Why I Swapped My Garmin Fenix 8 for Apple Watch Ultra 3 — And What I Liked (and Missed) + Garmin InReach Thoughts

I’ve got to tell you, switching from my Garmin Fenix 8 to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for a week was one of those experiences where you think, “Okay, this might be a mistake — but maybe not.” I love Garmin. I’ve depended on that Fenix 8 through long runs, training cycles, everyday wear. So when I decided to test the Apple Watch Ultra 3 head-to-head, I did it with a little excitement and a lot of skepticism.

Here, I’ll walk you through 3 things I genuinely liked about the Ultra 3, 2 things I sorely missed from my Fenix 8, and where Garmin InReach features (yes, that’s your keyword) factor in. I’m writing this like I’m talking to you — real, raw, but professional — as a friend sharing a tech experiment. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Garmin InReach: First Impressions & Why the Swap

When I started, I was using a standard Garmin Fenix 8 (not the Pro). I’ve already run marathons with it. It’s been reliable, rugged, and tailored for athletes. But the Apple Watch Ultra 3 was tempting — more smart features, better screen, added safety tools. So I strapped it on for a full week and pushed it hard.

Here’s what came out of that “experiment.”

What I Liked About the Apple Watch Ultra 3

1. Big, Bright Display (Hello, Sunlight!)

One of the most immediate changes I noticed: the screen. Ultra 3’s display is bright — really bright. Apple claims 3,000 nits. My Fenix 8 never felt dim, but in direct sunlight, Apple’s pushed ahead. The clarity, the contrast — it’s easier to glance at at a glance during a run under harsh light.

That brightness difference surprised me. I thought Garmin, with its focus on outdoors, would always win that category. Not always true.

2. Safety & Emergency Features (And Garmin InReach Context)

This is one area where Ultra 3 feels like it’s bridging the gap between fitness watch and full-on “adventure tool.” The watch comes with built-in siren, fall detection, crash detection, international emergency SOS, and — new on Ultra 3 — satellite messaging functionality.

You don’t need to have a cellular plan for the satellite messages. That had me thinking about Garmin InReach — which gives you remote messaging, tracking, and SOS off-grid. That’s one of Garmin’s strengths when you’re deep in the woods or on remote trails. The Ultra 3’s satellite tool isn’t quite a full InReach replacement yet, but it’s a strong step toward merging smartwatch usability with emergency comms.

When I ran with Ultra 3, knowing I could still send a message when off-grid was reassuring. If Apple keeps expanding this, the line between “smartwatch” and “outdoor communication device” will blur more.

3. Smartwatch & App Ecosystem—It Feels Like a Real Watch

One of the biggest pulls of switching was remembering just how smart the Ultra 3 is, day-to-day. With the action button, I could trigger functions more fluidly during workouts. I replied to messages, took calls from the wrist, even used third-party apps I couldn’t with Garmin. For example, syncing with apps like Natural Cycles (for cycle tracking) worked without workaround — something I couldn’t do reliably on my Fenix 8.

Again, going from “fitness watch with smart features” to “smartwatch that handles fitness like a champ” felt refreshing.

What I Missed from My Garmin Fenix 8

A. Size, Comfort & Usability During Sleep

I wear a 43 mm Fenix 8, which hugs my wrist pretty intimately. Ultra 3 (at 49 mm) sticks out more. It felt bulkier — noticeable when I typed, when I slept, when I did everyday tasks.

Wearing it to bed was tricky. The edges bumped against my wrist bones. Garmin’s round, low-profile bodies feel more versatile there. Also, I missed one of Garmin’s features: the ability to disable the touchscreen during workouts. With Ultra 3, I had to adjust angles, avoid accidental taps — it was a bit distracting.

B. Battery Life You Could Bank On

Let’s be blunt: battery life is where Garmin still dominates. In my week with Ultra 3, yes, I got about 2 days between charges (maybe a bit more, depending on usage). But my Fenix 8 easily gives me around 10 days in smartwatch mode (without always-on display). That’s a difference you feel, not just read.

On longer training blocks, travel, or multi-day adventures, having to find a charger halfway is a real inconvenience. Battery anxiety creeps in. That said, Ultra 3 is still the best Apple watch I’ve tested in this regard. But it doesn’t dethrone Garmin there — not yet.

Garmin InReach Relevance: Why It Matters

I want to circle back to Garmin InReach because it’s a big reason why many athletes, hikers, and explorers stick with Garmin. InReach gives you two-way messaging, location check-ins, SOS features even when there’s zero cellular signal. It’s a safety net in wild places.

Ultra 3’s satellite messaging edge is a nod to this. But at present, the Garmin InReach platform is more mature. If Apple expands its satellite toolkit (like more message types, integration, more robust coverage), then the Ultra 3 (or future models) could really start encroaching on what once felt like Garmin’s edge in “real adventure mode.” If you’re someone who often ventures off the grid, InReach (or equivalent) is a must.

So for me: Ultra 3’s safety features — augmented by its satellite tools — feel like bridging technology. But until Ultra 3 can match the depth of InReach in messaging, tracking, reliability, Garmin still has the upper hand for hardcore adventure use.

**Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin InReach**

So – Am I Switching for Good?

Here’s where my conclusion lands:

For everyday use, training runs, smart features, and integration — Ultra 3 is a powerful tool. It gives me flexibility, connectivity, modern app access, brightness, and emergency features I value.
But for long-haul battery, compact comfort, deep adventure utility, touchscreen security during activity, and that InReach-level backup — my Fenix 8 (or even Fenix 8 Pro) is still a compelling companion.

Honestly? I might keep both. Ultra 3 becomes my daily, immersive “smart + fitness” watch. Fenix 8 stays for long runs, marathon days, backcountry trips. Switch when needed. Use what fits the moment.

But if you push me: The Ultra 3 is the closest I’ve come to buying into Apple’s “smartwatch first, fitness strong” pitch — and that’s saying something coming from a longtime Garmin fan.

If you want, I can also lay out a comparison table between Ultra 3 vs Fenix 8 (features, battery, comfort) or even write a “which should you pick if you use Garmin InReach now” guide. Do you want that?