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Garmin Forerunner 965 Review: In-Depth Analysis & Features Introduced

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A Garmin Forerunner 965 smartwatch displaying fitness metrics and heart rate data on its vibrant screen.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray, 010-02809-00

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What's in the box

pros

corns

speciafication

FeatureDetails
Battery LifeUp to 23 days in smartwatch mode, up to 31 hours in GPS mode
OS CompatibilityCompatible with iOS and Android
PriceVaries (Check current retail price)
CompatibilityGarmin ecosystem and compatible apps
Fitness FeaturesMulti-sport profiles, wrist-based running dynamics, personalized workouts
NotificationsCalls, messages, and app notifications
PaymentsNot supported
Display1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen
Swappable StrapsYes
Water ResistanceWater-resistant (not specified)
App AvailabilityGarmin Connect app
CommunicationBluetooth and ANT+
Customer SupportGarmin support available
GPS NavigatorMulti-band GPS with SatIQ technology
Health InfoTraining readiness, HRV status, recovery
Optional LTENot available
Health TrackingHRV status, recovery, training load
Sleep TrackingYes
Activity TrackerYes
CustomizationCustomizable multisport profiles
Pairing with AppsCompatible with Garmin Connect and other fitness apps

Garmin Forerunner 965

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a high-quality GPS running watch designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who expect more from their wearable tech.the Garmin Forerunner 965 smartwatch is Designed for marathon runners, triathletes, and serious fitness enthusiasts, this watch comes with advanced features that go beyond basic tracking. Whether you want to monitor heart rate, VO2 max, or track your performance in various sports, the Forerunner 965 is ready to give you accurate and actionable insights.

The watch is especially well-liked for its strong design that can stand up to the stress of hard training sessions and its high-resolution AMOLED display, which makes it simple to view data on the go. The Forerunner 965 is ideal for individuals who take their training seriously because it provides complete fitness tracking, including guidelines for rest times and thorough session stats. The Garmin Forerunner 965 is prepared to help you in reaching your goals, whether they involve setting a new personal record or simply monitoring your health.

These were some of its own features. What is my review of this Garmin forrunner 965?You may find out by reading this blog and what professionals who are runners and fitness enthusiasts have to say about this watch, including who may profit from it and who shouldn’t be.

Garmin Forerunner 965 ​review

After using the Garmin Forerunner 965 for seven months, I’vecollected some knowledge that I believe will help you decide if this product is right for you.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a powerful upgrade from its predecessors, like the Forerunner 945 and 935. The Forerunner 965 features a larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display, offering brighter and more detailed images compared to the 945’s MIP screen. It also has enhanced fitness tracking, with advanced metrics such as heart rate Changes and improved GPS accuracy through multi-satellite support, outperforming the older models.

In comparison to other popular fitness watches, such as the Polar Vantage V2 and Suunto 9 Baro, the Forerunner 965 holds its own. The Polar Vantage V2 offers robust tracking and recovery knowledge , but its screen is less vibrant than the Forerunner 965. The Suunto 9 Baro is known for its excellent battery life and strong design, but it Without some of the advanced metrics and smart features found in the Forerunner 965.

The latest update includes enhanced workout profiles and improved software consistency, ensuring more accurate tracking and a smoother user experience. It also features updated GPS firmware for better route tracking and an extended battery life in power-saving modes.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Forerunner 965 remains a top choice due to its advanced features and superior display. However, if battery life and durability are top priorities, the Suunto 9 Baro might be a strong alternative.

Here’s a comparison chart of the Garmin Forerunner 965 versus its previous models, the Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 935:

FeatureGarmin Forerunner 965Garmin Forerunner 945Garmin Forerunner 935
Display1.4-inch AMOLED1.2-inch MIP1.2-inch MIP
Resolution280 x 280 pixels240 x 240 pixels240 x 240 pixels
GPSMulti-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS)
Battery LifeUp to 24 days (smartwatch mode)Up to 2 weeks (smartwatch mode)Up to 2 weeks (smartwatch mode)
 Up to 36 hours (GPS mode)Up to 36 hours (GPS mode)Up to 24 hours (GPS mode)
Heart Rate MonitoringAdvanced HRV monitoringOptical heart rate sensorOptical heart rate sensor
Advanced MetricsVO2 max, recovery time, HRVVO2 max, recovery timeVO2 max, recovery time
Music StorageYes, with streamingYes, with streamingNo
Smart NotificationsYesYesNo
Water Resistance5 ATM5 ATM5 ATM
Weight53 grams50 grams49 grams
PriceHigher-endMid-rangeMid-range

Key Improvements in Forerunner 965

  • Display: Larger and more vibrant AMOLED screen compared to the MIP screens of the 945 and 935.
  • Battery Life: Slightly better battery performance in smartwatch mode compared to the 945 and 935.
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Enhanced with advanced HRV metrics.
  • Smart Features: Includes music storage and streaming, which the 935 lacks.

