Smartwatches / Compare

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 970

A

Product A: Garmin

Forerunner 265

91 of 150 known

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B

Product B: Garmin

Forerunner 970

82 of 150 known

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Only differences

AGarmin Forerunner 265

BGarmin Forerunner 970

General

5 of 10 differ

Series

Forerunner1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Forerunner6Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-unveils-the-forerunner-570-and-forerunner-970-its-newest-gps-running-and-triathlon-smartwatches-for-performance-driven-athletesRead 30 September 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

010-02810-00, 010-02810-01, 010-02810-02, 010-02810-10, 010-02810-11, 010-02810-12, A044521Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026US page lists 010-02810-00/01/02 as Forerunner 265 46 mm. The en-GB, en-NZ and en-AU pages list 010-02810-10/11/12 with the same names, colours and spec table.14Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.garmin.com/pumac/Forerunner%20265-265S_DoC-UK.pdfRead 7 October 2026UK declaration model-number row expressly A04452 Forerunner 265, A04453 Forerunner 265S. Added only A04452 to the six existing marketed codes. Its Product Security support period is not an OS-update-duration promise.

010-02969-00, 010-02969-01, 010-02969-02, 010-02969-10, 010-02969-11, 010-02969-121Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026US part numbers 010-02969-00, -01, -022Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-GB/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

GTIN / EAN

0753759313715, 0753759313722, 07537593137392Maker spec sheet (PDF)pms-public.1ntersport.com/4-productattachments/at/iat.garmin.01002810.pdfRead 7 October 2026Page 5 Produktportfolio lists EAN 0753759313715, 0753759313722 and 0753759313739 for 010-02810-10, -11 and -12. No US UPCs were found in a maker source.

753759349899, 753759349905, 075375934991210Retailer pageabt.com/Garmin-Forerunner-970-Smartwatch-47mm-Carbon-Gray-DLC-Titanium-Case-with-Black-Translucent-Whitestone-Band-0100296900/p/224204.htmlRead 30 September 2026Visible UPC 753759349899 for 00, 753759349905 for 01, and related Product JSON-LD gtin13 0753759349912 for 02.11Retailer pageabt.com/Garmin-Forerunner-970-Smartwatch-47mm-Whitestone-Titanium-Case-with-Whitestone-Translucent-Amp-Yellow-Band-0100296901/p/224205.htmlRead 30 September 2026Visible UPC 753759349905 for exact 010-02969-01.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

2 March 20233Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-adds-amoled-displays-to-its-next-gen-forerunner-265-and-forerunner-965-gps-running-watchesRead 6 October 2026Dated Olathe, March 2, 2023.

15 May 20256Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-unveils-the-forerunner-570-and-forerunner-970-its-newest-gps-running-and-triathlon-smartwatches-for-performance-driven-athletesRead 30 September 2026

Status

Available1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026US SKU 010-02810-00 is sellable with Add to Cart and 1-3 day shipping on the access date.

Available1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026On sale at 749.99 USD on the date accessed

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Garmin Forerunner 25524Maker product pagegarmin.com/nl-NL/blogRead 23 October 2026Garmin's Dutch blog says the Forerunner 265 is the successor of the Forerunner 255.

Garmin Forerunner 96517Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Forerunner-970-Garmin-replaces-Forerunner-965-with-new-smartwatch-that-arrives-for-749.1017596.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck's headline says Garmin replaces the Forerunner 965 with the Forerunner 970 and the text says the 970 effectively succeeds the 965.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Garmin Forerunner 57021Reviewthe5krunner.com/2023/03/02/garmin-forerunner-265-opinionRead 7 October 2026Current September 2026 update note explicitly Forerunner 265 has since been superseded by Forerunner 570. Existing same-type garmin-forerunner-570 JSON linked. Relationship only. No 570 sensor, case size, brightness or battery data transferred.25Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2025/05/garmin-forerunner-everything.htmlRead 23 October 2026DC Rainmaker says the Forerunner 570 is the confirmed successor to the Forerunner 265.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$449.993Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-adds-amoled-displays-to-its-next-gen-forerunner-265-and-forerunner-965-gps-running-watchesRead 6 October 2026Suggested retail $449.99 for the Forerunner 265 series. US price excludes sales tax.

$749.996Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-unveils-the-forerunner-570-and-forerunner-970-its-newest-gps-running-and-triathlon-smartwatches-for-performance-driven-athletesRead 30 September 2026Suggested retail price $749.99

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€499.992Maker spec sheet (PDF)pms-public.1ntersport.com/4-productattachments/at/iat.garmin.01002810.pdfRead 7 October 2026Page 5 lists UVP 499,99 EUR for each 265 SKU. It matches the French launch release.4Press releasegarmin.com/fr-FR/newsroom/des-ecrans-amoled-pour-les-nouvelles-montres-gps-de-running-triathlon-forerunner-265-et-forerunner-965-de-garminRead 7 October 2026Prix et disponibilites: Forerunner 265 disponible des maintenant au prix de vente de 499,99 EUR. French consumer price including VAT.

