Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) vs Garmin Fenix 7
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) and Garmin Fenix 7 serve fundamentally different audiences. Apple's entry-level smartwatch excels in everyday fitness, messaging, and Apple ecosystem integration, featuring a vibrant OLED Retina display, NFC payments, and optional LTE connectivity at $279. Its S5 chip delivers snappy performance, though health monitoring lacks ECG and SpO2 capabilities. Garmin's Fenix 7, priced at $699, is a serious multisport instrument built for athletes and adventurers. Its MIP display stays visible in bright sunlight indefinitely, SpO2 monitoring, multi-band GPS, and extraordinary battery life (18 days casual, 57 hours GPS mode) make it unmatched for outdoor pursuits. The Fenix weighs nearly 80 grams versus SE's 30-36 grams, reflecting its rugged construction. Choose the Apple Watch SE for urban lifestyle and iOS synchronization; select Garmin Fenix 7 for trail running, mountaineering, and extended off-grid adventures where durability and battery longevity matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) if…
- →Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- →Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- →Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
Buy the Garmin Fenix 7 if…
- →Multi-week battery life is in a completely different class from Apple/Samsung
- →Multi-band GPS is the most accurate satellite positioning on any watch
- →Built-in maps with TopoActive and Ski Maps for outdoor adventures
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen)
Pros
- Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
- Compass and always-on altimeter for outdoor activities
- Family Setup enables use for kids without an iPhone
Cons
- No Always-On display — must raise wrist to see the time
- Older S5 chip — slower than the 2022 SE's S8
- No ECG, SpO2, or blood oxygen monitoring
- No fast charging — takes about 2.5 hours for full charge
Garmin Fenix 7
Pros
- Multi-week battery life is in a completely different class from Apple/Samsung
- Multi-band GPS is the most accurate satellite positioning on any watch
- Built-in maps with TopoActive and Ski Maps for outdoor adventures
- Touchscreen added alongside traditional button navigation
- Garmin Connect ecosystem is the gold standard for athletic training
Cons
- MIP display looks dated compared to AMOLED smartwatches
- No cellular or call capability — strictly a fitness/outdoor watch
- Heavy at 79 g — noticeable during sleep and daily wear
- $699 starting price, with Solar and Sapphire models costing more
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | Garmin Fenix 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 7 (upgradable to watchOS 10) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30.49 g (40mm) / 36.2 g (44mm) | 79 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel bezel |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 10ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 days (smartwatch), 57 hrs GPS, 40 days expedition GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 47mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S5 SiP | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) or the Garmin Fenix 7.