Amazfit GTS 4 Mini vs Garmin Forerunner 965
The Verdict
Amazfit GTS 4 Mini delivers exceptional value for casual fitness tracking at just $99, featuring a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display, reliable SpO2 monitoring, and impressive 15-day battery life with lightweight 31.2g design. Garmin Forerunner 965 ($599) targets serious athletes with advanced health metrics including skin temperature monitoring, superior GPS performance, NFC payments, WiFi connectivity, and extended 23-day battery in smartwatch mode. Picture quality favors Garmin's higher resolution 454x454 display versus Amazfit's 336x384 panel. Performance-wise, Garmin excels with comprehensive sports tracking and Garmin's ecosystem integration, while Amazfit covers essential metrics adequately. Both deliver solid AMOLED displays with always-on capability. For budget-conscious users prioritizing daily wear and basic health insights, the GTS 4 Mini is unbeatable. Athletes and runners requiring detailed training analytics, advanced sensors, and premium build quality (titanium bezel, 10 ATM rating) should invest in the Forerunner 965. Choose based on intended use rather than price alone.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini if…
- →15-day battery life is exceptional for an AMOLED smartwatch
- →Very affordable at just $99 with solid fitness features
- →Lightweight at 31.2 g — comfortable for 24/7 wear and sleep 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 GTS 4 Mini
Pros
- 15-day battery life is exceptional for an AMOLED smartwatch
- Very affordable at just $99 with solid fitness features
- Lightweight at 31.2 g — comfortable for 24/7 wear and sleep tracking
- Built-in GPS for outdoor activity tracking
- 120+ sport modes cover nearly every activity
Cons
- No NFC for contactless payments
- Limited smart features — no app store for third-party apps
- No Wi-Fi for faster syncing or standalone functionality
- Zepp OS has fewer integrations than Wear OS or watchOS
- Small display may be hard to read for some users
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 GTS 4 Mini | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 2.0 | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 31.2 g (without strap) | 53 g |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 15 days (typical use) | Up to 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 42mm | 1.4 inch |
| Type | AMOLED Always-On | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 336 x 384 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Huami custom SoC | 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 GTS 4 Mini or the Garmin Forerunner 965.