Garmin Approach S12 vs. Garmin Instinct 2

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Approach S12 and Garmin Instinct 2. 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 Approach S12 vs. Garmin Instinct 2 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS, Android
Activity/Sport Golf Multisport
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 43.7 mm 45 mm
Height 43.7 mm 45 mm
Depth 11.5 mm 14.5 mm
Weight 34.1 g 52 g
Body Material - Fibre-reinforced polymer
Protection Waterproof Waterproof
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Sensors Accelerometer Accelerometer, thermometre, barometric altimeter, electromagnetic compass, optical heart sensor
Tracking Data Distance, time, activity, steps taken, golf shot distance Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, blood oxygen saturation, stress level
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Sunlight readable, Bluetooth Smart technology, 42000+ preloaded courses Music remote handling, find phone function, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Find my Device, LiveTrack, Physio TrueUp, weather information, dual grid coordinates format, trackback routing, Body Battery Energy Monitor, accident detection
Notifications - Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps, incoming calls
Vibrating Alert - Yes
Feedback Type Vibration alert, visual interface Vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver
Payment Technology - Garmin Pay
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Wireless Interface Bluetooth Bluetooth, ANT+
DISPLAY Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective
Resolution 176 x 176 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 Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Type - Push buttons
CASE Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Case Size - 45 mm
Case Shape Round Round
Case Details Slate grey | Black | White | Granite blue Graphite | Electric lime
BAND Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Band Type Strap Band
Band Width - 22 mm
Fits Wrist with Circumference 125-202 mm 135-230 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Slate grey -
STORAGE Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Storage Capacity 125 MB 32 MB
BATTERY Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 70 day(s) -
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 70 days
GPS mode - up to 30 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 28 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode - up to 65 days
Max Battery GPS Mode - up to 70 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 30 hour(s)
Expedition GPS Mode - up to 32 days
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Approach S12 Garmin Instinct 2
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging/data cable
Max Depth of Water Resistance 50 m 100 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -20 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty -
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