OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Approach S42 review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:10 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Approach S42 Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 18 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Approach S42
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

35%

5.0

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

8.2

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 50% of smartwatches
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 62%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

24%

2.5

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

4.8

Battery

14%

4.5

Smart features

12%

6.0

Connectivity

9%

5.9

Display & Design

4%

3.1

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 86%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

7.9

Popularity

Grades by review (18)
10 reviews + 8 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 86%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Garmin Approach S42

Based on 8 · 7

Golfers like the clear course maps and light, comfortable fit, but notifications and features beyond golf are basic.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Approach S42

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

24%

2.5

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

4.8

Battery

14%

4.5

Smart features

12%

6.0

Connectivity

9%

5.9

Display & Design

4%

3.1

Hardware

5.0
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.6
Heart rate monitor
no
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 90.7% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
10 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 10 days on a charge, which is longer than 59.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.6% of Smartwatches.
10 (in smartwatch mode, 15 hours in gps mode.
Battery life in training mode
15 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 15 h on a charge, which is shorter than 58% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.5% of Smartwatches.
15 (hours in gps mode.
Battery life with GPS on
15 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 15 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 66.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.9% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
240 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 240 mAh battery, which is smaller than 75% of Smartwatches and the same as 2% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Normalized from hour-based sources to 120 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
OS detail: Proprietary OS (RTOS).
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.2 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.2 inch screen, which is smaller than 84.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 8.1% of Smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
This smartwatch uses MIP LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 62.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 5.7% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
240x 240
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240 which is lower than that of 75.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 14.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
283 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 283 ppi, which is lower than 67.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 4.5% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
?
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch 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

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Proprietary OS (RTOS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • 21.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 86% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    10 reviews + 8 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.0
  • 3 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (10 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    10 (in smartwatch mode, 15 hours in gps mode.
    10 days vs 7 days
  • 21.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 86% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    10 reviews + 8 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.0
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • 3 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (10 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    10 (in smartwatch mode, 15 hours in gps mode.
    10 days vs 7 days
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • 15 °C higher heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a higher temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45 °C.
    60 °C vs 45 °C
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Proprietary OS (RTOS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No sleep tracking
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.8% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 77% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • 2.36x more expensive
    Garmin Approach S42 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £110).
    £260 vs £110
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No sleep tracking
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.8% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 77% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 87 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (3 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    3 vs 90
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 6 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (15 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    15 h vs 21 h
  • 65 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (240 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    240 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • 5 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (15 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    15 (hours in gps mode.
    15 h vs 20 h
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 0.2 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    240x240 vs 360x360
  • 43 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (283 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 68.1% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Golf Xtra
≈ estimated
14/05/2024
Full review · features, interface and value for golfers
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 offers good value for mid to low handicappers and smaller wrists, though it lacks course overview features.
9.5
Everyday life
✓ explicit
05/03/2022
Hands-on review · golf features, app and battery
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 is well worth buying and has all the features a golfer needs, though it can't reply to texts.
8.0
Golf Guy Reviews
≈ estimated
14/09/2021
Hands-on review · course use and features
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 is a likeable golf watch, but the price is high and the cheaper S40 may be the smarter buy.
9.5
Out of Bounds
≈ estimated
25/05/2021
Hands-on review · full round on the course
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 is an excellent golf watch in every respect, warmly recommended for golfers who want accurate distances.
9.0
GolfMagic
≈ estimated
07/05/2021
Hands-on review · on-course testing and battery
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 is a step up for golfers who want an all-round watch, though it sits on the premium side.
8.0
Swing Golfology
≈ estimated
06/02/2024
Hands-on review · course use, battery and features
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 is a solid, reliable golf watch that looks good, though its price and limited features may push some buyers elsewhere.
9.5
Golfers Authority
≈ estimated
09/10/2022
Hands-on review · setup, pairing and daily wear
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 is highly recommended as an affordable golf watch with plenty of useful features.
9.0
Golfshake.com
≈ estimated
04/08/2021
First look · on-course trial and green view
Verdict
Garmin Approach S42 is a great watch that is fairly easy to use, though the strap runs short on wider wrists.
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
13/04/2021
Quick review · Golf GPS
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 is a golf watch that counts shots automatically and lasts a full day on course, but it skips putt tracking.
8.0
breakingeighty.com
✓ explicit
08/07/2024
Personal review · Golf rounds
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 is a strong golf watch with accurate distances and a color screen, but it's less practical to wear away from the course.
9.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Hands-on test · Golf rounds
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 is a lightweight, good-looking golf watch with accurate yardages and a long battery, though it lacks a heart rate monitor.
10
golfmonthly.com
✓ explicit
06/11/2023
Hands-on test · Golf course
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 is a sleek watch with a clear screen and accurate yardages that suits golfers of any level, on and off the course.
9.0
opticsale.com
≈ estimated
19/08/2026
Hands-on test · Golf GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 is a dependable golf watch with accurate yardages and swappable straps, but it's a limited everyday smartwatch.
9.0
progunfighter.com
≈ estimated
14/07/2025
Long-term test · Everyday golf
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 is a comfortable golf watch that lasts about a week with two rounds, but AutoShot sometimes misses shots.
10
t3.com
✓ explicit
11/02/2023
Hands-on review · Golf GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 suits golfers who want course distances and hazard info without the top model's extras, though it skips built-in shot tracking.
9.0
golfshake.com
≈ estimated
02/08/2021
Hands-on review · Golf GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Approach S42 suits golfers who want to see hazards and green outlines on the course, and it also tracks everyday fitness.

Third-party reviews

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 don't like 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

Verdict

The Garmin Approach S42 is a mid-range golf smartwatch featuring a 1.2-inch sunlight-readable colour touchscreen (240 x 240 resolution) housed in a lightweight 43g metal bezel design. Key characteristics include GPS tracking for over 42,000 preloaded global courses, Green View for manual pin positioning, and AutoShot detection to record shot distances. It offers a solid battery life of up to 15 hours in GPS mode and 10 days in smartwatch mode, alongside daily activity tracking for steps and sleep and a 5 ATM water rating. Pros include its stylish design suitable for off-course wear, highly accurate yardage, and a responsive interface that pairs seamlessly with the Garmin Golf app for performance analysis. However, notable cons include the lack of a built-in heart rate monitor, the use of a proprietary charging cable, and a display that is less vibrant than modern AMOLED screens.

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