Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
The Verdict
Both smartwatches cost $349 and offer compelling features for different priorities. Garmin Forerunner 255 excels with exceptional 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours of GPS tracking, making it ideal for endurance athletes. Its lightweight design at 49g and MIP display reduce power consumption significantly. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic counters with a superior Super AMOLED display (396x396 or 450x450 resolution), ECG capability, LTE connectivity, and premium stainless steel build. Battery life averages 22 hours versus Garmin's advantage. Galaxy Watch 4 Classic provides richer app ecosystem through Wear OS 3.0, while Forerunner 255 offers superior battery longevity and specialized sports tracking. Choose Garmin for extended battery life and serious fitness tracking; select Samsung for sophisticated design, health features, and smartwatch versatility.
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 Classic if…
- →Physical rotating bezel is the best smartwatch navigation method
- →Stainless steel construction feels premium and durable
- →Full Wear OS 3 with Google apps and Samsung health suite
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 Classic
Pros
- Physical rotating bezel is the best smartwatch navigation method
- Stainless steel construction feels premium and durable
- Full Wear OS 3 with Google apps and Samsung health suite
- Body composition analysis via BIA sensor is a unique feature
- Classic watch aesthetics suit formal and casual settings
Cons
- Heavier than the standard Watch 4 — 46-52 g is noticeable
- Battery life around 22 hours still needs nightly charging
- ECG and blood pressure require a Samsung Galaxy phone
- Wear OS 3 had significant growing pains at launch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 3.0 (One UI Watch 4) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 46.2 g (42mm) / 52 g (46mm) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless Steel 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 ~22 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 42mm / 46mm |
| 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 Classic.