Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 targets casual fitness enthusiasts seeking daily smartwatch features, while Garmin Forerunner 955 serves serious athletes and runners. SE 2 excels with vibrant OLED display, seamless iOS integration, NFC payments, and cellular connectivity at half the price,perfect for general health tracking and notifications. Forerunner 955 dominates endurance sports with multi-band GPS, 15-day battery life (42 hours continuous GPS), SpO2 monitoring, and advanced training metrics tailored for marathoners and triathletes. SE 2's 18-hour battery requires daily charging versus Forerunner's multi-week autonomy. Display technology differs significantly: SE 2's OLED is sharper but power-hungry; Forerunner's always-on transflective screen prioritizes longevity. For smartwatch versatility and style, SE 2 wins. For serious athletes demanding GPS accuracy and week-long battery life, Forerunner 955 is the superior choice despite premium pricing and bulkier build.
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 955 if…
- →Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- →Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- →Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
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 955
Pros
- Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
- Solar model extends battery to 20 days — charge once or twice a month
- Music storage and playback without needing your phone
Cons
- MIP display looks dull compared to AMOLED on the Forerunner 265
- 14.4mm thick — chunky profile under dress shirt cuffs
- No touchscreen — button-only navigation
- Solar variant adds $100 for marginal battery improvement indoors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 53 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 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 46.5mm (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 Forerunner 955.