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Garmin Approach S42 Review | 126 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£260
  • Screen size: 1.20 inch
  • Battery life: 10 day/s
  • Display type: MIP LCD

Garmin Approach S42 review. Compare 126 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartwatches and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best Smartwatches on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

9.3

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the smartwatch's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare Smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

24.0%

3.4

Health

21.0%

7.2

Fitness

16.0%

4.8

Battery

14.0%

4.5

Smart features

12.0%

5.9

Connectivity

9.0%

6.1

Display & Design

4.0%

4.3

Hardware

Good
9.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartwatch

When it matters: When you want to know how a smartwatch handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
amazon
4.5
(1428)
amazon
4.3
(81)
amazon
4.2
(63)
amazon
4.4
(33)
amazon
4.6
(32)
amazon
2.7
(3)
amazon
4.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

Exceptional
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    Best prices

    Best rankings

    ?

    Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
    All: ranking among all products in the database.

    Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Approach S42

    Technical Score

    What it is: An assessment of the smartwatch's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.

    When it matters: When you want to compare Smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.

    Score components:

    24.0%

    3.4

    Health

    21.0%

    7.2

    Fitness

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery

    14.0%

    4.5

    Smart features

    12.0%

    5.9

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    6.1

    Display & Design

    4.0%

    4.3

    Hardware

    5.1
    Garmin Approach S42 has a technical score of 5.14 points, which is lower than 83.1% of smartwatches.
    User score

    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartwatch

    When it matters: When you want to know how a smartwatch handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    8.9

    User reviews

    30.0%

    10

    Popularity

    User score:
    amazon
    4.5
    (1428)
    amazon
    4.3
    (81)
    amazon
    4.2
    (63)
    amazon
    4.4
    (33)
    amazon
    4.6
    (32)
    amazon
    2.7
    (3)
    amazon
    4.0
    (2)

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    9.3
    Garmin Approach S42 has a user score of 9.26 points, which is higher than 95.9% of smartwatches.
    Popularity
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
    When it matters: When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
    10
    Garmin Approach S42 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 74.7% of smartphones.
    Ratio quality/price

    What it is: An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.

    When it matters: When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.

    Score components:

    60.0%

    5.6

    Overall score

    40.0%

    9.2

    Price

    6.6
    Garmin Approach S42 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 79.5% of smartphones.
    Brand name
    What it is: The company that designs, sells, and supports the watch.
    When it matters: When brand ecosystem, style, or support matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Garmin
    Heart rate monitor
    What it is: A built-in sensor that measures your pulse directly from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not include a heart rate monitor. 90.4% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
    ECG
    What it is: The ability to record a single-lead electrocardiogram from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not support ECG. 15.1% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    What it is: Notifications that flag heart-rate patterns which appear unusually irregular.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 43.7% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Show more
    Accelerometer
    What it is: A motion sensor that measures acceleration, steps, gestures, and general movement.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Approach S42 includes an accelerometer. 99.1% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
    Barometer
    What it is: A pressure sensor used for altitude changes, elevation estimates, and weather-related context.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not include a barometer. 45.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
    Gyroscope
    What it is: A motion sensor that measures rotation and helps interpret wrist movement more accurately.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Approach S42 includes a gyroscope. 64.6% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
    Cadence sensor
    What it is: A sensor input used to measure step or pedal rhythm during training.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not include a cadence sensor. 20.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Distance tracking
    What it is: The ability to measure how far you move during walks, runs, rides, or other activities.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Approach S42 supports distance tracking. 95.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
    Show more
    Battery life
    What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=7 days

    10 day/s
    Garmin Approach S42 offers a battery life of 10 day/s which is longer than that of 63.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.7% of smartwatches.
    10 (in smartwatch mode, 15 hours in gps mode.
    Battery life in training mode
    What it is: The expected endurance while workout tracking and related training functions are active.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=36.8 h

    15 h
    Garmin Approach S42 lasts 15 h in training mode which is shorter than 55.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.6% of smartwatches.
    15 (hours in gps mode.
    Battery life with GPS on
    What it is: The expected runtime when satellite tracking stays active throughout use.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=35 h

    15 h
    Garmin Approach S42 lasts 15 h with GPS on which is shorter than 61.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.5% of smartwatches.
    Battery power
    What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=397 mAh

    240 mAh
    Garmin Approach S42 has a battery capacity of 240 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 73.6% of smartwatches and equal to those in 2.1% of smartwatches.
    Charge time
    What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery from empty to full or to a stated percentage.
    When it matters: When you want to top up the battery quickly.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <=102 min

