Garmin Forerunner 30 vs. Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Forerunner 30 and Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation. 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 Forerunner 30 vs. Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Product Type Smart watch Smart watch
Operating System - WatchOS
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS 16 or later
Activity/Sport Running, cycling -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Audio Input - Microphone
Audio Output - Speaker
Width 35.5 mm -
Height 40.7 mm -
Depth 13.4 mm -
Weight 37.3 g -
Body Details - Case only: 27.8 g
Body Material - Aluminium
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Sensors Accelerometer, heart rate Accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass, barometer, gyroscope, always-on altimeter, optical heart sensor (2d gen)
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, heart rate, pace, cadence Distance, time, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, sleep stages, menstrual cycle
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features VO2 max, sunlight readable, HR zones, Move IQ, Garmin Connect compatible, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, auto pause, auto lap Call handling, music remote handling, camera remote control, Fall detection, Emergency SOS, Family Setup support, International Emergency Calling, Crash Detection, noise monitoring, Compass Waypoint, brightness: 1000 nits
Notifications - Calendar, SMS, Email, high and low heart rate, irregular rhythm, cardio fitness
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type Vibration alert, visual interface Audio alert, vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS receiver
Payment Technology - Apple Pay
Internet of Things (IoT) Compatible - Yes
IoT Intelligent Assistant - Siri
IoT Voice Controlled - Direct
CELLULAR Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Technology - WCDMA (UMTS)
Mobile Broadband Generation - 4G
SIM Card Type - Electronic SIM card (e-SIM)
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
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
DISPLAY Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Retina LTPO OLED - colour
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 324 x 394 pixels
Screen Size 0.93" -
Dimensions (WxH) 23.5 mm x 23.4 mm -
Screen Protection - Ion-X glass
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Type - Touch sensitive screen
CASE Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Case Size - 40 mm
Crystal Type Chemically strengthened glass -
Case Shape Rounded square Rectangular
Case Back - Sapphire crystal and ceramic back
Case Details Black Starlight aluminium | Midnight aluminium | Silver aluminium
Crown Type - Digital with haptic feedback
BAND Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Band Type Strap Sport band
Band Size - Regular
Fits Wrist with Circumference 140-200 mm 130-200 mm
Changeable - Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Pin-and-tuck
Band Material Silicone Fluoroelastomer
Band Colour Slate grey Starlight | Midnight | White
STORAGE Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Storage Capacity - 32 GB
CPU Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Manufacturer - Apple
CPU Type - S8 SiP
Features - W3 Apple wireless chip
BATTERY Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Technology - Lithium Ion
Battery Life 5 day(s) 18 hours
Battery Life Details GPS mode - up to 8 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 5 days
-
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
Wireless Charging - Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Forerunner 30 Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) 2nd generation
Included Accessories Charging cable Magnetic charger to USB-C cable (1 m)
Preloaded Software Stopwatch, Calendar, Alarm, Timer, Find My Phone, Garmion Connect IQ Apple Pay, GymKit
SAR Value - 0.13 W/kg (head), 1.35 W/kg (limb)
Max Depth of Water Resistance 50 m 50 m
Manufacturer Model Number - A2725
Warranty 2-year warranty 1-year warranty
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