Garmin Forerunner 55
Score: 75/100
Apple Watch SE 40mm Midnight
Score: 72/100Rankings
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an entry-level GPS running watch with a lightweight design, long battery life and a sunlight-visible MIP display, making it ideal for beginners. Its limitations include a lack of advanced health sensors and modest customization options. Suited for casual runners who want reliable GPS and endurance without premium features.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 40 mm GPS offers a bright OLED display and essential health and safety features at a budget-friendly price. It falls short on advanced health metrics and lacks an always-on screen, requiring daily charging. Ideal for first-time smartwatch users and families who want core Apple Watch functionality without the premium cost.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
336 hoursbest | 18 hours | |
— | 245 mAhbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 37 g | 26.4 gbest |
1.04 inches | 1.57 inchesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 11.6 mm | 10.7 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 336 hours | 18 hours |
Display(3) | ||
Display Size (inches) | 1.04 inches | 1.57 inches |
Display Resolution | 208x208 | 324x394 |
Display Type | MIP | LTPO OLED Retina with Ion‑X glass |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 37 g | 26.4 g |
Thickness (mm) | 11.6 mm | 10.7 mm |
Water Resistance (IP Rating) | 5 ATM | 50m |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Forerunner 55 a well-rounded, budget-friendly entry-level running watch. They commend its long battery life, clear display, and reliable wrist-based heart-rate monitoring, while noting the lack of advanced sensors and limited data customization as trade-offs for its price point.
Professional reviewers consider the SE 2 the best budget Apple Watch, praising its bright display, smooth S8 performance, reliable GPS, and safety features like crash detection, while noting the lack of an always-on screen and advanced health sensors makes it less future-proof.
“Great value for the price”
“Battery lasts just enough for a day”
Everyday users love the lightweight comfort, attractive Midnight finish, solid battery life for a day, and reliable fitness tracking, but they commonly complain about daily charging, the missing always-on display, and the absence of premium health sensors.
