Garmin S42 Vs S44: Which Should You Buy?

Both are strong golf watches: S44 boosts display and battery; S42 is lighter and better value.

I was standing on the 1st tee, phone in my bag, wondering which to wear. The garmin s42 vs s44 question kept coming up as I packed. Both track shots and give course data, but each leans a little different. I tested both on green days and windy rounds. I'll share what worked, what didn't, and which garmin s42 vs s44 fits your game.

Is Garmin S42 Good?

Yes — for most golfers who want a light, simple GPS watch at a fair price. The Garmin S42 is easy to use, feels light on the wrist, and gives clear distances. It lacks the bright AMOLED glow of newer models, but it still shows yardages, hazards, and automatic shot detection. If you want a smartwatch that feels like a watch and not a gadget, the S42 is a solid pick. In short: it depends on whether you need the newest display and slightly longer battery life.

I wore the S42 for three rounds in a row. Once, I left it on the fuel-efficient "watch" mode and still got two full rounds before charging. Another time I used AutoShot and later checked the Garmin app to see decent shot logs that helped with club choice. I liked that the watch didn't distract me. The simple buttons and touchscreen let me glance at hole layouts and go back to my pre-shot routine fast. For my casual rounds and weekend play, the Garmin S42 felt practical and reliable.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Lightweight design with a 1.2" touchscreen.
• Preloaded courses (42k+).
• AutoShot shot detection and basic shot tracking.
• Wrist-based heart rate and basic health stats.
• GPS distances to front/mid/back and hazards.

What I Like

• Very light and comfortable for a full round.
• Straightforward menu and quick access to course data.
• Good battery life for casual play.
• Affordable compared to higher-end models.
• Reliable distance readings and simple shot summaries.

What Could Be Better

• Screen is not AMOLED; harder to read in low light.
• Lacks some advanced tracking and customization features.
• No touchscreen vibrancy or premium feel of newer models.

My Recommendation

Choose the S42 if you want a light, affordable golf GPS watch with solid core features and simple use.

Best For	Why
Casual golfers	Light weight, easy setup, good value
Weekend players	Solid battery, reliable distances
New golfers	Simple UI, minimal learning curve

Is Garmin S44 Good?

Yes — for golfers who want a brighter screen, improved on-course visuals, and longer battery. The Garmin S44 keeps the approachable form of the S42 but adds an AMOLED display and a snappier interface. If you play a lot, want clearer maps, and appreciate better battery life for multi-day tracking, the S44 is a clear step up. It costs more, but the display and feature polish justify it for frequent players.

I used the S44 for both practice rounds and a weekend tournament. The AMOLED face made yardages pop and helped me read the green shape faster. During one windy event I appreciated the clearer hazard visuals and faster course redraws. The S44 also kept a charge through multiple rounds when I used it with activity tracking on. Wearing it felt a touch more premium, and I found myself glancing at the screen more because it looked nicer — a small bonus that matters over many rounds.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Bright AMOLED display for clear course visuals.
• Improved battery life over S42 in heavy-use scenarios.
• On-course features like precise hazard mapping.
• Sleeker build with aluminum bezel options.
• Same AutoShot and course database, refined UI.

What I Like

• Screen clarity makes reading greens fast.
• Battery lasts through long play days.
• Interface feels snappier and more modern.
• More polished look; feels like a premium watch.
• Better visibility in varied light conditions.

What Could Be Better

• Higher price than S42.
• Slightly heavier feel for very weight-sensitive wearers.
• Some advanced features may be more than casual players need.

My Recommendation

Choose the S44 if you value display quality and battery life and play often enough to justify the upgrade.

Best For	Why
Frequent golfers	Brighter display, longer battery
Players who value style	Premium look and feel
Tech-savvy users	Snappier UI and better visuals

garmin s42 vs s44: Side-by-Side Test

I put both watches on for the same rounds to see how they stack up. Below are direct comparisons across key categories based on hands-on use with tasks and rounds where I switched watches mid-game.

Display & Controls: Which Is Easier to Use?

Short intro: Screen clarity and touch feel matter when you need a quick yardage.

Feature	Garmin S42	Garmin S44
Screen type	Standard transflective	AMOLED
Readability in sun	Good	Excellent
Touch responsiveness	Good	Very good
Map detail visibility	Basic	Enhanced

Rating: Garmin S42 – 7/10 | Garmin S44 – 9/10

"S44 wins for clarity and responsiveness; S42 is solid but less vivid."

