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Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch vs Garmin Approach S50

Both are 43,000-course Garmin golf watches with 1.2-inch AMOLED screens, 5 ATM water resistance and full health tracking, so the golf basics are close. The S70 is the step-up model: ceramic bezel, scratch-proof screen, Virtual Caddie, Green Contour data, AutoShot shot tracking and wind-adjusted club suggestions. The S50 is aluminum with Gorilla Glass 3 and a simpler feature set, which suits golfers who want yardages and fitness tracking without the extra analytics. Reviewers rate both 4.6, but the S70 has far more owner feedback, with praise for GPS accuracy and display and complaints about weak Bluetooth and high cost.

  • Choose the Garmin Approach S70 if you want shot tracking, Virtual Caddie, Green Contour data and a ceramic, scratch-proof build, and you will use the deeper round analytics.
  • Choose the Garmin Approach S50 if you want the same course maps and health tracking in a lighter aluminum watch and do not need Virtual Caddie or AutoShot.

Prices

  • Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch: $325.00 at jabarinox.myshopify.com (checked today)
  • Garmin Approach S50: $200.00 at jabarinox.myshopify.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the Garmin Approach S50 is $125.00 cheaper than the Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch today
Garmin
Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch

Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch

4.6(1,700 ratings)
$325.00at jabarinox.myshopify.comObserved at 9:54 AM
See all prices and details
Visit jabarinox.myshopify.com
Pros
  • Virtual Caddie and wind-adjusted club recommendations
  • AutoShot tracks shots and builds round stats
  • Green Contour data with Garmin Golf membership
  • Ceramic bezel and scratch-proof screen hold up well
  • Accurate GPS and a bright AMOLED screen readable in sunlight
Cons
  • Some owners report weak Bluetooth that drops connection
  • Heavier at 44 g than the aluminum S50
  • Advanced analytics need a Garmin Golf membership
  • Costs more than the S50
Garmin
Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Smartwatch

Garmin Approach S50

Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Smartwatch

4.6(473 ratings)
$200.00at jabarinox.myshopify.comObserved at 9:54 AM
See all prices and details
Visit jabarinox.myshopify.com
Pros
  • Same 43,000+ preloaded courses as the S70
  • Pulse Ox, Body Battery and sleep tracking
  • Gorilla Glass 3 and aluminum case keep it light
  • Optional always-on display mode
  • Simpler interface for golfers who just want yardages
Cons
  • No Virtual Caddie, AutoShot or Green Contour data
  • No barometric altimeter
  • Gorilla Glass 3 is less scratch resistant than the S70 screen
  • Fewer owner ratings to draw on

What separates them

Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf WatchGarmin Approach S50
Case and bezel42 mm case with ceramic bezel43 mm case with anodized aluminum bezel
Screen protectionScratch-proof screenCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Golf analyticsVirtual Caddie, wind-adjusted club suggestions, Green Contour data, AutoShot round analyzerYardages to front, middle and back, layups, doglegs, hazards and targets
Sensor setGPS, heart rate, sleep, steps, caloriesGPS, heart rate, Pulse Ox, Body Battery, sleep, steps, digital compass, no barometric altimeter
Display1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, color1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen at 390 x 390, optional always-on mode
Water resistance5 ATM5 ATM
Weight44 gNot listed; aluminum case is lighter than ceramic
Owner feedback volume4.6 from about 1,700 ratings; some report weak Bluetooth4.6 from about 470 ratings

Price history

  • Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch: lowest $325.00 on Nov 9 at jabarinox.myshopify.com.
  • Garmin Approach S50: lowest $200.00 on Nov 9 at jabarinox.myshopify.com.

