Amazfit Bip 5 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
The Verdict
Amazfit Bip 5 offers exceptional value for casual fitness tracking with a lightweight 26g design, vibrant 1.91-inch LCD display, and impressive 10-day battery life at just $89. Garmin Forerunner 965 targets serious athletes with premium build quality (titanium bezel), superior 1.4-inch AMOLED display, advanced health metrics (skin temperature), NFC/WiFi connectivity, and extended 23-day battery in smartwatch mode—justifying its $599 price. Performance-wise, Garmin's dual-frequency GPS and comprehensive training features outclass Amazfit's single-frequency system. However, Bip 5's exceptional battery endurance, minimal weight, and Zepp OS simplicity make it ideal for budget-conscious users seeking reliable basics. For serious runners requiring advanced metrics and connectivity, Forerunner 965 delivers premium experience. Choose Bip 5 for value and daily wear comfort; select Forerunner 965 if training data and durability matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit Bip 5 if…
- →Incredibly affordable at $89 for a GPS smartwatch
- →10-day battery life from a large 1.91-inch display watch
- →Built-in GPS for run and walk tracking
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 965 if…
- →23-day battery life in smartwatch mode for serious endurance athletes
- →First Forerunner with AMOLED display — bright and easy to read
- →Multi-band GPS with SatIQ for highly accurate outdoor tracking
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Amazfit Bip 5
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $89 for a GPS smartwatch
- 10-day battery life from a large 1.91-inch display watch
- Built-in GPS for run and walk tracking
- 120+ sport modes cover most activities
- SpO2 and heart rate monitoring at budget pricing
Cons
- IPS LCD display — no AMOLED vibrancy or deep blacks
- Polycarbonate build feels cheap compared to metal alternatives
- No NFC, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity
- Zepp OS app ecosystem is very limited
Garmin Forerunner 965
Pros
- 23-day battery life in smartwatch mode for serious endurance athletes
- First Forerunner with AMOLED display — bright and easy to read
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ for highly accurate outdoor tracking
- Advanced running metrics: running power, VO2 max, race predictor
- Garmin Pay NFC and music storage for offline playback
Cons
- No ECG sensor
- No cellular connectivity
- Garmin OS app ecosystem is very limited compared to Wear OS or watchOS
- Expensive at $599 for a running-focused device
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit Bip 5 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26 g (without strap) | 53 g |
| Case material | Polycarbonate | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Skin temperature | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 days (typical usage) | Up to 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 45.4 mm (1.91 inches) | 1.4 inch |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 320 x 380 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Huami proprietary | Garmin proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Amazfit products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Amazfit Bip 5 or the Garmin Forerunner 965.