Garmin Forerunner 970 review highlights

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a high-end sports watch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring advanced technology and a sleek design. It was recently named the best sports watch of the year at the Frandroid Awards 2025 and received a 9/10 rating in a detailed review.

Design and specifications

The watch has a 47 mm size, a metal bezel, and sapphire glass that is more scratch-resistant than the Gorilla Glass used in the previous model. It weighs 56 grams and includes a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. However, the single size may be uncomfortable for users with thin wrists.

Key features and performance

The Forerunner 970 includes an LED flashlight, microphone for calls, reliable GPS, and a heart rate sensor capable of performing an ECG. It also provides comprehensive health tracking and advanced sports analysis tools, making it suitable for both athletes and health-conscious users.

Storage and battery life

The watch features 32 GB of local storage for detailed mapping and was found to have reliable GPS during testing. However, its battery life is slightly shorter than the previous model, lasting just over five days with features like Always-On and continuous SpO2 tracking enabled. Garmin claims up to 15 days of battery life in connected watch mode.