Prices at every store

Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch

  • jabarinox.myshopify.comNew

    In stock

    $325.00Observed at 9:54 AM
    Visit jabarinox.myshopify.com
  • 2nd Swing GolfNew

    In stock

    $429.99Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit 2nd Swing Golf
  • GreenTee Golf ShopNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $588.00Observed at 9:54 AM
    Visit GreenTee Golf Shop
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by mar_868496 (0% positive, 0 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $475.00+ $10.05 shippingVerified
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 37 stores and price history →

Garmin Approach S50

  • jabarinox.myshopify.comNew

    In stock

    $200.00Observed at 9:54 AM
    Visit jabarinox.myshopify.com
  • Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $370.99Observed at 9:54 AM
    Visit Home Depot
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $370.99Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit The Home Depot
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $370.00Free shippingObserved at 9:54 AM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • PlayBetter.comCheck price at PlayBetter.com
All 25 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecGarmin Approach S70 GPS Golf WatchGarmin Approach S50
Water Resistance5 ATM5 ATM
WaterproofYesYes
Scratch ResistanceScratch proof (screen)Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Hardware SensorsGPSGPS
GPSYesYes
Heart Rate MonitoringYesYes
Sleep MonitoringYesYes
Step CountingYesYes
Calorie ComputationYesYes
Tracking Feature TypeActivity tracking, Location trackingLocation tracking
Case MaterialCeramic (bezel)Aluminum
Case Size42 mm43mm
Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
SpecGarmin Approach S70 GPS Golf WatchGarmin Approach S50
Activities TrackedGolf, Health monitoring, YogaHealth tracking, Fitness tracking
Tracking TypeGPSGPS
Display Diagonal Size1.2 inches1.2-inch
Display TypeAMOLEDAMOLED
Touch ScreenYesYes
Display FeaturesColor displayColor display
Step CounterYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Operating SystemAndroid—

What reviewers say

Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf Watch

  • 4.6 / 5Google Shopping · 1,725 ratings

Reviewers rate the S70 highly, praising accurate GPS, a vibrant display and all-in-one on-watch performance. Complaints are limited but consistent: it sits at the top of the golf watch market, and one owner reports weak Bluetooth.

What people mention
  • GPS accuracyPraisedOwners say yardages and hole layouts are reliable round after round.
  • DisplayPraisedThe AMOLED screen is called vibrant and easy to read in direct sunlight.
  • Battery lifePraisedReviewers report long battery life despite the bright display.
  • WeightPraisedAt 44 g it is described as light and comfortable for a full round.

Garmin Approach S50

  • 4.6 / 5473 ratings

Owners rate it highly, praising the bright screen, accurate distances and comfortable fit. Complaints center on battery life during rounds and the lack of a barometric altimeter.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners say the AMOLED screen is bright and easy to read in sunlight.
  • BatteryCriticisedSome golfers report the battery drains quickly during long rounds.
  • FitPraisedThe 43mm case is described as light and comfortable for all-day wear.
  • AccuracyPraised
Reviews
  • I’ve used the Garmin S70 Approach for months and it’s probably the best golf watch I’ve ever used

Questions and answers

Which is better for lowering my score?
The S70. Virtual Caddie gives wind-adjusted club suggestions and AutoShot logs every shot, so you get post-round data on what went wrong. The S50 gives accurate yardages but no shot tracking or club advice.
Do both have the same courses?
Yes. Both come with more than 43,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide, so course coverage is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Which lasts longer?
The S70's ceramic bezel and scratch-proof screen resist wear better than the S50's aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3. Both are 5 ATM water resistant, so rain and hand washing are fine for either.
Is the S70 worth stepping up to?
If you play regularly and want shot tracking, Green Contour greens data and club recommendations, yes. If you mainly want front, middle and back yardages plus health tracking, the S50 covers that.
Which is better for daily wear and fitness?
The S50 adds Pulse Ox and Body Battery and is lighter in aluminum. The S70 also tracks heart rate, sleep, steps and yoga, but weighs 44 g.
Does either have a barometric altimeter?
No. The S50 explicitly lacks one, and the S70's listed sensors are GPS and heart rate, so do not count on elevation data from either.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best golf GPS watches
Brand Compatibility
Garmin
—
Product CompatibilityGarmin Golf app—
Supported Device TypeSmartphones—
Weight44 g—
Heart Rate Monitor—Yes
Heart Rate Sensor—Yes
Altimeter—No (lacks barometric altimeter)
Digital Compass—Yes
Reviewers find GPS distances and course maps reliable.