    120 min
    Garmin Approach S42 charges in 120 min which is faster than 12.9% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 43.4% of smartwatches.
    Normalized from hour-based sources to 120 minutes.
    Show more
    Operating system
    What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.
    When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

    Importance: HIGH

    Garmin OS
    Garmin Approach S42 runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
    OS detail: Proprietary OS (RTOS).
    Software update frequency
    What it is: Shows how actively the watch is still updated: regular means ongoing updates throughout active support, occasional means updates every few months or only from time to time, and ended means active software support has mostly stopped.
    When it matters: When you care how actively the watch is still supported with fixes, patches, and new features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    occasional
    Garmin Approach S42 has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    Third-party app support
    What it is: Support for installing or using apps from developers beyond the watch maker.
    When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not support third-party apps. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
    Notifications
    What it is: Mirroring of calls, messages, apps, or other alerts on the watch.
    When it matters: When you want to check alerts without taking out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Approach S42 supports notifications. 99.9% of smartwatches support notifications.
    Voice assistant support
    What it is: Support for a voice assistant that can answer queries or trigger actions from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want to control the watch or reply without typing.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not support voice assistants. 68% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
    Show more
    Cellular module
    What it is: Built-in mobile connectivity that can keep the watch online away from the phone.
    When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not include a cellular module. 17.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
    SIM cards
    What it is: The number or type of SIM options the watch accepts for cellular service.
    When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: eSIM support

    0
    GPS
    What it is: Built-in satellite positioning that lets the watch record location during outdoor activity.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Garmin Approach S42 supports GPS. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
    Galileo support
    What it is: Support for Galileo satellites alongside other positioning systems.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Approach S42 supports Galileo navigation. 38.7% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
    Compass
    What it is: A directional sensor that helps the watch determine heading and orientation.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not include a compass. 49.3% of smartwatches include a compass.
    Show more
    Screen size
    What it is: The diagonal measurement of the visible display area, usually expressed in inches.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1.5 inch

    1.20 inch
    Garmin Approach S42 has a screen size of 1.20 inch which is smaller than the screens of 85.5% of smartwatches and equal to those of 7.8% of smartwatches.
    Display type
    What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: HIGH

    MIP LCD
    Garmin Approach S42 uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 61.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5.2% of smartwatches.
    Resolution
    What it is: The total number of pixels available on the watch display.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=416 x 416

    240 x 240
    Garmin Approach S42 has a display resolution of 240 x 240 which is lower than that of 73.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 15.2% of smartwatches.
    Pixel density
    What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=326 ppi

    283 ppi
    Garmin Approach S42 has a pixel density of 283 ppi which is lower than that of 65.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
    Display brightness
    What it is: The peak brightness the display can reach, usually expressed in nits.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to stay readable outdoors and in strong sunlight.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1000 nits

    ?
    Show more
    CPU speed
    What it is: The clock speed of the watch processor, usually expressed in GHz or MHz.
    When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Modern standard

    ?
    Processor model
    What it is: The processor model is the chipset or SoC that powers the watch's performance, connectivity, and efficiency.
    When it matters: When you care about app responsiveness, platform generation, and long-term feature support.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: modern smartwatch chipset

    ?
    RAM
    What it is: The amount of working memory available for apps, watch faces, and background tasks.
    When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1 GB

    0.0625 GB
    Garmin Approach S42 has 0.0625 GB of RAM which is smaller than the RAM in 93.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.8% of smartwatches.
    64 MB RAM
    Internal storage
    What it is: Built-in storage for apps, music, watch faces, and other local data.
    When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8 GB

    ?
    External memory slot
    What it is: A slot for expandable storage such as a memory card, if the watch provides one.
    When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Garmin Approach S42 does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
    Show more

