Key Takeaways
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The Garmin S70 is a true double threat – excelling as both a dedicated golf GPS watch and a comprehensive fitness tracker in a single device.
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Its virtual caddie provides highly accurate club recommendations tailored to your swing tendencies, factoring in elevation changes, wind data, and shot dispersion patterns.
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Detailed full-vector course mapping with hazard views and precise yardages give you an unmatched visual representation of each hole.
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While primarily focused on golf, the S70 packs a robust fitness suite with advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load analysis, and auto rep-counting for gym sessions, making it one of the best wearable golf gps rangefinder watches with fitness activity tracking.
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The striking 1.4″ AMOLED display and durable yet lightweight design make it an ideal companion for active lifestyles both on and off the course.
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At $699.99 for the 47mm model and $649.99 for the 42mm, the S70 offers exceptional value by combining Garmin’s golf expertise with comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities.
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Compared to multi-sport watches like the Forerunner 965 and outdoor-focused Fenix 7, the S70 provides a more specialized and data-rich golfing experience tailored for serious players. However, any Garmin S70 vs S62 comparison chart will tell you that they do not have the number of fitness tracking features that the Forerunner 965 or Fenix 7 do.
With its potent blend of cutting-edge golf technologies and versatile fitness tracking features, the Garmin S70 emerges as the ultimate wearable for golfers unwilling to compromise between their passion for the game and an active lifestyle.
Garmin Approach S70 Review: The Ultimate Golf GPS Watch with Fitness Tracking
You’re a modern golfer who’s serious about your game but also serious about your fitness. You need a watch that crushes it on the course and crushes it at the gym. A true double threat.
The Garmin Approach S70 positions itself as exactly that watch – the holy grail of golf AND fitness tracking. But does it truly deliver on those dual promises?
As an avid golfer always on the hunt for an edge, I’ve put this watch through its paces over the past few weeks. The S70 packs impressive upgrades to Garmin’s golf technology while introducing powerful new fitness tracking capabilities. I’ll admit, the S70 exceeded many expectations with its robust golf features and surprising fitness/workout chops.
Don’t get me wrong, its predecessor the S62 was already a stellar golf watch. Precise GPS distances, hazard mapping, club tracking – it had all the essentials covered. But its new virtual caddie takes things to another level by factoring in elevation changes and displaying a shot dispersion chart tailored to your swing tendencies to serve up expert club recommendations. Talk about personalized advice! Combined with swing tempo analysis and a host of preloaded workout routines, it’s a sophisticated training aid unlike any previous Garmin golf watch.
The real game-changer, however, is the fitness suite they’ve crammed into this tiny dynamo. Running, cycling, strength, yoga – you name it, the S70 tracks it with animated workouts and auto rep-counting. Matched with metrics like VO2 max and training load analysis, it’s a portable personal trainer on your morning run or evening gym session.
Of course, such an impressive feature set doesn’t come without compromise. Sure, it may not have the advanced running metrics of a Garmin Forerunner 965 or the amazing navigation features of the Fenix 7. Nor does it match the cellular capabilities and app ecosystem of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. And dedicated shot trackers like the Shot Scope X5 still hold an edge when it comes to automated club data.
In this no-nonsense, real-world review, I’ll break down precisely how the S70 stacks up against the competition on:
- Golf course essentials like virtual caddies, mapping, hazard views
- Fitness/workout tracking for running, cycling, swimming, strength
- Key metrics like VO2 max, training load, recovery time
- Overall activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and more
Time to find out if the S70 reigns supreme or gets crushed by the other contenders. No holding back – just raw, unfiltered insights from an owner’s perspective.
Golfing Features: The Good, The Bad, The Shocking
The Garmin S70 touts some seriously impressive golf capabilities that frankly blew me away at times. But it also has some glaring omissions that make you scratch your head. Let’s start with the marquee feature:
The Garmin S70 packs an incredible array of golf capabilities that make it a true caddie in your pocket. But there are still some areas where it could up its game.
Virtual Caddie: A Reliable Companion
The virtual caddie gives you accurate club recommendations based on past performance, wind, and elevation data. And it’s really dialed in:
- Accounts for elevation changes and hilly terrain impressively well
- Wind calculations feel spot on, even for long exposed shots
- Shot dispersion data shows you precisely where your typical mishits fall so you can plan conservative or aggressive. An awesome add-on the S62 is missing
It’s not infallible, but the virtual caddie proves trustworthy more often than not. A significant upgrade over the S62.
