I never had an apple watch, what about Garmin it's a huge leap from FR230 to Fenix7pro. With both models you can control your music player, Fenix allows your to listen to music from watch (I never use it).
What about text messages, there's an option to quick answer from watch if you use Android. You write most common answers in Garmin connect and then use it on watch

I can't say my Garmin Fenix is slow, it runs with my pace 

> Any questions? I'll try to answer it

Back in the day I got an Apple watch for doing "small tasks" without pulling out my phone. E.g. forwarding to the next song while walking or reply thumbs up to text messages. But it got annoying pretty quickly because of how slow the watch was

Is that still a problem with modern smart watches like the Garmin?

zuspotirko

In general I didn't like to wear any things on my body, whatever it were: chains, rings, watches, etc

But as runner you should monitor you pulse during exercises. With smartphone it's extremely inconvenient, that's why in 2017 I decided to acquire Garmin Forerunner 230 and since that time I've lived with smartwatch on my wrist.

My smartphone in permanent silent mode. I can run only with smartwatch. I never miss calls and messages (if I don't answer I without of shame ignore this call or message). I can't find my misplaced smartphone. With Fenix I got two extra "must have" features: flashlight and contactless payments.

AskSN

Do you wear a smartwatch?

https://stacker.news/items/824870

In general I didn't like to wear any things on my body, whatever it were: chains, rings, watches, etc

But as runner you should monitor you pulse during exercises. With smartphone it's extremely inconvenient, that's why in 2017 I decided to acquire Garmin Forerunner 230 and since that time I've lived with smartwatch on my wrist. 
My smartphone in permanent silent mode. I can run only with smartwatch. I never miss calls and messages (if I don't answer I without of shame ignore this call or message). I can't find my misplaced smartphone. With Fenix I got two extra "must have" features: flashlight and contactless payments.

Any questions? I'll try to answer it 