Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 and Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED serve fundamentally different audiences. SE 2 excels for iPhone users seeking seamless ecosystem integration, fitness basics, and daily smartwatch features in a lightweight 26.4g design. Fenix 8 dominates for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with exceptional 16-day battery life, advanced health metrics (ECG, SpO2, skin temperature), titanium construction, and comprehensive GPS/training features. SE 2's 18-hour battery, missing health sensors, and lack of always-on display limit outdoor capability. Fenix 8's $1,100 price tag and heavier 73g build sacrifice everyday convenience for serious performance tracking. SE 2 represents better value for casual users, while Fenix 8 justifies premium pricing for adventure sports professionals requiring multi-week autonomy and detailed biometric data.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 73 g |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Titanium bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal rear |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 10 ATM, dive-rated to 40m |
| 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 16 days smartwatch mode, 42 hours GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 1.3 inch |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED touchscreen |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 416 x 416 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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 8 AMOLED 47mm
Pros
- Built-in speaker, microphone, and LED flashlight
- Leak-proof buttons enable diving to 40m depth
- Multi-band GNSS with full topographic maps
- Massive 16-day battery life in smartwatch mode
- Comprehensive sport profiles including new dive features
Cons
- Extremely expensive at over $1000
- Heavy and large for smaller wrists
- No cellular connectivity
- Steep learning curve for new Garmin users
- Limited third-party app support
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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 8 AMOLED 47mm.