The Forerunner 965 provides a more advanced display, better tracking metrics, and additional smart features compared to its predecessors.

Features of the Garmin Forerunner 965 My Personal Review

Battery Life

From my experience, the Garmin Forerunner 965’s battery life has been outstanding. It offers up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and 36 hours in GPS mode. This is a significant upgrade from the Forerunner 945, which provides up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 36 hours in GPS mode. The extended battery life on the 965 means I can go longer between charges, which is a huge convenience for my active lifestyle.

Compatibility

The Forerunner 965 pairs with simplicity with both Android and iOS devices, which has been seamless for me.This is similar to the Forerunner 945, but I’ve found the 965’s syncing process to be even more responsive and reliable. It’s great knowing that whether I’m using my phone for tracking or notifications, everything integrates smoothly.

Fitness Features

Having used both models, I can tell you that the Forerunner 965 offers a richer set of fitness features. It includes advanced metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and detailed recovery knowledge, which are priceless for optimizing my training. While the Forerunner 945 is a solid fitness watch, the 965’s additional metrics have provided deeper insights into my performance and recovery.

Notifications

The smart notifications on the Forerunner 965 have been a game-changer. I can easily read call, text, and app alerts thanks to the crisp AMOLED display. Compared to the Forerunner 945, which has a functional but less vibrant MIP display, the 965’s screen makes notifications clearer and more convenient to access.

display

Two Garmin Forerunner watches side by side, one with a yellow strap and the other with a black strap. Both watches display the same digital time (09:06), along with various metrics like battery life, VO2 max, and step count. The background is a plain white surface.

The 1.4-inch AMOLED screen on the 965 is a major upgrade over the 1.2-inch MIP screen in the Forerunner 945. During outdoor activities and in wide sunshine, the AMOLED display’s clarity and brightness have been especially evident. It offers a crisp and vivid image that improves the whole experience.

GPS Navigator

:A close-up of a hand holding a Garmin Forerunner watch, displaying a workout screen with metrics such as timer, distance, pace, heart rate, lap time, and lap distance. The background is blurred with a wooden surface.

The Forerunner 965’s GPS performance is excellent, in my opinion. Accurate tracking is made possible by the multi-GNSS compatibility, which includes GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. This is essential for my variety of workouts. Although multi-GNSS is supported by the Forerunner 945 as well, the improved capture of signals on the 965 has significantly increased tracking accuracy.

Health Info

The advanced health metrics on the Forerunner 965, such as HRV and stress level monitoring, have provided me with a more comprehensive view of my health. The Forerunner 945 covers basic health data, but the additional insights from the 965 have been incredibly useful for managing my overall wellness.

Health Tracking

In terms of health tracking, the Forerunner 965 has been impressive. It offers advanced features like detailed sleep tracking and body battery monitoring, which the Forerunner 945 lacks. The enhanced tracking capabilities of the 965 have given me a better understanding of my health and recovery patterns.

Design and Style

A close-up of a Garmin Forerunner watch being held, displaying a notification screen with a message from Garmin regarding registration and features like sleep tracking and custom courses. The watch is shown in front of an open packaging box.

The Forerunner 965’s design is sleek and modern, with a premium feel that sets it apart from the Forerunner 945’s more utilitarian look. I’ve found the 965 to be both stylish and comfortable, making it a great choice for both my workouts and daily wear. Its lightweight and ergonomic design have made it a pleasure to use.

What Top Fitness Experts Are Saying About the Garmin Forerunner 965

Expert Review 1: Runner’sWorld
according to the runner,s world "The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a game-changer for serious runners and athletes. Its vibrant AMOLED display is a significant upgrade from previous models, offering clear visuals even in bright sunlight. The advanced metrics, such as heart rate variability and enhanced GPS accuracy, provide in-depth insights that can help athletes fine-tune their training. The addition of music storage and streaming is a great feature for those who prefer to leave their phone at home. Overall, the Forerunner 965 delivers a comprehensive suite of features that make it one of the top choices for dedicated athletes."

Expert Review 2: DC Rainmaker according to the DC rainmaker"The Garmin Forerunner 965 combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features. Its multi-GNSS support ensures reliable GPS tracking, making it perfect for trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The improved battery life and advanced fitness tracking metrics, like VO2 max and recovery time, offer valuable data for optimizing performance. While it comes at a higher price point, the Forerunner 965’s enhanced display and smart features make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best from their fitness watch."

