Garmin Instinct vs. Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Apple Watch SE (GPS) 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 Instinct vs. Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Product Type Sport watch Smart watch
Operating System - WatchOS
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS 16 or later
Activity/Sport Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, eSport, climbing, yoga, workout, snowboarding, cardio training, rower, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, mountain biking -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Audio Input - Microphone
Audio Output - Speaker
Width 45 mm -
Height 45 mm -
Depth 15.3 mm -
Weight 53 g -
Body Details - Case only: 26.4 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer Aluminium
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass, barometer, gyroscope, always-on altimeter, optical heart sensor (2d gen)
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration Distance, time, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, sleep stages, menstrual cycle
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Music remote handling, find phone function, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, Body Battery, Physio TrueUp 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 Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps Calendar, SMS, Email, high and low heart rate, irregular rhythm, cardio fitness
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Audio alert, vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS receiver
Payment Technology - Apple Pay
Internet of Things (IoT) Compatible - Yes
IoT Intelligent Assistant - Siri
IoT Voice Controlled - Direct
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Retina LTPO OLED - colour
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 324 x 394 pixels
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass Ion-X glass
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Type Touch buttons Touch sensitive screen
CASE Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Case Size - 40 mm
Case Shape Round Rectangular
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Case Back - Sapphire crystal and ceramic back
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red Midnight aluminium | Silver aluminium | Starlight aluminium
Crown Type - Digital with haptic feedback
BAND Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Band Type Strap Sport band
Band Size - Regular
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 130-200 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Pin-and-tuck
Band Material Silicone Fluoroelastomer
Band Colour Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam Midnight | Starlight
STORAGE Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Storage Capacity - 32 GB
CPU Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Manufacturer - Apple
CPU Type - S8 SiP
Features - W3 Apple wireless chip
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 14 day(s) 18 hours
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 14 days
Esports mode - up to 80 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 16 hour(s)
UltraTrac mode - up to 40 hour(s)
-
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
Wireless Charging - Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Apple Watch SE (GPS) 2nd generation
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Magnetic charger to USB-C cable (1 m)
Preloaded Software STR3AMUP! Apple Pay, GymKit
Compliant Standards MIL-STD 810G -
SAR Value - 0.24 W/kg (head), 0.07 W/kg (limb)
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 50 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C -
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -
Manufacturer Model Number - A2722
Warranty 1-year warranty 1-year warranty
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