Apple Watch Series 8 vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 8 excels with its vibrant LTPO OLED display, faster S8 processor, and comprehensive health sensors including ECG and skin temperature monitoring. Its 18-hour battery life feels limiting for serious athletes, though Low Power Mode extends it to 36 hours. Garmin Forerunner 955 targets endurance athletes with exceptional 15-day smartwatch battery life (42 hours continuous GPS), multi-band satellite connectivity, and solar charging options. While its MIP display lacks vibrancy and it omits ECG functionality, the watch proves superior for multi-sport training and navigation. Apple's ecosystem integration and design sophistication appeal to lifestyle users; Garmin's ruggedness and battery endurance serve adventurers. Choose Series 8 for daily smartwatch refinement, Forerunner 955 for serious athletic pursuits.
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 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 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 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 Series 8 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 32 g (41mm Al) / 38.8 g (45mm Al) | 53 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 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 41mm / 45mm | 46.5mm (1.3 inches) |
| 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 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 Series 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 955.