Garmin Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 965

Garmin Fenix 7 range is the top-line smartwatch series. Forerunner 965 is the latest running watch in the Forerunner series.

We evaluate both watches to help you pick the right one for your goals.

Smartwatch features covered in this post

Main differences between Fenix 7 and Forerunner 965

For the purpose of this comparison study, Fenix 7 standard edition and Forerunner 965 have been compared.

Forerunner 965 has an AMOLED display. Fenix 7 continues to use the MIP or memory-in-pixel screen. This is positive for Forerunner 965.
Forerunner 965 has a multi-band GPS. Fenix 7 does not use multi-band GPS mode.
Forerunner 965 has better device storage than Fenix 7
Forerunner 965 has a better display lens. It uses DX coated Corning Gorilla Glass 3 while Fenix 7 uses Corning Gorilla Glass
Fenix 7 has a stainless steel bezel while Forerunner 965 uses a titanium bezel.
Fenix 7 has a better water rating of 10 ATM. Forerunner 965 has a 5 ATM water rating.
Fenix 7 has additional profiles for cycling and outdoor recreation.

We will review all these features in detail below.

Display

In terms of display, Forerunner 965 is much better than Fenix 7. This is on account of the AMOLED display on the Forerunner 965. Fenix 7 uses the MIP screen or memory-in-pixel screen.

The benefits of AMOLED display include the following:

Forerunner 965 has a display resolution of 454 x 454 pixels while the Fenix 7 has a display resolution of 260 x 260 pixels.
Forerunner 965 supports Always-on-display or AOD. Fenix 7 does not support AOD.

Apart from the better quality of the AMOLED display, the Forerunner 965 also has the following improvements in the display:

Forerunner 965 has an ambient light sensor. Fenix 7 lacks this sensor.
The DX coated Corning Gorilla Glass 3 of Forerunner 965 is an anti-reflective coating on the display lens. It improves screen readability, especially under bright sunlight.

On account of these reasons, we find the Forerunner 965 a better watch in terms of display specifications.

Both watches do have a touchscreen feature and color display on the screen.

Physical specifications

You will not find significant differences between the Fenix 7 and Forerunner 965 in the physical specifications. We list the main hardware specifications of both watches below.

Specifications	Fenix 7	Forerunner 965
Watch dimensions	47 x 47 x 14.5 mm	47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 (mm)
Display diameter	1.3″ or 33 mm	1.4″ or 35.4 mm
Thickness	14.5 mm	13.2 mm
Watch body	Fiber-enforced polymer, rear metal cover	Fiber-enforced polymer
Bezel	Stainless Steel	Bezel
Weight	79 g	53 g
Watch band	Silicone	Silicone
Recommended wrist circumference	125-208 mm	135-205 mm
Water rating	10 ATM	5 ATM
Device storage	16 GB	32 GB

GPS

For GPS accuracy, you will need to pick Forerunner 965 over the Fenix 7. This is based on the multi-band GPS capability of the Forerunner 965 smartwatch.

Forerunner 965 has a multi-frequency positioning sensor. This sensor allows you to get GPS data from multiple satellites at the same time. Due to multi-band GPS, the accuracy of GPS data improves.

Forerunner 965 also supports SatIQ technology. SatIQ technology picks the multi-mode GPS or simple GPS mode automatically. It toggles on or off the multi-band GPS based on the quality of GPS signals available.

Multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology make Forerunner 965 more promising for runners.

Battery

Battery backup on both watches is almost identical or within range. We look at the battery backup offered by Fenix 7 and Forerunner 965 in different watch modes.

Watch mode	Fenix 7	Forerunner 965
Smartwatch mode	up to 18 days	up to 23 days
GPS mode	up to 57 hours	up to 31 hours
GPS mode with music	up to 10 hours	up to 10.5 hours
All Systems Multi-band GPS	multi-band GPS not available	up to 19 hours
All Systems Multi-band GPS with music	multi-band GPS not available	up to 8.5 hours

The difference in battery backup for Fenix 7 and Forerunner 965 is not very significant difference.

Miscellaneous features

Interestingly, Fenix 7 has additional profiles in cycling and outdoor recreation.

Forerunner 965 comes with preloaded topographical and trail maps.

Forerunner 965 can also send relaxation reminders, a feature missing on the Fenix 7 series smartwatches.

Forerunner 965 has an additional safety feature of spectator messaging. With spectator messaging, the Live Track followers can send you text or audio messages. These messages get delivered to you through the cellular network of the paired smartphone.

Costs

Forerunner 965 comes at a list price of $599.99 and Fenix 7 comes at a list price of $699.99.

Final verdict

Although Fenix 7 is more expensive, Forerunner 965 impresses us because of the following two reasons:

AMOLED display with a much better display resolution
Multi-band GPS

For runners, Forerunner 965 is an apt watch.

Fenix 7 looks better with its steel bezel and rear cover. It is heavier too and offers more features for cycling, Golf and outdoor recreation.

However, we will still pick a Forerunner 965 over the Fenix 7 for improved display and GPS functionality.

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