Wear Radar

Xiaomi WatchvsGarmin Forerunner 965

Xiaomi Watch
Buy/Wait:good

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.

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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Buy/Wait:superseded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 It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.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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Xiaomi WatchGarmin Forerunner 965
TierSmartwatchSports GPS
PlatformAndroid onlyiOS & Android
Battery6 days23 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorsecg, spo2, hrv, skin temp, hrhr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics
ReleasedFeb 28, 2026Mar 1, 2023
Cycle length365 days806 days
Cycle advicegoodsuperseded
Deals adviceneutralclearance
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Why buy each?

Xiaomi Watch

6-day battery on Wear OS

Dual-chip design keeps the main Snapdragon W5 dormant during light tasks, dramatically extending battery life beyond any rival Wear OS watch.

Wear OS 6 with ECG and eSIM

First Wear OS 6 device on the market — with ECG monitoring, EMG gesture control, and eSIM for standalone calling.

1.54" AMOLED at a competitive price

Larger and brighter display than Galaxy Watch 8 or Pixel Watch 4, with Hasselblad-tuned health sensors, starting at around $285.

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.