€749.9912Press releasegarmin.com/fr-FR/newsroom/garmin-devoile-les-forerunner-570-et-forerunner-970-les-nouvelles-montres-gps-connectees-de-course-destinees-aux-runners-experts-et-aux-triathletesRead 30 September 2026Prix et disponibilite: May 21 availability, EUR 749.99 recommended retail price.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, EU, GB, AU, NZ1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Exact US sellable SKU family 010-02810-00/01/02. Existing French launch release proves actual EU sales of international SKUs, while current GB/AU/NZ maker pages list 010-02810-10/11/12. Base union, explicit row markets distinguish US from international variants. Language alone is not availability proof.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pms-public.1ntersport.com/4-productattachments/at/iat.garmin.01002810.pdfRead 7 October 2026Garmin international product-portfolio rows 010-02810-10/11/12 with EUR 499.99 MSRP and EANs. Together with actual maker French immediate availability, proves represented EU offerings. US part numbers remain restricted to US in variant rows.4Press releasegarmin.com/fr-FR/newsroom/des-ecrans-amoled-pour-les-nouvelles-montres-gps-de-running-triathlon-forerunner-265-et-forerunner-965-de-garminRead 7 October 2026March 2, 2023 French maker press release explicitly available now for 499.99 EUR. EU sold hardware proof, linked to international 010-02810-10/11/12 through manufacturer datasheet portfolio/EAN rows, not language alone.15Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-GB/p/pn/010-02810-10Read 7 October 2026Current maker GB locale/store bootstrap explicitly lists international 46 mm Forerunner 265 codes 010-02810-10/11/12 with the same colours. Row markets distinguish international from US codes. 265S-13/14/15 excluded.16Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-AU/p/pn/010-02810-10Read 7 October 2026Current maker AU locale/store bootstrap explicitly lists international 46 mm Forerunner 265 codes 010-02810-10/11/12 with the same colours. Row markets distinguish international from US codes. 265S-13/14/15 excluded.17Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02810-10Read 7 October 2026Current maker NZ locale/store bootstrap explicitly lists international 46 mm Forerunner 265 codes 010-02810-10/11/12 with the same colours. Row markets distinguish international from US codes. 265S-13/14/15 excluded.

US, GB, DE, EU1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 20262Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-GB/p/1462801Read 30 September 20263Maker product pagegarmin.com/de-DE/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Same part numbers 010-02969-10, -11, -12

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black Bezel and Case with Black/Powder Gray Silicone Band, Black Bezel with Whitestone Case and Whitestone/Tidal Blue Silicone Band, Black Bezel with Aqua Case and Aqua/Black Silicone Band1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Verbatim product variation names from the SKU data, without the leading model name. The en-GB page uses the same three names.

Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Case, Titanium with Whitestone Case, Soft Gold Titanium with French Gray Case1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Segment

Sport1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Maker breadcrumb and category: Sports & Fitness, Running. Product described as a GPS running watch.

Sport1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Listed under Sports & Fitness > Running

OS updates promisediYears of explicitly promised OS updates. A security-only support period does not establish an OS-upgrade promise.

Not available

Not available

Security updates untiliExact end date published for security-update support of this model. Do not calculate it from a stated number of years. A security-only period does not promise OS upgrades.

Not available

Not available

Case

4 of 8 differ

Case sizeiMarketed case-size options. The marketed size can differ from physical case height, such as ceramic editions. Base dimensions describe the smallest base-material case.

46mm1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

47mm1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Case shape

Round1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Maker product images show a round case with button and lug projections. The case-size tooltip calls 46 mm the diameter of the watch housing.

Round1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Round body outline observed in the exact base-SKU manufacturer figure (010-02903-00 or 010-02969-00), whose image and model caption are in the public GarminAppBootstrap.

Case materialiMaterial of the housing body, not just the bezel. Use Mixed when the maker describes a mixture of housing/frame materials. Read the published-material field for the parts and proportions.

Fibre-reinforced polymer10Reviewandroidcentral.com/wearables/garmin-forerunner-265-reviewRead 7 October 2026Actual review design explicitly plastic bezel and casing, specification Materials row Fiber-reinforced polymer. Grover exact 46 mm retailer Build Material independently says fiber-reinforced-polymer Case. Maker only names bezel material, so whole housing is a secondary-supported gap fill. No stainless/titanium borrowed from other watches.11Retailer pagegrover.com/at-en/products/garmin-forerunner-265-fiber-reinforced-polymer-case-and-silicone-band-46mmRead 7 October 2026Exact 46 mm product title and Build Material cell explicitly fiber reinforced polymer Case and Silicone Band. Black/Light Grey, Turquoise/Black and White finishes share this construction. Not merely a bezel statement. Rental bundle accessories are not transferred to the maker standard box.

