| Amazfit Balance | Garmin Forerunner 970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $369★ | $749 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 62g | 56g★ |
| Water resistance | 10ATM★ | 5ATM |
| Battery | 21 days★ | 15 days |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Jun 2, 2026 | May 15, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good★ | neutral |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
The 1.5" AMOLED is 50% brighter than the Balance 2 at 3,000 nits, under scratch-resistant sapphire glass — with 21 days of typical use and 41 hours of Accuracy-Mode GPS.
An upgraded processor renders maps 2.5× faster, with dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS across six satellite systems, 64GB of storage, and turn-by-turn offline topo navigation.
A new dual-mode LED flashlight with white, red, and SOS modes joins official HYROX training, golf course maps, and more than 180 sport modes.
The FR970 is the first Forerunner with ECG and a built-in LED flashlight — plus a sapphire crystal lens and titanium DLC case for durability that rivals the Fenix 8.
Turn-by-turn navigation on preloaded worldwide TopoActive maps, combined with AI-powered Garmin Triathlon Coach structured training plans — a premium combination at any price.
Full biomechanics suite (cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, running power) plus Garmin's most advanced heart rate sensor with skin temperature monitoring.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$369 vs $959 over 3 years.
21 days vs 15 days battery.
9 sensors.
56g.
Android and iPhone users who want a premium smartwatch experience — full offline maps, long battery, and a bright sapphire display — at a price below Apple Watch or Garmin equivalents. A strong choice for runners, hikers, and hybrid athletes who want GPS map navigation without a subscription.
Full details →Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want the complete Garmin premium running analytics suite: ECG, full maps, running dynamics, Triathlon Coach, and the most durable build in the Forerunner line. Replaces the FR965 as Garmin's top running watch.
Full details →