Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 1st Gen and Garmin Vivoactive 5 target different user priorities. Apple's offering leverages its ecosystem integration, faster performance with the S5 SiP, and NFC for Apple Pay, making it ideal for iPhone users wanting seamless notifications and fitness tracking. Its 18-hour battery requires nightly charging, and it lacks SpO2 monitoring and always-on display. Garmin's Vivoactive 5 excels in battery endurance with 11 days of smartwatch use and 21 hours of continuous GPS tracking, plus it includes blood oxygen monitoring, an always-on AMOLED display, and works across platforms. However, it lacks cellular connectivity and doesn't match Apple's app ecosystem depth. At $279 versus $299, the choice depends on your phone: iPhone users gain more value from the Apple Watch with its tighter integration and faster performance, while Android users or those prioritizing multi-week battery life and comprehensive health metrics should choose Garmin. The Vivoactive 5's superior battery life and always-on display make it better for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
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 Vivoactive 5 if…
- →Bright AMOLED display looks stunning and is readable in sunlight
- →11-day battery with AMOLED is best-in-class for lifestyle watches
- →Lightweight at 36 g — one of the lightest feature-rich smartwatches
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 Vivoactive 5
Pros
- Bright AMOLED display looks stunning and is readable in sunlight
- 11-day battery with AMOLED is best-in-class for lifestyle watches
- Lightweight at 36 g — one of the lightest feature-rich smartwatches
- NFC for Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Wheelchair mode and Body Battery energy monitoring for accessibility
Cons
- No multi-band GPS — less accurate than Forerunner or Fenix in dense areas
- No built-in maps for trail navigation
- No cellular option — phone dependent for notifications
- Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to Apple/Samsung
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 7 (upgradable to watchOS 10) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30.49 g (40mm) / 36.2 g (44mm) | 36 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Aluminum bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 11 days (smartwatch), 21 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 42mm (1.2 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 390 x 390 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S5 SiP | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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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 Vivoactive 5.