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Garmin Forerunner 965vsAmazfit Balance

Garmin Forerunner 965
Buy/Wait:superseded

This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.

Best for: Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want full maps, running dynamics, and premium build.

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Amazfit Balance
Buy/Wait:good

Early in release cycle

Best for: Android and iPhone users who want a premium smartwatch experience — full offline maps, ECG, long battery, and a bright sapphire display — at a price well below Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. A strong choice for runners, hikers, and health-focused users who want GPS map navigation without a subscription.

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Garmin Forerunner 965Amazfit Balance
TierSports GPSSmartwatch
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery23 days21 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamicsecg, spo2, hrv, hr, body comp, stress
ReleasedMar 1, 2023Jun 24, 2025
Cycle length806 days601 days
Cycle advicesupersededgood
Deals adviceclearanceneutral
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Why buy each?

Garmin Forerunner 965

Full color topographic maps

Turn-by-turn navigation on full TopoActive maps — essential for trail running and mountain racing.

Running dynamics metrics

Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and running power.

23-day battery and 31h GPS

Enough for week-long trail ultras without a charge.

Amazfit Balance

21-day battery with sapphire AMOLED display

21 days typical use and 33 hours GPS — combined with a scratch-resistant sapphire glass 1.5" AMOLED that outshines most watches at this price.

Dual-band GPS and offline maps

Precise dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS across six satellite systems, with downloadable offline topo maps and turn-by-turn navigation — rare at this price tier.

HYROX, golf, and diving modes

First Amazfit with official HYROX training and competition modes, 40,000-course golf maps, and SCUBA dive support — more sport breadth than any previous Balance.