring outdoor activities, something for which the Apple Watch is less prepared. Despite this, all three share the same level of water resistance, 10 ATM. That is, they can be submerged up to 100 meters. In general, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a smartwatch more designed for those who do not need a very detailed sports report, while the Suunto and Garmin smartwatches do meet the needs of the most athletic.

Suunto Vertical vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix ​​7: Which smartwatch do we recommend?

After checking what the most important differentiating aspects are between the three protagonists, and seeing what price each one sells for, the truth is that our recommendation is much clearer than we initially thought. The Garmin Fenix ​​7 is the smartwatch that has the most interesting quality-price ratio, the one that offers the best performance in terms of sports and health monitoring and the one that has the most connectivity options with other devices.

If we look at performance in terms of activity control, the Suunto Vertical is the only one that could match the Garmin, although when we see that the Garmin has some more health features, the balance tips. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has more limitations when it comes to physical control. More than that, it is a smartwatch that could be a good option for those who do not need a very detailed analysis.

The Suunto Vertical, for its part, has positively surprised us in terms of sports modes, but it lacks one more level of excellence in the rest of the features to match the Garmin. The autonomy is very good, although, in battery saving mode, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 is more versatile. However, as we always tell you, only you have the last word.