Fibre-reinforced polymer9Reviewirunfar.com/garmin-forerunner-970-reviewRead 30 September 2026Garmin uses a fiber-reinforced polymer case, with a titanium bezel

Case material (as published)

Fiber-reinforced polymer10Reviewandroidcentral.com/wearables/garmin-forerunner-265-reviewRead 7 October 2026Verbatim review Materials cell Fiber-reinforced polymer. Same 46.1 mm/22 mm-band regular Forerunner 265 and colours, not 265S or 570.11Retailer pagegrover.com/at-en/products/garmin-forerunner-265-fiber-reinforced-polymer-case-and-silicone-band-46mmRead 7 October 2026Exact published body material cell Fiber reinforced polymer Case. Review uses same material term. No separate back substrate is inferred.

Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium bezel9Reviewirunfar.com/garmin-forerunner-970-reviewRead 30 September 2026Design and Fit section explicitly distinguishes the polymer case and titanium bezel.

BackiMaterial of the back of the smallest base-material case. Other materials or regional editions can differ. See source notes.

Not available

Not available

Case dimensionsiPhysical case height, width and thickness. The source note states exclusions such as the heart-rate sensor protrusion.

Height46.1Width46.1Thickness12.9mm(1.8 × 1.8 × 0.5 in)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Physical size 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9 mm. The source does not say whether the heart rate sensor bump is included.

Height47Width47Thickness12.9mm(1.9 × 1.9 × 0.5 in)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Weight (case only)iWatch body without a strap. An unqualified published weight must not be assumed to exclude the strap.

Not available

Not available

Weight with strapiWatch with the stated strap attached. Strap material and case size belong in the source note. Reviewer measurements belong in measured fields.

47g(1.7 oz)20Press articlegadgetsandwearables.com/2025/05/15/garmin-forerunner-570Read 7 October 2026Existing Forerunner 265 column explicitly Weight (with strap): 47 g, 46.1x46.1x12.9 mm, 1.30-inch display and supplied silicone band. Exact maker unqualified 47 g matches across all 46 mm coloured SKUs. Case-only weight is not inferred. This is a published specification, not the publisher's own weighing measurement. Other table errors and speculative 570 claims are not imported.

Not available

Durability

1 of 8 differ

Water resistanceiStatic water-pressure rating in atmospheres. It is not a safe swimming or diving depth. Diving limits are listed separately.

5ATM1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Water rating 5 ATM. This is a pressure rating, not a dive rating.

5ATM1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 20264Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-DEC2B782-96E8-4287-8C8A-5907CC9D3B35.htmlRead 30 September 2026Swim, 5 ATM (pressure equivalent to 50 m)

Water resistance standard

Not available

Not available

Dust and water rating

Not available

Not available

Dive rating

Not available

Not available

Max dive depthiMaker-rated depth for the stated diving use, not a conversion from the water-resistance pressure rating.

Not available

Not available

MIL-STD-810iMaker claim that the watch was tested against specified MIL-STD-810 methods. It is not a guarantee for every military-standard test.

Not available

Not available

MIL-STD-810 tests

Not available

Not available

Operating temperatureiPublished operating range. Source notes identify on-wrist limits and other operating conditions. Storage or charging limits are excluded.

Min-20Max50°C6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Specifications p.107 Operating temperature range: -20 to 50 C. Charging range 0 to 45 C is separate. No storage or water temperature limit substituted.

Min-20Max60°C4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-DEC2B782-96E8-4287-8C8A-5907CC9D3B35.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Display

5 of 14 differ

Display type

OLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

OLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Display type: AMOLED (optional always-on mode)

Display type (as published)

AMOLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

AMOLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Screen sizeiPublished active display diagonal for a rectangular display, or diameter for a round display. Do not calculate it from pixels or display area.

1.3in(3.3 cm)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Display size 1.3 inch (32.5 mm) diameter. The launch datasheet gives 1.3 inch (33 mm).

1.4in(3.6 cm)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Resolution

416 × 416px1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

454 × 454px1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Pixel densityiPublished pixel density. A rectangular diagonal formula must not be applied to a round display.