Battery Life: Who Lasts Longer?

Short intro: I tested both across back-to-back rounds and tracking modes.

Condition	Garmin S42	Garmin S44
Normal golf use	2-3 rounds	3-4 rounds
Heavy smartwatch use	1-2 days	2-3 days
Standby	Several days	Longer standby

Rating: Garmin S42 – 7/10 | Garmin S44 – 8.5/10

"S44 has the edge with longer on-course endurance."

Comfort & Wearability: Which Feels Better?

Short intro: Weight and strap comfort affect full-day wear.

Aspect	Garmin S42	Garmin S44
Weight	Very light	Slightly heavier
Strap comfort	Soft silicone	Soft silicone
Wrist profile	Slim	Slim but chunkier

Rating: Garmin S42 – 9/10 | Garmin S44 – 8/10

"S42 wins by being lighter; you forget it's there."

Golf Features: On-Course Performance

Short intro: Look at the core golf tools each provides.

Feature	Garmin S42	Garmin S44
Course database	42k+ courses	42k+ courses
AutoShot	Yes	Yes
Hazard mapping	Basic	More detailed
Green view / pin position	Yes	Enhanced visual pin placement

Rating: Garmin S42 – 8/10 | Garmin S44 – 9/10

"Both strong, but S44 adds better visuals for tricky holes."

Value for Money: Which Gives More Bang?

Short intro: Consider price vs features and how often you play.

Factor	Garmin S42	Garmin S44
Price point	Lower	Higher
Feature upgrade vs price	Moderate	Premium for cost
Cost per round (frequent play)	Low	Medium

Rating: Garmin S42 – 9/10 | Garmin S44 – 7.5/10

"S42 is best for value; S44 is worth it if you use the extra features."

Daily Smartwatch Use: Wear Outside Golf

Short intro: How each performs as an everyday smartwatch.

Feature	Garmin S42	Garmin S44
Health tracking	Basic	Advanced visuals
Notifications	Yes	Yes
Display appeal	Functional	Stylish (AMOLED)
Battery impact with daily use	Moderate	Better optimized

Rating: Garmin S42 – 7.5/10 | Garmin S44 – 8.5/10

"S44 looks and feels more like a daily smartwatch."

Durability & Build: Which Lasts?

Short intro: Both watches take knocks. I wore them in rain and rain-soaked practice.

Test	Garmin S42	Garmin S44
Water resistance	Swim-rated	Swim-rated
Bezel / finish	Ceramic or plastic options	Aluminum option
Scratch resistance	Good	Good to better

Rating: Garmin S42 – 8/10 | Garmin S44 – 8.5/10

"Both are tough. S44 has a slightly more premium build."

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you play often and want the clearest on-course view plus longer battery, pick the Garmin S44. It's better for frequent players and those who want a sharper display. If you want a light, simple, and more affordable golf GPS watch that covers essentials well, choose the Garmin S42. The S42 wins on comfort and value; the S44 wins on display and polish.

Both suit real golfers. Your choice depends on how much you value screen clarity and battery over price and lightness.

FAQs Of garmin s42 vs s44

What is the main difference between garmin s42 vs s44?

The main difference is display and battery. The S44 uses an AMOLED screen and has longer battery life. The S42 is lighter and costs less.

Which one is better for casual golfers?

For casual golfers, the S42 is often better. It is simple, light, and offers core golf features at a lower price. The S44 is overkill if you rarely play.

Does the S44 improve shot tracking over the S42?

Both use AutoShot. The S44 gives clearer visual feedback and slightly better mapping, which helps review shots. Raw tracking capability is similar.

Will I notice a big battery difference between garmin s42 vs s44?

Yes, you will notice it in heavy use. The S44 holds up better across multiple rounds and with daily smartwatch use.

Which is better value for money between garmin s42 vs s44?

The S42 is better value for casual players. The S44 is better value for frequent players who will use the improved display and battery.

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I used both watches across many rounds. If you want a quick nudge: pick S42 for value and light feel, pick S44 for display and stamina. The garmin s42 vs s44 choice comes down to how often you play and how much you value screen clarity.