Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 255 excels in battery longevity with up to 14 days of smartwatch mode and 30 hours of GPS tracking, making it ideal for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 counters with a vibrant Super AMOLED display, more refined Wear OS 3.0 software, ECG functionality, and cellular connectivity, though battery life drops to approximately 20 hours typical use. Both feature 5ATM water resistance and comprehensive health tracking including heart rate and SpO2 monitoring. Forerunner 255's MIP transflective display prioritizes visibility and efficiency over visual appeal. For fitness-focused users prioritizing battery endurance and GPS accuracy, Garmin delivers superior value and reliability. Conversely, Samsung appeals to those seeking a more versatile smartwatch with advanced health sensors, richer notifications, and better app ecosystem. Price difference favors Samsung at $249 versus $349.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 if…
- →First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- →BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- →Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Pros
- First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
- ECG and blood pressure monitoring (Samsung phones only)
- Affordable entry into Samsung's smartwatch ecosystem
Cons
- Battery life of 20 hours typical requires daily charging
- Gorilla Glass DX+ scratches more easily than sapphire crystal
- Many health features locked to Samsung Galaxy phones
- Wear OS 3 was buggy at launch with limited app support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 3.0 (One UI Watch 4) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 25.9 g (40mm) / 30.3 g (44mm) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS | Up to 40 hrs (typical ~20 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | 396 x 396 / 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom SoC | Exynos W920 |
| 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 Garmin products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Garmin Forerunner 255 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.