Garmin Lily 2 vs Apple Watch Series 11
The Garmin Lily 2 and the Apple Watch Series 11 are two different answers to the same everyday smartwatch brief, each with its own set of priorities. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Garmin Lily 2 takes 1 of 3 areas against the Apple Watch Series 11, starting with battery life. The Garmin Lily 2 launched $149 lower than the Apple Watch Series 11, so every advantage on the pricier side has to earn its keep.
At a glance
- Health & Fitness Sensors Tie
- Battery Life Garmin Lily 2 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch Series 11 wins
- Price Garmin Lily 2 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors3.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity0.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors3.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity10.0
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
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The Garmin Lily 2 has 400% more rated battery life
This is a headline difference. With 5 days to the Apple Watch Series 11’s 24 h, the Garmin Lily 2 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The Garmin Lily 2 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends.
-
The Apple Watch Series 11 has a cellular option
The Apple Watch Series 11 has it; the Garmin Lily 2 doesn’t. No percentages needed. A cellular option lets the watch take calls, receive messages and stream music without your phone nearby.
-
The Apple Watch Series 11 has an 11 mm larger case
The Apple Watch Series 11 goes bigger with 46 mm; the Garmin Lily 2 keeps it to 35 mm. Pick the one that matches how you’ll use it. Larger cases often hold larger batteries, but they can catch on sleeves and feel bulky during sleep.
-
The Apple Watch Series 11 has contactless payments
For anyone who wants contactless payments, the Garmin Lily 2 is out of the running. The Apple Watch Series 11 supports tap-to-pay; the Garmin Lily 2 doesn’t.
Design & Size
- Garmin Lily 2 35 mm
- Apple Watch Series 11 46 mm × 0.38 in
Going by the official dimensions, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the larger of the two.
Design & Durability
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 35 mm | 46 mm |
| Available sizes | 35 mm | 42 mm, 46 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | N/A (not specified) | Aluminum, titanium |
| Thickness | N/A (not specified) | 0.38 in |
| Weight (largest, no band) | N/A (not specified) | 1.33 oz |
Display
This section is descriptive. The Garmin Lily 2 and the Apple Watch Series 11 list different components for display, and the table spells them out.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Too close to call
Both the Garmin Lily 2 and the Apple Watch Series 11 cover health & fitness sensors equally well on paper. Neither watch gives you a reason to choose it on health & fitness sensors.
Battery Life
Garmin Lily 2 leads
This is one of the Garmin Lily 2’s strongest areas. On battery life, the Apple Watch Series 11 falls well short. The Garmin Lily 2 takes this one with 400% more rated battery life. Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both. So if battery life tops your list, lean toward the Garmin Lily 2.
Rated battery life
Garmin Lily 2: 5 days Apple Watch Series 11: 24 h Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 11 leads
The Apple Watch Series 11 does a little better in the smart features & connectivity section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Garmin Lily 2. The Apple Watch Series 11 adds a cellular option. Cellular models usually cost more and need a plan, so it’s only worth it if you’ll use the freedom. For smart features & connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the one to beat.
Cellular option
Garmin Lily 2: no Apple Watch Series 11: yes With the Apple Watch Series 11, you can leave your phone at home on a run; the Garmin Lily 2 depends on it for connectivity.
Contactless payments
Garmin Lily 2: no Apple Watch Series 11: yes Payment support depends on your bank and region, but having it built in is a quiet everyday convenience.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Hidden touchscreen under patterned lens | Always-On wide-angle LTPO3 OLED |
| Resolution (largest) | N/A (not specified) | 416 x 496 |
| Peak brightness | N/A (not specified) | 2,000 nits |
| Always-on display | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| Skin temperature | N/A (not specified) | Yes |
| GPS | Connected GPS (uses phone) | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 5 days (winner) | 24 h |
| Rated life in low-power modeManufacturer rating | N/A (not specified) | 38 h |
| Charging | N/A (not specified) | Fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 30 min |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | N/A (not specified) | S10 |
| Storage | N/A (not specified) | 64 GB |
| Cellular option | No | Yes (winner) |
| Contactless payments | No | Yes (winner) |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone and Android | iPhone only |
| Software | Garmin proprietary | watchOS |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 35 mm | 46 mm |
| Available sizes | 35 mm | 42 mm, 46 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | N/A (not specified) | Aluminum, titanium |
| Thickness | N/A (not specified) | 0.38 in |
| Weight (largest, no band) | N/A (not specified) | 1.33 oz |
Price
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $250 (winner) | $399 |
“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
In launch price, the Garmin Lily 2 is the clear budget pick, coming in $149 (60%) below the Apple Watch Series 11. On value, the Garmin Lily 2 is the easy call: $149 less and ahead on balance.
Based on US launch pricing as of September 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Garmin Lily 2 if…
- you want the longer rated battery life (5 days vs 24 h)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $149 matters
- you want the more compact watch
Choose the Apple Watch Series 11 if…
- you like leaving your phone at home on runs
- you want contactless payments
- you like more of everything, size included
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Garmin Lily 2 or the Apple Watch Series 11?
The Garmin Lily 2 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is a cellular option.
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Lily 2 or the Apple Watch Series 11?
The Garmin Lily 2 comes out ahead on rated battery life, with 5 days compared with 24 h on the Apple Watch Series 11.
Is the Garmin Lily 2 bigger than the Apple Watch Series 11?
It’s the Apple Watch Series 11 that is larger: 0.38 in, versus 35 mm for the Garmin Lily 2.
Is the Garmin Lily 2 cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 11?
At launch, the Garmin Lily 2 undercut the Apple Watch Series 11 by $149. These figures are as of September 2025, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Garmin Lily 2 and the Apple Watch Series 11 purely on what they offer. Here’s what matters most to me: the Garmin Lily 2 offers 400% more rated battery life. I don’t want to sell the Apple Watch Series 11 short, though: it has a cellular option.
Your priorities do the choosing here: battery life points to the Garmin Lily 2, smart features & connectivity to the Apple Watch Series 11.
My pick: the Garmin Lily 2, unless you value a cellular option above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.