Garmin Forerunner 970 and Fenix E are almost priced at similar levels. For someone in the market for Garmin watches, these 2 watches would definitely make it to the shortlist.
We do a quick comparison between the core features and attriibutes of Forerunner 970 and Fenix E.
Let us dig deeper.
Main differences
- Forerunner 970 is a Sapphire smartwatch. Fenix E uses 3rd generation Corning Gorilla Glass. That’s a substantial difference in my opinion, especially at the price levels both watches sell for.
- Forerunner 970 offers support for multi-band GPS and includes a SatIQ sensor for automatic management of the multi-band GPS mode. Fenix E does not support multi-band GPS.
- Forerunner 970 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app. Fenix E lacks support for the Garmin ECG app.
- Forerunner 970 has a bigger (36 mm) dial and Fenix E has a 33 mm dial.
- Forerunner 970 comes with inbuilt speaker and mic. You can make calls or answer calls right off the smartwatch. Fenix E misses both.
- Fenix E has 10 ATM water rating (100 meters water resistance below surface level) and Forerunner 970 has a 5 ATM (50 meters water resistance) water rating.
In terms of core features, Forerunner 970 trumps Fenix E by a decent margin. Let us evaluate some of these significant differences below.
Display
Forerunner 970 uses Sapphire display glass. Sapphire glass is expensive as it comes off naturally available Sapphire crystals.
Sapphire watches are scratch proof or scratch resistant. These watches are considered more durable and offer a hassle-free period of ownership.
Forerunner 970 and Fenix E use AMOLED display. So, the display will be brighter.
The larger dial of Forerunner 970 offers higher display resolution of 454 x 454 pixels while the Fenix E offers a display resolution of 416 x 416 pixels.
GPS
Forerunner 970 and Fenix E support GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou GPS networks. The similarities end here.
Because, Forerunner 970 includes multi-band GPS sensor and SatIQ sensor.
The multi-band sensor allows the watch to fetch GPS data from multiple satellite systems at any given point in time.
For areas with poor GPS connectivity or weak GPS signals on a particular GPS network, the watch would happily pull the GPS data from other GPS network.
This improves GPS reliability and accuracy in Forerunner 970
And, the SatIQ sensor automatically toggles on or off the multi-band GPS mode. So, the user is not bugged with a need to manage the multi-band GPS mode manually.
For people looking for reliable GPS data, Forerunner 970 outshines Fenix E in a massive way.
Garmin ECG
Garmin ECG app is FDA approved app that can be used to record ECG or electro cardiogram readings. ECG readings help in studying rhythm of heart.
Forerunner 970 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app. It, therefore, offers better monitoring of cardiac health in comparison with the Fenix E.
Not all people may benefit with the Garmin ECG app. For someone looking at closer monitoring of rhythm patterns of the heart, Forerunner 970 is the choice to exercise over Fenix E.
Other factors
There are other smaller feature differences that do merit a consideration.
Forerunner 970’s titanium bezel offers a distinct look in comparison to the steel bezel in Fenix E.
Inbuilt speaker and mic on Forerunner 970 means you can take or reject calls off your wrist. Higher internal storage in Forerunner 970 can be used for extensive mapping or storing music files.
Higher water rating of Fenix E does offer better depth coverage (100 meters) than Forerunner 970 (50 meters).
In terms of workout profiles, you will find some differences between Forerunner 970 and Fenix E. It would be wise to consider these differences by contacting Garmin support or Garmin sales teams.
Summary
Your goals should help pick the most appropriate of the Forerunner 970 or Fenix E watches.
Fenix E ($799.99) and Forerunner 970 ($749.99) are priced in a tight price range.
Athletes, triathletes, marathon runners, cross country runners or hikers will benefit with a Forerunner 970. For someone looking to look at the watch beyond these features, Fenix E does offer a compelling option.