Garmin Approach G20 Solar
Solar-powered GPS golf handheld — unlimited battery in sunlight, 2.2" screen, IPX7, built-in magnet at £249.99
Key features
- Solar charging — unlimited battery life in direct sunlight (75,000 lux)
- 36 rounds battery life without solar — class-leading for a handheld GPS
- 2.2-inch sunlight-readable display with big numbers for easy viewing
- 43,000+ preloaded courses worldwide
- Yardage to front, middle and back of every green
- Green View with manual pin position
- Hazard distances and doglegs
- Built-in magnet for cart mounting plus belt clip included
- Wind speed and direction via Garmin Golf app pairing
- Find My Garmin — locate device if left on course
- CT10 compatible for automatic club tracking
- IPX7 fully waterproof
- USB-C charging
Our view
The G20 Solar earns its place on one genuinely differentiated feature — solar charging. On a sunny British summer round the device will gain battery rather than lose it. The 36-round battery life without solar is extraordinary and makes this the right device for golf trips where charging access is uncertain. USB-C is a welcome practical improvement over Garmin's proprietary connector on every other golf device in the range. The honest caveat is the solar unlimited claim — 75,000 lux is bright direct sunlight which British weather does not consistently deliver. On an overcast October round the solar gain will be minimal. Even so, 36 rounds of baseline battery life is more than enough for any realistic use. At £249.99 it sits in the same bracket as the S44 GPS watch — the choice between them is watch versus handheld form factor rather than capability.
Pros
- Solar charging is genuinely unique — no other golf GPS device offers unlimited battery in sunlight
- 36 rounds without solar is the best battery life of any dedicated golf GPS
- USB-C charging — the only Garmin golf device with USB-C
- IPX7 fully waterproof — submersible to 1 metre
- 2.2" screen is large and easy to read at a glance from a cart
- Built-in magnet plus belt clip gives two carrying options
Cons
- Handheld device — bulkier than a GPS watch, requires somewhere to put it between shots
- Monochrome display — not colour like the S44 or S70
- At 100g it is noticeably heavier than GPS watches
- Wind data requires Garmin Golf app pairing on smartphone
- Solar unlimited battery assumes 75,000 lux — overcast British days will not meet this threshold
- No health monitoring or smartwatch features
Who is this for?
| Handicap 0–12 | Low handicap | Good |
| Handicap 13–20 | Mid handicap | Ideal |
| Handicap 21–28 | High handicap | Ideal |
| Handicap 28+ | Beginner | Good |
Cart golfers who want a large, easy-to-read GPS display with exceptional battery life. Particularly suits golfers who play multiple days in succession — on golf trips or golf holidays where solar charging keeps the device topped up without access to a charger. Also strong for golfers who prefer a dedicated GPS device over a watch and want the most capable handheld available.
Key specifications
| Display | 2.2" sunlight-readable monochrome, 240x320px |
| Preloaded courses | 43,000+ preloaded worldwide |
| Battery life | 36 rounds GPS (no solar), unlimited in 75,000 lux sunlight |
| Weight | 100g / 3.5oz |
| Case size | 53 x 90 x 18mm |
| Water rating | IPX7 (fully waterproof) |
| GPS | High-sensitivity GPS |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart |
| Storage | Not specified |
| Auto shot tracking | No |
| Virtual caddie | No |
| Green contour data | Not specified |
| Music storage | No |