Garmin S62 vs Apple Watch

If you’re a golfer looking to improve your game, you may be considering investing in a GPS golf watch. Two of the most popular options on the market are the Garmin S62 and the Apple Watch. But which one is better for golfers? Let’s compare the two.

Design and Display

The Garmin S62 features a larger, 1.3-inch display with a high resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. It has a sleek and sporty design with a stainless steel bezel, and it’s available in a range of colors. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and features a Retina display with a resolution of 324 x 394 pixels. It also has a customizable watch face, allowing you to display the information most relevant to your game.

Golf Features

Both the Garmin S62 and Apple Watch offer a range of golf features, including GPS mapping of courses and yardage measurements. However, the Garmin S62 includes more advanced features, such as Virtual Caddie, which suggests club selection based on previous shots and course data. It also includes detailed maps of over 41,000 golf courses worldwide, while the Apple Watch has maps for over 40,000 courses.

Battery Life

One area where the Garmin S62 clearly outshines the Apple Watch is battery life. The Garmin S62 can last up to 20 hours in GPS mode, while the Apple Watch only lasts for around 6 hours. This means you’ll be able to use the Garmin S62 for multiple rounds of golf without worrying about running out of battery.

Other Features

Both watches offer a range of other features, including fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notifications. The Apple Watch also includes Siri voice commands, allowing you to control the watch hands-free. The Garmin S62, on the other hand, offers more advanced health and fitness tracking, including respiration tracking and stress tracking.

Price

The Garmin S62 is more expensive than the Apple Watch, with a starting price of around $500 compared to the Apple Watch’s starting price of $399. However, if you’re serious about improving your golf game , the extra features and battery life of the Garmin S62 may be worth the investment.

Water Resistance

One important factor for golfers is water resistance, as you never know when you might get caught in a rain shower or accidentally drop your watch in a water hazard. Both the Garmin S62 and Apple Watch are water-resistant, but the Garmin S62 has a higher water-resistance rating of 5 ATM, meaning it can withstand water pressure at a depth of up to 50 meters. The Apple Watch has a water-resistance rating of 3 ATM, which means it’s only recommended for surface-level water activities.

Ease of Use

When you’re on the golf course, you don’t want to be fiddling with complicated menus and settings. Both the Garmin S62 and Apple Watch are fairly easy to use, but some golfers may find the Garmin’s dedicated golf features and buttons easier to navigate. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, offers a more intuitive touchscreen interface and the ability to customize your watch face.

Compatibility

Another factor to consider is compatibility with your other devices. The Apple Watch is designed to work seamlessly with other Apple products, such as iPhones and iPads, allowing you to sync your golf data with other apps and devices. The Garmin S62 is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, but may not integrate as smoothly with other apps and devices as the Apple Watch.

Third-Party Apps

Both the Garmin S62 and Apple Watch allow you to download third-party apps, including golf apps, to customize your device. However, the Apple Watch has a wider range of golf apps available, including popular apps like Golfshot and Hole19. The Garmin S62 also has a range of golf apps available, but they may be less well-known and may not have as many features as the Apple Watch apps.

Design and Features

FeaturesGarmin S62Apple Watch
Display1.3-inch, color touchscreen1.78-inch, OLED Retina Display
Water resistance5 ATM50m
Battery lifeUp to 20 hours in GPS modeUp to 18 hours
SensorsGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometer, compass, gyroscopeGPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometer, compass
Golf-specific featuresPreloaded with 41,000+ golf courses, Virtual Caddie, Green View, Hazard View, PlaysLike Distance, PinPointer, Swing Tempo, Tempo Training, TruSwing compatibilityPreloaded with 41,000+ golf courses, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, GPS and compass-based range finder, Elevation, Scorecard, Shot Distance

Golf Tracking and Performance

FeaturesGarmin S62Apple Watch
Golf trackingTrack shots, club distance, shot location, hazards, scoring, putts per round, fairways hit, greens in regulation, strokes gained, handicap scoringTrack shots, club distance, shot location, hazards, scoring, putts per round, fairways hit, greens in regulation
Golf performance analysisClub head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, tempo training, shot analysis, insights into driving, approach, chipping, and putting performanceClub head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, shot analysis
Data exportYesNo
Fitness trackingSteps, calories burned, floors climbed, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, body battery energy monitor, fitness age, VO2 max, heart rate variabilitySteps, calories burned, floors climbed, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, body battery energy monitor, fitness age, VO2 max, heart rate variability
Other sports modesRunning, cycling, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, paddle sports, strength training, cardio, yoga, Pilates, rowingRunning, cycling, swimming, hiking, strength training, yoga

Connectivity and Compatibility

FeaturesGarmin S62Apple Watch
Wireless connectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
Phone compatibilityiOS, AndroidiPhone only
MusicYes, via BluetoothYes, with Apple Music
Mobile paymentsGarmin PayApple Pay
Third-party app compatibilityYesLimited
Voice assistantsAmazon Alexa, Google AssistantSiri

Price and Availability

FeaturesGarmin S62Apple Watch
Price range$499-$599$279-$1,499
AvailabilityAvailableAvailable

Pros and Cons

FeaturesGarmin S62Apple Watch
ProsLonger battery life, more golf-specific features, more detailed golf performance analysis, compatible with both iOS and AndroidMore affordable, better integration with other Apple products, more versatile with broader range of sports modes
ConsMore expensive, limited third-party app compatibility, no direct music streaming, heavier and bulkier designShorter battery life, limited golf-specific features, no data export, iPhone-only compatibility

Conclusion

Overall, both the Garmin S62 and Apple Watch are great options for golfers. However, the Garmin S62 offers more advanced golf features, longer battery life, and better health and fitness tracking. If you’re willing to spend the extra money, the Garmin S62 may be the better choice for serious golfers. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a range of other features, the Apple Watch is a solid choice.

Garmin S62 vs Apple Watch

Author

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  • Ray Barnes

    Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.

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