320ppi20Press articlegadgetsandwearables.com/2025/05/15/garmin-forerunner-570Read 7 October 2026Same legacy Forerunner 265 column explicitly Pixels per inch (PPI): 320, 416x416, 1.30-inch round display. Stored as published rounded density. No rectangular-diagonal formula applied. Maker 32.5 mm diameter is more precise than 1.30-inch marketed rounding, so this is a secondary marketed-density figure. No speculative 570 figure imported.22Reviewfrandroid.com/marques/garmin/1669051_test-de-la-garmin-forerunner-265-une-excellente-montre-de-sport-mais-pas-sans-defautsRead 7 October 2026Actual original March 2023 review display section explicitly lists regular Forerunner 265 1.3 inch / 416x416 / 320 pixels per inch. Smaller 265S 1.1 inch / 360x360 / 327 is excluded. Published rounded density, not a rectangular-diagonal calculation. Precise maker diameter 32.5 mm differs from marketed 1.3-inch rounding.

Not available

Display area

Not available

Not available

Touchscreen

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Max refresh rateiHighest published display refresh rate in active operation.

Not available

Not available

Min refresh rateiLowest published display refresh rate, usually in always-on mode. It is not the active-use minimum unless stated.

Not available

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Peak brightnessiMaker peak-brightness claim. It may apply to a small area or bright ambient light. Full-screen limits and battery/temperature conditions belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Minimum brightness

Not available

Not available

Always-on display

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Display cover

Gorilla Glass1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Sapphire1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Display cover (as published)

Corning Gorilla Glass 31Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Sapphire Crystal1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Lens material: Sapphire Crystal. Bezel material: titanium

Platform

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Platform

Proprietary1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Garmin's own watch software with Connect IQ apps and an on-device Connect IQ Store. No Wear OS or watchOS.

Proprietary1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

OS at launch

Not available

Not available

Software

Not available

Not available

Latest OS

Garmin Software Version 29.058Maker product pageforums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-265-series/442768/forerunner-265-series---29-05---100Read 7 October 2026Official Garmin-Kevin production announcement: Software Version 29.05 now available for Forerunner 265 Series, titled 100% rollout. Current official series index pins 29.05 as latest production on access date. Not a beta or Connect IQ SDK version. US/international global hardware codes represented here, APAC-specific codes not added. Launch software not inferred.

Not available

Works with

iOS, Android1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

iOS, Android1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Phone requirement

Garmin Connect requires iOS 18.2 or higher. Android 9 or higher needs native Google Play Store. Android Go is not supported.9Maker product pagesupport.garmin.com/en-USRead 7 October 2026Current US maker compatibility FAQ embedded public var AppData names iOS 18.2+ and Android 9+, native Google Play required, Android Go unsupported. This is companion-app requirement at access date, not a claim that basic watch operation requires a phone. Some localized cached FAQs publish older iOS/Android requirements and are not substituted for current US data. Independent verification direct US retrieval returned a public challenge. Actual same-session public raw AppData was parsed independently without executing scripts. Current same-ID official South African/Portuguese/Spanish FAQs corroborate these app requirements. No older cached OS threshold substituted.

Current Garmin Connect app: iPhone with iOS 18.2 or later, or Android 9 or later with native Google Play Store support. Android Go is not supported.15Maker product pagesupport.garmin.com/en-SGRead 8 October 2026Current official FAQ read through the public search index: Android 9+, native Google Play Store required, Android Go unsupported. It gives general iOS 18+, while the current Garmin-published App Store listing more precisely requires iOS 18.2. The directly opened FAQ returned a script shell, so indexed access is qualified. Older indexed regional iOS 15/Android 7 text is not used as the current app-install requirement. Compatibility still depends on the phone, and Garmin lists some models that did not pass its tests.16Maker product pageapps.apple.com/us/app/garmin-connect/id583446403Read 8 October 2026Current Garmin International App Store listing explicitly requires iOS 18.2 or later and is for iPhone. This is the current companion-app installation minimum, not a claim that this was the watch's launch minimum or that standalone watch functions require an iPhone.

App store

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Connect IQ with an on-device Connect IQ Store

Voice assistants

Not available

Voice Commands, Phone Assistant5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026Named manual sections Using Voice Commands and Using the Phone Assistant. Phone Assistant relies on the paired smartphone.

Chipset

Not available

Not available

Process

Not available

Not available

CPU cores

Not available

Not available

CPU configuration

Not available

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Max CPU clock

Not available

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GPU

Not available

Not available

Low-power coprocessor

Not available

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Memory

1 of 2 differ

RAMiKeep published GB values as stated. Convert a source explicitly labelled MB using 1000 MB per GB and preserve its original figure and unit in the note. Do not assume MB means MiB. Convert explicit MiB or GiB to decimal GB through their byte definitions, recording the conversion in the note. This normalization does not establish an exact physical byte count.

Not available

Not available

StorageiTotal built-in storage the maker states, in decimal GB. Space available to the user is lower and goes in the source note. A figure the maker gives only as available space is not stored.

8GB1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Memory/History 8 GB. Not RAM.

