The Garmin Approach S62 has been the gold standard in golf GPS watches since 2020. Then Garmin released the S70 — bigger screen, AMOLED display, more fitness features, and a $150-$200 price jump. So is the S70 worth upgrading to, or is the S62 still the smarter buy?
I’ve worn both on the course. Here’s the honest, side-by-side breakdown to help you decide which one belongs on your wrist.
What’s Actually Different Between the Garmin S62 and S70?
On the surface, these watches do the same core job — GPS yardages, Virtual Caddie, course maps, shot tracking. The differences come down to display quality, size options, fitness depth, and price. Let me walk through each one.
How Do the Displays Compare?
This is the single biggest upgrade. The S70’s AMOLED display is brighter and clearer, with the hole maps looking significantly more modern compared to the S62’s somewhat dated graphics.
The S62 uses a transflective MIP (memory-in-pixel) color display at 1.3 inches with a 260×260 pixel resolution. It’s perfectly readable in direct sunlight — actually better than AMOLED in harsh glare — but the maps and graphics look noticeably dated compared to the S70.
The S70 uses a high-resolution AMOLED touchscreen available in two sizes: 42mm (1.2″) and 47mm (1.4″), with a resolution of 454×454 or 454×545 pixels respectively. The colors pop, the course maps are dramatically sharper, and everything feels more modern.
The S62’s MIP display is actually easier to read in direct sunlight than the S70’s AMOLED. If you play mostly in bright conditions, the S62’s screen holds its own. But in any other lighting, the S70’s display is in a different league.
Is the GPS and Course Mapping Better on the S70?
Both watches come preloaded with 43,000+ courses worldwide and deliver front/center/back yardages, hazard distances, and layup numbers. The core GPS accuracy is essentially identical — I never noticed a meaningful yardage difference between them on the same hole.
Where the S70 pulls ahead:
- Updated hole maps — The S70’s course graphics show more detail including individual trees, penalty areas, and more realistic green shapes. The S62’s maps work fine but look a generation older.
- Green contour data — The S70 supports green contour heat maps showing slope and undulation (requires a $9.99/month Garmin Golf subscription). The S62 does not offer this.
- Barometer sensor — The S70 adds a barometer for temperature and altitude detection, making the “PlaysLike” distance adjustments more accurate.
- Multi-band GPS — The S70 supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and multi-frequency positioning for slightly better accuracy in tricky terrain.
For the average round, you’ll get the same yardages from both watches. The S70’s advantages show up in course visualization and adjusted-distance accuracy.
Has the Virtual Caddie Improved on the S70?
Both watches include Garmin’s Virtual Caddie, which recommends clubs based on wind speed, wind direction, elevation, and your shot history. The core functionality is the same on both watches.
The S70 adds a few refinements: the barometer feeds more accurate environmental data into the algorithm, and the “PlaysLike” distance feature is slightly more precise because it accounts for temperature and altitude changes. The S70 also includes a Tempo Training feature for working on swing tempo — something the S62 doesn’t have.
In real-world use, I found the club recommendations from both watches to be very similar. If you’re upgrading purely for a better Virtual Caddie, the improvement is incremental, not transformational.
How Does Battery Life Compare?
Both watches deliver about 20 hours in GPS golf mode — that’s roughly 2-3 full rounds before charging, which is excellent.
The difference is in smartwatch mode: the S62 offers approximately 14 days in smartwatch mode while the S70 offers 16 days. A minor edge to the S70, but both are strong.
Both charge via proprietary cables — the S70 uses USB-C, while the S62 uses a standard USB connector. If you’re a USB-C household, the S70 is more convenient. If you’re not, pack an adapter.
What About Fitness and Health Features?
This is where the S70 significantly separates itself. The S62 has basic fitness tracking — step counting, heart rate monitoring, a few activity profiles for running, cycling, and swimming.
The S70 is essentially a full Garmin fitness watch that also plays golf:
- Body Battery — energy level tracking throughout the day
- Advanced sleep tracking — sleep stages, sleep score, and recovery insights
- Stress monitoring — real-time stress levels with breathing exercises
- 1600+ workout profiles — including golf-specific fitness plans via Garmin Coach
- Onboard music storage — leave your phone behind during workouts
- Jet lag adviser — useful if you travel for golf trips
If you want one watch for golf and daily fitness, the S70 is a genuinely capable all-in-one device. The S62 is a golf watch that does some fitness tracking on the side.
How Do the Size and Comfort Compare?
The S70 weighs 57 grams compared to the S62’s 63 grams, and is also thinner, making it feel less bulky on the wrist.
