Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Approach S42

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Garmin Approach S42. With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare size, design, functions, battery capacities, but also other key features of both smartwatches and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the watch that best fits your needs and expectations.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Approach S42 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
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 43.4 mm
Height 45 mm 43.4 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 11.7 mm
Weight 53 g 43 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Protection Waterproof Waterproof
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, gyro sensor
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, steps taken
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 Find phone function, sunlight readable, Bluetooth Smart technology, inactivity alert, Garmin Connect compatible, Find my Device, TrueUp, Garmin AutoShot, TruSwing, weather information, 42000+ preloaded courses
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps Calendar, incoming calls, applications
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS receiver
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Bluetooth
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Memory-in-Pixel LCD - colour
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 240 x 240 pixels
Screen Size - 1.2"
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Type Touch buttons Touch sensitive screen
CASE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Case Shape Round Round
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer Metal
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red Gunmetal | Polished silver | Rose gold
BAND Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Band Type Strap Band
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 Black | White | Light sand
STORAGE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Storage Capacity - 64 MB
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 14 day(s) 10 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 10 days
GPS mode - up to 15 hours
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach S42
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
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