Early in release cycle
Best for: 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 →First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Android users who want full Wear OS 5 — Google Maps, Google Wallet, Play Store — with longer-than-average battery life without paying premium Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch prices. Not for iPhone users: OnePlus Watch 3 does not support iOS.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 970 | OnePlus Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | Android only |
| Battery | 15 days | 5 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Released | May 15, 2025 | Apr 10, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 806 days | — |
| Cycle advice | good | neutral |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
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 dual-engine Snapdragon W5 + BES2800 co-processor architecture delivers up to 5 days in Smart Mode — 2–3× longer than most Wear OS rivals. A 10-minute charge provides a full day of use.
L1 + L5 dual-band GPS gives running and cycling route accuracy typically found only on $500+ sports watches — accurate to within metres even in urban canyons.
Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation, Google Wallet contactless payment, and Play Store app access — plus Google Health Connect integration for the full Android wearables ecosystem.