Apple Watch Series 9 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 9 delivers a premium smartwatch experience with superior display technology, the S9 chip enabling faster performance, and comprehensive health tracking including ECG functionality. Its always-on LTPO OLED screen offers exceptional clarity at 484x396 resolution with vibrant colors. However, battery life maxes out at 18 hours standard mode, requiring daily charging. Garmin Forerunner 965 targets fitness enthusiasts with exceptional battery endurance,23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours GPS,making it ideal for multi-day activities. Its AMOLED display matches Apple's quality, though without LTPO optimization. Missing ECG is notable, yet comprehensive sports tracking and Garmin's running-focused software justify the $200 premium for dedicated athletes. Choose Series 9 for general-purpose daily wear and ecosytem integration; pick Forerunner 965 if battery longevity and specialized fitness features matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if…
- →S9 chip enables on-device Siri and the new Double Tap gesture
- →Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, temperature, crash detection
- →Brightest Apple Watch display at up to 2000 nits
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 9
Pros
- S9 chip enables on-device Siri and the new Double Tap gesture
- Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, temperature, crash detection
- Brightest Apple Watch display at up to 2000 nits
- Seamless deep integration with iPhone and Apple ecosystem
- Wide variety of bands and cases for personalization
Cons
- 18-hour battery life requires daily charging
- Only useful if you own an iPhone — no Android support
- Cellular model adds significant ongoing carrier cost
- Incremental upgrade over Series 8 for existing owners
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 9 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 38.7 g (aluminum) | 53 g |
| Case material | Aluminum or stainless steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Water resistance | WR50 / EN13319 | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hrs, up to 36 hrs Low Power Mode | Up to 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 45 mm | 1.4 inch |
| Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 484 x 396 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S9 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 9 or the Garmin Forerunner 965.