Compare Garmin Approach S62 vs TicWatch Pro 5

P1 Garmin Approach S62
P2 TicWatch Pro 5

Comparison Takeaways

Garmin Approach S62

Where It Has the Edge

  • cross-platform compatibility is 4.5 vs 2.0. Cross-platform compatibility was strong, with support for both iOS and Android called out positively.
  • score tracking is 4.0 vs 2.0. Score tracking was usually easy and straightforward, but fairway-hit accuracy and missed entries required cleanup for the best...
  • band quality is 3.9 vs 2.7. Band quality was generally good, with praise for the silicone strap, but not everyone found it luxurious.
  • fit is 4.1 vs 3.0. Fit was mostly positive for swing use, though one reviewer noted the watch sits high on skinny wrists.

TicWatch Pro 5

Where It Has the Edge

  • onboard music storage is 4.5 vs 1.5. Onboard storage was useful for offline music and apps, especially with the large 32GB capacity.
  • third-party app support is 4.6 vs 2.0. Third-party app support was consistently strong thanks to Play Store availability and broad watch-face or fitness-app options.
  • heart rate accuracy is 3.9 vs 1.8. Heart-rate accuracy was often praised against Apple Watch or chest-strap references, but some reviewers saw lag or high-intensity...
  • music controls is 4.6 vs 2.5. Music controls received positive feedback for quick access from the watch face and media-control complication.
Average score
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.6
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.9
activity auto-detection
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.1

Automatic shot and activity detection was usually praised, but reviewers noted manual club entry and missed chips or putts kept it from being fully automatic.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.5

Auto-detection split reviewers: some found it excellent or reliable, while another said it never worked during testing.

app ecosystem
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

The Garmin app ecosystem was viewed positively when Garmin Golf and Garmin Connect worked together for golf and fitness data.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.6

The app ecosystem benefited from Wear OS and Play Store access, but Mobvoi's own app loadout and bloatware drew criticism.

band quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.9

Band quality was generally good, with praise for the silicone strap, but not everyone found it luxurious.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
2.7

Band quality was a repeated weak spot, with complaints about cheap feel, size, fit, or limited alternatives despite one positive note.

battery life
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.6

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, with repeated praise for multiple rounds, long GPS use, and minimal charging needs.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.9

Battery life was the strongest consensus feature, with every reviewer praising multi-day endurance for a Wear OS watch.

blood oxygen tracking
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
No score yet
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.9

Blood oxygen readings were mostly acceptable in direct comparisons, though at least one reviewer saw inconsistent one-tap results.

Bluetooth connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.5

Bluetooth connectivity was praised indirectly through fast, first-time pairing and auto-connection behavior.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.6

Bluetooth connectivity was evaluated positively in one review, which found it easy to connect and stable within range.

body temperature tracking
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
No score yet
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

Body-temperature tracking received positive comparative feedback when one reviewer said it matched Oura Ring results.

brightness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Brightness was strong enough for practical use, with one review calling the screen super bright and another saying it was not too bad.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.3

Brightness feedback was mixed: some reviewers liked the screen, while others found the AMOLED layer dimmer or harder to see than rivals.

build quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Build quality was mostly premium, but one video reviewer felt the S62 did not feel meaningfully higher quality than cheaper models.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

Build quality was generally strong, with sturdy hardware and protective design, though one reviewer only found the quality satisfactory.

button controls
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.8

Button controls were appreciated for gloved use and click feel, though the touch-button mix sometimes caused confusion.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

Button controls were a highlight, with the rotating crown, clicky buttons, and haptics repeatedly praised.

call handling
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
2.3

Call handling was limited because reviewers noted you cannot take calls on the watch, with some response options restricted to Android.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.6

Call handling was serviceable but mixed, with usable microphones and speakers offset by quiet or tinny audio in several reviews.

charging convenience
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
2.0

Charging convenience was a repeated complaint because Garmin's proprietary connector frustrated reviewers.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
2.6

Charging convenience was a recurring complaint because of the proprietary, USB-A, non-wireless, or easy-to-knock-off charger.

charging speed
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Charging speed was positive where mentioned because the dedicated cable was said to juice up fast.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.6

Charging speed was consistently positive, with many reviews reporting substantial charge in about 30 minutes and full charge near an hour.

coaching features
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.3

Coaching features were divisive: some praised Virtual Caddie, PinPointer, and wind-adjusted suggestions, while others distrusted the caddie or found early recommendations inaccurate.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

The coaching-style hourly movement prompt stood out as more motivational than a generic move reminder.

comfort
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.1

Comfort was consistently positive; reviewers said it was light, wearable, and did not interfere with golf swings.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.0

