Apple Watch Series 8 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 8 and Garmin Forerunner 255 target different priorities. Apple's offering features a vibrant LTPO OLED display with 352x430 resolution (41mm) and comprehensive health sensors including ECG and skin temperature monitoring. It weighs just 32g in aluminum and delivers 18-hour battery life with GPS, NFC, and cellular connectivity included. Garmin's Forerunner 255 takes an opposite approach with a 260x260 MIP transflective display and considerably heavier 49g polymer construction, but compensates with exceptional 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours with GPS active. Garmin omits ECG and skin temperature sensors but maintains SpO2 and heart rate tracking. The Apple Watch excels for those wanting a premium, versatile smartwatch with rich notifications and app support. Garmin dominates for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize multi-week battery endurance and dedicated running features. If you need vibrant visuals, comprehensive health data, and daily charging acceptance, choose Apple. If battery longevity and rugged fitness tracking matter most, Garmin wins decisively. Both offer GPS and solid build quality at reasonable prices, making this a genuine use-case split rather than a clear victor.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- →Crash Detection and temperature sensing are genuinely useful safety features
- →Always-On LTPO display is bright and readable even outdoors
- →Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking in dense urban areas
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 8
Pros
- Crash Detection and temperature sensing are genuinely useful safety features
- Always-On LTPO display is bright and readable even outdoors
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking in dense urban areas
- ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature cover comprehensive health monitoring
- Low Power Mode extends battery to 36 hours for travel
Cons
- 18-hour standard battery still requires daily charging
- S8 chip is essentially identical to S7 — minimal performance upgrade
- Stainless steel model pushes price to $699+
- Skin temperature sensing is limited to cycle tracking on launch
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 8 | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (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 | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m), EN13319 dive certification | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours (36 hrs in Low Power Mode) | 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 S8 SiP | Garmin custom SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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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 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 255.