Apple Watch Series 10 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 10 excels as a versatile smartwatch with watchOS 11's superior ecosystem integration, premium LTPO3 OLED display hitting 2000 nits, and comprehensive health sensors including ECG capability. Its 30g aluminum frame feels noticeably lighter than the Garmin's 53g build. However, Garmin Forerunner 965 dominates endurance athletes with exceptional 23-day battery life in smartwatch mode versus Apple's 18-hour limitation, more sophisticated running metrics, and superior GPS-to-workout analysis. The Garmin's lack of ECG and reliance on proprietary OS limits broader health tracking and third-party app support. For general consumers prioritizing daily convenience and Apple ecosystem synergy, Series 10 delivers better overall experience. Serious runners, triathletes, or outdoor enthusiasts seeking battery longevity and advanced training analytics should choose the Forerunner 965 despite its premium $599 price point.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if…
- →Thinnest and lightest Apple Watch ever at just 9.7mm thick
- →New wide-angle OLED display is significantly brighter at off-angles
- →Larger 42mm and 46mm case sizes with bigger displays in slimmer body
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
Apple Watch Series 10
Pros
- Thinnest and lightest Apple Watch ever at just 9.7mm thick
- New wide-angle OLED display is significantly brighter at off-angles
- Larger 42mm and 46mm case sizes with bigger displays in slimmer body
- Sleep apnea detection and improved health tracking via watchOS 11
- Faster charging — up to 80% in about 30 minutes
Cons
- Battery life is still just 18 hours, behind most competitors
- Blood oxygen sensing disabled on US units due to patent dispute
- No major performance jump over Series 9's S9 chip
- Cellular model costs an extra $100
- Requires an iPhone, no Android compatibility
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 | Apple Watch Series 10 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 11 | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30 g (42mm aluminum) | 53 g |
| Case material | Aluminum (Titanium option available) | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) + IP6X dust resistant | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours normal use, up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 42mm (1.96") | 1.4 inch |
| Type | LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina with wide-angle OLED, up to 2000 nits | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 374 x 446 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S10 SiP | Garmin proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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 Apple products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Garmin Forerunner 965.