Comfort was mostly acceptable for a large watch, but strap fit and night wear were issues for some reviewers.

companion app quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Companion app quality was mostly strong, especially Garmin Golf's stat review, though one review found course updates missing and another warned data needs care.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.6

The companion app was usable and often clear, but reviewers also called it rough, ordinary, dated, slow, or not very polished.

contactless payments
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.3

Contactless payments were useful in principle, but bank compatibility limitations made Garmin Pay less compelling for one UK-focused reviewer.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
5.0

Contactless payments worked perfectly in the one review that specifically evaluated Google Pay on the watch.

cross-platform compatibility
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.5

Cross-platform compatibility was strong, with support for both iOS and Android called out positively.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
2.0

Cross-platform compatibility was a drawback because reviewers repeatedly noted that the watch is Android-only and not useful for iPhone owners.

customization options
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.3

Customization was mixed: straps and faces were appreciated, but notification tailoring, especially with iPhone, was criticized.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.3

Customization was mixed: watch faces and tiles helped, but limited widgets, buttons, or third-party bands frustrated some reviewers.

display quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.1

Display quality was usually praised for color, size, and clarity, with some caveats versus Apple Watch-level display quality.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

Display quality was mostly praised for size, sharpness, color, and the clever dual-layer design, despite a few compromises.

durability
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Durability was supported by praise for Gorilla Glass, scratch resistance, and outdoor-ready construction.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.8

Durability was a consistent strength, with reviewers citing military-grade testing, scratch resistance, and real-world toughness.

fit
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.1

Fit was mostly positive for swing use, though one reviewer noted the watch sits high on skinny wrists.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.0

Fit was mixed to negative because the watch is large and can feel bulky, especially on smaller wrists.

fitness tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.5

General tracking accuracy was praised in the TechRadar verdict as accurate and feature-rich.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.7

Fitness tracking accuracy was broadly usable for casual workouts, but reviewers disagreed on whether it was reliable enough for serious athletes.

flashlight usefulness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
No score yet
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.6

The flashlight was described as useful in dark situations, though it relies on screen brightness rather than a dedicated light.

GPS accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.6

GPS accuracy was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers repeatedly saying yardages matched lasers, rangefinders, or real on-course expectations.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.5

GPS accuracy was mixed: some reviewers reported pinpoint or satisfactory route tracking, while others complained about slow locks or imperfect routes.

health tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
1.8

Health-tracking accuracy was questioned in video reviews where abnormal or implausible heart-rate behavior made the wellness alerts feel unreliable.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.7

General health tracking drew split feedback: several reviewers found it comparable or accurate, while others called the native health experience basic or mediocre.

heart rate accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
1.8

Heart-rate accuracy drew concern in two video transcripts, including a frightening abnormal-rate alert and a reading while the watch was not being worn.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.9

Heart-rate accuracy was often praised against Apple Watch or chest-strap references, but some reviewers saw lag or high-intensity discrepancies.

LTE connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
No score yet
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
1.8

LTE connectivity was criticized only through its absence, with one reviewer calling the lack of cellular a missed opportunity.

mapping and navigation
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.3

Mapping and navigation were major strengths, especially hazard views, hole maps, PinPointer, layup targeting, and on-watch course planning.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

Mapping and navigation feedback was positive, with reviewers appreciating the on-watch GPS display and turn-by-turn directions.

materials quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.5

Materials quality was mixed: the ceramic-bezel build was praised, but one reviewer felt it did not feel significantly higher quality than the S42.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.7

Materials quality drew positive marks for aluminum, fiberglass/nylon construction, and durable-feeling hardware.

menu navigation
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.1

Menu navigation was mostly easy and intuitive, though one review found the mixed touch-and-button flow took some acclimation.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

Menu navigation was helped by the crown and Wear OS layout, making app and tile access easy for reviewers.

music controls
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
2.5

Music controls were only mixed because the control widget worked but did not automatically surface when music was playing.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.6

Music controls received positive feedback for quick access from the watch face and media-control complication.

onboard music storage
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
1.5

Onboard music storage was a clear weakness because one review listed lack of music storage as a con.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

Onboard storage was useful for offline music and apps, especially with the large 32GB capacity.

operating system experience
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
2.5

Operating system experience was limited versus Apple watchOS or Wear OS, and one reviewer said the smartwatch polish was not on that level.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

Wear OS experience was generally strong, with reviewers praising the modern interface while flagging uncertain future updates.

outdoor visibility
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Outdoor visibility was generally strong in sun, though one reviewer said direct-sun readability was worse than other golf watches.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.3

Outdoor visibility was generally good because of the low-power display, even though glare hurt one review's display score.

