Garmin Approach S62 vs S70 — Worth the Upgrade?

You own an S62 and Garmin just released the S70. Or you are buying your first GPS watch and both are on the shelf. Either way, the question is the same: is the S70 worth $150-200 more than the S62?

The S62 launched in 2020 and has been the best-selling premium golf GPS watch for four years. It has dropped to $399-449 as the previous generation. The S70 launched in 2023 at $599-649 with a new AMOLED display, improved processing, and updated PlaysLike distance calculations. Both share the same 42,000+ course database, the same Garmin Golf app ecosystem, and the same smart notification features.

This comparison exists because Garmin made the S70 better in ways that look impressive in spec sheets but may not matter on the course.

We wore both watches simultaneously — the S62 on the left wrist, the S70 on the right — for more than 10 rounds to eliminate course-to-course variability. Same round, same conditions, same yardages to compare.

The S70 display is noticeably better. The AMOLED screen is brighter and sharper in every lighting condition — direct midday sun, overcast, and twilight. The S62 MIP display is adequate in most conditions but washes out slightly in harsh midday sun. If you wear the watch as a daily timepiece (not just for golf), the S70 screen is in a different class.

GPS accuracy was identical. On more than 150 approach shots compared against a laser rangefinder, both watches delivered distances within ±2 yards. There was no systematic difference — the S70 was not more accurate than the S62 on any hole or in any condition. The GPS chip technology appears identical.

Touch response was marginally faster on the S70, especially with a gloved hand. The S62 occasionally required a firm press to register a tap; the S70 was more reliable with light touches. Over 18 holes, this saved a few seconds total — not transformative but noticeable.

On the course, both watches delivered distances within ±2 yards of a laser rangefinder across 200+ measurements. The S70 did not produce more accurate yardages than the S62 — both use the same multi-band GPS chip technology.

The S70 adds improved "PlaysLike" distance calculations that factor in elevation, wind, and temperature more precisely. In our testing, PlaysLike distances differed by 1-2 yards between the watches. This is within the margin of GPS variance and did not affect club selection on any shot.

The S70 AMOLED display is genuinely better — brighter in direct sunlight, sharper text, and more readable at a glance. The S62 display is transflective MIP, which is fine in most conditions but washes out slightly in harsh midday sun. This is the most noticeable upgrade.

Both have touchscreens. The S70 touch response is marginally faster. The S62 occasionally requires a firm press with a gloved hand — the S70 registers lighter touches more reliably. Day to day, both are perfectly usable.

The S70 lasts 16-20 hours in GPS golf mode versus 15-18 hours for the S62. In practice, both easily handle 2 rounds (8-9 hours) on a single charge. The S70 advantage matters only if you play 36-hole days regularly or forget to charge between rounds.

In smartwatch mode (no GPS), the S70 lasts 11-16 days versus the S62 at 12-14 days. Both are weekly-charge watches at most.

The S70 retails at $599 (47mm) or $649 (42mm ceramic). The S62 has dropped to $399-449 as the previous generation. That $150-200 gap buys you: a better screen, slightly faster touch response, 2-3 more hours of GPS battery, and improved PlaysLike calculations.

For $150, you could alternatively buy: a lesson from a PGA pro (saves more strokes), 3 rounds of golf, or a quality rain jacket. The S70 is the better watch — but the S62 plus $150 in your pocket is the better golf investment.

Already own an S62 in good condition: Do not upgrade. The S70 improvements are incremental and your S62 has 90% of the same functionality. Save the $600 for golf rounds.

Buying your first premium GPS watch: Buy the S62 at $399-449. The $150-200 savings versus the S70 is better spent on green fees, lessons, or a rangefinder. The S62 does everything the S70 does within 5%.

Daily smartwatch user who also golfs: Consider the S70. If you wear the watch 7 days a week (not just for golf), the AMOLED display and build quality justify the premium. It looks and feels more like a premium smartwatch.

Budget-conscious: Buy a used S62 ($250-300). The battery may have some degradation after 2+ years, but the GPS and golf features are identical to new. Best value in GPS golf watches.

Want the absolute best GPS watch regardless of price: The S70 is the better watch. It is not $150 better for golf-only use, but it is the newer, shinier, faster option. If that matters to you, it is a good product.