Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 delivers superior health monitoring with ECG and skin temperature sensors absent from the Garmin Forerunner 255, plus a vibrant Super AMOLED display with higher resolution and sharper visuals. Garmin counters with exceptional battery longevity, reaching 14 days in smartwatch mode compared to Samsung's typical 24-hour performance, making it ideal for users prioritizing extended wear without charging. Samsung's Wear OS 3.5 ecosystem offers broader app compatibility and integration with Android devices, while Garmin's proprietary system excels in running-specific metrics and training analytics. At $70 less, Samsung represents better value for comprehensive health tracking and daily smartwatch features. However, serious runners or athletes preferring minimal charging hassles may prefer the Forerunner 255's proven durability and specialized sports focus. Ultimately, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 edges ahead for most users seeking a balanced premium smartwatch experience.
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 5 if…
- →Sapphire crystal display is 60% more durable than Watch 4
- →Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, skin temp, body composition
- →Dual-frequency GPS for accurate outdoor tracking
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 5
Pros
- Sapphire crystal display is 60% more durable than Watch 4
- Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, skin temp, body composition
- Dual-frequency GPS for accurate outdoor tracking
- Faster charging — 30% improvement over Galaxy Watch 4
- MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability rating
Cons
- Removed the beloved rotating bezel — now touch-only
- Battery rarely hits the advertised 40 hours in real use
- Requires a Samsung phone for ECG and blood pressure features
- Wear OS 3 app selection still lags behind Apple watchOS
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 3.5 (One UI Watch 4.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 28.7 g (40mm) / 33.5 g (44mm) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Aluminum with Sapphire Crystal glass |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H |
| 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 ~24 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 | 5.2 |
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 5.