Garmin Approach S12: specs, who it fits and compatible phones
Garmin Approach S12 is a smartwatch released in 2021 that works with iPhone and Android.
Specifications
| Release year | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Case size | 43.7 mm |
| Display | MIP |
| Battery as listed | Up to 10 days · 30 hours GPS golf |
| Water rating | 5ATM |
| Case material | Polymer |
| GPS type | Standard GPS |
| Offline maps | Yes |
| Operating system | Garmin OS |
| Works with | iPhone and Android |
| Connection | None |
| Plan needed | None |
Who it fits
- Works with iPhone and Android.
- Lists an exact water rating of 5ATM or higher.
How it compares
Closest models from Garmin
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Enduro 2 | 2022 | 51 mm | Up to 34 days · 46 solar · 110 hours GPS | 10ATM | Multi-system GNSS | iOS and Android |
| Garmin Tactix 7 AMOLED | 2023 | 51 mm | Up to 31 days · 82 hours GPS | 10ATM | Multi-system GNSS | iOS and Android |
| Garmin Venu 3 | 2023 | - | Up to 14 days (5 with always-on display) | 5ATM | Standard GPS | iOS and Android |
Closest models from other brands
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polar Grit X Pro | 2021 | 47 mm | Up to 7 days · 40 hours of GPS (100 hours in saver mode) | 10ATM | Standard GPS | iOS and Android |
| Polar Pacer Pro | 2022 | 45 mm | Up to 7 days · 35 hours of GPS (100 hours in saver mode) | 5ATM | Standard GPS | iOS and Android |
| Amazfit Active | 2023 | - | Up to 14 days | 5ATM | Standard GPS | iOS and Android |
Compared with Garmin Enduro 2, Garmin Approach S12 lists a lower ATM rating (5 against 10), a smaller case (43.7 mm against 51 mm) and an older release year (2021 against 2022).
Compared with Garmin Tactix 7 AMOLED, Garmin Approach S12 lists a lower ATM rating (5 against 10), a smaller case (43.7 mm against 51 mm) and an older release year (2021 against 2023).
Compared with Garmin Venu 3, Garmin Approach S12 lists an older release year (2021 against 2023), Polymer case material, where Garmin Venu 3 lists Fiber-reinforced polymer with a stainless steel bezel and offline maps, which Garmin Venu 3 does not list.
Compared with Polar Grit X Pro, Garmin Approach S12 lists a lower ATM rating (5 against 10) and a smaller case (43.7 mm against 47 mm).
Compared with Polar Pacer Pro, Garmin Approach S12 lists an older release year (2021 against 2022) and Polymer case material, where Polar Pacer Pro lists Aluminum/polymer.
Compared with Amazfit Active, Garmin Approach S12 lists an older release year (2021 against 2023) and Polymer case material, where Amazfit Active lists Aluminum.
Only values listed exactly are compared.
Position in the catalog
Its case size of 43.7 mm is larger than 21% of 52 smartwatches with a single exact size. Its exact water rating of 5ATM is above 4% of 78 smartwatches with a single exact ATM rating. It was released in 2021. Among 128 smartwatches with an exact release year, 9% were released in 2021 or earlier and 96% were released in 2021 or later.
Phone compatibility and plan
No plan is listed as needed.
Related guides and lists
- Battery life explained
- Phone compatibility
- Water resistance ratings
- Sensors explained
- Garmin smartwatches
- All models
Last verified September 26, 2026
Features change with updates. Check the maker's current details. See our methodology