Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Fenix 7
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 targets casual fitness enthusiasts with its polished ecosystem integration, featuring watchOS 10, NFC payments, and cellular connectivity at an accessible $249 price point. Battery manages up to 18 hours standard or 36 hours with Low Power Mode. Garmin Fenix 7 positions itself as a serious multisport instrument priced at $699, delivering exceptional battery longevity (18 days smartwatch mode, 57 hours GPS), SpO2 monitoring, multi-band GPS, and rugged construction suited for expedition use. Display technology differs significantly,Apple's OLED offers vibrant colors but requires daily charging, while Garmin's MIP screen provides always-on visibility with minimal power draw. Health tracking heavily favors Garmin with SpO2 and advanced metrics for athletes. Apple excels in daily usability, app ecosystem, and affordability. Choose the SE 2 for seamless iPhone integration and everyday wear; select Fenix 7 if serious training, outdoor adventures, and multi-day battery life justify the investment.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) if…
- →Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- →Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- →Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
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 2 (2023)
Pros
- Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
- Compatible with all Apple Watch bands
- Gets latest watchOS features including Siri and Maps
Cons
- No always-on display
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensor
- Same battery life as pricier models — still needs daily charging
- S8 chip is not the latest — misses Double Tap gesture
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 2 (2023) | Garmin Fenix 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 79 g |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel bezel |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 10ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hrs, up to 36 hrs Low Power Mode | Up to 18 days (smartwatch), 57 hrs GPS, 40 days expedition GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 47mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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 2 (2023) or the Garmin Fenix 7.