Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray, 010-02809-00
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AI Verdict
This is a 1.4-inch AMOLED GPS running and triathlon smartwatch with 32 GB storage, built for athletes who prioritize detailed training metrics and mapping.
This watch is a strong fit for serious runners and triathletes due to its comprehensive training metrics, multi-band GPS with built-in maps, and dedicated multisport profiles. The 1.4-inch AMOLED display enhances data visibility during intense workouts.
If you need longer GPS battery life for extreme ultra-endurance events, look for models with MIP displays or larger battery capacities.
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Pros
- The 1.4-inch AMOLED display with 454x454 pixel resolution is bright and easy to read in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.
- It offers up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode, which is substantial for an AMOLED device.
- Full-color, built-in maps and multi-band GPS provide accurate navigation and route planning, including round-trip course generation on the watch.
- Advanced training metrics like training readiness, personalized daily suggested workouts, and a race widget adapt to performance and recovery.
- The watch features a lightweight titanium bezel and a 53g weight, making it comfortable for extended wear and activities.
- Physical buttons are responsive and useful for navigation during activities or when wearing gloves, complementing the touchscreen.
Cons
- The optical heart rate sensor may not be consistently accurate during sports, impacting the reliability of physiological metrics.
- Garmin's app ecosystem is limited compared to other smartwatches, with a small selection of apps and watch faces, many of which are low quality.
- Sleep tracking is dependent on a predefined schedule, and retrospective fixing after syncing to Garmin Connect is not possible.
- There are noticeable lags when saving or discarding workouts, which can take around 10 seconds.
- The watch uses a custom charging cable, requiring users to carry it specifically for this device.
Dimension Scores
The 1.4-inch AMOLED display with 454x454 pixel resolution delivers vibrant colors and sharp text, making it highly legible in various conditions.
The watch offers comprehensive training metrics, accurate multi-band GPS, and responsive physical buttons for activity tracking, though some users report minor lags when saving workouts.
Providing up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, the battery life is above average for an AMOLED smartwatch, though 'always-on' mode reduces it.
The Garmin Connect IQ app store has a limited selection of third-party apps and watch faces, and the watch lacks advanced smartwatch features like phone call control or robust app integrations.
Best For
- Triathletes and multisport athletes needing dedicated profiles and detailed performance tracking.
- Runners who require advanced training metrics, recovery insights, and wrist-based running dynamics.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable multi-band GPS and full-color maps for navigation on trails or new routes.
- Users prioritizing a bright, high-resolution display for data readability during activities and daily use.
Not Recommended For
- Users expecting extensive smartwatch features like phone control for music, camera, or robust third-party app integration.
- Ultra-athletes needing GPS battery life exceeding 31 hours for multi-day events, as the AMOLED display impacts longevity.
- Individuals with very thin wrists, as there isn't a smaller version available.
Watch Out For
- The on-watch Connect IQ app store is difficult to use, with slow loading of app lists (only four or five at a time) even on Wi-Fi.
- The weather widget often doesn't show current weather unless manually synced with the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth.
- The beta Auto-Transition feature for multisport activities does not currently support brick workouts on indoor trainers.
- Switching to 'always-on' display mode significantly reduces battery life, with some users reporting around 6 days compared to 20+ days in gesture mode.
- The watch lacks features like ECG/EKG, QI/wireless charging, LTE connectivity, and built-in speakers/mic, which are present in some competing smartwatches.
Full Specifications
| GPS | Built-in GPS |
| ASIN | B0BS1XZY7T |
| Shape | Round |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Item Weight | 53 Grams |
| Screen Size | 1.4 Inches |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Battery Capacity | 22 Amp Hours |
| Operating System | Garmin OS |
| Item model number | 010-02809-00 |
| Product Dimensions | 1.85 x 1.85 x 0.52 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Polymer |
| Standing screen display size | 1.4 Inches |
| Wireless Communication Standard | Bluetooth |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by how much the 1.4-inch AMOLED display elevates the experience, making data and maps significantly clearer and more visually appealing than previous Garmin models. However, this visual upgrade comes with a trade-off in battery life if the 'always-on' display is used, dropping from weeks to days. While the watch excels in running and triathlon tracking, its 'smartwatch' capabilities are basic, with a sparse app store and limited phone interaction. The physical buttons are a consistent highlight, especially during activities where touchscreens can be finicky.
