Both are solid golf watches — S12 is simple and long‑lasting; S42 adds touchscreen and smartwatch features.
I was on the course, juggling tee times and a phone in my pocket, and I wanted a watch that just works. The garmin s12 vs s42 each solve that in different ways. The S12 keeps things minimal and reliable. The S42 adds a touchscreen, style, and extras. I tested both across a few rounds and daily wear. I'll share what I learned to help you pick between garmin s12 vs s42.
Garmin Approach S12, Easy-to-Use GPS…
New round watch design with a high-resolution sunlight-readable display Battery life: up to 30 hours in GPS Mode More than 42,000 courses preloaded from around…
Garmin Approach S42, GPS Golf…
1.2” easy-to-read color touchscreen display with interchangeable quick release bands.Control Method:Touch,Application.Special Feature:Color Touchscreen; Quick Release Bands; 42,000+ Preloaded Courses; Keep Track and Keep Score; Green…
Is Garmin Approach S12 Good?
Yes — for golfers who want a focused, easy GPS watch. It’s great for players who want clear yardages, long battery life, and no fuss. The S12 is built to be simple. It shows front, middle, and back distances. It auto-updates courses and feels light on my wrist. If you want a watch that stays on course for many rounds without charging, the S12 fits the bill.
I used the S12 for six weeks of mostly walking rounds. I liked that I didn’t touch a screen mid-swing. One morning, the battery was still strong after three 18-hole days. Another time, I relied on it in wet weather and it stayed accurate. These small wins matter when you are focused on the shot. The S12 made the rounds feel less cluttered and more about golf.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Lightweight, simple GPS watch with clear yardages.
- 42,000+ preloaded courses and auto course updates.
- Up to 30 hours GPS battery life in GPS mode.
- Shows front, middle, back distances and hazards.
- Basic shot distance and stat tracking via Garmin Golf app.
What I Like
- Very easy to read during play. No learning curve.
- Long battery life kept it running through multi-day outings.
- Durable and water-resistant. Took rain with no worries.
- Quick course lock and reliable yardages on every hole.
- Low profile looks good under a jacket cuff.
What Could Be Better
- No touchscreen; navigation is button-only.
- Limited smartwatch features (no music, limited notifications).
- Basic fitness tracking only.
My Recommendation
Great for golfers who want a rugged, long‑lasting GPS watch without smartwatch extras. Affordable and reliable.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Weekend golfers | Long battery life and simple use on course |
| Players who dislike distractions | No touchscreen or flashy smart features |
| Golfers on a budget | Lower cost with core golf features |
Is Garmin Approach S42 Good?
It depends — if you want a nicer look and more daily features, yes. The S42 keeps all core golf tools and adds a touchscreen, better display, and smart features. For me, it felt like a hybrid: a good golf tool and a wearable for daily life. The S42 fits golfers who want style and some smartwatch perks while still focusing on golf.
I wore the S42 for a week of mixed use. On the course, the touchscreen made quick tasks easier. Off the course, I liked seeing notifications and steps. One afternoon I used it during a walk to track activity. Another day it looked smart with a casual outfit. The S42 made switching from golf mode to daily life smoother than the S12 did.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1.2" sunlight‑readable touchscreen display.
- 42,000+ preloaded courses with auto updates.
- Smartwatch notifications, activity tracking, and Garmin Pay (in some regions).
- Built-in watch faces and lightweight design.
- Golf features: hazards, layups, stat tracking, and green view.
What I Like
- Clean, modern look I can wear off course.
- Touchscreen speeds up quick menu actions.
- Good balance of golf tools and daily tracking.
- Easy pairing and course updates via Garmin Express.
- Crisp screen that's readable in sun.
What Could Be Better
- Shorter battery life than S12 with GPS on.
- Touchscreen can be fiddly with wet hands.
- More features raise the price vs S12.
My Recommendation
Choose S42 if you want golf focus plus daily smartwatch style and convenience.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Style-conscious golfers | Touchscreen and refined design |
| Everyday wearers | Smartwatch features and activity tracking |
| Golfers wanting extra features | More than basic golf metrics |
garmin s12 vs s42: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both watches on the same rounds and wore each daily. Below are direct category tests from my hands-on use. The goal was simple: see which fits your needs in real life when choosing between garmin s12 vs s42.
Design & Display: Which Looks Better?
