Garmin Forerunner 255 vs TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
The Verdict
Both smartwatches compete at the same $349 price point with distinct philosophies. Garmin Forerunner 255 excels in battery longevity, delivering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours of continuous GPS tracking thanks to its efficient MIP display and custom processor. TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro counters with a superior dual-display system combining AMOLED and FSTN technology, offering 90 hours in Smart Mode and an impressive 45 days in Essential Mode, plus skin temperature monitoring absent on the Garmin. Display resolution favors TicWatch significantly at 466x466 versus 260x260 pixels. For fitness-focused users prioritizing straightforward GPS tracking and extended battery life, Garmin's purpose-built OS and lighter weight (49g) shine. However, TicWatch's Wear OS 3.5 ecosystem, advanced biometric sensors, and superior screen quality appeal to those wanting smartwatch versatility alongside fitness features. TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro edges ahead for comprehensive functionality, though Garmin Forerunner 255 remains ideal for dedicated runners.
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 TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro if…
- →Dual display system — 90-hour smart mode or 45-day essential mode
- →Full Wear OS with Google Play Store, Maps, and Google Assistant
- →Snapdragon W5+ chip delivers smooth performance for a Wear OS watch
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
TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
Pros
- Dual display system — 90-hour smart mode or 45-day essential mode
- Full Wear OS with Google Play Store, Maps, and Google Assistant
- Snapdragon W5+ chip delivers smooth performance for a Wear OS watch
- NFC for Google Wallet and contactless payments
- Military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability
Cons
- No ECG monitoring despite the health-focused positioning
- Bulky at 48 mm — too large for small wrists
- Wear OS 3.5 — not the latest Wear OS 4
- Mobvoi's app ecosystem is less polished than Samsung or Google
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 3.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 44.3 g (without strap) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless steel and high-strength nylon |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS | Up to 90 hrs (Smart Mode), 45 days (Essential Mode) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 48 mm (1.43 inches) |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | AMOLED + FSTN dual display |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | 466 x 466 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| 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 Mobvoi products. View full details for the Garmin Forerunner 255 or the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.