Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Garmin Fenix 7
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE (2022) and Garmin Fenix 7 serve fundamentally different audiences. SE dominates consumer smartwatch experience with its vibrant LTPO OLED display, seamless iOS integration, and compact 26.8g design,ideal for daily wear and fitness tracking. Fenix 7 targets serious athletes and outdoors enthusiasts with exceptional 18-day battery life, SpO2 monitoring, multi-band GPS, and rugged 79g build rated for extreme conditions. SE's S8 processor and watchOS 11 compatibility ensure future-proof performance at $249, while Fenix 7's specialized sports modes, expedition GPS (57 hours), and ANT+ connectivity justify its $699 premium for demanding users. For casual fitness tracking and notifications, SE excels; for multi-week backcountry adventures and competitive training, Fenix 7 is unmatched. Choose SE for mainstream appeal; choose Fenix 7 for specialized athletic 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 Fenix 7 if…
- →Multi-week battery life is in a completely different class from Apple/Samsung
- →Multi-band GPS is the most accurate satellite positioning on any watch
- →Built-in maps with TopoActive and Ski Maps for outdoor adventures
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 Fenix 7
Pros
- Multi-week battery life is in a completely different class from Apple/Samsung
- Multi-band GPS is the most accurate satellite positioning on any watch
- Built-in maps with TopoActive and Ski Maps for outdoor adventures
- Touchscreen added alongside traditional button navigation
- Garmin Connect ecosystem is the gold standard for athletic training
Cons
- MIP display looks dated compared to AMOLED smartwatches
- No cellular or call capability — strictly a fitness/outdoor watch
- Heavy at 79 g — noticeable during sleep and daily wear
- $699 starting price, with Solar and Sapphire models costing more
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Garmin Fenix 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 79 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel 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 18 days (smartwatch), 57 hrs GPS, 40 days expedition GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 47mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 260 x 260 |
| 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 Fenix 7.