Following weeks of rumours and speculation – Garmin has officially launched the Forerunner 970. At first glance it looks nearly identical to the 965, but it comes with some handy extras such as a a flashlight, ECG (Gen 5 HR sensor), temperature tracking and sapphire on display.

Check Forerunner 970 price on Amazon.

Design tweaks and a new lens

From the outside, the Forerunner 970 doesn’t shout for attention. It keeps the same case dimensions and display size as its predecessor, but there’s a subtle reduction in thickness and a minor bump in weight. One visible upgrade is the switch to a sapphire crystal lens, replacing the Gorilla Glass DX found on the 965. That brings it in line with Garmin’s more premium builds, while still keeping the display size at 1.4 inches.

Also, the display is AMOLED. There was wide speculation that the 970 would have a MIP display, whereas there would be a 975 model with an AMOLED. This clearly is not the case.

Both the 970 and 965 watches come with 22mm QuickFit band support and retain similar wrist sizing. The weight difference is minor, but the feel on the wrist might be just enough to notice on longer runs.

More sensors and deeper health tracking

The headline change under the hood is the move from the Elevate V4 sensor to Elevate V5. That unlocks a couple of key features. The 970 now supports ECG readings and also includes skin temperature tracking. Both were missing from the 965, and these additions make the newer model a better all-round health tracker.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

There’s also the new evening report feature, which gives you a snapshot of recovery and readiness based on your sleep, training and HRV trends. Garmin clearly wants the 970 to offer more context around performance, not just data points.

A few running extras for data-driven training

Advanced runners will find a few new tools to play with. Step speed loss, running tolerance, projected race time, and running economy (with HRM 600) are all now supported on the 970, though some require external accessories. These metrics aim to help monitor fatigue and performance potential over time.

Expanded activity profiles across the board

There’s a long list of new sport profiles on the 970. In the gym section, jump roping is now included. For multisport use, it adds support for duathlon, brick sessions and pool triathlon. Wellness tracking also grows, with mobility and indoor walking added alongside the standard yoga and Pilates modes.

Outdoor runners now get an obstacle racing profile. Those who lean toward water and snow sports will find the most additions. The 970 supports kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and a variety of winter activities like XC skate skiing. Archery, horseback riding and hunting have also been added under outdoor recreation. BMX joins the list for cyclists too.

Smarter features arrive

Unlike the 965, the Forerunner 970 comes with a built-in microphone and speaker. That enables Bluetooth calling from the wrist, as well as voice assistant support. You can also issue voice commands directly to the watch. These features move the Forerunner line closer to the Venu series in terms of everyday utility, without changing its athletic focus.

It also comes with a built-in LED flashlight. The same one that can be found on some devices in the Fenix line.

Battery life is a mixed bag. In smartwatch mode, the 965 still lasts longer, hitting up to 23 days versus 15 days on the 970. But for those using GPS with music, the 970 pulls ahead, especially in the more demanding multi-band mode. It’s an odd trade-off and may come down to how heavily you rely on offline music or streaming.

Pretty expensive

The Forerunner 970 isn’t a total rework of the 965. But if you’ve been holding out for better materials, added training depth, or wider sport coverage, it might just be enough to tip the scale. The watch is available from May 21st for $750. That’s around $150 more than the 965.

Check price an availability on Garmin. Check Forerunner 970 price on Amazon.

Tech specs comparison table: Garmin Forerunner 970 vs 965

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