Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Garmin Epix Gen 2
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE (2022) excels as a lifestyle smartwatch with seamless iOS integration, featuring the S8 chip, always-on capability via watchOS 11+, and fast USB-C charging at $249. Garmin Epix Gen 2 positions itself as a serious sports and health tool, offering SpO2 monitoring, multi-band GPS, exceptional 16-day battery life, and military-grade durability,though it weighs 70-76g versus the SE's lightweight 26.8g and costs $899. For casual fitness and Apple ecosystem users, the SE delivers excellent value with solid health tracking basics. Serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts requiring advanced metrics like blood oxygen, extended GPS tracking, and rugged construction should invest in the Epix Gen 2. Choose SE for everyday elegance and convenience; choose Epix for comprehensive sports performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (2022) if…
- →Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- →Crash Detection included at this price point
- →Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
Buy the Garmin Epix Gen 2 if…
- →Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- →16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- →Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Pros
- Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- Crash Detection included at this price point
- Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
- Family Setup lets kids use it without an iPhone
- Full access to the Apple Watch app ecosystem
Cons
- No Always-On display — screen goes dark when wrist is lowered
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensors
- Thicker bezels than Series 8 make the screen feel smaller
- 18-hour battery still requires nightly charging
Garmin Epix Gen 2
Pros
- Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- 16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
- 10ATM water resistance and flashlight for extreme conditions
- Touchscreen plus 5-button interface for flexible navigation
Cons
- $899 starting price — Sapphire edition exceeds $1,000
- Heavy at 70-76 g — noticeable compared to lighter smartwatches
- 14.5mm thickness is very chunky under shirt cuffs
- No cellular or phone call capability despite the premium price
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Garmin Epix Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 76 g (steel) / 70 g (titanium) |
| Case material | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel / titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 10ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 16 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 47mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 416 x 416 |
| Processor | ||
| 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 (2022) or the Garmin Epix Gen 2.