Garmin Forerunner 965: The Ultimate Sports Watch with Stunning AMOLED Display

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is one of the best multisport watches you can buy, combining the best features of the Apple Watch with Garmin’s signature durability and performance. With its stunning AMOLED display and impressive battery life, it stands out from the competition.

This model is an upgrade from the Forerunner 955, released nine months prior. While the upgrades may not be significant, the previous model was already a standout. The addition of the AMOLED display takes it to the next level, making it a heavy hitter in the market. Garmin also released the Forerunner 265 alongside the 965, offering a more affordable option with the same display.

The standout features of the Garmin Forerunner 965 include its remarkable battery performance, beautiful display, accurate location and heart rate tracking, and a range of smart metrics. It even offers new running dynamics without the need for an extra sensor. This watch is truly one of the best Garmin has to offer, but is it the ultimate sports watch?

Garmin Forerunner 965: 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 Garmin Forerunner 965 is on the pricier side, with a price tag of US$600 / £600 / AU$999. However, considering the features it offers, the cost is justified. It’s important to note that prices can drop over time with the release of new models. Keep an eye out for sales as well, as you may find deals on Garmin watches during these times. Alternatively, the Forerunner 955, which is nearly identical to the 965, may be available at a lower price point.

Garmin Forerunner 965: Design and Screen

The highlight of the Garmin Forerunner 965 is its superb 1.4-inch AMOLED display. With vibrant colors, crisp definition, and a high resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, the screen is a pleasure to look at. It’s also incredibly bright, making it visible in any lighting conditions, even underwater. The always-on display feature is energy-efficient, ensuring that it doesn’t drain the battery too quickly.

The watch’s bezel is made of lightweight and durable titanium, ensuring long-lasting protection. The strap, available in three options, is comfortable and can be easily swapped out using the Garmin 22mm QuickFit system. With a water resistance of up to 50 meters, the watch can be washed under the tap or in the shower to keep it clean.

Garmin Forerunner 965: Features

The Garmin Forerunner 965 packs in a multitude of features, making it a powerhouse of a sports watch. It tracks over 30 sports, including triathlon and multisport-specific activities with one-touch transitions. The watch offers accurate multi-GNSS GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring with Heart Rate Variability, VO2 Max measurements, stress and sleep tracking, and all-day HR tracking. It provides a wealth of data to help you make informed decisions about your training and recovery.

Additional features include contactless payments, onboard Spotify music, offline maps, find my phone, flashlight screen feature, sleep tracking, step tracking, and more available in the IQ App Store. While it may not offer the same level of smartwatch functionality as Apple or Android, it provides enough functionality to keep you focused on your goals.

Garmin Forerunner 965: Performance

The Garmin Forerunner 965 lives up to its impressive specifications in real-world performance. The GPS accuracy is outstanding, quickly acquiring satellites in just a few seconds. Heart rate tracking is reliable, accurately keeping up with dedicated chest strap monitors. Even while swimming, the watch offers excellent heart rate tracking.

The abundance of data collected by the watch can be used with Garmin algorithms to provide useful metrics. Heart Rate Variability measures cardiovascular fitness, VO2 Max assesses performance under strain, and acute load measures the impact on muscles during workouts. The watch offers a comprehensive range of performance metrics to help you optimize your training.

In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a top-tier sports watch with its stunning AMOLED display, impressive battery life, and extensive features. While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and performance justify the cost. If you’re looking for the ultimate sports watch, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is the one to beat.