The S70 also comes in two sizes (42mm and 47mm), while the S62 only comes in 47mm. If you have smaller wrists, the 42mm S70 is a much better fit — and it doesn’t sacrifice screen quality thanks to the AMOLED display.
One quirk: the S70’s strap is pre-molded and doesn’t lay flat when you take it off, which is mildly annoying for nightstand placement. The S62’s strap lays flat. Minor, but worth noting.
Garmin S62 vs S70: Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin S62 | Garmin S70 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$500 | $650-$700 |
| Display | 1.3″ MIP color (260×260) | 1.2″ or 1.4″ AMOLED (454×454+) |
| Size options | 47mm only | 42mm or 47mm |
| Weight | 63g | 57g |
| Preloaded courses | 43,000+ | 43,000+ |
| Virtual Caddie | Yes | Yes (improved) |
| PlaysLike distance | Yes | Yes (+ barometer) |
| Green contours | No | Yes ($9.99/mo sub) |
| GPS battery | ~20 hours | ~20 hours |
| Smartwatch battery | ~14 days | ~16 days |
| Body Battery | No | Yes |
| Advanced sleep | Basic | Yes (stages + score) |
| Onboard music | No | Yes |
| Tempo Training | No | Yes |
| Multi-band GPS | No | Yes |
| Charger | Standard USB | USB-C |
| CT10 compatible | Yes | Yes |
So Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Garmin S62 if:
- You primarily want excellent golf GPS and don’t need deep fitness tracking
- You want to save $150-$200 and still get 95% of the on-course experience
- You play mostly in bright sunlight (the MIP display excels here)
- You don’t care about green contour data or onboard music
Buy the Garmin S70 if:
- You want one watch for golf, fitness, and daily wear
- Display quality matters to you — the AMOLED screen is a dramatic upgrade
- You want the 42mm size option (great for smaller wrists)
- You want green contour data (with Garmin Golf subscription)
- You’ll actually use Body Battery, advanced sleep tracking, and workout profiles
My take: If you already own an S62 and it’s working well, the S70 isn’t a must-upgrade. The on-course golf experience is 90% the same. But if you’re buying fresh and can afford the $650-$700, the S70 is the better long-term investment — especially if you’ll use the fitness features daily. If budget matters, the S62 remains an excellent golf watch at a lower price point.
For new buyers, the S70 is the better overall watch — premium AMOLED display, lighter build, comprehensive fitness features, and green contour support. But the S62 at ~$500 is still one of the best golf GPS watches you can buy if budget is a factor.
Garmin Approach S62
The budget-friendly choice — excellent golf GPS, Virtual Caddie, and no subscription required.
Check S62 Price on AmazonGarmin Approach S70
The premium pick — AMOLED display, advanced fitness, green contours, and the best golf watch Garmin makes.
Check S70 Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin S70 worth the upgrade from the S62?
If you already own an S62 and it’s working well, the on-course golf experience is about 90% the same. The S70’s main upgrades are the AMOLED display, green contour support, and significantly better fitness features. If you want a true all-in-one golf and fitness watch, the upgrade is worth it. If you only use it for golf GPS, the S62 still delivers.
What is the price difference between the Garmin S62 and S70?
The Garmin Approach S62 retails for around $500. The S70 comes in two sizes: the 47mm at $650 and the 42mm at $700. That’s a $150-$200 premium for the S70, which gets you the AMOLED display, two size options, advanced fitness features, and green contour support.
Does the Garmin S62 or S70 have better GPS accuracy?
Both watches deliver essentially identical GPS yardages on the course, with 43,000+ preloaded courses. The S70 adds multi-band GPS and a barometer sensor, which improve the PlaysLike adjusted distances slightly — but for standard front/center/back yardages, there’s no meaningful difference.
Can I see green contours on the Garmin S62?
No. Green contour heat maps showing slope and undulation are only available on the S70, and require a Garmin Golf subscription ($9.99/month). The S62 does not support this feature even with the subscription.
Which Garmin golf watch has better battery life?
They’re very close. Both watches get approximately 20 hours in GPS golf mode (2-3 full rounds). In smartwatch mode, the S70 lasts about 16 days vs 14 days for the S62. The difference is minimal for most golfers.
Is the Garmin S62 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The S62 remains an excellent golf GPS watch with accurate yardages, Virtual Caddie, shot tracking (with CT10 sensors), and solid smartwatch basics — all at about $150-$200 less than the S70. If you primarily want a golf GPS and don’t need advanced fitness tracking, the S62 is still a smart buy.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, GolfEdge.ai may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own based on real on-course testing.