TechRadar’s review of the Garmin Forerunner 965

Review

Garmin Forerunner 965: One minute review

Garmin has managed to incorporate one of the best features of the Apple Watch into the Forerunner 965 – its stunning AMOLED display. What sets this watch apart is its impressive battery life, offering at least five days more than its competitors with similar displays.

Although the Forerunner 965 is an upgrade from the previous Forerunner 955 model, the addition of the AMOLED screen makes it even more impressive. Garmin also released the Forerunner 265 alongside this model, which also features an AMOLED screen but at a lower price point.

For those looking for one of the best multisport watches on the market, the Forerunner 965 is a top choice. The high price reflects the quality and features you get, such as exceptional battery performance, a beautiful display, accurate location and heart rate tracking, as well as additional smart metrics like new running dynamics.

Specifications:

– Sports GPS smartwatch
– Price: $600 / £600 / AU$999
– Dimensions: 47.1 x 47.1 x 13.2 (mm)
– Weight: 52g
– Case/bezel: Titanium bezel, plastic case
– Display: 454 x 454 1.4-inch AMOLED touch
– GPS: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
– Battery life: Watch mode 23 days, GPS only 31 hours, GPS + Music 10 hours
– Connection: Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi
– Water resistant: Yes, 5ATM

Garmin Forerunner 965: Price and Availability

The Forerunner 965 is on the higher end of Garmin’s product line, but it comes packed with all the best features. The initial price is set at US$600 / £600 / AU$999, which may decrease over time or during sales events. Additionally, the Forerunner 955, which is almost identical to the 965 except for the screen upgrade, may be available at a lower price. The Forerunner 955 Solar offers extended battery performance.

Garmin Forerunner 965: Design and Screen

The standout feature of the Forerunner 965 is its 1.4-inch AMOLED display. With its rich colors, sharp resolution, and brightness, it is easily readable in any lighting condition, including underwater. The display can be set to always-on mode without significantly affecting battery life. The watch is also built to last, with a lightweight titanium bezel and a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass DX outer layer. The silicone strap is comfortable and can be swapped out with the Garmin 22mm QuickFit system. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it easy to clean.

Garmin Forerunner 965: Features

The Forerunner 965 is packed with features that make it a powerful sports watch. It tracks over 30 sports, including triathlon and multisport activities. It offers accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, including Heart Rate Variability, VO2 Max, stress tracking, all-day HR tracking, and more. The watch provides a wealth of data to help with training, recovery, and goal setting. It also offers contactless payments, onboard Spotify music, offline maps, find my phone, flashlight screen feature, sleep tracking, step tracking, and more via the IQ App Store.

Garmin Forerunner 965: Performance

The Forerunner 965 delivers on its promises of accuracy and performance. The GPS tracking is highly accurate and quick to acquire satellites, even in rural areas. The heart rate monitoring keeps up with dedicated chest straps, providing reliable data. The watch also offers additional metrics like Heart Rate Variability, VO2 Max, and acute load to assess cardiovascular fitness and muscle impact. Overall, the Forerunner 965 offers a comprehensive package for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.