The brand new Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Series has just stepped into the spotlight, loaded with some cool changes. But here’s the big question: “Is it a better smartwatch than the Garmin Forerunner 965?”
Now, even though these two watches might be aimed at different folks, it’s pretty exciting to see them go head-to-head.
In this article, we’ll take you on a fun ride exploring the ins and outs of both these flashy gadgets. So, buckle up, and let’s find out which of these watches is the perfect fit for you!
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Garmin Forerunner 965: Pricing
The Galaxy Watch 6 series starts at $299.99 for the 40mm, GPS-only model. The Watch 6 Classic starts at $399.99. The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a bit more expensive, priced at $599.
Where to Buy?
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: View on Amazon
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: View on Amazon
- Garmin Forerunner 965: View on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Garmin Forerunner 965: Specs Comparison
| Product | Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | Galaxy Watch 6 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round | Round | Round |
| Size | 43mm / 47mm | 40mm / 44mm | 47mm |
| Case material | Stainless steel | Aluminum | fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Weight | 43mm: 52 grams 47mm: 59 grams | 40mm: 28.7 grams 44mm: 33.3 grams | 53 grams |
| Colors | Black, silver | 40mm: Gray, gold 44mm: Gray, silver | Black, Gray, Yellow |
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Fall detection | Yes | Yes | No |
| Processor | Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz | Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz | N/A |
| Storage | 16GB | 16GB | 32GB |
| sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor | Samsung BioActive Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, 3D Hall Senso | Heart rate, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, SpO2, Ambient Light sensor |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou | GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO multi-frequency positioning |
| OS | Wear OS | Wear OS | Garmin OS |
| Battery life | Up to 40 hours | Up to 40 hours | Smartwatch mode: up to 23 days GPS only: up to 31 hours |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $400 | $300 | $599.99 |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Garmin Forerunner 965: Review
Design & Display
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic offer both 1.3″ and 1.5″ Sapphire Crystal displays, respectively, with bezels 30% and 15% slimmer than their predecessors.
They come with an impressive 2000 nits peak brightness, allowing for comfortable visibility in any lighting condition.
Their innovative mechanism for changing bands and their new Fabric Band addition add to their appeal.
On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 965, slightly larger than its predecessor at 47.2mm, sports an AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 545 pixels. Its display is brighter than the previous model and is easily visible in direct sunlight.
Health Features
The Galaxy Watch 6 series offers a multitude of health tracking features, including body composition analysis, improved menstrual cycle tracking with skin temperature readings at night, and irregular rhythm notifications.
These watches also come with Sleep Score Factors, personalized heart rate zones, and fall detection.
The Forerunner 965 offers the same health features as the Forerunner 955, including heart rate, blood oxygen level, respiration rate, stress, and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements.
It also provides a Morning Report with daily health and wellness summaries and a Health Snapshot feature, measuring several vital signs in two minutes.
Activity Tracking
Both smartwatches excel in this department. The Galaxy Watch 6 series offers advanced tracking for running, with five optimal intensity levels for set goals and a custom workout setup.
The Forerunner 965, true to its reputation as a runner’s watch, offers a new feature soon to be rolled out to other models: Chronic Training Load, providing insights into training over an extended period.
The watches’ training readiness metrics use multiple parameters, such as sleep, recovery time, and stress, to inform users about their readiness for a workout.
Smartwatch Features
The Galaxy Watch 6 series runs Google’s Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI 5 Watch software overlay on top. The watch supports numerous apps, watch faces, and widgets. The BioActive sensor packed into these watches promises accurate health data.
The Forerunner 965, on the other hand, offers interchangeable straps and options for display customization. It also provides users the flexibility to disable the touchscreen during activities or use only the buttons for navigation.
OS & Compatibility
As of now, the Galaxy Watch 6 series, despite running on Wear OS, is compatible only with Android phones, lacking iPhone support.
The Forerunner 965, meanwhile, is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, offering a more versatile choice for users with different smartphones.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch 6 series sports 300mAh or 425mAh batteries, offering up to 40 hours of battery life without AOD (Always-On Display) and up to 30 hours with AOD. They also support 10W fast charging.
In contrast, the Forerunner 965 showcases impressive battery life, boasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS-only mode without music.
However, activating the always-on display option significantly reduces battery life to seven days.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Garmin Forerunner 965: Which Should You Buy?
The decision between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Garmin Forerunner 965 boils down to personal preference and specific needs.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series offers a compelling package of features, design, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartwatch with an emphasis on health and wellness features.
On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 965, with its stronger focus on in-depth fitness tracking, brighter screen, and superior battery life, is a better fit for sports enthusiasts and those who prioritize long-term tracking and analysis of their physical activities.
In the end, both smartwatches offer robust functionality and performance, ensuring that no matter which one you choose, you’ll be receiving a top-tier wearable tech device.
