The Garmin Approach S12( Price of $199.99 on Amazon) is an excellent choice for those new to the game of golf, offering a well-rounded entry-level experience. This watch comes equipped with essential features that cater to beginners, ensuring you have everything you need to enhance your game.
One of its standout attributes is its impressive battery life, which allows you to enjoy multiple rounds without the worry of recharging. While the Approach S12 may not boast the sleekest design compared to some higher-end models Approach S40, it compensates with Garmin’s renowned reliability and accuracy in GPS technology.
Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with other Garmin golf accessories, making it a versatile addition to your golfing toolkit. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a dependable Golf watch to accompany your rounds, the Garmin Approach S12 is a fantastic option to consider.
Garmin Approach S12 review: Price and availability
Garmin Approach S12 Golf Watch: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Super long battery life
- Easy-to-use interface
- Perfect for beginners
- Reliable GPS for accurate distances and hazards
- An affordable choice for casual golfers
- Durable and comfortable for long rounds
CONS
- Black and white display
- Basic features
- Manual shot tracking
- No heart rate monitor
Garmin Approach S12 Golf Watch Review: Design
The Garmin Approach S12 is designed with a minimalist approach, focusing on practicality rather than flashiness. At 43 millimeters, the watch strikes a balance between visibility and comfort, making it suitable for most wrist sizes.
The lightweight design, weighing just 1.2 ounces, ensures that it won’t interfere with your swing, which is crucial during your game.
The watch’s design is straightforward, with a silicone strap that feels basic but functional. For those who prefer a more customized look, Garmin offers a range of replacement straps, including leather and nylon options. These can enhance both the appearance and comfort of the watch, allowing users to tailor it to their personal style.
The black, granite blue, and white color options offer a classic look that aligns well with various golf attire. While the design may not be as sleek as higher-end models like the Garmin Approach S42, which features metallic details and a color touchscreen, the Approach S12’s simplicity ensures that it remains unobtrusive.
Overall, Approach S12’s design prioritizes function over form. It’s built to withstand the rigors of the golf course while maintaining a low profile, making it an ideal choice for players who want a reliable tool without unnecessary frills.
Garmin Approach S12 review: Display and Interface
The Garmin Approach S12 features a 176 x 176-pixel display that excels in outdoor visibility. Whether you’re playing under bright sunlight or overcast skies, the screen remains clear and easy to read. This clarity is essential for quickly checking distances and other data while on the course.
Navigating the watch is accomplished through a button-operated interface. It includes four buttons—two on either side of the watch face—that control various functions. While this setup differs from the touchscreen controls found on other Garmin models, it is designed to be intuitive. For new users or those unfamiliar with golf watches, this button-based navigation is easy to master.
In addition to golf-specific features, the Approach S12 offers standard smartwatch functionalities. It includes clock features such as an alarm and stopwatch, which can be handy during your game. The watch pairs with both iOS and Android smartphones, allowing for mirrored notifications. This means you can stay connected without having to check your phone constantly.
Although the Approach S12 does not support third-party apps, its built-in features are sufficient for most users. The simplicity of the interface ensures that the watch is user-friendly and efficient, allowing you to focus on your game rather than struggling with complex controls.
Garmin Approach S12 review: Golf Features
One of the Garmin Approach S12’s key strengths is its robust suite of golf-specific features. Despite being an entry-level model, it comes preloaded with 43,000 golf courses worldwide. This extensive database ensures that the watch can accurately identify and track virtually any course you play.
The watch’s GPS functionality is reliable, quickly locating your position on the course and providing accurate distance measurements. It’s designed to help you gauge distances to the green, hazards, and other important points on the course. This can be particularly useful for planning your shots and improving your overall game strategy.
The Approach S12 also integrates with the Garmin Golf app, which offers additional insights and a detailed overview of each course. While the app is not essential for using the watch during a round, it can enhance your experience by providing comprehensive course details and additional features.
One of the standout aspects of the Approach S12 is its ease of use. When you start a round, the watch quickly finds the course and provides accurate information, even if you begin to play on a hole other than the first. This feature is especially useful for tournaments or outings where you might start playing on different holes.
During your round, the Approach S12 allows you to keep score directly on your wrist. However, many users may find it more convenient to use the Garmin app on their smartphones for scorekeeping and handicap adjustments. The watch also offers shot distance measurements, though accessing these features requires navigating through some options.
The ability to adjust pin placements on the green is another useful feature. While the main screen provides good information about the green’s size, this adjustment allows for more precise yardage calculations. Combined with the watch’s ability to display distances to hazards, this feature enhances your ability to make informed decisions on the course.
Overall, the Approach S12 offers a solid set of golf features that cater to both casual and serious golfers. Its simplicity and accuracy make it a valuable tool for improving your game without overwhelming you with excessive technology.
Garmin Approach S12 review: Battery Life
Battery life is a major selling point for the Garmin Approach S12. The watch boasts an impressive battery performance, with up to 10 weeks of usage in normal watch mode. When GPS is activated, it can last up to 30 hours, making it a reliable companion for extended rounds and trips.
In practical terms, this means you can use the watch for multiple rounds of golf without needing to recharge it frequently. During testing, the Approach S12 lasted two weeks, covering five rounds before requiring a recharge. This extended battery life is particularly advantageous for out-of-state trips or extended golf sessions, where carrying a charger might be inconvenient.
Compared to other models, such as the Garmin Approach S42, which offers a shorter battery life of 15 hours in GPS mode, the Approach S12’s performance stands out. This longevity ensures that you can rely on the watch throughout your round without worrying about running out of power.
The watch’s long battery life also means you can focus on your game rather than constantly checking battery levels. This convenience adds to the overall appeal of the Approach S12, making it a practical choice for golfers who need a dependable and long-lasting device.
Garmin Approach S12 review: Verdict
The Garmin Approach S12 is a strong contender in the entry-level golf watch market. It combines essential features, a user-friendly interface, and exceptional battery life at a competitive price of $199. While it may not offer the advanced features found in higher-end models, it provides reliable performance and value for money.
The Approach S12 is ideal for casual and new golfers who want a functional and affordable golf watch. Its simplicity and ease of use make it accessible for beginners, while its accuracy and battery life offer substantial benefits for more experienced players.
For those seeking more advanced features or integration with other smart devices, models like the Garmin Approach S42 or S62 may be worth considering. However, for a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective option, the Garmin Approach S12 is a commendable choice. It offers a great balance of functionality and value, making it an excellent addition to any golfer’s gear.
Garmin Approach S40
Garmin Approach S60
Also Read:- Best Garmin Golf Watch: Top GPS Models Compared.
FAQs:- how to use garmin approach s12
q. How to Setup Garmin Approach S12?
Before getting started, we recommend that you fully charge your watch.
1. Power on the Approach by holding Power
Click Here to Learn About the Buttons
2. Choose your language by scrolling through the list and selecting the language by pressing OK
3. The next steps allow you to set your user preferences, simply follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.
q. How to Pair Your Smartphone to the Approach S12
Before pairing your Approach S12 to your phone, you will need to download and install the Garmin Golf app.
1. Press OK
2. Select Settings, then Pair Phone
3. In the Garmin Golf app, touch 
on Android, or More on iOS, and select Garmin Devices
4. Touch Add Device and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the pairing
For a step-by-step guide pair an Approach S12 to your phone.
q. How to Start Your First Round of Golf?
1. Press OK
2. Select Play Golf and wait for the satellites to be located
3. After satellites have been acquired, the closest course will appear
4. Select the course to play
The watch is now ready to begin playing your first round of golf