pairing reliability
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.5

Pairing reliability scored well because pairing and reconnecting were described as fast and dependable.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.9

Pairing and setup were consistently praised as fast, seamless, or unusually easy.

recovery insights
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Recovery-style Body Battery guidance was described positively as clever when tied to energy and readiness insights.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.1

Recovery guidance was appreciated after workouts, though one reviewer wanted it to update dynamically instead of staying as a static number.

reliability
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.2

Reliability was mostly positive after setup, though one reviewer had initial GPS trouble before later trouble-free use.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.8

Reliability was mixed: some reviewers saw stable everyday use, while others flagged kinks, bugs, updates, or syncing concerns.

score tracking
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Score tracking was usually easy and straightforward, but fairway-hit accuracy and missed entries required cleanup for the best data.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
2.0

Score tracking was criticized because the Mobvoi Health app did not clearly explain how sleep score was calculated.

size options
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
2.8

Size options and sizing were a caveat, with reviewers noting the thicker profile and 47mm case could suit some wrists better than others.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
2.3

Size options were criticized because the watch comes in one large size and may not suit small wrists.

sleep tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
No score yet
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
2.9

Sleep tracking was one of the weaker areas: a few reviewers liked the presentation, but many found sleep stages, duration, or scores less trustworthy.

smartphone notifications
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.3

Smartphone notifications were useful for staying off the phone, but iPhone notification control was criticized as too limited.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

Notifications and messaging were generally smooth, with quick notification delivery and workable on-watch replies.

smartwatch features
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.1

Smartwatch features were a major strength overall, though one reviewer felt the S62 lacked Apple Watch-style quality-of-life polish.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

Core smartwatch features were usually praised as versatile and complete, although some reviews still noted missing pieces.

software smoothness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.7

Software smoothness was praised, with faster yardage/map behavior, fast GPS updates, and quick course loading called out.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.9

Software smoothness was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly describing fast, lag-free, snappy performance.

step counting accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
No score yet
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
2.8

Step counting drew a single negative note where the count appeared to update only intermittently.

stress tracking
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
No score yet
Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.1

Stress tracking was useful for quick checks in one review, but another found the feature poorly explained and less useful.

style and design
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.7

Style and design were a standout, with several reviewers calling it stylish, modern, premium, or among the best-looking golf watches.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.0

Style and design were subjective: several reviewers liked the rugged or standout look, while others found it dull or uninspiring.

third-party app support
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
2.0

Third-party app support was a limitation because reviewers stressed that Wear OS and Apple watchOS apps are unavailable.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.6

Third-party app support was consistently strong thanks to Play Store availability and broad watch-face or fitness-app options.

touchscreen responsiveness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.8

Touchscreen responsiveness was mostly good and useful for maps, but some reviewers found touch navigation confusing or not especially responsive.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.3

Touchscreen responsiveness was usually strong, though one reviewer found the screen and buttons overly sensitive.

user interface
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.2

The user interface was generally considered intuitive and low-fuss after a short learning curve.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

The interface was mostly praised as positive, breezy, or easy to use, though one reviewer found Mobvoi's health-app structure confusing.

value for money
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.8

Value for money was context-dependent: reviewers praised value for serious golfers using all features, but questioned the price for basic yardages or casual play.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

Value was mostly positive because reviewers felt the battery, hardware, and features justified the price, though not everyone loved the market pricing.

voice assistant quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
1.5

Voice assistant quality was poor in the evidence because the watch lacked a Siri-style assistant.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
1.8

Voice assistant support was the clearest weakness, with many reviewers criticizing the lack of Google Assistant.

watch face quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Watch face quality was positive, with reviewers appreciating downloadable/customizable faces and a normal analog-style look.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
3.7

Watch faces were polarizing, ranging from brilliant built-ins to dated, rigid, paid, or less polished options.

water resistance
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.0

Water resistance was treated as useful because reviewers noted swimming and water-based activity tracking.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.3

Water resistance was viewed positively where reviewers discussed swimming, rain, or 5ATM protection as practical benefits.

wellness insights
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
3.7

Wellness insights were generally useful, especially Body Battery and workout-related metrics, though one reviewer said those insights were not really for him.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.4

Wellness insights, especially the dual-display heart-zone and one-tap tools, were repeatedly considered handy or clever despite occasional limitations.

workout tracking variety
Product 1: Garmin Approach S62
4.2

Reviewers consistently liked the breadth of workout modes, treating the S62 as a legitimate multisport or fitness watch rather than only a golf device.

Product 2: TicWatch Pro 5
4.1

Workout selection was generally praised for having many modes, although one lab-style review called the fitness limitations a dealbreaker.