Two chartplotters are fighting for the same spot on your helm, and their listed prices are only about $100 apart. The Garmin GPSMAP 1222 leads with keypad controls and network capability; the Simrad NSS12 leads with a touchscreen and an all-in-one sonar/radar MFD package. The real question is which control style and navigation toolbox fits the way you run your boat, because either choice is a serious helm investment.
Quick verdict
At a glance, the Simrad NSS12 is the lower-priced pick at USD 1,199.95, roughly $100.05 under the Garmin GPSMAP 1222 at USD 1,300.00. That $100.05 gap is small enough that the interface and included navigation tools should drive your decision. The Simrad package offers the touch route plus one-touch keypad buttons, while the Garmin package offers the keypad-first route and Garmin-compatible networking.
Price and feature comparison
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 1222 | Simrad NSS12 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 1,300.00 \[##########\] | USD 1,199.95 \[#########-\] |
| Control style | Keypad controls | Touchscreen with one-touch keypad buttons |
| Navigation tools | Chart Plotting, GPS and GLONASS receiver | Chartplotter, GPS, radar, Active Imaging Sonar |
Where each product wins
The Garmin GPSMAP 1222 wins if you want a button-driven helm with Garmin's compatible network ecosystem. The Simrad NSS12 wins if you want a touchscreen that keeps radar and fishfinding views close at hand, with the all-in-one MFD capability from its product name. In practice, the Garmin fits boaters who like to press keys, while the Simrad fits boaters who like to interact with the screen directly. Neither is the wrong pick; they just split along control preference and system preference.
Garmin GPSMAP 1222
The Garmin GPSMAP 1222 is the more keypad-focused helm display of this pair. It gives you easy-to-use keypad controls, which can be a real advantage when the boat is moving. The screen resolves at 1280 x 800, and the internal GPS and GLONASS receiver provides reliable positioning for offshore fishing and marine navigation. The unit is network capable for compatible Garmin marine systems, so you can build it into a larger electronics setup. Choose it if you like physical buttons and want to stay inside the Garmin platform. For a boat that already runs Garmin gear, the network capability makes it an easier fit. The limitation to weigh is the condition: it is sold as used, fully tested and functional, with normal cosmetic wear from previous use. That used status is the main trade-off for this otherwise capable chartplotter.
Simrad NSS12
The Simrad NSS12 is built for the touch-first boater. Simple menus and icons on the touch-screen display guide you to chartplotting, radar, and Active Imaging Sonar views, and the keypad's one-touch buttons provide immediate access to important functions. The enhanced inland and coastal charts make it a sensible choice for powerboats and sportfishing center consoles, and it includes GPS as part of the MFD package. It is a used unit, so the used-condition expectation applies. The touch display is especially useful when you are moving around the helm, since you can tap directly on a chart or sonar view. Choose it when you want a two-way control setup and an all-in-one fishfinder/radar/GPS MFD.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP 1222 when keypad control, Garmin system networking, and a high-resolution display are the priorities. Choose the Simrad NSS12 when you want the touchscreen, fishfinder and radar views, and enhanced inland and coastal charts.