32GB1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 20264Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-DEC2B782-96E8-4287-8C8A-5907CC9D3B35.htmlRead 30 September 2026Media storage: Up to 32 GB

Health sensors

3 of 8 differ

Heart rate sensor

Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Garmin Elevate Gen 57Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2025/06/garmin-forerunner-970-in-depth-review-brillance.htmlRead 30 September 2026Added Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor

ECG capabilityiElectrical heart sensing hardware with an ECG capability. The ECG app can require an eligible country, age and paired phone.

No5Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/03/garmin-forerunner-review-amoled.htmlRead 6 October 2026Review states there is no ECG hardware in the Forerunner 265, confirmed by Garmin. The sensor lacks the isolating ring an ECG needs.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Blood oxygen sensingiBlood-oxygen sensing capability. App availability and medical status vary by market.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor: spot check, optional all-day acclimation and in sleep. Not a medical device and not available in all countries.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Skin temperature sensingiA sensor or supported function that measures skin temperature. It is not a core-body thermometer.

No19Reviewandroidcentral.com/best-garmin-smartwatchRead 7 October 2026Current exact Forerunner 265 scorecard Health row explicitly Elevate v4 with no ECG or skin temp. Maker internal thermometer is an ambient/device-temperature sensor, not a skin-health feature. Other Venu/Forerunner model scorecards are excluded.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Blood pressure featureiPublished blood-pressure feature category. Hypertension notifications are not numerical blood-pressure readings.

Not available

Not available

Body composition sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin conductance (EDA)

Not available

Not available

Medical clearancesiNamed regulatory clearances and their jurisdiction. General water resistance or an ECG sensor does not establish medical clearance.

Not available

Not available

Motion and environment sensors

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Accelerometer

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Accelerometer range

Not available

Not available

Gyroscope

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Barometric altimeter

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Compass

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Ambient light sensor

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Depth gauge

Not available

Not available

Depth gauge rangeiPublished measurement range of the depth gauge, distinct from maximum diving depth and water-pressure resistance.

Not available

Not available

Water temperature sensor

Not available

Not available

Health and fitness

3 of 5 differ

Health featuresiSupported health functions with country, phone and subscription restrictions in the source notes. Upcoming functions are not counted as available.

Continuous heart rate, Heart rate alerts, Blood oxygen app, Heart rate variability, Sleep tracking, Sleep stages, Stress tracking, Readiness score, Cycle tracking1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Specs list heart rate every second, high and low abnormal heart rate alerts, Pulse Ox, HRV status, advanced sleep with sleep score, all-day stress, training readiness and women's health. Sleep stages are backed by the DC Rainmaker source.5Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/03/garmin-forerunner-review-amoled.htmlRead 6 October 2026Review says the watch tracks sleep phases REM, Deep, Light and Awake, which backs sleep_stages.

Continuous heart rate, Heart rate alerts, ECG app, Blood oxygen app, Heart rate variability, Sleep tracking, Stress tracking, Readiness score, Cycle tracking, Temperature-based ovulation1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Heart rate every second, abnormal heart rate alerts (high and low), Garmin ECG app, Pulse Ox, HRV status, advanced sleep, all-day stress, training readiness, women's health. Ovulation from the press release6Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-unveils-the-forerunner-570-and-forerunner-970-its-newest-gps-running-and-triathlon-smartwatches-for-performance-driven-athletesRead 30 September 2026Skin temperature helps provide improved period predictions and past ovulation estimates

Fitness featuresiSupported workout functions. A sport-profile name alone does not prove advanced metrics such as running power or running dynamics. Trackback follows the recorded route back to the start. A compass arrow that points straight to the start does not count.

VO2 max, Training load, Recovery advice, Running dynamics, Running power, Pool swim, Open water swim, Strength rep counting, Interval workouts, Route navigation, Trackback1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Specs list VO2 Max, training load, recovery time, running dynamics, wrist running power, pool and open-water swim metrics, automatic rep counting, interval training, courses and course guidance, and TracBack. No golf course feature and no ClimbPro are listed.

VO2 max, Training load, Recovery advice, Running dynamics, Running power, Pool swim, Open water swim, Strength rep counting, Interval workouts, Route navigation, Turn-by-turn navigation, Trackback, Climb detection, Golf courses1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026VO2 max, training load, recovery time, running dynamics, running power, pool and open-water swim, automatic rep counting, interval training, course guidance, TracBack, ClimbPro, 43,000 preloaded golf courses. Turn-by-turn from the press release6Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-unveils-the-forerunner-570-and-forerunner-970-its-newest-gps-running-and-triathlon-smartwatches-for-performance-driven-athletesRead 30 September 2026get turn-by-turn directions

Sport profilesiPublished count of distinct sport/activity profiles. A claim such as 180+ is not an exact integer count.