The reasons for Not Buying the Garmin Forerunner 965

While having a high-end fitness watch with lots of modern abilities, the Garmin Forerunner 965 might not be the best choice for everyone. Its greater price point may appear a bit expensive to some prospective customers, particularly if they don’t want the advanced functionality and detailed analytics it provides. 

If you choose strong durability and long battery life over advanced tracking, the Suunto 9 Baro and other options might be a better choice. In addition, consumers on a tighter budget may choose less feature-rich gadgets like the Garmin Forerunner 245 or 935, which provide good performance without the premium price tag.

conclusion

In my personal experience, the Garmin Forerunner 965 has proven to be a top-notch fitness smartwatch that stands out in a crowded market. With its impressive AMOLED display, advanced fitness and health metrics, and extended battery life, it offers a comprehensive and enhanced tracking experience compared to its predecessors like the Forerunner 945.

The Forerunner 965’s improvements in display quality, smart notifications, and detailed health insights have significantly enriched my fitness routine and daily life. Its robust GPS capabilities and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices ensure seamless connectivity and accurate tracking. Whether you’re an avid athlete or someone who values detailed health monitoring, the Forerunner 965 delivers performance and features that justify its higher price point.

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that combines cutting-edge technology with practical fitness features, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a worthy investment. It provides a modern and versatile solution for tracking your health, optimizing your training, and staying connected on the go. For those considering an upgrade from older models or exploring new options, the Forerunner 965 represents a significant leap forward, making it an excellent choice for serious fitness enthusiasts.

If you’re serious about taking your fitness journey to the next level, don’t miss our in-depth guide on the Top 3 Fitness Gadgets to Keep You in Shape.

some FAQs about garmin forerunner 965

1. Is the Garmin 965 worth the upgrade?

If you’re looking for enhanced features, improved performance metrics, and a premium design, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is definitely worth the upgrade. It offers advanced tracking, better display, and longer battery life compared to previous models.

2. Is the Garmin Forerunner 965 easy to use?

Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is user-friendly with an intuitive interface. The touchscreen combined with physical buttons makes navigation straightforward, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner.

3. What does the Garmin 965 do?

The Garmin Forerunner 965 offers comprehensive fitness and health tracking, including GPS navigation, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and advanced performance metrics. It also supports smart notifications and various sports modes.

4. Why is the Forerunner 965 so expensive?

The Forerunner 965 is priced higher due to its premium build quality, advanced features, and cutting-edge technology, including enhanced GPS accuracy, AMOLED display, and extended battery life.

5. How old is Forerunner 965?

The Garmin Forerunner 965 was released in 2023, making it one of the newer models in the Forerunner series.

6. What are the disadvantages of Garmin?

Some disadvantages of Garmin watches include a higher price point, complex features that might be overwhelming for beginners, and sometimes limited compatibility with third-party apps.

7. What are Garmin's weaknesses?

Garmin’s weaknesses include a steep learning curve for new users, limited app ecosystem compared to competitors, and occasional issues with syncing data between the watch and smartphone.

8. Why use a Garmin instead of a phone?

Garmin watches are designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering more accurate tracking, longer battery life, and better durability compared to smartphones. They are also more convenient to wear during physical activities.

9. Why Garmin watches are the best?

Garmin watches are known for their durability, accuracy, and comprehensive tracking features. They cater to a wide range of sports and activities, making them versatile for any athlete or outdoor enthusiast.

10. Can Garmin track without phone?

Yes, Garmin watches like the Forerunner 965 can track your activities, including GPS routes, without needing to be connected to a smartphone. Data can be synced to your phone later.

11. Is Garmin more accurate than phone GPS?

Generally, Garmin watches are more accurate than phone GPS, especially in challenging environments like dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings, thanks to their multi-band GPS technology.

12. Which Garmin is most accurate?

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is one of the most accurate models, particularly for running, cycling, and other outdoor activities due to its advanced GPS and performance metrics.

13. Is Garmin more accurate than Apple?

While both Garmin and Apple offer precise GPS tracking, Garmin watches are often favored by athletes for their specialized tracking features and superior battery life, which can lead to more accurate long-term data collection.

14. Is Garmin accurate for distance?

Yes, Garmin watches are highly accurate for distance tracking, making them a reliable choice for runners, cyclists, and other distance-based sports.

15. How to make Garmin Forerunner more accurate?

To enhance the accuracy of your Garmin Forerunner, ensure that GPS settings are optimized, regularly update the software, and calibrate sensors when needed. Additionally, use multi-band GPS for better precision in challenging environments.

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