| Xiaomi Watch | Garmin Forerunner 970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $285★ | $749 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 56g | 56g |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery | 6 days | 15 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Platform | Android only | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Feb 28, 2026 | May 15, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
Dual-chip design keeps the main Snapdragon W5 dormant during light tasks, dramatically extending battery life beyond any rival Wear OS watch.
First Wear OS 6 device on the market — with ECG monitoring, EMG gesture control, and eSIM for standalone calling.
Larger and brighter display than Galaxy Watch 8 or Pixel Watch 4, with Hasselblad-tuned health sensors, starting at around $285.
The FR970 is the first Forerunner with ECG and a built-in LED flashlight — plus a sapphire crystal lens and titanium DLC case for durability that rivals the Fenix 8.
Turn-by-turn navigation on preloaded worldwide TopoActive maps, combined with AI-powered Garmin Triathlon Coach structured training plans — a premium combination at any price.
Full biomechanics suite (cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, running power) plus Garmin's most advanced heart rate sensor with skin temperature monitoring.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$285 vs $959 over 3 years · no required subscription.
15 days vs 6 days battery.
9 sensors.
56g · no required subscription.
Android users who want a full-featured Wear OS smartwatch — ECG, eSIM, a large bright screen — at a price well below Samsung and Google competitors. A natural pairing with Xiaomi phones but fully compatible with any Android device.
Full details →Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want the complete Garmin premium running analytics suite: ECG, full maps, running dynamics, Triathlon Coach, and the most durable build in the Forerunner line. Replaces the FR965 as Garmin's top running watch.
Full details →