Home › GPS watches › Garmin Approach S12
Garmin Approach S12 review
How we assessed it: research-based, using manufacturer specifications, independent published testing, owner experience where useful and comparative analysis. How we review
The Garmin to buy when you want front, middle and back yardages, long quoted battery life and a simple button interface.
Typical price: From about £107 · Where to buy ↓
We may earn a commission if you buy through our retailer links, at no extra cost to you. How our links work.
What independent testing reveals
Golf Monthly found the S12 light, comfortable and effective at putting the key yardages in view throughout a round. Its appeal is a simple golfing routine at an accessible price. The monochrome screen and button navigation are basic, but the reviewer found that they still delivered the information needed to play.
Source: Golf Monthly — Neil Tappin.
Read the detailed findings and test limitations
The team located Essendon quickly and liked the large-number option. Accessing secondary information was more fiddly than on touchscreen watches, so it suits golfers happy to prioritise straightforward yardages over richer navigation.
The report describes the model and software available during its original test. Check the version, current software access and supplied equipment before buying; historical prices are not current purchase terms.
The 30-second verdict
The S12 remains one of the easiest GPS watches to recommend to beginners and occasional golfers. It does less, but it does the essentials clearly and reliably.
Buy it if
- You want simple, dependable yardages with minimal setup
- Battery life and ease of use matter more than colour maps
- You want a trusted first golf GPS watch
Look elsewhere if
- You want a bright colour or AMOLED display
- You want detailed maps, fitness features or advanced analysis
- You prefer automatic shot tracking built around performance data
Ready to buy?
If this is the model you have decided on, check the current Amazon UK price, stock and delivery before ordering.
Check today’s price on Amazon →We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Our score and verdict remain independent.Where to buy
Check the retailer for the current price. We may earn a commission from these links, at no extra cost to you. Retailer order never changes our scores. How our links work
Why this score: 85/100
Evidence-led editorial assessment. We combine credible independent testing, published specifications, owner experience where useful, UK ownership costs and comparative analysis; this is a buying judgement rather than a measured performance margin.
What supports the recommendation
- Simple button-only interface
- Long quoted battery life
Main trade-offs: Basic monochrome display; No detailed hole maps.
Evidence: TechRadar review. How we use evidence · How we score
Key specifications
| Display | 1.3-inch high-contrast MIP, easy to read in sunlight; button-operated |
|---|---|
| Battery | Up to 30 hours GPS |
| Courses | 42,000+ preloaded |
| Golf features | Front, middle and back distances, hazards and doglegs, Green View with pin positioning, scorecard |
| Works with | Garmin CT10 club sensors |
| Not included | No heart rate, notifications or fitness features |
| Weight | 34 g |
| UK RRP at launch | £179.99 (launched 2021) |
Manufacturer and retailer figures, checked September 2026. Sources: TechRadar review
Why it stands out
The S12 avoids giving casual golfers more technology than they need. It shows the important yardages on a simple button-operated screen, and Garmin quotes battery life that lasts several rounds between charges.
Its limits are clear: no colour mapping and little reason to wear it as a lifestyle smartwatch. For golfers who want the basics at a low price, that simplicity is the point.
Pros and cons
What works well
- Simple button-only interface
- Long quoted battery life
- Front, middle and back yardages
- Strong beginner value
What to consider
- Basic monochrome display
- No detailed hole maps
- Limited everyday smartwatch appeal
- Few advanced performance features
Owning it: warranty, returns and rules
| Manufacturer warranty | Garmin’s standard limited warranty is one year from the date of purchase. Warranty terms ↗ |
|---|---|
| Using it in competitions | Distance-measuring devices are allowed in most UK competitions under Rule 4.3a. Switch off slope, “plays like” and club-advice features, and check the competition terms: a committee can ban devices with Model Local Rule G-5. |
| Your rights when buying online | Bought online from a UK retailer, you can cancel within 14 days of delivery (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013). If it is faulty you have 30 days to reject it for a full refund, and up to six years (five in Scotland) to claim for a fault that was there at delivery (Consumer Rights Act 2015). |
| Returns at the retailers we link to | Scottsdale Golf: 30 days from receipt, in original condition with packaging and an unused registration card. HotGolf: 14 working days from the day after delivery, unused, and you pay return postage. Amazon UK: most items sold by Amazon can be returned within 30 days. Affordable Golf: check its returns page before ordering. Always remove your personal data from GPS devices before returning them. |
Warranty and returns terms checked 5 October 2026. Retailers and manufacturers can change them, so check before you buy.
Alternatives to consider
Garmin Approach S44Our score 89/100 · Typical price: £239–£300A bright AMOLED touchscreen for about £60 more.
Check prices
Compare it
Questions buyers ask
Is the Garmin S12 good for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the easiest golf GPS watches to learn and use.
Does the Garmin S12 show hazards?
Yes. It shows hazards and doglegs, plus front, middle and back distances and a Green View with pin positioning.
How long does the Garmin S12 battery last?
Up to 30 hours in GPS mode, several rounds between charges.
Should I buy the S12 or S44?
Choose the S12 for simplicity and battery life. Choose the S44 for a bright AMOLED touchscreen.