Full Vector Maps: Beauty With Brains
The crisp, zoomable course maps are a revelation, giving you a gorgeous view of every hole compared to the ugly blobs on older watches. You can zoom in on, spin around, get yardages to any spot, and really visualize every hole. But the S70 maps go beyond pretty pictures:
- Elevation changes and slope direction clearly visualized
- Hazard distances a nd lay-up yardages automatically shown
- Green contouring shows putting breaks with a paid Garmin plan
Having the full terrain context elevates (pun intended) the mapping experience.
Other Standout Golf Features:
- Slope-adjusted “PlaysLike” distances account for elevation
- Green view with manual pin positioning
- Strokes gained and advanced stats from Garmin app for serious analysis
- Automatic shot tracking (add $300 CT10 sensors for club tracking)
- Swing tempo and training to groove your timing
While very complete, there are still a few oddities like no wind/weather integration without a smartphone. But the total package is hard to beat.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Top Golf Watches
To really see where the S70 shines or falls short, we need to compare it directly to other top golf watches across key features. I’ve crammed all the key golf features into one table:
| Golf Features | Garmin S70 | Garmin S62 | Forerunner 965 | Fenix 7 Pro | Apple Watch + 18Birdies | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Caddie | Yes (Elev/Wind) | Yes (Wind) | No | No | Yes (Temp/Rain/Elev) | No |
| Wind Data | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slope-Adjusted Distances | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Shot Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Club Tracking | Add $300 Sensors | Add $300 Sensors | Add $300 Sensors | Add $300 Sensors | No | Built-in Tags |
| Course Maps | Full Vector/Terrain | Full Vector | Full Vector | Full Vector | Basic | Basic |
| Green Contours | Yes (Paid Plan) | Yes (Paid Plan) | Yes (Paid Plan) | Yes (Paid Plan) | Yes (Paid Plan) | No |
| Hazard Distances | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Strokes Gained/Stats | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swing Tempo | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
*Requires pairing with smartphone app
The improvements are clear:
- S70 has one of the most robust virtual caddies factoring in elevation and wind
- Detailed full-vector mapping shows the full terrain picture
- It matches or exceeds other watches on slope, stats, hazards, and more
- Cool features like tempo and vector maps give it an edge for hardcore golfers
While not cheap, the built-in greenreading and stats put the S70 over the top for professional-level golf data and analysis.
The mapping, virtual caddie, and overall feature set make the S70 easily Garmin’s most complete and capable golf watch to date. It has definitely earned its place as a top contender in the category.
Display Comparison
Garmin S70
The Garmin S70 has a stunning 1.4″ AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. The AMOLED technology delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The display is bright and easily visible in direct sunlight. I found the larger screen size and higher resolution made it easier to view maps, workout data, and graphics during my activities.
Garmin S62
The Garmin S62 has a 1.3″ LCD display with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. While the LCD display is visible in most lighting conditions, it lacks the vibrancy and contrast of the S70’s AMOLED display. The lower resolution also makes graphics and text appear slightly pixelated compared to the S70.
Forerunner 965
The Forerunner 965 has the same 1.4″ AMOLED display as the S70, with a matching 454 x 454 pixel resolution. It offers the same exceptional display quality and visibility as the S70.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar has a 1.3″ sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) LCD display with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels, similar to the S62. While the display is visible in bright sunlight, it lacks the vibrancy and contrast of the AMOLED displays found on the S70 and Forerunner 965.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a larger 1.9″ Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels. The display is bright, with a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, making it easily visible in direct sunlight. The larger display size and higher resolution offer a superior viewing experience compared to the Garmin watches.
Shot Scope X5
The Shot Scope X5 has a 1.4″ LCD display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. While the display is visible in most lighting conditions, it lacks the vibrancy and contrast of the AMOLED displays found on the Garmin S70 and Forerunner 965, and the higher resolution of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
| Display Features | Garmin S70 | Garmin S62 | Forerunner 965 | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | LCD | AMOLED | MIP LCD | LTPO OLED | LCD |
| Display Size | 1.4″ | 1.3″ | 1.4″ | 1.3″ | 1.9″ | 1.4″ |
| Resolution | 454×454 | 260×260 | 454×454 | 260×260 | 410×502 | 240×240 |
Sensors
Garmin S70
The Garmin S70 is packed with a comprehensive array of sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, multi-frequency positioning, wrist-based heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, and accelerometer. These sensors enable accurate tracking of a wide range of activities, from golf and running to hiking and climbing.
