Yep, Garmin product differentiation is a damn mess! They need to pare down their product line to something like {casual, pro} X {upscale, economy} (plus they have highly specialized stuff for pilots, etc.).
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Report: Apple Watch Ultra More Popular Than Apple Watch SE
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I just wish they'd put the stainless steel watches back where they used to be. An option with no cellular for 500 was a lot more logical. I don't even know why anyone wants cellular on their watch
So someone can leave their iPhone at home when they go out. Or having a second communication device if something happened to their phone. I'm older, so I like the security of the phone on my wrist.
I can respect that but it would be nice if for the AWU 3 they released a non-cellular version for $50-$100 less. If they did that, I'd probably purchase it instead of a Watch 10.
I would like to see a breakdown of the series 9 slice into splits for case finish. I wonder how many users buy the stainless steel models.
I just upgraded from a Watch Series 3 to a Series 9 45 mm aluminum GPS... and even with a $170 discount, was still $485.79 CAD vs $418.82 for an SE2. It's $1250 CAD for an Ultra 2 with a standard wristband, and that's too much for what I get out of the device. I keep the display off when not viewing to save as much battery as I can, never use the ECG, but appreciate the larger screen, and slightly faster processor.
But leaning towards Garmin next time. Seriously, of the 50 odd watch faces, there's maybe two I use, and because of limitations of the complications, there's stuff I want that I can never get, even on an Ultra 2... a simple up to date graph of blood glucose readings from a CGM over the last twenty minutes on the watch face is what I'm really after. At best I can only get a single reading hacking iCloud calendar to get around Apple's ridiculous complication update rules.
I might lose out of Home control, and Apple TV remote, but I think I can do without that.
But leaning towards Garmin next time. Seriously, of the 50 odd watch faces, there's maybe two I use, and because of limitations of the complications, there's stuff I want that I can never get, even on an Ultra 2... a simple up to date graph of blood glucose readings from a CGM over the last twenty minutes on the watch face is what I'm really after. At best I can only get a single reading hacking iCloud calendar to get around Apple's ridiculous complication update rules.
I might lose out of Home control, and Apple TV remote, but I think I can do without that.
SE cannot be compared to the Ultra, it’s a totally different segment. It’s for those that want to Spend the least possible, and of those, I’m sure many decide to upgrade later.
They gimp the SE models, so this isn't surprising. It's a better move to buy last year's model used if you're on a budget.
Darth Tulhu
macrumors 68020
The Ultra is just, so, UGLY. Flat and bulbous at the same time. Ugh.
Seeing the new Google Pixel Watch reminded me of this. A watch that looks like one.
Now, I'm not leaving the Apple ecosystem for Google, but STILL.
Seeing the new Google Pixel Watch reminded me of this. A watch that looks like one.
Now, I'm not leaving the Apple ecosystem for Google, but STILL.
maybe it's functionally useful but IMO, again, IMO, it's quite ugly
I had Garmin Epix 2, two weeks of battery with AOD, but, but. Garmin Pay is rarely supported by banks and when I was using Garmin Pay you had to enter your pin all the time (I think pin timeout was like 1hr or so). I am using Apple Pay daily on my Ultra 2 and I just wish battery would last for a week without AOD.
I would LOVE to switch to a Garmin watch; however, there are two major issues for me, which means I chose an Ultra 2. No cellular connectivity and no compatibility with my AirPods. While it might not seem like a dealbreaker for some, as a cyclist / runner, this makes total sense for me.
For cycling, I use a Garmin Edge 1040, so I can carry my phone in my jersey, however when I run, I don't want to carry my phone. I just put my AirPods in, and connect them to my watch.
With this, I get all the tracking I need, I get my music, podcast, whatever I want streaming away, and I can call in emergencies if necessary from my watch. It's a brilliant combination, plus it syncs seamlessly with Strava and even provides a beacon for my wife. (Not really an issue when I run, but I can often cycle more than 100km away from home and should anything happen, the beacon is a must for my wife to know I am safe).
As and when Garmin includes cellular connectivity, I would definitely consider switching, but it would also require AirPod compatibility too.
For cycling, I use a Garmin Edge 1040, so I can carry my phone in my jersey, however when I run, I don't want to carry my phone. I just put my AirPods in, and connect them to my watch.
With this, I get all the tracking I need, I get my music, podcast, whatever I want streaming away, and I can call in emergencies if necessary from my watch. It's a brilliant combination, plus it syncs seamlessly with Strava and even provides a beacon for my wife. (Not really an issue when I run, but I can often cycle more than 100km away from home and should anything happen, the beacon is a must for my wife to know I am safe).
As and when Garmin includes cellular connectivity, I would definitely consider switching, but it would also require AirPod compatibility too.
Over here in Europe Garmin Pay is accepted by many banks, and once setup, it's just like a regular PIN transaction, contactless.
Timeout is 24 hours. Or if you take the watch off. Only then will it require to enter the PIN code again.
I coach and still play hockey. Twice I've called 911 from my watch. Once for a player receiving a severe facial injury, once for a coach. I'll spare you the details. Then figure the times I've either chosen to leave my phone at home (or have forgotten it 🙄), I wouldn't buy a watch without it.
Thanks for confirming the cellular and AirPods issues. Sadly the Garmin is off my radar, looks like Ultra 3 (or 4) for me.
Poorly, us still being stuck on 1 day battery life smartphones is a crap timeline. It is what it is and you end up HAVING to tolerate 1 device you end up charging daily. I have no intention of accepting that from any other devices.
I didn't even go into the actual prices but somehow it is more off than memory serves. Perhaps because stores are often trying to move SE stock at a discount.
In my opinion, the Ultra makes a good argument for itself being 400 dollars more than the Series offering. On the other hand, it is hard to argue what you're missing in the SE is worth the 150 dollars in savings compared to the Series offering. Only the most price sensitive costumers could see it as a value. I suppose this may have a market for kids whose guardian is purchasing the watch. I'm guessing by the rumors that Apple is considering a plastic casing model that the market is pretty soft.
That’s in the US. The SE is likely way more popular in markets where apple devices are generally priced higher and people have less disposable income / prefer not to take on credit card debt.
I would hope this would be the case. I don't wear a smartwatch, but I've heard good things about the Ultra from a lot of people. I've not heard much regarding the SE.
I have an ultra 2. Its the best watch I've had. I comfortably get 2.0 days out of it with optimsied charging. I no longer get battery anxiety which i did with the apple watch. I wish it was a week but its ok. I wish they had a better variety of watch faces. their choices are pretty bad. I actually prefer the Garmin as I don't tend to use the cell phone aspects of the ultra 2, but there are two things that make me steer clear. The Garmin screens, even the new ones are quite low resolution in comparison and their sensors are simply not as accurate as the Apple Watch. See the Quantified Scientist on youtube. I'm not sure I see the point in using a smart watch which tracks various health aspects less accurately for more money than the watch I have now. I also wouldn't downgrade to the normal apple watch unless it had a battery at least as good as that of my Ultra 2