New model released in 2025

The Garmin Forerunner 970, intended for serious athletes and trail runners, includes features from the company's top-tier models, such as an AMOLED screen, a titanium bezel, sapphire glass, and built-in mapping. It received a 9/10 rating in a review and won Best Sports Watch of the Year at the Frandroid Awards 2025. The watch was launched in May 2025 at 749.99 euros and is now available at a discounted price of 599 euros at Joybuy.

Design similarities and improvements

The Forerunner 970 shares the same 47 mm design as the Forerunner 965, with a metal bezel around the screen. The case is slightly thinner at 12.9 mm compared to the 965's 13.2 mm, but the watch weighs 56 grams. It uses sapphire glass, which is more scratch-resistant than the Corning Gorilla Glass on the 965. The titanium bezel was also present on the previous model. The watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM.

Display and user interface

Once activated, the watch features a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. The display is bright and easy to read outdoors. However, Garmin only offers the 47 mm size, which may not be ideal for users with thinner wrists. Navigation through the interface, whether using touch or buttons, is smooth and intuitive.

Advanced features and functions

The Forerunner 970 includes features previously found only in Garmin's Fenix series, such as a more accurate heart rate sensor that can perform an ECG, more detailed health tracking, and enhanced sports analysis tools. The GPS was found to be very reliable during testing, and the new heart rate sensor provides accurate tracking. An LED light has been added for use during early morning or evening activities. The detailed mapping is stored locally on the 32 GB of internal memory.

Battery performance in testing

During testing with all features set to maximum — Always-On display, continuous SpO2 tracking, and GPS enabled — the watch lasted just over five days. Garmin claims up to 15 days of battery life in connected watch mode, compared to 23 days for the 965. In regular use, the battery life remains comfortable and sufficient for most users.