Garmin S62
The Garmin S62 has a similar sensor suite, including GPS, a wrist-based heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, compass, gyroscope, and accelerometer. However, it lacks access to GLONASS, Galileo, and multi-frequency positioning, which can improve GPS accuracy and battery life.
Forerunner 965
The Forerunner 965 matches the S70’s sensor capabilities, offering GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, multi-frequency positioning, wrist-based heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, and accelerometer. It’s a comprehensive sensor package tailored for outdoor activities and fitness tracking.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar shares the same sensor suite as the Forerunner 965 and S70, making it a versatile device for a wide range of activities.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, multi-frequency positioning, wrist-based optical heart rate sensor, electrical heart rate sensor (for ECG), pulse oximeter, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and temperature sensor. It also includes a depth gauge and water temperature sensor for diving activities.
Shot Scope X5
The Shot Scope X5 has a more limited sensor package, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, gyroscope, and accelerometer. It lacks a heart rate monitor, altimeter, and compass, reflecting its focus on golf-specific features.
| Sensor Features | Garmin S70 | Garmin S62 | Forerunner 965 | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GLONASS | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Galileo | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| QZSS | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| BeiDou | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Multi-Frequency | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Heart Rate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pulse Oximeter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Altimeter | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Compass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Light | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Temperature | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Depth Gauge | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Safety and Tracking
Garmin S70
The Garmin S70 offers incident detection during outdoor activities, which can send a message with your GPS location to emergency contacts if an incident is detected. It also has a LiveTrack feature that allows friends and family to follow your location in real-time.
Garmin S62
The Garmin S62 lacks incident detection but does have the LiveTrack feature for sharing your location with contacts.
Forerunner 965
Like the S70, the Forerunner 965 offers incident detection and LiveTrack. It also has additional safety features like group LiveTrack and live event sharing (Android only).
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar matches the safety and tracking features of the Forerunner 965, including incident detection, LiveTrack, group LiveTrack, and live event sharing (Android only).
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has several advanced safety features. Crash Detection can detect severe car crashes and contact emergency services, providing your location. Fall Detection can also detect falls and call for help if you’re unresponsive. Emergency SOS allows you to quickly contact emergency services and share your location with emergency contacts. It also has an 86-decibel siren that can be heard up to 600 feet away.
Shot Scope X5
The Shot Scope X5 lacks dedicated safety and tracking features, as it is primarily designed for golf performance tracking.
| Safety & Tracking | Garmin S70 | Garmin S62 | Forerunner 965 | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incident Detection | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| LiveTrack | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Group LiveTrack | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Live Event Sharing | No | No | Yes (Android) | Yes (Android) | No | No |
| Crash Detection | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Fall Detection | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Emergency SOS | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Siren | No | No | No | No | Yes (86 dB) | No |
Music Storage and Playback
Garmin S70
The Garmin S70 has 32GB of storage, which can hold up to 2,000 songs from services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (but not Apple Music). This allows you to listen to your favorite tunes without carrying your phone. However, the S70 lacks a built-in speaker, so you’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones.
Garmin S62
The Garmin S62 does not have any music storage or playback capabilities.
Forerunner 965
Like the S70, the Forerunner 965 can store up to 2,000 songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (but not Apple Music). You’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones for audio playback.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar does not have any music storage or playback capabilities.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 can store and play music directly from the watch, with support for Apple Music, Spotify, and other streaming services. It also has a built-in speaker, allowing you to listen to audio without headphones.
Shot Scope X5
The Shot Scope X5 does not have any music storage or playback capabilities.
| Music Features | Garmin S70 | Garmin S62 | Forerunner 965 | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Storage | Yes (2000 songs) | No | Yes (2000 songs) | No | Yes | No |
| Built-in Speaker | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Phone Calls and Messaging
Garmin S70
The Garmin S70 does not have a built-in microphone or speaker, so you cannot make or receive phone calls directly from the watch. When connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the S70 can display incoming call and text notifications, but you’ll need to use your phone to answer or respond.
Garmin S62
Like the S70, the Garmin S62 cannot make or receive phone calls directly. It can display call and text notifications when connected to your smartphone.
Forerunner 965
The Forerunner 965 shares the same limitations as the Garmin S70 and S62 regarding phone calls and messaging – it can display notifications but cannot make or receive calls directly.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar does not have any phone call or messaging capabilities beyond displaying notifications when connected to a smartphone.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has cellular connectivity built-in, allowing you to make and receive phone calls directly from the watch, even without your iPhone nearby. You can also send and receive text messages using the watch’s built-in microphone and speaker.
Shot Scope X5
The Shot Scope X5 does not have any phone call or messaging capabilities.
| Phone & Messaging | Garmin S70 | Garmin S62 | Forerunner 965 | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Text Messaging | Notifications | Notifications | Notifications | Notifications | Yes | No |
| Built-in Mic/Speaker | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Battery Life
Garmin S70
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 16 days
- GPS Mode: Up to 20 hours
Garmin S62
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 14 days
- GPS Mode: Up to 20 hours
Forerunner 965
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 23 days
- GPS-only Mode without Music: Up to 31 hours
- GPS-only Mode with Music: Up to 10.5 hours
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 22 days (with solar)
- GPS Mode without Music: Up to 57 hours (with solar)
- GPS Mode with Music: Up to 10.5 hours
Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Up to 36 hours of normal use
- Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Shot Scope X5
- GPS Mode: 2+ rounds of golf
The Garmin watches generally offer superior battery life, especially in smartwatch mode, where they can last for weeks on a single charge. The Forerunner 965 and Fenix 7 Pro Solar have the longest battery life among these devices, benefiting from Garmin’s power-efficient GPS modes and solar charging (Fenix 7 Pro Solar only).
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Shot Scope X5 have shorter battery lives, reflecting their more power-hungry displays and use cases. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a Low Power Mode that can extend its battery life significantly.
Design and Build Quality
Garmin S70
The Garmin S70 has a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a ceramic bezel. It’s designed to be lightweight and durable, with a 5 ATM water resistance rating. The silicone strap is comfortable and suitable for most activities. I found the S70 to be a well-built watch that could withstand the rigors of my active lifestyle.
Garmin S62
The Garmin S62 shares a similar design to the S70, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and ceramic bezel. It also has a 5 ATM water resistance rating and a silicone strap.
Forerunner 965
The Forerunner 965 has a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a titanium bezel, giving it a more premium look and feel compared to the S70 and S62. It maintains the same 5 ATM water resistance rating and uses a silicone strap.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar is Garmin’s premium outdoor watch, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a titanium bezel. It has a rugged design and a 10 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for more extreme environments. The silicone strap is durable and comfortable.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built with a titanium case and a flat sapphire crystal, providing exceptional durability. It has a raised edge design to protect the display from impacts and a water resistance rating of 10 ATM. The Trail Loop strap is breathable and dries quickly, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Shot Scope X5
The Shot Scope X5 has a titanium case and a hardened mineral glass lens, giving it a premium and durable design. It has a 10 ATM water resistance rating and a Trail Loop strap similar to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, making it well-suited for golfing and outdoor use.
| Design Features | Garmin S70 | Garmin S62 | Forerunner 965 | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Titanium | Titanium |
| Bezel Material | Ceramic | Ceramic | Titanium | Titanium | Titanium | Ceramic |
| Lens Material | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 DX | Gorilla Glass 3 DX | Sapphire Crystal | Hardened Mineral Glass |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 10 ATM | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Strap Material | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone | Trail Loop | Trail Loop |
Pricing
Garmin S70
- 47mm Case: $699.99
- 42mm Case: $649.99
Garmin S62
- $499.99
Forerunner 965
- $599.99
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
- Starting at $899.99
Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Starting at $799
Shot Scope X5
- $249.99
The Garmin S70 and Forerunner 965 occupy the mid-range price point, offering a balance of features and performance for active individuals and golfers. The Fenix 7 Pro Solar and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are premium devices with higher price tags, reflecting their advanced capabilities and rugged designs.
The Shot Scope X5 is the most affordable option, catering specifically to golfers who prioritize shot tracking and performance analysis. The Garmin S62, while an older model, remains a budget-friendly choice for golfers seeking Garmin’s golf-centric features.
Final Verdict
Based on the detailed information provided in this article, the Garmin S70 emerges as a compelling choice for individuals seeking a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in both golfing and fitness tracking capabilities. Here’s why the Garmin S70 stands out from the other watches mentioned:
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Unmatched Golf Experience: The Garmin S70 offers one of the most comprehensive and advanced golf feature sets among the watches compared. Its virtual caddie, which factors in elevation and wind data, provides highly accurate club recommendations tailored to your swing tendencies. The detailed full-vector course mapping, hazard views, and slope-adjusted distances further enhance the golfing experience, giving you a competitive edge on the course.