Not available

Not available

Dive modesiActual supported dive modes. Water resistance or a depth app alone does not establish decompression-capable scuba support.

Not available

Snorkel1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Snorkeling is an activity profile. No scuba or apnea profile

External sensorsiTypes of external workout sensors the watch can pair with. GPS reception, phone data and built-in sensors do not qualify.

Heart rate strap, Power meter, Speed and cadence, Foot pod, Smart trainer1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Specs list heart rate from an external HRM, power meter compatible, speed and cadence sensor support, foot pod capable and smart trainer control.

Heart rate strap, Power meter, Speed and cadence, Foot pod, Smart trainer1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026HRM, power meter, speed and cadence sensor, foot pod, smart trainer control

Safety

1 of 6 differ

Fall detectioniAutomatic fall detection. Incident detection restricted to recorded workouts is not counted as general fall detection.

Not available

Not available

Car crash detection

Not available

Not available

Emergency SOSiA manual emergency alert to emergency services or preset contacts. Source notes identify the recipient, paired-phone requirement and country limits. Satellite is listed separately.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Safety section lists Assistance and incident detection during select activities. Assistance sends the location to preset emergency contacts through the paired phone. It does not call emergency services.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Safety and Tracking > Assistance. Sends an alert to preset personal emergency contacts through a paired phone. It does not call emergency services.

Emergency sireniPublished or measured siren sound level in decibels. Audible distance alone does not establish this value. Measurement distance belongs in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Live location sharingiShares live location during supported use. A paired phone or data subscription may be required.

Yes3Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-adds-amoled-displays-to-its-next-gen-forerunner-265-and-forerunner-965-gps-running-watchesRead 6 October 2026Lists incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack. LiveTrack needs the paired phone and Garmin Connect.

Yes7Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2025/06/garmin-forerunner-970-in-depth-review-brillance.htmlRead 30 September 2026Ride test with LiveTrack enabled

Dedicated LED flashlightiA dedicated hardware LED flashlight. Lighting the display white is not counted.

No6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original complete controls and Using the Flashlight Screen printed page 38 explicitly describe illumination by display brightness/color. Not dedicated torch LED hardware. Optical sensor LEDs are not a flashlight.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Positioning

1 of 3 differ

PositioningiPublished satellite systems and signal bands. Do not infer bands from dual-frequency support alone.

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Sensors table lists GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou with SatIQ. The 2023 datasheet comparison row names only GPS, GLONASS and Galileo.

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Dual-band GNSSiMaker-stated dual-frequency satellite reception. Supported constellations and signal bands are listed separately.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Specs list Multi-band GPS.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Offline mapsiMap data stored on the watch and usable without live phone data. GPX routes or breadcrumb tracks alone are not offline maps.

No2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pms-public.1ntersport.com/4-productattachments/at/iat.garmin.01002810.pdfRead 7 October 2026Page 4 comparison row Vorinstalliertes Kartenmaterial is not ticked for the Forerunner 265S | 265 and is ticked for the 965. Course following is a separate feature.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Connectivity

3 of 15 differ

BluetoothiPublished Bluetooth support for this model. The version is recorded separately. Unknown version does not mean the radio is absent.

Not available

Yes5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact Forerunner 970 manual: Bluetooth phone pairing, sensor pairing and Garmin Share chapters explicitly establish radio support. A Bluetooth version is not published here and is not guessed.

Bluetooth version

Not available

Not available

Wi-FiiPublished Wi-Fi support for this model. The standard and bands are recorded separately. Unknown standard does not mean Wi-Fi is absent.

Not available

Yes5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact Forerunner 970 manual printed page 84 documents Wi-Fi network setup, activity uploads, music/map downloads and updates. Initial setup needs Garmin Connect or Garmin Express. The Wi-Fi standard is not inferred from compatible router protocols.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 423Regulatory filingfcc.report/FCC-ID/IPH-04452/6306518.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact original SAR report SAR.20221106 Revision A page 1 names model A04452 and FCC IPH-04452, engineering unit explicitly same as production. Page 4 explicitly says its table lists all wireless technologies operating in A04452. Implemented Wi-Fi inventory is 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n, establishing Wi-Fi4. Not inferred from band, channel width or component capability. Only regular 46 mm Forerunner 265 hardware, not smaller A04453 or APAC codes. Main approved this complete implemented-protocol evidence.

Not available

Wi-Fi bands

2.4 GHz13Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04452Read 7 October 2026Exact licensed WLAN-range grant 2412-2462 MHz with 20 MHz modes and maker complete radio-frequency table 2.4 GHz. Known 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band retained. The Wi-Fi protocol version is not inferred from bandwidth or generic chip capability.23Regulatory filingfcc.report/FCC-ID/IPH-04452/6306518.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete implemented Wi-Fi table on printed page 4 lists 2.4 GHz b/g/n. Page 1 transmit range 2412-2462 MHz. FCC grant separately corroborates. No 5/6 GHz band or newer protocol inferred.

