Reaching maturity, next model expected soon
Best for: Android users — especially those in the Samsung ecosystem — who want a premium smartwatch with comprehensive health tracking, Wear OS flexibility, and strong software support. The Ultra suits outdoor-active users who need longer battery life.
Full details →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 →| Samsung Galaxy Watch | Garmin Forerunner 970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Platform | Android only | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 1.5 days | 15 days |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | ecg, blood pressure, spo2, skin temp, hrv, body comp | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics, skin temp |
| Released | Jul 25, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 366 days | 806 days |
| Cycle advice | neutral | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | Galaxy Watch 9 (Expected summer 2026) | — |
ECG, blood pressure, body composition, SpO2, and advanced sleep coaching — all processed on-device with Galaxy AI.
Answer calls, control SmartThings, and use Galaxy AI features seamlessly across Galaxy phones and tablets.
Access Google Play, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and Samsung's polished One UI Watch 7 interface.
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.