“Man, this screen is gorgeous, finally a Garmin I can actually read outside without squinting, but seriously, why can't I just control my Spotify from my phone with this thing? It's 2024! And that heart rate sensor during my runs? Sketchy at best.”
Common Praise
- The 454x454 pixel AMOLED screen is bright, colorful, and easy to read even in direct sunlight.
- Multi-band GPS is accurate and reliable for tracking routes and distances.
- The lightweight 53g design with a titanium bezel feels comfortable and premium on the wrist.
- Physical buttons provide tactile feedback and reliable control during workouts, especially in wet conditions or with gloves.
- The extensive training metrics and recovery insights offer deep data for performance analysis.
- Battery life in standard smartwatch mode (up to 23 days) is substantial for an AMOLED device.
Common Complaints
- The optical heart rate sensor can be inaccurate during certain sports activities.
- The Connect IQ app store is clunky and lacks a wide variety of quality third-party applications.
- Sleep tracking is rigid, relying on a set schedule and not allowing for post-sync adjustments.
- Saving or discarding workouts can introduce noticeable delays of up to 10 seconds.
- The watch lacks modern smartwatch features like LTE, ECG, wireless charging, or a built-in speaker/mic.
- Enabling the 'always-on' display drastically reduces battery life, sometimes to just 6 days.
Ownership Tips
- The titanium bezel, while adding a premium feel, is still susceptible to scratches if not careful.
- The included silicone band is comfortable and durable, holding up well to daily wear and showering.
- The flashlight feature, which uses the bright AMOLED screen, is surprisingly useful in low-light conditions.
- The watch's navigation features, including round-trip course planning, are more practical than initially expected for exploring new areas.
- Despite the large screen, the watch feels lightweight (53g) and doesn't feel bulky on the wrist, even during sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Forerunner 965 have a speaker or microphone?
No, the Forerunner 965 does not have a built-in speaker or microphone. It can play music through connected Bluetooth audio devices.
Can I control music on my phone using the watch?
No, you cannot control music playing on your phone directly from the watch like many other smartwatches. The Spotify app on the watch, for example, is a standalone app.
Is the display always on?
By default, the display is off and turns on with a wrist raise. However, you can enable an 'always-on' mode, but this will reduce battery life significantly.
Does it have ECG capabilities?
No, the Forerunner 965 does not have ECG/EKG functionality.
How accurate is the GPS?
The GPS tracking is generally accurate and reliable, utilizing multi-band GPS, and is considered industry-leading by some users.
Can I use my own watch bands with the Forerunner 965?
Yes, the watch uses 22mm size bands, which is a generic size, allowing you to purchase and use other watch bands.
Buying Guide
When buying a GPS running watch, you're looking for a dedicated training partner, not a smartphone on your wrist. Focus on how accurately it tracks your activities, how long it lasts on a charge, and if the data it provides helps you train smarter. The display type matters for readability in different conditions, and the physical buttons are key for interacting with it mid-run or swim.
AMOLED Display (1.4 Inches, 454x454 pixels)
This means your watch face and all your training data will be bright, colorful, and easy to see, even when the sun is blasting down. Think of it like the screen on your phone – everything looks crisp and vibrant, which is a big deal when you're trying to glance at your pace mid-stride.
Battery Life (up to 23 days smartwatch, 31 hours GPS)
This tells you how often you'll need to charge it. 23 days for daily use means you can forget the charger for weeks, but the 31 hours in GPS mode is crucial for long runs or multi-day events, ensuring it won't die on you mid-adventure.
Multi-band GPS with Built-in Maps
This is like having a super-accurate navigation system on your wrist. Multi-band GPS locks onto satellites faster and more precisely, especially in challenging environments like cities or dense forests. Built-in maps mean you can navigate without your phone, following pre-loaded routes or even generating new ones on the fly.
Training Readiness Score
This feature crunches numbers from your sleep, recovery, and recent workouts to give you a single score indicating if you're ready for a hard session or if you should take it easy. It's like having a coach tell you if your body is primed for peak performance that day.
Alternatives
If you need a watch with more extensive third-party app support and phone integration, look for smartwatches with a more open operating system. For ultra-endurance athletes requiring GPS tracking for over 31 hours, prioritize models with MIP displays or larger battery capacities designed for extreme longevity.
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