Apple Watch Series 6 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 6 excels with its vibrant LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display, delivering superior visual clarity at 324x394 pixels (40mm), paired with the powerful Apple S6 SiP for seamless performance and ecosystem integration. Garmin Forerunner 255 targets fitness enthusiasts with exceptional battery longevity spanning up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours of continuous GPS tracking, using a practical MIP transflective display that remains readable in sunlight. Series 6 offers ECG functionality absent on the Forerunner 255, while both include SpO2 and comprehensive sleep tracking. Watch weight differs notably: Series 6 at 30.5g versus Forerunner's 49g. Series 6 includes cellular options and NFC payments; Forerunner 255 prioritizes athletic training tools and durability. For users prioritizing daily smartwatch features, notifications, and premium display technology, Apple Watch Series 6 is the stronger choice. Fitness-focused athletes requiring extended battery life and sports-specific metrics should choose Garmin Forerunner 255.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 6 if…
- →First Apple Watch with blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring
- →Always-On display is 2.5x brighter outdoors than Series 5
- →U1 chip enables precise Find My features and car key unlock
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 Series 6
Pros
- First Apple Watch with blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring
- Always-On display is 2.5x brighter outdoors than Series 5
- U1 chip enables precise Find My features and car key unlock
- S6 chip is 20% faster than S5 — noticeably snappier
- Multiple premium case materials including titanium and blue aluminum
Cons
- 18-hour battery still requires daily charging
- SpO2 readings are for wellness only — not medical grade
- No keyboard input — smaller bezels came in Series 7
- Charging speed is slow compared to Series 7+
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 Series 6 | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 7 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30.5 g (40mm Al) / 36.2 g (44mm Al) | 49 g |
| Case material | Aluminum / Stainless Steel / Titanium | 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 Always-On Retina | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S6 SiP | Garmin custom SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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 Series 6 or the Garmin Forerunner 255.