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 →Current model just released
Best for: Android users who want a full-featured Wear OS smartwatch — ECG, eSIM, a large bright screen — at a price well below Samsung and Google competitors. A natural pairing with Xiaomi phones but fully compatible with any Android device.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 970 | Xiaomi Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | Android only |
| Battery | 15 days | 6 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ✅ |
| Health sensors | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics, skin temp | ecg, spo2, hrv, skin temp, hr |
| Released | May 15, 2025 | Feb 28, 2026 |
| Cycle length | 806 days | 365 days |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| 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.
Dual-chip design keeps the main Snapdragon W5 dormant during light tasks, dramatically extending battery life beyond any rival Wear OS watch.
First Wear OS 6 device on the market — with ECG monitoring, EMG gesture control, and eSIM for standalone calling.
Larger and brighter display than Galaxy Watch 8 or Pixel Watch 4, with Hasselblad-tuned health sensors, starting at around $285.