Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2022 excels for iOS users seeking seamless ecosystem integration, boasting a vibrant LTPO OLED display, Apple S8 SiP processor, and comprehensive smartwatch features including ECG capability through watchOS updates. Garmin Forerunner 255 dominates for fitness enthusiasts and endurance athletes, offering exceptional battery longevity (14 days smartwatch mode, 30 hours GPS), SpO2 monitoring, always-on transflective display, and advanced running metrics. While Apple's watch delivers superior visual clarity and broader app compatibility at a lower price, Garmin's sport-specific focus, superior battery endurance, and no-subscription fitness tracking appeal to dedicated athletes. Choice depends on priorities: choose Apple for general smartwatch excellence and ecosystem synergy, select Garmin for serious training, multi-week battery life, and dedicated fitness intelligence.
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 Forerunner 255 if…
- →14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- →Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- →Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
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 Forerunner 255
Pros
- 14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
- Race Predictor estimates finish times for 5K to marathon
- Lightweight at 49 g and comfortable for 24/7 wear
Cons
- MIP display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED competitors
- No touchscreen on base model — button-only navigation
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- Third-party app ecosystem is small
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 49 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 46mm |
| 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 SoC |
| 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 Forerunner 255.