Garmin Approach S12 vs. Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Approach S12 and Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular). Compare sizes, functions, displays, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right smartwatch for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the watch that will best fit your needs.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Approach S12 vs. Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular) Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Product Type Sport watch Smart watch
Operating System - WatchOS
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS 16 or later
Activity/Sport Golf -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Audio Input - Microphone
Audio Output - Speaker
Width 43.7 mm -
Height 43.7 mm -
Depth 11.5 mm -
Weight 34.1 g -
Body Details - Case only: 32 g
Body Material - Aerospace-grade aluminium alloy
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant, dust-resistant, crack-resistant
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Sensors Accelerometer Accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass, electrical heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, gyroscope, temperature sensing, optical heart sensor (3d gen), always-on altimeter
Tracking Data Distance, time, activity, steps taken, golf shot distance Distance, time, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep stages, menstrual cycle, ECG, ovulation phase, rapid eye movement (REM)
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Sunlight readable, Bluetooth Smart technology, 42000+ preloaded courses Call handling, Fall detection, Emergency SOS, Family Setup support, International Emergency Calling, Crash Detection, noise monitoring, Compass Waypoint, brightness: 1000 nits, Edge-to-edge display
Notifications - Calendar, SMS, Email, high and low heart rate, irregular rhythm, cardio fitness
Vibrating Alert - Yes
Feedback Type Vibration alert, visual interface Audio alert, vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou/QZSS receiver
Payment Technology - Apple Pay
Internet of Things (IoT) Compatible - Yes
IoT Intelligent Assistant - Siri
IoT Voice Controlled - Direct
CELLULAR Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Technology - WCDMA (UMTS)
Mobile Broadband Generation - 4G
SIM Card Type - Electronic SIM card (e-SIM)
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
3M UMTS Band - Band 1, Band 2, Band 5, Band 8, Band 10
4G LTE Band - Band 1, Band 2, Band 3, Band 4, Band 5, Band 7, Band 8, Band 18, Band 19, Band 20, Band 25, Band 26, Band 28, Band 39, Band 40, Band 41, Band 66
Wireless Interface Bluetooth IEEE 802.11b/g/n, LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
DISPLAY Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome Retina LTPO OLED - colour
Resolution 176 x 176 pixels 352 x 430 pixels
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Screen Protection - Ion-X glass
Always On Display (AOD) - Yes
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Type - Touch sensitive screen
CASE Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Case Size - 41 mm
Case Shape Round Rectangular
Case Back - Sapphire crystal and ceramic back
Case Details Slate grey | Black | White | Granite blue Starlight aluminium | Red aluminium | Silver stainless steel | Gold stainless steel | Midnight aluminium | Graphite stainless steel | Silver aluminium
Crown Type - Digital with haptic feedback
BAND Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Band Type Strap Sport band
Band Size - Regular
Fits Wrist with Circumference 125-202 mm 130-200 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Pin-and-tuck
Band Material Silicone Fluoroelastomer
Band Colour Slate grey Starlight | Red | White | Midnight | Silver | Gold | Graphite
STORAGE Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Storage Capacity 125 MB 32 GB
CPU Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Manufacturer - Apple
CPU Type - S8 SiP
Features - W3 Apple wireless chip, U1 chip
BATTERY Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 70 day(s) 18 hours
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 70 days
GPS mode - up to 30 hour(s)
-
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
Wireless Charging - Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Approach S12 Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Magnetic fast charger to USB-C cable (1 m)
Preloaded Software - Apple Pay, GymKit
Compliant Standards - IP6X
SAR Value - 0.31 W/kg (head), 0.55 W/kg (head)
Max Depth of Water Resistance 50 m 50 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C -
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -
Manufacturer Model Number - A2773
Warranty 1-year warranty 1-year warranty
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