Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE targets everyday users seeking seamless iPhone integration and stylish design, while Garmin Forerunner 955 caters to serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. SE's LTPO OLED display is visually superior with always-on capability (via watchOS 11+), but Forerunner 955's transflective MIP screen excels in sunlight legibility and battery endurance,up to 20 days versus SE's 18 hours. Health-wise, Forerunner 955 includes SpO2 monitoring absent on SE, plus multi-band GPS for precision tracking. Forerunner 955's 15-day smartwatch battery dominates SE's single-day limitation, crucial for extended outdoor activities. SE's $249 price and lightweight design (26.8g) win for casual wear, while Forerunner 955's $499 investment justifies itself through marathon battery life, advanced sports metrics, and rugged durability. Choose SE for daily fitness and Apple ecosystem; choose Forerunner 955 for serious athletic training and expedition readiness.
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 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 (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 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 (2022) | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 53 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 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 46.5mm (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 Forerunner 955.