Amazfit GTR 4 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Amazfit GTR 4 delivers exceptional value with a lightweight 34g design, vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED display (466x466), and impressive 14-day battery life in normal mode. Its Zepp OS provides essential health tracking: SpO2, heart rate, and sleep monitoring. Garmin Forerunner 965 ($599) caters to serious athletes with skin temperature monitoring, superior water resistance (10 ATM vs 5 ATM), and more robust GPS capabilities ideal for extended workouts. The 965's 23-day smartwatch battery and titanium construction justify premium pricing for endurance athletes. However, GTR 4's $199 price point, lighter build, and comparable AMOLED display make it the smart choice for casual fitness enthusiasts seeking excellent daily wear and health insights. The Forerunner suits dedicated runners and triathletes; GTR 4 suits budget-conscious users prioritizing longevity and everyday usability.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Amazfit GTR 4 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 34 g | 53 g |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days normal, 26 days basic watch mode | Up to 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 1.43 inch | 1.4 inch |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 466 x 466 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Huangshan No.2 | Garmin proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Amazfit GTR 4
Pros
- Excellent 14-day battery life with always-on AMOLED display
- 150+ built-in sports modes for broad activity tracking
- Dual-band GPS with four satellite systems for accurate positioning
- Attractive round design with physical crown and quick-release bands
- Affordable at $199 with Wi-Fi and NFC for payments
Cons
- No ECG sensor or skin temperature tracking
- Zepp OS has a limited third-party app ecosystem
- Bluetooth phone calls require the Zepp app active on the phone
- Health tracking accuracy lags behind Apple, Samsung, and Garmin
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
Related Comparisons
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Amazfit products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Amazfit GTR 4 or the Garmin Forerunner 965.