    Garmin Approach S42 vs the average smartwatch

    • Has NFC
      Garmin Approach S42 supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 42.5% of smartwatches support NFC.
      What it is: Near-field communication hardware used for payments, pairing, or quick tap-based actions.
      When it matters: When you want to pay quickly or pair devices with a tap.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Approach S42 supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 42.5% of smartwatches support NFC.
    • More advanced operating system
      Garmin Approach S42 runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
      OS detail: Proprietary OS (RTOS).
      What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.
      When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Approach S42 runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
    • Supports calorie tracking
      Garmin Approach S42 supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 43.8% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
      What it is: Estimated calorie burn based on movement, heart data, and user profile inputs.
      When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Approach S42 supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 43.8% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
    • Supports Galileo
      Garmin Approach S42 supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.7% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
      What it is: Support for Galileo satellites alongside other positioning systems.
      When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Approach S42 supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.7% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
    • More frequent updates
      Garmin Approach S42 receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
      Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
      What it is: Shows how actively the watch is still updated: regular means ongoing updates throughout active support, occasional means updates every few months or only from time to time, and ended means active software support has mostly stopped.
      When it matters: When you care how actively the watch is still supported with fixes, patches, and new features.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Approach S42 receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.occasional vs ended
    • 3 day/s longer battery life
      Garmin Approach S42 offers 10 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.
      10 (in smartwatch mode, 15 hours in gps mode.
      What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.
      When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=7 days

      Garmin Approach S42 offers 10 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.10 day/s vs 7 day/s
    • Stronger display glass
      Garmin Approach S42 uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
      What it is: The glass material or protective cover used over the display.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: Sapphire or Gorilla Glass

      Garmin Approach S42 uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
    • Supports water intake tracking
      Garmin Approach S42 tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 48.2% of smartwatches track water intake.
      What it is: Logging tools for recording daily water consumption.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Approach S42 tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 48.2% of smartwatches track water intake.
    • Supports calorie tracking
      Garmin Approach S42 supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 43.8% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
    • Supports water intake tracking
      Garmin Approach S42 tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 48.2% of smartwatches track water intake.
    • 3 day/s longer battery life
      Garmin Approach S42 offers 10 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.
    • Has NFC
      Garmin Approach S42 supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 42.5% of smartwatches support NFC.
    • Supports Galileo
      Garmin Approach S42 supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.7% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
    • Stronger display glass
      Garmin Approach S42 uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    • 2 mm narrower band
      Garmin Approach S42 has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22.0 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    • More advanced operating system
      Garmin Approach S42 runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    • More frequent updates
      Garmin Approach S42 receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.

    Total
    Overall
    Health
    Battery
    Connectivity
    Display & Design
    Smart features
    • No blood oxygen
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
    • No stress monitoring
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
    • No heart rate monitor
      Garmin Approach S42 does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.4% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
    • No route tracking
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 75.7% of smartwatches support route tracking.
    • No swim mode
      Garmin Approach S42 does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
    • No voice feedback
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 62.1% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
    • 77 fewer exercise profiles
      Garmin Approach S42 supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (3 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    • 60 mAh smaller battery capacity
      Garmin Approach S42 has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (240 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    • 5 h shorter GPS battery life
      Garmin Approach S42 lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (15 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    • 5 h shorter training battery life
      Garmin Approach S42 lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (15 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
      15 (hours in gps mode.
    • No always-on display
      Garmin Approach S42 does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
    • Basic display type
      Garmin Approach S42 uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
      Garmin Approach S42 has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.40 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    • No ambient light sensor
      Garmin Approach S42 does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
    • Lower resolution
      Garmin Approach S42 has a display resolution of 240x 240, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x 430.
    • 43 ppi lower pixel density
      Garmin Approach S42 has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (283 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
    • No call answering
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 57% of smartwatches support call answering.
    • No voice commands
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 64.5% of smartwatches support voice commands.
    • No voice assistant
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 68% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
    • No smart alarm
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support this feature.
    • No camera remote control
      Garmin Approach S42 does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.2% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
    • No speaker
      Garmin Approach S42 does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
    • 0.94 GB less RAM
      Garmin Approach S42 has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.1 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
      64 MB RAM
    • 1 fewer microphones
      Garmin Approach S42 has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    • No blood oxygen
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
      What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Approach S42 does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
    • No always-on display
      Garmin Approach S42 does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
      What it is: A display mode that keeps key information visible even when the watch is idle.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Approach S42 does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
    • No speaker
      Garmin Approach S42 does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
      What it is: An onboard speaker for calls, prompts, alarms, or media playback.
      When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Approach S42 does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
    • No stress monitoring
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
      What it is: Stress estimates derived from heart rate, HRV, or similar body signals.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Approach S42 does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
      What it is: Playback of music or audio directly from the watch, with or without a phone nearby.
      When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Approach S42 does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
    • Basic display type
      Garmin Approach S42 uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
      What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Approach S42 uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.MIP LCD vs AMOLED
    • No heart rate monitor
      Garmin Approach S42 does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.4% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
      What it is: A built-in sensor that measures your pulse directly from the wrist.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Approach S42 does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.4% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
    • No route tracking
      Garmin Approach S42 does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 75.7% of smartwatches support route tracking.
      What it is: Route recording that stores the path taken during an outdoor session.
      When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Approach S42 does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 75.7% of smartwatches support route tracking.
    Total
    Overall
    Health
    Fitness
    Battery
    Display & Design
    Smart features
    Hardware

    Graphic comparison of Garmin Approach S42 and other Smartwatches

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    Third-party reviews

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    4.5
    1428 Reviews
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    81 Reviews
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    4.0
    2 Reviews

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    What customers like about Garmin Approach S42?