2.4 GHz14Maker product pagesupport.garmin.com/en-USRead 8 October 2026Generic Garmin Wi-Fi-capable watch/Edge network-requirements FAQ states 2.4 GHz only, with 5 GHz unsupported. The exact 970 manual independently proves Wi-Fi support and its EU radio table gives 2.4 GHz. This generic network guidance is used for the band only, not a device Wi-Fi standard. The FAQ lists compatible router protocols, which do not prove the watch's maximum protocol.

CellulariTrue when a cellular edition is sold. A variant row states whether that individual model has cellular hardware.

No10Reviewandroidcentral.com/wearables/garmin-forerunner-265-reviewRead 7 October 2026Actual hardware chapter explicitly no LTE upgrade option for Forerunner 265. Maker has only regular 265/265S coloured SKUs and complete connectivity list Bluetooth/ANT+/Wi-Fi. No cellular SKU is invented. This false value is consistent across all six represented colour/regional variants.

No7Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2025/06/garmin-forerunner-970-in-depth-review-brillance.htmlRead 30 September 2026Reviewer explicitly states missing LTE/cellular built-in. Not inferred solely from the maker connectivity list.

Network

Not available

Not available

4G bandsiPublished LTE bands for the stated regional cellular model. Do not transfer bands to another region or Wi-Fi-only model.

Not available

Not available

5G bandsiPublished 5G NR bands for the stated regional cellular model. RedCap support does not establish conventional full-bandwidth phone 5G.

Not available

Not available

NFCiSome regions sell an NFC edition, so it is per variant.

Yes5Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/03/garmin-forerunner-review-amoled.htmlRead 6 October 2026Review says you tap the watch against an NFC/contactless payment terminal to pay with Garmin Pay.

Yes4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-DEC2B782-96E8-4287-8C8A-5907CC9D3B35.htmlRead 30 September 2026EU wireless frequencies list 13.56 MHz, used by Garmin Pay

Contactless payments

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Payment services

Garmin Pay1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Garmin Pay1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Ultra-wideband

Not available

Not available

Satellite

Not available

Not available

ANT+

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Audio

3 of 4 differ

Speaker

No5Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/03/garmin-forerunner-review-amoled.htmlRead 6 October 2026Review lists no music-emitting speaker and no microphone for voice calls. The author later says the FR265 has a beeper, not a true speaker. A beeper is not counted.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Microphones

012Reviewandroidcentral.com/best-smartwatches-fitnessRead 7 October 2026Forerunner 265 watch section during actual tests explicitly says it does not have a speaker or mic. No physical microphone, not merely zero voice-call channels. Original DC Rainmaker review corroborates no microphone for calls, beeper is not a voice speaker. Other model sections are excluded.

Not available

Calls on the watchiVoice-call capability of the marketed model, including sold cellular editions. Variant radio capability and paired-phone requirements still apply.

None5Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/03/garmin-forerunner-review-amoled.htmlRead 6 October 2026No microphone for voice calls and no speaker. Calls can only be answered or rejected and continue on the phone.

Phone only1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Make calls and send texts via voice: yes (with paired compatible smartphone)

Music on the watchiPlays audio stored on the watch. Remote control of phone playback or streaming alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Plays and controls watch music. Music services need a premium subscription.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Controls

3 of 5 differ

ButtonsiPhysical controls used to operate the watch, excluding the rotating crown and strap-release buttons. A clickable rotating crown is counted only in Crown.

53Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-adds-amoled-displays-to-its-next-gen-forerunner-265-and-forerunner-965-gps-running-watchesRead 6 October 2026Touchscreen complements the traditional 5-button design. Button names are not stored because no manual could be opened.

55Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026Button Functions lists five buttons6Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/garmin-unveils-the-forerunner-570-and-forerunner-970-its-newest-gps-running-and-triathlon-smartwatches-for-performance-driven-athletesRead 30 September 2026purpose-built 5-button design

Named operating buttonsiNames of operating buttons, excluding the crown and strap-release controls.

LIGHT, UP, DOWN, START/STOP, BACK6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Overview p.2 complete diagram and operating table names LIGHT, UP, DOWN, START/STOP and BACK. Touchscreen is numbered 1 in figure but not counted as a sixth physical button. Crown and strap release excluded.

Upper-left button, Middle-left button, Lower-left button, Upper-right button, Lower-right button5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026Introduction > Button Functions, printed pages 6-7. These are the manual-published control names, not invented LIGHT/UP/BACK-LAP labels.

CrowniA crown that rotates to control the interface. A round push button that does not rotate is not a crown.

