Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Garmin Venu Sq 2
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE (2022) excels with its responsive S8 processor, vibrant always-off LTPO OLED display (324x394 or 368x448), and seamless iOS integration via watchOS 9+. Optional LTE connectivity and NFC payments provide flexibility. However, it's limited to basic heart rate and sleep tracking without ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, plus only 18-hour battery life. Garmin Venu Sq 2 prioritizes endurance, delivering 11 days of smartwatch battery and 26 hours in GPS mode,exceptional for active users. Its always-on AMOLED screen (320x360) and SpO2 monitoring offer practical health insights, though the interface feels less polished. Both cost $249, making this a lifestyle choice: choose Apple for daily convenience and app ecosystem, or Garmin for multi-week battery longevity and fitness-focused features.
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 Venu Sq 2 if…
- →11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- →AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- →Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
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 Venu Sq 2
Pros
- 11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
- 25+ built-in sport modes with detailed workout analytics
- NFC for Garmin Pay contactless payments
Cons
- No ECG or skin temperature monitoring
- Square design is polarizing — not as elegant as round watches
- Garmin OS has far fewer third-party apps than Wear OS
- No cellular option — phone must be nearby for notifications
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Garmin Venu Sq 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 38 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Aluminum bezel, 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 11 days (smartwatch mode), 26 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 40 mm (1.41 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 320 x 360 |
| Processor | ||
| 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 (2022) or the Garmin Venu Sq 2.