Both watches are light and slim. S12 is basic with a monochrome display. S42 has a color touchscreen and more style.
| Feature | Garmin S12 | Garmin S42 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Monochrome, button nav | 1.2" color touchscreen |
| Readability in sun | Very good | Very good |
| Style for daily wear | Simple | Modern, classy |
| Weight feel | Very light | Light |
Rating: Garmin S12 – 8/10 | Garmin S42 – 9/10
"S42 wins for looks and modern display. S12 wins for pure simplicity."
Battery Life: Which Lasts Longer?
Battery life matters when you play back-to-back days. S12 focuses on long runtimes. S42 adds features at a battery cost.
| Metric | Garmin S12 | Garmin S42 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS mode hours | ~30 hrs | ~15 hrs |
| Typical daily use | Multiple days | 2–4 days |
| Charging frequency | Rare | More frequent |
| Power saving options | Basic | Several modes |
Rating: Garmin S12 – 9/10 | Garmin S42 – 7/10
"S12 has the clear edge for battery life and fewer charges."
Golf Features & Accuracy: Which Tracks Better?
Both have core golf tools. GPS yardages are reliable on both.
| Feature | Garmin S12 | Garmin S42 |
|---|---|---|
| Yardages (F/M/B) | Yes | Yes |
| Hazards & layups | Yes | Yes |
| Green view & pin position | Basic | Enhanced |
| Shot tracking | Basic | Advanced via app |
Rating: Garmin S12 – 8/10 | Garmin S42 – 9/10
"S42 offers slightly richer golf features, but S12 is very solid for core needs."
Ease of Use & Controls: Which Is Smoother?
Buttons vs touchscreen. I found both intuitive, but the approach differs.
| Task | Garmin S12 | Garmin S42 |
|---|---|---|
| Quick yardage check | One button | Tap or swipe |
| Menu navigation | Button presses | Touch gestures |
| Wet-weather use | Reliable | Touch can lag |
| Learning curve | Minimal | Low to moderate |
Rating: Garmin S12 – 9/10 | Garmin S42 – 8/10
"S12 is dead simple. S42 is easy, but touchscreen adds learning and occasional friction."
Fitness & Smart Features: Which Does More?
If you want daily tracking and smart alerts, S42 expands the toolbox.
| Feature | Garmin S12 | Garmin S42 |
|---|---|---|
| Activity tracking | Basic | Full activity tracking |
| Notifications | Limited | Yes, phone alerts |
| Watch faces & apps | Few | More customization |
| Contactless pay | No | Some models yes |
Rating: Garmin S12 – 6/10 | Garmin S42 – 9/10
"S42 clearly wins for lifestyle and smartwatch features."
Value & Price: Which Gives More Bang?
Price should match needs. S12 is budget-friendly. S42 costs more for added features.
| Consideration | Garmin S12 | Garmin S42 |
|---|---|---|
| Price point | Lower | Higher |
| Features per dollar | High for core golf | Good for hybrid users |
| Long-term value | Great if you want simplicity | Great if you use extras |
| Upgrade necessity | Low | Depends on smart needs |
Rating: Garmin S12 – 9/10 | Garmin S42 – 7/10
"S12 wins for pure value. S42 is better value only if you use smartwatch perks."
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a straightforward, long‑lasting golf GPS, buy the Garmin Approach S12. It gives reliable yardages, great battery life, and fewer distractions. Ideal for golfers focused on play.
If you want a golf watch that doubles as a daily smartwatch with a nicer display, choose the Garmin Approach S42. It adds touchscreen, notifications, and style for life on and off the course.
FAQs Of garmin s12 vs s42
What is the main difference between garmin s12 vs s42?
The S12 focuses on long battery life and simplicity. The S42 adds a color touchscreen, smart features, and a sleeker design.
Which has better battery life: garmin s12 vs s42?
The Garmin S12 has better battery life, especially in GPS mode. S42 offers less runtime due to the touchscreen and extra features.
Can both handle wet weather during play?
Yes. Both are water-resistant and can handle rain. The S12 buttons work better when wet than the S42 touchscreen.
Which is better for everyday wear: garmin s12 vs s42?
S42 is better for daily wear. It has a nicer display, watch faces, and smartphone features. The S12 is more golf-focused.
Are the golf features different between garmin s12 vs s42?
Core golf features are similar. S42 adds enhanced green view and more on-screen detail. Both provide accurate yardages and course coverage.
I used both watches across several rounds and daily wear to share real, hands‑on insights. If you tell me how you play and what you want off the course, I can point you to the best pick between garmin s12 vs s42.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
