Garmin Forerunner 970 vs. Fēnix 8: A Comparison and Ranking Guide

Forerunner 970: premium running, triathlon, and zero drama

See Forerunner 970 price and reviews on Amazon

1.4” AMOLED screen: you read, you understand, you move forward

The 970 uses a 1.4″ AMOLED (454 × 454). On the Digital test, the screen is considered excellent and readable in direct sunlight. The kind of detail that changes a session when you’re already in the red (and you refuse to squint).

GPS: SatIQ + multi-band, so clean tracks without draining the battery

Garmin announces SatIQ + multi-band GPS on the Forerunner 970. The Digitals note precise dual-band GNSS. In town, under trees, on the edge of a canal… it reduces “zigzags” and phantom distances. Not perfect, but definitely cleaner.

Autonomy: announced vs measured (that’s useful)

Official: “up to 15 days” in watch mode and “up to 26 hours” in GPS. In an independent test, Les Numériques measured 13 days of intensive use with Always-On disabled, and ~2 hours to charge 0→100%. 13 days means: you recharge when you think about it, not when the watch is nagging you.

Running Tolerance / Impact Load: “anti-breakage” logic, without health promises

The 970 pushes load-oriented running metrics: The Numerics evoke a weekly running tolerance (how much your body “takes in” per week). DC Rainmaker also details Running Tolerance / Impact Load: monitor mechanical impact and avoid stupid progressions. It doesn’t replace your brain, but it saves you weeks of “too much, too quickly”.

LED torch + microphone/speaker: not essential, but quickly adopted

The LED torch is integrated. The microphone/HP too, for calls and voice commands via telephone. In real life: you respond quickly, you issue an order without taking out your smartphone, you light up when you return late. Gadget? Until the day you need it.

ECG: yes on the watch, but not “magically available everywhere”

Garmin highlights an ECG compatible sensor on the Forerunner 970, and DC Rainmaker reminds that activation depends on countries and software updates. So: are you counting on it? You check compatibility at the time of purchase. Otherwise you will complain, and rightly so.

Waterproof: 5 ATM, so swimming pool yes, diving no

The Forerunner 970 is rated at 5 ATM: swimming/showering OK, but no diving and no “serious” pressure variations. The Digitals make it clear: it is not the tool for diving sports. Point.

If you want to dig into the model + uses (without getting lost), I have a dedicated page: my complete field test of the Forerunner 970.

fēnix 8: the tool watch, and the match is decided on water and robustness

See fēnix 8 price and reviews on Amazon

Diving: the “why” is simple

The fēnix 8 is designed to go further in the water than the 970. Garmin communicates on diving functions (and the tests/press talk about it), with a clearly “outdoor + water” positioning. The exact details (announced depth, decompression model, standards) vary depending on versions and docs: check the precise model before purchasing. Yes, it’s boring. But that’s the reality of the range.

Robustness: waterproof buttons, protection, and “tank” spirit

On the fēnix 8, Garmin highlights “leakproof” buttons, sensor protection and tests according to MIL-STD-810 standards. The watch is made for mud, cold, gloves, shocks. And yes, you can feel it on your wrist.

Micro/HP, torch… and the jungle of versions (fēnix E)

The fēnix 8 has a speaker and microphone for calls/voice commands, and an LED torch. But be careful with the “fēnix E” variation: Wikipedia presents it as a cheaper alternative, and specifies that it can remove speaker/mic, torch and even multi-band. So: you read the sheet. Otherwise you cry.

AMOLED vs Solar: it’s not cosmetic

The press (The Verge, for example) points out that the fēnix 8 exists in OLED/AMOLED options and in Solar variants depending on size, with massive differences in autonomy. In short: you are not comparing “a fēnix 8” abstractly. You compare a version, a size, a screen. Otherwise you are comparing ghosts.

The 3 criteria that make you switch (and how to buy clean)

1) Autonomy: 13 “real” days vs “monster” autonomy depending on versions

The Forerunner 970 lasts 13 measured days (Always-On OFF) in a serious test. The fēnix 8 can go much further in Solar according to the press (up to several dozen days). Do you want maximum peace of mind on an expedition? fēnix. Do you already want to “stop thinking about it” when it comes to premium running? 970 is enough.

2) Comfort: the underestimated mistake

The 970 is 56g. The fēnix 8, depending on materials and sizes, is heavier and more massive. On a jog, it works. Over a whole day, on a thin wrist, with a jacket that hangs… you feel it. And you end up removing it. So yes, comfort is a criterion. Always.

3) Diving / robustness: non-negotiable

If diving is your sport: fēnix 8, end of debate. If you don’t dive but do hard outdoors, 10 ATM + “tank build” makes sense. Otherwise, Forerunner 970 once again becomes the most rational choice for premium running.

Price (France): what you really pay

The Digitals place the Forerunner 970 at €750. For the fēnix 8, Idealo shows observed prices which start around €777–799 depending on versions and sizes. Basically: the price difference finances useful equipment (cardio belt, shoes, registrations). To meditate.

Garmin ECG: the nuance that avoids lame promises

Garmin is rolling out the ECG app in waves depending on the country, and DC Rainmaker insists: available = compatible models + updates + regions. So: check at the time of purchase. Saying “ECG everywhere” is wrong. And that destroys confidence.

If you want an overview of the Garmin range before deciding, you can go through my guide to the best Garmin watches 2026.

FAQ + final verdict

Which is the most precise in GPS in the city?

Forerunner 970: Multi-band + SatIQ, and independent test highlights accurate dual-band GNSS. fēnix 8 is excellent too, but “more expensive” does not automatically mean “more precise”.

Is the Forerunner 970 enough for trail running?

Yes, for normal trail running: mapping, navigation, altimeter, torch. You upgrade to fēnix 8 if you want more margin in robustness/watertightness, or if you often drag in harsh conditions.

Can you dive with the fēnix 8?

Yes, this is the positioning of the fēnix 8 range: diving and outdoor orientation functions. Just check the exact “dive” level depending on the version (and what you really expect from a dive computer).

ECG: available in France?

It depends on the model, firmware and region at the time. Check before paying. (Yes, I’m repeating myself. Because that’s where people go wrong.)

Which one for a thin wrist?

fēnix 8 is available in smaller sizes depending on the version. The Forerunner 970 remains portable despite its 47 mm size thanks to its contained weight. If you can try, do it. Otherwise: purchase with simple return.

AMOLED vs Solar: real gain?

AMOLED = visual comfort. Solar = autonomy if you often go out in the sun. On fēnix 8, this choice changes the logic (and the price). It’s not cosmetic.

• Forerunner 970 : premium running/triathlon, 1.4” AMOLED, multi-band + SatIQ, 13 days measured (AOD OFF), 5 ATM, torch + micro/HP, and load/tolerance metrics.
• fenix 8 : hard outdoor + water, 10 ATM, AMOLED/Solar versions, micro/HP + torch depending on model (attention fēnix E), more “tank” approach.
• The trap : buy fēnix “for prestige” if your use is 90% running. That’s a bad idea.

So here it is: if you want to progress in running and manage your load without complicating your life, Forerunner 970. If you want a robust tool watch, and water/outdoor dominates, fēnix 8. The rest… it’s ego. A little.