Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 255 excels as a dedicated fitness watch with exceptional battery longevity, delivering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours of GPS tracking. Its lightweight design and MIP display prove ideal for endurance athletes prioritizing durability over feature richness. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro counters with superior display technology featuring a 450x450 Super AMOLED screen, comprehensive health monitoring including ECG and skin temperature, and cellular connectivity for standalone operation. Build quality edges ahead with titanium construction and sapphire crystal. Battery performance reaches approximately 48 hours typical use, significantly shorter than the Forerunner. For serious runners and triathletes emphasizing training metrics and multi-day battery life, Garmin delivers unmatched value. For users wanting a premium smartwatch with advanced health features and seamless smartphone integration, Samsung's offering justifies the premium despite reduced battery endurance.
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 Pro if…
- →Titanium case with sapphire crystal is extremely rugged and premium
- →590 mAh battery delivers genuine multi-day battery life
- →GPX route import and track-back navigation for outdoor adventures
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 Pro
Pros
- Titanium case with sapphire crystal is extremely rugged and premium
- 590 mAh battery delivers genuine multi-day battery life
- GPX route import and track-back navigation for outdoor adventures
- Full health sensor suite matches the Galaxy Watch 5
- MIL-STD-810H handles extreme conditions
Cons
- Large 45mm case is bulky on smaller wrists
- No rotating bezel — touch bezel is less satisfying
- Titanium adds weight at 46.5 g — heavier than Apple Watch Ultra
- ECG and blood pressure locked to Samsung phones
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 3.5 (One UI Watch 4.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 46.5 g |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Titanium 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 80 hrs (typical ~48 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 45mm |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | 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 Pro.