Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch Review

The Garmin Approach S12 isn't going to win any beauty contests with its simple, no-frills design. You'll find a round 1.3" display, plastic body, and silicone strap that's light enough to wear comfortably through 18 holes. While the black and white display isn't fancy, it's easy to read in bright sunlight, and the Big Numbers Mode really helps when you need to see your stats quickly. The strap feels a bit thin and basic, but you'll barely notice it's there after playing a few holes.

If you're used to touchscreens, the four-button control system might take some getting used to. But don't worry - setting up the watch is surprisingly easy. Just pick your language, units, and time format, then connect it to the Garmin Golf app. Once you're connected, you'll have access to more than 42,000 pre-loaded courses that update automatically through your phone. Sure, scrolling through menus with buttons might feel a bit clunky at first, but you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly, especially for the features you use most during your round.

The S12's transflective display gives you great visibility in bright sunlight, making it perfect for those sunny rounds of golf. While its 176 x 176 pixel resolution isn't HD quality, you'll get clear, readable numbers for your yardages and scoring. You won't need to squint or shade the screen with your hand on sunny days, thanks to its outdoor-optimized design. The display's built specifically for golf, and you can easily navigate everything using the four-button system.

There's a downside though - the display gets pretty dark in low light since it doesn't have a backlight. If you're playing early morning rounds or checking stats indoors, try tilting the screen toward any available light to see it better. To help with visibility, you can switch on "Big Numbers" mode when you need those yardage readings to stand out more. While the graphics might look basic compared to fancier golf watches, they're kept simple on purpose - this helps keep everything clear and saves battery life during your round.

While it might be basic, battery performance is where the Approach S12 truly shines. You'll get an impressive 30 hours in GPS mode, which means you can play up to six rounds before needing to reach for the charger. In standby mode, you're looking at up to 10 weeks of use, making it a worry-free companion for extended golf trips. The quick charge capability ensures you're ready for afternoon tee times without long charging delays.

When it's time to charge, you'll appreciate the straightforward USB cable setup that works with your laptop, wall plug, or portable battery pack. The watch pairs seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices through the Garmin Golf app, though iPhone users might notice slightly more consistent Bluetooth connectivity. If you're using an Android device, you may need to manually pair occasionally, but it's a small trade-off for such reliable performance.

You'll have access to over 42,000 preloaded courses that update automatically when you pair your device with the Garmin Golf app. The clear display shows you exactly what you need - from exact yardages to hazard locations - making it super easy to navigate any course.

As you play, you'll get detailed distances to the front, middle, and back of each green, plus info about hazards and doglegs that might affect your shots.

The S12's GPS really shines when you're dialing in your approach shots. The Green View feature lets you see the true shape of each green and manually place pins for better accuracy. While you'll need to track your shots manually, you can add CT10 sensors if you want automatic shot tracking.

Tracking your scores becomes effortless with Approach S12's integrated digital scorecard system. You'll find the watch automatically records your strokes while allowing you to input essential details like putts and drive performance manually. When you finish your round, you can seamlessly upload your scores to the Garmin Golf app, where your handicap updates in real-time.

While score tracking on the watch itself is straightforward, the Garmin Golf app expands your experience considerably. You'll need to download the app, available for both iOS and Android devices, and pair it with your S12 using Bluetooth. The setup process is user-friendly, requiring you to create a Garmin account if you don't already have one and follow simple on-screen instructions.

Once connected, you'll uncover many features that complement your S12. The app's clean, minimal layout makes it easy to review your scorecards, which upload automatically from your watch's generous 125MB storage. You can even see all your statistics, analyze your shots, and even participate in weekly leaderboards to compete with fellow golfers.

Unlike some smartwatches that bombard you with notifications, the S12's app integration stays focused on golf, providing vital updates for courses and software while maintaining a distraction-free experience on the course.

The Garmin Approach S12's $199.99 price makes it a great deal in the golf GPS watch market. You'll often catch it on sale for $149.99, making it an even better buy for golfers who want key features without spending too much. With 42,000 courses already loaded and spot-on GPS tracking, you're getting a lot for an entry-level price.

What makes the S12 such a good value is how it nails the basics of what golfers need. While it doesn't have all the fancy features of pricier models, it gives you the essentials for your round: accurate distances to greens, hazards, and doglegs, plus easy score tracking that links up with the Garmin Golf app. The battery is amazing too - it'll run for up to 30 hours in GPS mode, so you won't need to worry about charging between rounds. Add in its tough build, easy-to-read screen, and the fact that it works with CT10 club tracking sensors, and you're getting serious value for your money. If you're after a solid golf GPS watch that sticks to the important stuff instead of expensive extras, the S12 is perfect for you.

Absolutely, while the Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Precise GPS : Offers accurate distance measurements to the front, back, and middle of greens.

• Long Battery Life : Can last up to 30 hours in GPS mode.

• Lightweight Design : Comfortable to wear during extended golf rounds.

Cons: 

• Limited Smart Features : Compared to other smartwatches, it has fewer non-golf features.

• Display Quality : Some users may find the display less vibrant compared to newer models.

• No Touchscreen : Navigation is button-based, which can be less intuitive for some users.