To determine which device serves as the better fitness companion, I conducted a practical test by wearing the Apple Watch Series 12 on one wrist and the Garmin Forerunner 170 on the other during a 5,000-step walk. Both models are highly regarded in their respective categories: the Apple Watch Series 12 stands out as a premium, feature-rich smartwatch, while the Garmin Forerunner 170 is a popular choice for budget-conscious runners.

Design and Value Comparison

Price is a significant differentiator between these two devices. The Garmin Forerunner 170 is priced at $349, whereas the Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 and scales up to $549. Beyond the cost, their design philosophies differ: the Garmin utilizes a lightweight plastic casing and offers a variety of sporty colorways, while the Apple Watch opts for a premium aluminum build that comes with a slight weight penalty.

Testing Methodology

To establish a baseline for accuracy, I manually tallied 5,014 steps using a mechanical counter. For metrics like distance, elevation, and pace, I utilized the Strava app as my primary control. The following insights highlight how both wearables performed during the session.

Performance Insights

  • Step Counting: Both devices displayed remarkable accuracy. The Apple Watch Series 12 undercounted by just 11 steps, while the Garmin Forerunner 170 was off by only six steps. Both are well within an acceptable margin of error.
  • Elevation Tracking: Garmin maintained its edge in precision here. The Forerunner 170 was off by only six feet compared to the control, while the Apple Watch reported an extra 28 feet of elevation gain.
  • Pace Monitoring: When analyzing pace, the Apple Watch Series 12 proved to be slightly closer to the control metrics provided by Strava than its competitor.
  • Heart Rate Accuracy: Despite the different positions on the wrists, both smartwatches recorded identical average and maximum heart rate data throughout the 50-minute walk, assuming the correct wrist settings were configured in their respective apps.

Battery and Final Verdict

While Garmin is often associated with superior battery life, this test revealed a nuance: although the Forerunner 170 lasts longer in standard smartwatch mode, the Apple Watch Series 12 holds an advantage when utilizing continuous GPS and heart rate tracking. In summary, both devices performed admirably. The Garmin Forerunner 170 offered slightly better accuracy for steps and elevation, whereas the Apple Watch Series 12 excelled in pace tracking.