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Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) — 2022 · Fitness + health
Apple

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

2022 · Fitness + health

82
/ 100
From $249
VS
Garmin Vivoactive 5 — 2023 · Fitness + health
Garmin

Garmin Vivoactive 5

2023 · Fitness + health

82
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) lands at 82 and Garmin Vivoactive 5 at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) if…

  • ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
  • ✓GPS + heart rate
  • ✓Notification mirroring

Pick Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…

  • ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
  • ✓GPS + heart rate
  • ✓Notification mirroring
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Display

Tie

Compared on the display sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Durability

Tie

Compared on the durability sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Battery

Garmin Vivoactive 5

Compared on the battery sub-score

Garmin Vivoactive 5 leads on battery (94 vs 72).

Value for money

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) more score per dollar ($249 vs $299).

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) 82
vs
82 Garmin Vivoactive 5

Score breakdown

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
82
battery 72
display 88
fitness 82
health 80
durability 86
Garmin Vivoactive 5
82
battery 94
display 88
fitness 82
health 80
durability 86

Specs side-by-side

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) versus Garmin Vivoactive 5 — full spec comparison
Spec Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) Garmin Vivoactive 5
Release year
2022
2023

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

Pros
  • +Multi-day fitness tracking
  • +GPS + heart rate
  • +Notification mirroring
Cons
  • −Battery life varies dramatically
  • −Companion phone required
  • −Screen-on drains battery

Garmin Vivoactive 5

Pros
  • +Multi-day fitness tracking
  • +GPS + heart rate
  • +Notification mirroring
Cons
  • −Battery life varies dramatically
  • −Companion phone required
  • −Screen-on drains battery

FAQ: Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Garmin Vivoactive 5

Which is better, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or Garmin Vivoactive 5? +

Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) worth the price? +

At $249, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in display.

Is Garmin Vivoactive 5 worth the price? +

At $299, Garmin Vivoactive 5 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Does Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or Garmin Vivoactive 5 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for battery, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or Garmin Vivoactive 5? +

Garmin Vivoactive 5 — leads on battery (94 vs 72). Compared on the battery sub-score.

Which is the better value, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or Garmin Vivoactive 5? +

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) — more score per dollar ($249 vs $299). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.