Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Approach S12

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Garmin Approach S12. Compare design, displays, functions, batteries and other key specifications and features to simplify the choice of your perfect smartwatch. Our goal is to make it easier for you to decide on the watch that will best meet your expectations by revealing the main differences between the products.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Approach S12 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS, Android
Activity/Sport Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, eSport, climbing, yoga, workout, snowboarding, cardio training, rower, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, mountain biking Golf
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm 43.7 mm
Height 45 mm 43.7 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 11.5 mm
Weight 53 g 34.1 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Protection Waterproof Waterproof
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Accelerometer
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration Distance, time, activity, steps taken, golf shot distance
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 Sunlight readable, Bluetooth Smart technology, 42000+ preloaded courses
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps -
Vibrating Alert Yes -
Feedback Type - Vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS receiver
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Bluetooth
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 176 x 176 pixels
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm 23 mm x 23 mm
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Type Touch buttons -
CASE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Case Shape Round Round
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red Slate grey | Black | White | Granite blue
BAND Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Band Type Strap Strap
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 125-202 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam Slate grey
STORAGE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Storage Capacity - 125 MB
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 14 day(s) 70 day(s)
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)
Smartwatch mode - up to 70 days
GPS mode - up to 30 hour(s)
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S12
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging/data cable
Preloaded Software STR3AMUP! -
Compliant Standards MIL-STD 810G -
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 50 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -20 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty 1-year warranty
Other projects: