Garmin S70 47mm vs 42mm Comparison

Key Takeaways

• Both the Garmin Approach s70 47mm and 42mm golf GPS watches have circular AMOLED displays but the Garmin s70 47mm has a 1.4-inch diameter while the Garmin s70 42mm has a slightly smaller 1.2-inch diameter.
• The Garmin s70 47mm has a longer battery life of 16 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode while the Garmin S70 42mm has a shorter battery life of 10 days in smartwatch mode and 15 hours in GPS mode.
• The case of the Garmin s70 47mm has dimensions of 47 x 47 x 13.4 mm while the Garmin s70 42mm’s case has dimensions of 42 x 42 x 12.6 mm.
• The Garmin s70 42mm weighs 44 grams while the Garmin S70 47mm is slightly heavier at 56 grams.
• Both the Garmin s70 47mm and 42mm golf watches have ceramic bezels, fiber-reinforced polymer cases, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lenses, and silicone watch straps.
• The Garmin S70 47mm ($699.99) costs $50 more than the Garmin S70 42mm ($649.99) even though they have the same golf and fitness tracking features including slope compensation, a virtual caddie, heart rate monitor, and pulse oximeter, and they both also come with music storage and safety tracking. The predecessor to the s70 was the s62. The Garmin s70 47mm golf gps watch has more fitness features than the s62 and a much brighter display which is why it costs $200 more, making it Garmin’s top smartwatch for golf and fitness with a virtual caddie and heart rate monitor. The Garmin s60 was the predecessor to the s62 and the Garmin s60 costs $100 less than the s62 because it does not come with a virtual caddie or heart rate monitor.

Garmin S70 47mm vs 42mm: Which Smartwatch is Right For You?

Golf season is upon us, and for many avid golfers that means it’s time to upgrade their trusty rangefinder and scorecard holder for a shiny new golf smartwatch. Garmin’s S70 series packs full-color touchscreens and built-in course maps into a rugged, waterproof design perfect for tracking every shot from tee to green. But with two sizes to choose from – 47mm and 42mm – how do you pick the right one for your wrist?

In this comparison guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the flagship Garmin Approach S70 47mm model at $699.99 and its smaller 42mm sibling priced at $649.99. You’ll get the details on display size, resolution, case materials, band options, and battery performance. We’ll also look at the robust feature sets of both watches when it comes to golf metrics, sports tracking, safety features, and onboard music storage.

While the S70 47mm and 42mm share much of the same advanced technology inside, their exterior dimensions, display configurations, and battery capacities do diverge. The 47mm offers a larger face and longer run times, appealing most to golf traditionalists who favor fuller displays. But the 42mm’s more compact build and unique color choices open up smarter styling potential for smaller wrists or those who prefer a more low-profile look.

By the end, you’ll have the facts to determine whether the brawny 47mm or nimble 42mm S70 model makes the right caddy for this year’s memorable rounds.

Garmin S70 47mm vs 42mm Comparison Chart

Features and Specifications	Garmin Approach S70 (47mm) Learn More	Garmin Approach S70 (42mm) Learn More
Suggested Retail Price	$699.99	$649.99
Available Colors	Black only	White, Powder Gray
Display Size	AMOLED (optional always-on mode)	AMOLED (optional always-on mode)
Display Size	1.4" (35.41 mm) diameter	1.2" (32.02 mm) diameter
Display resolution	454 x 454 pixels	390 x 390 pixels
Weight	2.0 ounce (56 grams)	1.5 ounce (44 grams)
Watch Case Width X Length x Thickness	47 x 47 x 13.4 mm	42 x 42 x 12.6 mm
Battery life	Smartwatch mode: Up to 15 days GPS Mode Up to 20 hours (using default display settings: gesture wake-up in Smartwatch mode and always-on while golfing)	Smartwatch mode: Up to 10 days GPS Mode Up to 15 hours (using default display settings: gesture wake-up in Smartwatch mode and always-on while golfing)
Bezel Material	Yes (scratch-resistant ceramic bezel)	Yes (scratch-resistant ceramic bezel)
Lens Material	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Watch band material	Yes (silicone)	Yes (silicone)
Watch Band Circumference	Fits wrists with a circumference of 130-205 mm	Fits wrists with a circumference of 115-185 mm
Built-in Speaker and Microphone	No	No
Listen to Spotify or Amazon Music playlist without phone	Yes (must use Bluetooth Headphones)	Yes (must use Bluetooth Headphones)
Memory Storage	32 GB (stores up to 2000 songs)	32 GB (stores up to 2000 songs)
Slope compensated distances (PlaysLike)	Yes	Yes
Virtual Caddie Club Recommendation Feature	Yes (takes wind and elevation into account)	Yes (takes wind and elevation into account)
Wind Speed and Direction	Yes	Yes
Elevation	Yes	Yes
GLONASS and Galileo satellite navigation systems, multi-frequency positioning, barometric altimeter	Yes	Yes
Automatic Shot Tracking	Yes (CT10 club tracking sensors are needed for tracking putts and chip shots)	Yes (CT10 club tracking sensors are needed for tracking putts and chip shots)
Manual Club Tracking	Yes	Yes
Automatic Club Tracking with Garmin Approach CT10 club tracking sensors	Yes (CT10 club tracking sensors purchased separately)	Yes (CT10 club tracking sensors purchased separately)
Make Phone calls	No	No
Receive Phone calls	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)
Send text messages	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)
Receive text messages	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)
Call emergency services with Emergency SOS	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)
Distances to the back/middle/front of the green	Yes	Yes
List of hazard layup and carry distances to each hazard	Yes	Yes
Wrist-based Heart Rate Monitor	Yes	Yes
Blood oxygen saturation level readings	Yes	Yes
On-screen workout animations for strength training, yoga, or Pilates	Yes	Yes
Step-by-Step Workout Instructions for strength training, cardio, running, biking, yoga, and Pilates	Yes	Yes
VO2 Max	Yes	Yes
Interval Training	Yes	Yes
Virtual Running Partner	Yes	Yes
Incident Detection for Certain Outdoor Activities	Yes	Yes
Color touchscreen	Yes	Yes
Overhead view of each hole displays bunkers, water hazards, etc	Yes	Yes
Touch Targeting (distance to any target)	Yes	Yes
Green View (layout and shape of the green)	Yes	Yes
Step counter (Pedometer)	Yes	Yes
Inactivity alert	Yes	Yes
Calories burned counter	Yes	Yes
Sleep monitor	Yes	Yes
Distance traveled and time elapsed	Yes	Yes
Running Metrics	Yes	Yes
Biking Metrics	Yes	Yes
Apps for Pool Swimming	Yes	Yes
Apps for Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Skiing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Rowing	Yes	Yes
Apps for Strength, Cardio, Treadmill and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Indoor Rowing and Walking, Yoga	No	No
Smartphone notifications, including incoming calls, texts, emails and alerts	Yes (vibrates)	Yes (vibrates)
PinPointer blindshot assistance	Yes	Yes
Digital Scorecard	Yes	Yes
Stat tracking	Yes	Yes
Shot history for each hole	Yes	Yes
42,000+ Preloaded Golf Course Map	Yes	Yes
Swing Tempo Monitoring and Training	Yes	Yes
Face It watch face creator - download a watch face or upload your own photo	Yes	Yes

Display Showdown: Visibility and Sharpness

When scoping your next golf watch, display quality is pivotal for crisp readouts under the glare of sunlight. The 47mm and 42mm models both excel in visibility, but differ in size.

While the 47mm model boasts a larger overall display size, both watches are remarkably crisp thanks to their high pixel density and image clarity.

Both watches feature silky smooth AMOLED touchscreens with an optional always-on mode so your stats are perpetually visible. I love how the vibrant colors pop on these displays while still resisting reflections.

Speaking of visibility, the 47mm touts Garmin’s largest display ever at a hefty 1.4″ diameter. For glancing at greens contours or dialing in approach distances, those extra millimeters make a difference. The 42mm still impresses with a 1.2″ screen, but provides less surface area.

In terms of sharpness, the 47mm’s 454 x 454 resolution enables stunning fidelity that does justice to its expansive face. The 42mm packs 390 x 390 pixels into a tighter space, rendering details accurately albeit on a more compact canvas.

The 47mm crams an impressive 454 x 454 pixels into its 1.4″ display diameter. That works out to a stellar 366 pixels per inch (PPI). With such tight pixel spacing, images and text render with striking sharpness and detail.

Meanwhile, the 42mm delivers a very similar 390 x 390 resolution on its more compact 1.2″ face. That shakes out to 367 PPI, essentially matching its 47mm sibling for density. So while the display is smaller, you still get excellent clarity and sharpness.

In terms of image quality, both AMOLED screens showcase truly gorgeous colors, contrast and brightness. Side-by-side, the same watch faces and data fields look equally stellar on the 47mm and 42mm.

And when it comes to readability in harsh outdoor light, they are again evenly matched. Both offer exceptional visibility thanks to anti-reflective coatings and excellent max brightness.

In my eyes, the 47mm’s cavernous face takes the win. But both watches achieve excellent balance between high-fidelity graphics and unbeatable outdoor visibility for keeping pace with every shot. You truly can’t go wrong with either display!

Case Materials and Durability

When it comes to ruggedness and durability, the 47mm and 42mm editions are evenly matched. Both sport a fiber-reinforced polymer case and ceramic bezel designed to handle impact while retaining a refined aesthetic.

Another area where both models shine is durability, flaunting ultra-strong Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to shrug off scratches. When things get rough out there, these displays can take a beating.

Their identical 5 ATM water rating means you can comfortably wear either model for surface swimming and worry-free rounds in the rain.

These smartwatches were engineered for resilience, giving golfers the confidence to wear them from first tee to final putt without compromise. So no need to favor one size over the other if rugged performance is your top concern.

Finding the Ideal Fit and Feel

Golf watches aren’t just utilitarian tools – they’re accessories worn all day, so dialing in the right fit and comfort is crucial. The 47mm and 42mm options cater to different wrist sizes and body types for ideal ergonomics.

The 42mm is designed for low profile wearability on petite to average wrist sizes. At just 42 x 42 x 12.6 mm, it has a more compact build than the 47mm. Its diameter is nearly identical to a standard golf ball. And at only 44 grams, its feather-like presence is easy to forget about after tee off. The compact watch face doesn’t overpower slender wrists, making the 42mm a subtle companion. This sleeker silhouette naturally fits smaller wrists with a circumference of 115-185 mm. If your wrist circumference falls between 115-185 mm, this smaller model disappears into your golf outfit and movement.

In contrast, the 47mm better accommodates golfers with thicker, more substantial frames because it has a much larger on-course presence with its 47 x 47 x 13.4 mm dimensions. It also tips the scales at a hefty 56 grams, with a substantial feel and reassuring presence you’ll notice with each swing or putt. The expansive watch face better suits thick wrists in the 130-205 mm range and improves visibility, providing ample real estate for at-a-glance views of mapped holes, shot distances, and more. Larger body types can carry the 47mm’s bulk with natural balance.

In terms of all-day wearability, slimmer body types will likely find the 42mm more forgettable on the course. The 47mm’s bulkier profile reminds you of its presence, for better or worse. But those with thick wrists may feel the 42mm gets swallowed up or seems undersized.

Beyond pure wrist circumference, personal style plays a role. Golf traditionalists who favor classic accessories in confident sizes will feel right at home in the 47mm’s large-and-in-charge aesthetic. But those with modern urban style may prefer the 42mm’s understated, minimalist look. Trying on both watches can help you choose what’s not only physically comfortable, but aligns with your personal fashion sense.

Try both models on in person to gauge the fit and feel. While the 47mm and 42mm contain the same elite golf features, only you can decide which size provides that instant comfort and motivation to break new records on the links.

Battery Endurance for Marathon Golf

Battery life doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s about having ample power for your personal golfing habits and style of play. The 47mm and 42mm battery capacities align with different usage profiles.

When you’re engrossed in an intense tournament or just savoring a leisurely 36-hole day, the last thing you want is a dead golf watch. That’s why Garmin designed the 47mm model with extra battery reserves to outlast even the longest rounds.

The 47mm squeezes an impressively large power pack into its 47 x 47 x 13.4 mm frame and 56 gram heft. This gives it up to 16 days of regular smartwatch mode use between charges. More importantly for golf, it will run for up to 20 hours in continuous GPS mode when playing or training.

In contrast, the petite 42mm model tops out at 10 days in smartwatch mode and 15 hours in GPS mode on a single charge. Its smaller 42 x 42 x 12.6 mm size and feathery 44 gram weight limit the battery capacity compared to its larger sibling.

For golfers who play infrequently or mostly 9-hole rounds, the 42mm provides plenty of juice between charges. Even at 15 hours GPS mode, you can likely go days or weeks before recharging. And 10 days of smartwatch use means you aren’t constantly worrying about battery levels.

But for avid golfers who play 36 holes multiple times per week or even full tournament weekends, the 47mm’s extended endurance provides peace of mind. Its 20 hours GPS mode and 16 day smartwatch capacity means you can attack every round at 100% battery without compromises. Even if you love dawn-to-dusk range sessions in between rounds, the 47mm has the reserves to keep up. Its brawny build harbors battery life to match.

Both watches offer power-saving options like disabling Bluetooth and notifications to extend play. But the 47mm’s superior battery capacity gives it an edge for golfers with marathon mindsets. Its brawny build harbors the energy density for non-stop days on the links.

So consider your personal golf habits before deciding between the 47mm and 42mm batteries. Occasional players can rely on the 42mm’s baseline endurance, while golf fanatics need the 47mm’s unparalleled longevity.

Watch Band Options and Comfort

Wearability is crucial for an accessory you’ll have on all day on the links, and here the 47mm and 42mm models differentiate themselves. The 47mm edition ships with a black 22mm silicone band while the 42mm lets you choose between white or powder gray 20mm silicone bands.

Silicone makes for a lightweight and breathable option that withstands sweat and moisture. The 42mm’s sleeker bands spotlight its stylish versatility, but the 47mm’s default black colorway is subtle and classic. Those with larger wrists may also favor the 47mm’s proportions. Luckily, both versions are compatible with Garmin’s QuickFit interchangeable bands, so you can easily swap styles for the right fit and look.

Golf Features and Sensors

Now for the fun part – how these smartwatches actually help your game! The 47mm and 42mm models share an impressive set of golf features powered by Garmin’s industry-leading software and sensors. Both offer full-color course maps with details like hazards and shot distances. You get virtual caddies with strategic advice for dialed-in club selection based on your past performances with your clubs and wind and elevation data.

Swing metrics and shot tracking record your drive distances, fairways hit, greens in regulation and more. Other handy tools include PinPointer blind shot guidance, Touch Targeting distance calculations, and Green Contour mapping.

The watches also pack identical sensor arrays to enable activity tracking, from wrist-based heart rate and Pulse Ox blood oxygen levels to built-in altimeters and global satellite positioning with GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO. Whether you want to analyze swing tempo, monitor fitness gains, or get more precise positioning, the 47mm and 42mm have you covered.

Activity Tracking and Performance Monitoring

Golf may be these watches’ main focus, but Garmin packed them with other features to track your entire active lifestyle as well. Runners, swimmers, cyclists and more can tap into advanced metrics thanks to the 47mm and 42mm’s versatile sensor array and performance monitoring.

Both models provide detailed breakdowns for a wide range of sports and workouts, including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, climbing, strength training and more. You’ll get timing and distance measurements, lap splits, pace and speed data, heart rate zone guidance, and even stroke count and SWOLF scores for pool sessions.

These aren’t just step counters – they offer insights into your fitness gains with tools like VO2 max readings, training load analysis, training effect measurements, and recommended recovery times. The 47mm and 42mm also shine as all-day health monitors, tracking your heart rate variability, stress levels, hydration, and sleep quality.

While the exterior form factors vary, the 47mm and 42mm share the same internal muscle when it comes to logging and optimizing your athletic pursuits. Both support customized apps, widgets and data fields so you can tailor the watches to your training needs. Expect in-depth guidance for honing your golf swing, marathon PR or beach volleyball spikes.

Safety Features and Onboard Music

Golf gets you outdoors exploring vast courses far and wide. To keep up with your global adventures, the S70 series packs helpful safety tools alongside entertainment options.

Both the 47mm and 42mm contain identical safety features to provide peace of mind whether you’re playing a hometown course or a far-flung destination half-way across the world. You’ll have access to assistance alerts that can send your real-time location to emergency contacts with just a button press. The watches also support incident detection to automatically notify loved ones if you take a tumble on the links.

Out for a long day of hiking? Unfortunately, neither model contains navigation features, besides a compass, such as TracBack routing to guide you back to your starting point if you get turned around. And if you end up getting lost in darkness, they do not contain an LED flashlight to illuminate your path home.

When it comes to onboard music storage, the 47mm and 42mm are again evenly matched, each capable of holding up to 2000 downloaded songs so you can listen to playlists and podcasts without lugging your phone. These watches do not come with speakers like the ones found in the Apple Watch. But, luckily, you can use Bluetooth connectivity to pair either watch with your wireless headphones for distraction-free focus on the course.

Connectivity and Garmin Golf App Integration

Another important area where the 47mm and 42mm models align is connectivity and integration with the Garmin golf app. Both sync seamlessly with your smartphone to enrich the data and customization potential.

You get smart notifications for calls, texts, app alerts and more conveniently delivered to your wrist.

But the real gains come from integrating with Garmin’s Golf app on your phone along with signing up for a Garmin Golf membership ($9.99 per month/$99.99 per year). This gives you access to your shot history, performance stats, and green contours mapping to figure out which direction your putt is going to break.

With a membership, you gain the ability to compete in weekly leaderboards against other users and join tournaments for ongoing motivation. The trend analysis tools provide insight into the progression of your handicap and average scores over time. For the data-obsessed, the app provides expanded analytics and swing metrics to pour through after your round.

Which Watch Should a Woman Buy?

With more women hitting the links each year, having the perfect golf watch to elevate your game is a must. But should the bold 47mm or more delicate 42mm adorn your wrist? For obvious, I believe the petite 42mm edition best fits the needs of a woman.

While the 47mm is packed with advanced technology, its larger 1.4” face and chunky 56 gram heft seem disproportionate on most women’s slender wrists. Even at average female wrist sizes, expect the oversized 47mm case to protrude far beyond the edges.

That’s where the 42mm shines for ladies. Its daintier 1.2” display and featherweight 44 gram chassis meld seamlessly to our frames. The watch feels like a natural extension of your movement rather than a clunky brick dragging you down.

And importantly, the 42mm doesn’t compromise features to achieve its trim size. You still get the brilliant AMOLED display, durable ceramic and polymer construction, and robust sensor suite of its 47mm peer.

Plus, the 42mm offers stylish color options like white and light gray bands that infuse sophistication into our golf outfits. The 47mm’s stark black colorway seems better suited for male fashion.

So ladies, embrace your swing in sleek style with the Garmin S70 42mm. Its refined smaller presence lets your abilities shine, not the watch. Your wrists deserve perfection, not extra bulk!

The Bottom Line

When it comes to pure golf technology, the S70 47mm and 42mm are equals. Both provide the same advanced golf and fitness tracking feature set, such as slope compensation and a virtual caddie, to help you make the most of every round. Where they differentiate is their exterior form.

The 47mm caters to golf traditionalists who favor a larger watch face and extra long battery life to keep up with marathon play. Its bigger build also suits bigger wrists.

The 42mm targets those who want a more balanced, lightweight look. The smaller watch body blends in comfortably on slimmer wrists. You also have more style options with its additional band colors.

Both models withstand the rigors of course play with water- and impact-resistant designs. Their smart connectivity and app integration enrich each round while complementary activity tracking features motivate your entire fitness journey.

So which is the right caddie for you? Let your preferences for size, battery, and styling point you to the optimal S70 edition. Whether you go bold with the 47mm or stealthy with the 42mm, you have Garmin’s best golf tech along for the ride.