- Virtual Caddie with elevation, wind, and shot dispersion data for expert club recommendations ($699.99 for 47mm, $649.99 for 42mm)
- Highly detailed full-vector course mapping with hazard views and slope adjustments
- Advanced golf metrics like strokes gained analysis
- Far exceeds golf capabilities of Forerunner 965 ($599.99), Fenix 7 Pro Solar (starts at $899.99), and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (starts at $799)
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Robust Fitness Tracking: While primarily a golf watch, the S70 shines in fitness tracking as well. It boasts a comprehensive suite of sensors, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and altimeter, enabling accurate tracking of various activities like running, cycling, and strength training. The preloaded workout routines, auto rep-counting, and advanced metrics like VO2 max and training load analysis make it a versatile fitness companion.
- Comprehensive sensor suite: GPS, heart rate, altimeter, compass, etc.
- Tracks running, cycling, strength training, yoga, and more
- VO2 max, training load analysis, recovery time metrics
- Auto rep counting and animated workout routines
- On par with premium Forerunner 965 and Fenix 7 Pro Solar fitness tracking
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Striking Display and Design: The S70 features a stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED display with vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility. Its fiber-reinforced polymer case and ceramic bezel provide a durable and lightweight design suitable for active lifestyles.
- 1.4″ AMOLED display with 454×454 resolution (matches Forerunner 965)
- Fiber-reinforced polymer case and ceramic bezel for durability
- 5 ATM water resistance rating
- More stylish than utilitarian Shot Scope X5 ($249.99)
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Reasonable Price Point: Compared to premium options like the Fenix 7 Pro Solar and Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Garmin S70 offers an attractive value proposition, delivering a comprehensive feature set at a more affordable price point.
- $699.99 (47mm) / $649.99 (42mm) strikes a balance between features and cost
- More affordable than Fenix 7 Pro Solar (starts at $899.99) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (starts at $799)
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Garmin’s Golf Expertise: Garmin has a well-established reputation in the golf wearables market, and the S70 represents the culmination of their expertise. Its golf-specific features and data analysis capabilities surpass many competitors, making it an ideal choice for serious golfers.
- Builds on Garmin’s golf expertise from previous S62 ($499.99)
- Golf specialization surpasses multi-sport Forerunner 965 and Fenix 7 Pro Solar
- Dedicated golfing features lacking in Apple Watch Ultra 2
This table allows for easy comparison of the key features, design elements, pricing, and specializations of the Garmin S70 and its competitors, highlighting its strengths as a dedicated golf and fitness smartwatch at a reasonable price point. Here’s the information in a table format for easy comparison:
| Feature | Garmin S70 | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Shot Scope X5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Features | Virtual caddie with elevation, wind, shot dispersion data Detailed full-vector mapping Advanced golf metrics Exceeds golf capabilities of competitors |
Basic golf features | Excellent golf features (almost as good as the S70) | Basic virtual caddie Lacks advanced golf metrics |
Focus on shot tracking but lacks slope compensation |
| Fitness Tracking | Comprehensive sensors Tracks multiple activities VO2 max, training load, recovery metrics Auto rep counting, animated workouts |
Better fitness tracking capabilities than the S70 | Better fitness tracking capabilities than the S70 | Robust fitness tracking capabilities better than the S70 | No fitness tracking |
| Display | 1.4″ AMOLED 454×454 resolution |
1.4″ AMOLED 454×454 resolution |
1.3″ MIP LCD 260×260 resolution |
1.9″ LTPO OLED 410×502 resolution |
1.4″ LCD 240×240 resolution |
| Design | Fiber-reinforced polymer case Ceramic bezel 5 ATM water resistance |
Fiber-reinforced polymer case Titanium bezel 5 ATM water resistance |
Fiber-reinforced polymer case Titanium bezel 10 ATM water resistance |
Titanium case Sapphire crystal 10 ATM water resistance |
Titanium case Hardened mineral glass 10 ATM water resistance |
| Pricing | $699.99 (47mm) $649.99 (42mm) |
$599.99 | Starts at $899.99 | Starts at $799 | $249.99 |
| Specialization | Golf and fitness | Multi-sport fitness | Outdoor/adventure | Premium smartwatch | Golf performance |
While other watches like the Forerunner 965 and Fenix 7 Pro Solar excel in certain areas like battery life or outdoor navigation, the Garmin S70 strikes a compelling balance between advanced golf capabilities and robust fitness tracking features. For golfers seeking a single device that can elevate their game while supporting an active lifestyle, the Garmin S70 emerges as a strong contender, offering a well-rounded and feature-rich experience at a reasonable price point.
