Garmin Approach S42 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Garmin Approach S42 and Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS). 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 Approach S42 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS) Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Product Type Sport watch Smart watch
Operating System - WatchOS 10
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS 17 or later
Activity/Sport Golf -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Audio Input - Microphone
Audio Output - Speaker
Width 43.4 mm -
Height 43.4 mm -
Depth 11.7 mm -
Weight 43 g -
Body Details - Case only: 31.9 g
Body Material - 100% recycled aluminium
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant, dust-resistant, crack-resistant
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro sensor Digital compass, electrical heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, optical heart sensor (3d gen), always-on altimeter, temperature sensor, high-g accelerometer, gyroscope with high dynamic range
Tracking Data Distance, time, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, steps taken Distance, time, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep stages, menstrual cycle, ECG, ovulation phase, mental wellbeing
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features 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 Fall detection, Emergency SOS, brightness: 2000 nits, Family Setup support, International Emergency Calling, Crash Detection, noise monitoring, Compass Waypoint, fast charge, precision finding for iPhone, elevation view
Notifications Calendar, incoming calls, applications Calendar, SMS, Email, applications, high and low heart rate, irregular rhythm, cardio fitness
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type Vibration alert, visual interface Audio alert, vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou/QZSS receiver
Payment Technology - Apple Pay
Internet of Things (IoT) Compatible - Yes
IoT Intelligent Assistant - Siri
IoT Voice Controlled - Direct
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Wireless Interface Bluetooth IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth 5.3
DISPLAY Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - colour Retina LTPO OLED - colour
Resolution 240 x 240 pixels 352 x 430 pixels
Screen Size 1.2" -
Screen Protection - Ion-X glass
Always On Display (AOD) - Yes
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Type Touch sensitive screen Touch sensitive screen, side button, double tap gesture
CASE Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Case Size - 41 mm
Case Shape Round Rectangular
Bezel Metal -
Case Back - Sapphire crystal and ceramic back
Case Details Gunmetal | Polished silver | Rose gold Starlight aluminium | Red aluminium | Midnight aluminium | Pink aluminum | Silver aluminium
Crown Type - Digital with haptic feedback
BAND Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Band Type Band Sport band
Band Size - M/L
Fits Wrist with Circumference 125-202 mm 150-200 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Pin-and-tuck
Band Material Silicone Fluoroelastomer
Band Colour Black | White | Light sand Starlight | Red | Midnight | Light pink | Storm blue | Winter blue
STORAGE Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Storage Capacity 64 MB 64 GB
CPU Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Manufacturer - Apple
CPU Type - S9 SiP
Features - W3 Apple wireless chip, second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, 4-core Neural Engine
BATTERY Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 10 day(s) 18 hours
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 10 days
GPS mode - up to 15 hours
Typical usage - up to 18 hour(s)
Low power mode - up to 36 hour(s)
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
Wireless Charging - Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Approach S42 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Magnetic fast charger to USB-C cable (1 m)
Preloaded Software - GymKit
Compliant Standards - IP6X, BFR-free, PVC-free, Beryllium-free, Mercury-free, Arsenic-free
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - 0.12 W/kg (head)
0.29 W/kg (limb)
Carbon Footprint - 0 kg carbon emissions
Max Depth of Water Resistance 50 m 50 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C -
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -
Manufacturer Model Number - A2978
Warranty 1-year warranty -
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