Amazfit GTS 4 vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Amazfit GTS 4 delivers exceptional value with its vibrant 390x450 AMOLED display, lightweight 27g design, and impressive 8-day battery life at $199. Garmin Forerunner 955 targets serious athletes with superior GPS capabilities (dual-band with QZSS/BDS), extended 15-day battery, solar charging, NFC payments, and ANT+ connectivity, though its heavier 53g body and lower-resolution MIP display feel dated. Health tracking is comparable between both,SpO2 and heart rate monitoring on each,but the Forerunner 955's sports-focused ecosystem and multi-GNSS accuracy justify its $499 premium for runners and triathletes. GTS 4 suits casual fitness enthusiasts and daily wear, while Forerunner 955 is the choice for serious endurance athletes who demand comprehensive training metrics and rugged reliability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit GTS 4 if…
- →Large 1.75" AMOLED display is bright and vivid for the price
- →Dual-band GPS provides accurate outdoor tracking rivaling Garmin
- →Ultra-lightweight at 27 g — one of the lightest smartwatches available
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 955 if…
- →Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- →Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- →Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Amazfit GTS 4
Pros
- Large 1.75" AMOLED display is bright and vivid for the price
- Dual-band GPS provides accurate outdoor tracking rivaling Garmin
- Ultra-lightweight at 27 g — one of the lightest smartwatches available
- 8-day battery comfortably outlasts Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch
- 150+ sport modes cover virtually every activity
Cons
- Zepp OS has a very limited third-party app ecosystem
- No NFC for contactless payments in most markets
- Notification interaction is basic — can't reply to messages
- Build quality feels less premium than Apple or Samsung at this price
Garmin Forerunner 955
Pros
- Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
- Solar model extends battery to 20 days — charge once or twice a month
- Music storage and playback without needing your phone
Cons
- MIP display looks dull compared to AMOLED on the Forerunner 265
- 14.4mm thick — chunky profile under dress shirt cuffs
- No touchscreen — button-only navigation
- Solar variant adds $100 for marginal battery improvement indoors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit GTS 4 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 2.0 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 27 g (without strap) | 53 g |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 8 days (typical usage) | Up to 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 42mm (1.75 inches) | 46.5mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | AMOLED | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 390 x 450 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Huami custom processor | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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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 or the Garmin Forerunner 955.