Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Forerunner 965
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 excels for iPhone users seeking seamless ecosystem integration, fitness basics, and everyday smartwatch functionality at an accessible price point. Its watchOS 10 delivers intuitive app experience, NFC payments, and cellular connectivity, though battery life caps at 18 hours. Garmin Forerunner 965 targets serious athletes with comprehensive health metrics including SpO2 and skin temperature monitoring, superior 23-day battery longevity in smartwatch mode, and advanced GPS performance for endurance training. However, it's platform-specific for Garmin Connect ecosystem, lacks cellular, and weighs nearly double at 53g. Budget-conscious Apple ecosystem users should choose SE 2; dedicated runners and triathletes will appreciate Forerunner 965's athletic prowess and battery endurance. For general consumers, SE 2 delivers better value; for fitness enthusiasts, Garmin's specialization justifies the premium.
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 965 if…
- →23-day battery life in smartwatch mode for serious endurance athletes
- →First Forerunner with AMOLED display — bright and easy to read
- →Multi-band GPS with SatIQ for highly accurate outdoor 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 965
Pros
- 23-day battery life in smartwatch mode for serious endurance athletes
- First Forerunner with AMOLED display — bright and easy to read
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ for highly accurate outdoor tracking
- Advanced running metrics: running power, VO2 max, race predictor
- Garmin Pay NFC and music storage for offline playback
Cons
- No ECG sensor
- No cellular connectivity
- Garmin OS app ecosystem is very limited compared to Wear OS or watchOS
- Expensive at $599 for a running-focused device
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 53 g |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 10 ATM |
| 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 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 1.4 inch |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Garmin proprietary |
| 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 965.