Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 excels for iPhone users seeking seamless ecosystem integration, offering watchOS 10, NFC payments, and cellular connectivity at an accessible price point. Its LTPO OLED display provides vibrant visuals, though battery life maxes out at 18 hours in standard mode. Garmin Forerunner 255 targets fitness enthusiasts with specialized running features, SpO2 monitoring, and exceptional 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode, plus 30-hour GPS endurance. Its transflective MIP display suits outdoor use better and always-on capability improves glanceability. Trade-offs matter here: SE 2 delivers superior everyday smartwatch experience and app ecosystem, while Forerunner 255 provides superior sports tracking, battery longevity, and health sensors. Choose SE 2 for comprehensive Apple integration; select Forerunner 255 if fitness tracking and multi-week battery life are priorities.
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 Forerunner 255 if…
- →14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- →Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- →Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
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 Forerunner 255
Pros
- 14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
- Race Predictor estimates finish times for 5K to marathon
- Lightweight at 49 g and comfortable for 24/7 wear
Cons
- MIP display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED competitors
- No touchscreen on base model — button-only navigation
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- Third-party app ecosystem is small
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 49 g |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 5ATM |
| 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 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 46mm |
| 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 SoC |
| 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 Forerunner 255.