    • Impressive battery life, lasting up to 15 hours in full GPS mode or 10 days in smartwatch mode
    • High GPS accuracy for distances to greens, hazards, and doglegs
    • Bright, 1.2-inch colour touchscreen that remains readable in direct sunlight
    • Sleek and stylish design suitable for both on-course play and everyday wear
    • Preloaded with over 42,000 golf courses worldwide and supports AutoShot tracking
    • Simple one-button interface and responsive touchscreen performance

    What customers dislike about Garmin Approach S42?

    • Lacks built-in heart rate monitoring, which is common in other smartwatches
    • Uses a proprietary charging cable rather than a standard USB-C or micro-USB
    • Notifications can be intrusive as users cannot selectively filter which apps send alerts
    • Does not support Garmin Pay for contactless payments
    • AutoShot feature does not track putts or soft chip shots around the green
    • Screen resolution and brightness are lower compared to OLED competitors like the Apple Watch

    Expert reviews

    T
    tomsguide.com
    27/02/2026
    Garmin Approach S42 review | Tom's Guide

    The Tom's Guide review positions the Garmin Approach S42 as a stylish, mid-range golf watch, featuring a 1.2-inch touchscreen and a lightweight design suitable for both the course and daily wear. A key advantage is its exceptional battery life, lasting through four full rounds of golf on a single charge. The device delivers high-precision GPS, accurate shot tracking with AutoShot,...Read more

    O
    outofboundsgolf.com
    20/01/2025
    Garmin Approach S42 Golf Watch: An HONEST Review

    According to the Out of Bounds Golf review, the Garmin Approach S42 is a stylish, mid-range GPS watch featuring a durable design with a metal buckle and strengthened glass. The watch provides highly accurate, pre-loaded course data for over 42,000 locations, along with AutoShot detection and manual pin placement, all while boasting a battery life capable of lasting through three...Read more

    B
    breakingeighty.com
    08/07/2024
    Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Watch Review

    The Garmin Approach S42 is presented as a high-quality, mid-range golf watch focusing on accurate, essential on-course data like distances to the green and hazard tracking. A key strength is its compatibility with Garmin CT10 sensors, which provides detailed, high-end post-round analysis in a user-friendly package. However, the device occupies an awkward market position by lacking...Read more

    T
    techradar.com
    13/04/2021
    Garmin Approach S42 review

    The Garmin Approach S42 is a mid-range GPS golf watch balancing on-course tracking with a stylish, lightweight design, featuring a 1.2-inch color touchscreen that remains highly visible in direct sunlight. It provides precise, automatic data for over 42,000 pre-loaded courses, with key features including Green View for manual pin positioning and rapid hazard distance calculation....Read more

    G
    golfmonthly.com
    06/11/2023
    Garmin Approach S42 GPS Watch Review

    The Garmin Approach S42 is a stylish, lightweight mid-range GPS watch that functions effectively both on the course and in social settings. It provides precise yardages to the green and hazards, featuring a clear 1.2-inch touchscreen and an AutoShot round analyzer. While praised for its versatility and accurate mapping, the device requires time to master its single-button interface...Read more

    G
    golfstun.de
    01/03/2021
    Garmin Approach S42 – Golf Watch Review by Golfstunde

    The Garmin Approach S42 is a stylish, 1.2-inch touchscreen golf watch featuring preloaded maps for over 42,000 courses, making it highly user-friendly. Its key strengths include rapid GPS detection, automatic hole recognition, and a versatile design suitable for daily wear, supported by smart notifications and basic fitness tracking. Technically, the device provides accurate...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    G
    golfafstandsmeter.nl
    Unknown
    Garmin S42 Review and Best Deal - Golf Rangefinder

    The Garmin Approach S42 is a stylish, lightweight golf smartwatch featuring a 1.2-inch color touchscreen and over 42,000 preloaded courses worldwide. It is designed to assist golfers with critical distance data to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazards and doglegs. Priced at €279.99, it offers aesthetic variety with Rose Gold, Stainless Steel, and Carbon Grey...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

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