Apple Watch SE 2 vs Garmin Lily 2
Few matchups in the everyday smartwatch class come up as often as the Apple Watch SE 2 against the Garmin Lily 2. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Garmin Lily 2 takes 1 of 3 areas against the Apple Watch SE 2, starting with battery life.
At a glance
- Health & Fitness Sensors Tie
- Battery Life Garmin Lily 2 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch SE 2 wins
- Price Apple Watch SE 2 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors3.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity10.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors3.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Garmin Lily 2 has 567% more rated battery life
Big gap, real consequences. The Garmin Lily 2’s 5 days versus the Apple Watch SE 2’s 18 h changes how the two compare in daily use. Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both.
-
The Apple Watch SE 2 has a cellular option
You won’t find this on the Garmin Lily 2. With the Apple Watch SE 2, it’s part of the package. Cellular models usually cost more and need a plan, so it’s only worth it if you’ll use the freedom.
-
The Apple Watch SE 2 has a 9 mm larger case
The Apple Watch SE 2 and the Garmin Lily 2 differ on case size (largest) (44 mm vs 35 mm), and this is one to judge by personal preference. Larger cases often hold larger batteries, but they can catch on sleeves and feel bulky during sleep.
-
The Apple Watch SE 2 has contactless payments
Some features are nice extras; for some people, contactless payments is a deal-breaker. Only the Apple Watch SE 2 has it. Payment support depends on your bank and region, but having it built in is a quiet everyday convenience.
Design & Size
- Apple Watch SE 2 44 mm × 0.42 in
- Garmin Lily 2 35 mm
Size-wise, the Apple Watch SE 2 takes up more space, and the Garmin Lily 2 is easier to fit where room is tight.
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | 35 mm |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | 35 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Display
We don’t score this area directly, because the display specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Too close to call
If health & fitness sensors matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Battery Life
Garmin Lily 2 leads
The Garmin Lily 2 is the clear pick if battery life is what you care about most. The Garmin Lily 2 brings 567% more rated battery life. Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier. Bottom line for battery life: the Garmin Lily 2 has the edge.
Rated battery life
Apple Watch SE 2: 18 h Garmin Lily 2: 5 days The Garmin Lily 2 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch SE 2 leads
By a small margin, the Apple Watch SE 2 is the stronger of the two in this area. The Apple Watch SE 2 has the edge with a cellular option. With the Apple Watch SE 2, you can leave your phone at home on a run; the Garmin Lily 2 depends on it for connectivity. Anyone shopping mainly on smart features & connectivity should start with the Apple Watch SE 2.
Cellular option
Apple Watch SE 2: yes Garmin Lily 2: no A cellular option lets the watch take calls, receive messages and stream music without your phone nearby.
Contactless payments
Apple Watch SE 2: yes Garmin Lily 2: no Contactless payments let you pay with a tap of your wrist, which is handy when your phone is in a bag or you’re out on a run.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Retina LTPO OLED (not always-on) | Hidden touchscreen under patterned lens |
| Resolution (largest) | 368 x 448 | N/A (not specified) |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | N/A (not specified) |
| Always-on display | No | N/A (not specified) |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | No | N/A (not specified) |
| Blood oxygen | No | N/A (not specified) |
| Skin temperature | No | N/A (not specified) |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS) | Connected GPS (uses phone) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 5 days (winner) |
| Charging | 0 to 80% in about 1.5 h | N/A (not specified) |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S8 | N/A (not specified) |
| Storage | 32 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| Cellular option | Yes (winner) | No |
| Contactless payments | Yes (winner) | No |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | iPhone and Android |
| Software | watchOS | Garmin proprietary |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | 35 mm |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | 35 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $249 | $250 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
With just $1 between them at launch, the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Garmin Lily 2 are priced as near equals. What does the Garmin Lily 2’s extra $1 actually get you? Mainly 567% more rated battery life.
These are US launch prices, recorded January 2024; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch SE 2 if…
- you want a cellular option
- you like paying with a tap of your wrist
- you’re working to a firm budget and $1 matters
Choose the Garmin Lily 2 if…
- you want the longer rated battery life (5 days vs 18 h)
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
- you already know your way around Garmin’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Garmin Lily 2?
For most people, the Garmin Lily 2 is the stronger choice, unless your top priority is a cellular option.
Does the Apple Watch SE 2 last longer on a charge than the Garmin Lily 2?
Going by the official figures, the Garmin Lily 2 leads: 5 days versus 18 h for rated battery life. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Is the Apple Watch SE 2 bigger than the Garmin Lily 2?
Size goes the other way: the Apple Watch SE 2 is larger (0.42 in), and the Garmin Lily 2 is the smaller option (35 mm).
Which costs less, the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Garmin Lily 2?
The Apple Watch SE 2 is the cheaper option, launching at $1 less than the Garmin Lily 2 (launch prices as of January 2024).
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Apple Watch SE 2 versus the Garmin Lily 2 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. I’d put 567% more rated battery life at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Garmin Lily 2. I don’t want to sell the Apple Watch SE 2 short, though: it has a cellular option.
I’d steer smart features & connectivity fans toward the Apple Watch SE 2 and battery life fans toward the Garmin Lily 2.
My pick: the Garmin Lily 2. The Apple Watch SE 2 only comes out ahead if you know that a cellular option would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.