Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
The Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 255 and Samsung Galaxy Watch FE target different smartwatch priorities. Garmin excels with exceptional battery life, stretching 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours with GPS active, paired with its proven sports-focused operating system and larger 46mm MIP display that remains visible in sunlight. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE counters with a vibrant 40mm Super AMOLED display, superior health features including ECG functionality, lighter 26.6g design, and Wear OS 4 integration for broader app compatibility. Performance-wise, the Exynos W920 processor handles everyday tasks smoothly, though Garmin's dedicated SoC optimizes battery efficiency. At $199 versus $349, the Galaxy Watch FE delivers exceptional value for fitness-casual users wanting modern features and app ecosystems. However, serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts benefit more from Forerunner 255's legendary endurance and sports-specific capabilities. Choose Galaxy Watch FE for everyday versatility and value; select Forerunner 255 for dedicated athletic performance.
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 FE if…
- →Full Galaxy Watch experience at the most affordable Samsung price
- →ECG, SpO2, and heart rate monitoring included
- →Always-on Super AMOLED display
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 FE
Pros
- Full Galaxy Watch experience at the most affordable Samsung price
- ECG, SpO2, and heart rate monitoring included
- Always-on Super AMOLED display
- Wear OS 4 with Google apps and Samsung health features
- NFC for Samsung Pay and Google Wallet
Cons
- Older Exynos W920 chip is slower than Galaxy Watch 7
- No skin temperature sensor
- Only Bluetooth — no cellular LTE option
- 40mm only — no larger size option
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Samsung Galaxy Watch FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 4 (One UI Watch 5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 26.6 g |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Aluminum |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM + IP68 |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS | Up to 30 hrs (typical usage) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 40 mm |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | 396 x 396 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom SoC | Exynos W920 |
| RAM | — | 1.5 GB |
| 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 FE.