Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Forerunner 265
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 excels as a lifestyle smartwatch with watchOS 10's seamless ecosystem integration, NFC payments, and cellular connectivity at an attractive $249 price point. Its 44mm Retina LTPO OLED display delivers vibrant visuals, though battery life caps at 18 hours. Garmin Forerunner 265 targets fitness enthusiasts with superior health metrics including SpO2 monitoring, exceptional 13-day battery endurance in smartwatch mode, and always-on AMOLED display. However, at $449 it lacks cellular and NFC, positioning itself narrowly for dedicated athletes. Choose Apple Watch SE 2 for comprehensive smartwatch features and value; select Forerunner 265 if endurance sports tracking and multi-week battery life justify the premium 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 Forerunner 265 if…
- →Vibrant AMOLED display is a massive upgrade over the 255's MIP screen
- →Training Readiness and Morning Report provide actionable fitness insights
- →Multi-band GPS delivers extremely accurate pace and distance tracking
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 265
Pros
- Vibrant AMOLED display is a massive upgrade over the 255's MIP screen
- Training Readiness and Morning Report provide actionable fitness insights
- Multi-band GPS delivers extremely accurate pace and distance tracking
- 13-day battery with AMOLED is exceptional — best in its class
- Race Widget helps plan pacing strategy for upcoming events
Cons
- No built-in maps — only breadcrumb trail navigation
- No music storage on the base model (265 Music has it)
- No cellular connectivity — phone required for notifications
- Proprietary charging cable is easy to forget when traveling
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 47 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 13 days (smartwatch), 20 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 46mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 416 x 416 |
| 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 Forerunner 265.