Apple Watch Series 7 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 7 excels as a comprehensive smartwatch with its vibrant LTPO OLED always-on display, faster Apple S7 processor, and integrated ECG capability for advanced health monitoring. Its 18-hour battery life requires daily charging, but it offers seamless iPhone integration and broader third-party app support. Garmin Forerunner 255 targets fitness enthusiasts with superior battery longevity: up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours of continuous GPS tracking, crucial for distance runners and outdoor athletes. Its transflective MIP display consumes less power but lacks the visual richness of OLED. Garmin lacks cellular connectivity and ECG, limiting some health features. At $399 versus $349, the Series 7 delivers better overall smartwatch functionality for daily users, while the Forerunner 255 justifies its price through exceptional battery performance and sports-focused metrics. Choose Series 7 for general use; select Forerunner 255 if battery life and GPS endurance matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 7 if…
- →Largest Apple Watch display at the time with 20% more screen area than Series 6
- →IP6X dust resistance added for the first time in Apple Watch
- →Fast charging reaches 80% in about 45 minutes
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 7
Pros
- Largest Apple Watch display at the time with 20% more screen area than Series 6
- IP6X dust resistance added for the first time in Apple Watch
- Fast charging reaches 80% in about 45 minutes
- Full-QWERTY keyboard leverages the larger display
- Crack-resistant front crystal is more durable than predecessors
Cons
- S7 chip is essentially an S6 rebrand — minimal speed improvement
- 18-hour battery life hasn't improved in years
- No skin temperature sensor — added in Series 8
- Titanium option was very expensive at $799+
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 7 | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 8 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 32 g (41mm Al) / 38.8 g (45mm Al) | 49 g |
| Case material | Aluminum / Stainless Steel / Titanium | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m), IP6X dust resistance | 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 | 41mm / 45mm | 46mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 352 x 430 / 396 x 484 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S7 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 7 or the Garmin Forerunner 255.