None6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete Overview diagram and controls table specify touchscreen and five buttons operated by press/hold. There is no rotating control. A round push button is not a crown under field definition.

None5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026Device overview shows five control buttons with no rotating crown.

Rotating bezeliPhysical rotation or touch gestures around the display edge. A fixed decorative bezel is None.

None6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete Overview control inventory and inspected diagram show a fixed bezel, touchscreen swipes and push buttons. No physical rotation or bezel-touch navigation is documented. The bezel is not counted as a control.

Not available

Gestures

Raise and turn arm to wake display, Cover screen with palm to return to watch face6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Display settings p.101 Gesture turns screen on by raising/turning arm to look at wrist. Overview p.2 says cover screen with palm to turn display off and return to watch face. AOD behavior follows current display setting. Ordinary button double press is not a motion gesture.

Not available

Battery and charging

4 of 13 differ

Battery capacityiPublished battery capacity for the stated case size. Rated and typical capacity are distinguished in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiMaker endurance claims with distinct operating modes and case sizes. With solar describes augmentation of that estimate, not hardware capability. Use false for ordinary claims without solar augmentation, true for explicitly solar-aided claims, and omit it when solar qualification is unclear. Source notes state AOD, GNSS, music and solar conditions. Do not create a normal-use row from an AOD-only claim. Low power denotes the maker battery-saver mode. Keep its typical, light-use and always-on claims separate from standard-mode claims. GPS power saving identifies an intermediate reduced-accuracy GNSS saving preset. Source notes retain the maker's preset name and published conditions. Max battery GPS is the distinct maximum-saving claim. When the maker has only one GPS saving preset, it is GPS power saving.

AGarmin Forerunner 265

Mode	With solar	Hours (h)
Smartwatch	No	312
Always-on	No	120
GPS	No	20
GPS, automatic system selection	No	16
GPS, dual-band	No	14
GPS with music	No	7
GPS, automatic system selection with music	No	6.5
GPS, dual-band with music	No	6

Source1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026US exact 46 mm table up-to: smartwatch 13 days, GPS 20 h, SatIQ 16 h, all-systems/multi-band 14 h, GPS + music 7 h, SatIQ + music 6.5 h, all-systems/multi-band + music 6 h. International current GB/AU/NZ pages instead SatIQ + music 6 h, while original global/GB owner manual states 6.5. Proved US base 6.5 retained. International variant full tables omit only this conflicted mode, preventing unsupported inherited 6.5. AOD 5 days remains separately sourced from actual Garmin launch figures quoted by DC Rainmaker. Other modes agree.5Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/03/garmin-forerunner-review-amoled.htmlRead 6 October 2026Review quotes Garmin's launch battery specs for the Forerunner 265: smartwatch mode with always-on display up to 5 days (120 h). Other rows match the maker page. The reviewer's own 4-day figure is a projection from a partial discharge and is not stored.15Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-GB/p/pn/010-02810-10Read 7 October 2026Literal regional battery table SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS with music: up to 6 hours. Maker original current owner manual exact 265 column says 6.5. No value chosen for international variants in this conflicted mode. Other nominal modes agree with base hardware.16Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-AU/p/pn/010-02810-10Read 7 October 2026Literal regional battery table SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS with music: up to 6 hours. Maker original current owner manual exact 265 column says 6.5. No value chosen for international variants in this conflicted mode. Other nominal modes agree with base hardware.17Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02810-10Read 7 October 2026Literal regional battery table SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS with music: up to 6 hours. Maker original current owner manual exact 265 column says 6.5. No value chosen for international variants in this conflicted mode. Other nominal modes agree with base hardware.

BGarmin Forerunner 970

Mode	With solar	Hours (h)
Smartwatch	No	360
GPS	No	26
GPS, automatic system selection	No	23
GPS, dual-band	No	21
GPS with music	No	14
GPS, automatic system selection with music	No	13
GPS, dual-band with music	No	12

Source5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026Specifications > Battery Life Information, printed page 122: GPS-only, Auto Select, All + Multi-Band and their music-playback modes. Smartwatch mode includes activity tracking, phone notifications and HR.

Smartwatch mode (claimed)iMaker normal-use smartwatch claim without solar. A watch with only an explicit AOD-mode claim has no value here. Workloads differ and source notes must be read.

312h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

360h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

AOD battery life (up to)iMaker claimed smartwatch endurance with the always-on display enabled and without solar, for the base case. Source notes preserve workload and case conditions. This is a claim, not a measured test or an AOD-off estimate.

120h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Not available

GPS mode (claimed)iMaker regular GPS/GNSS activity claim without solar, for the base case. AOD, multi-band, music and power-saving conditions have separate rows when published.

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

26h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Solar chargingiPublished solar charging hardware capability. An ordinary battery estimate without solar augmentation does not prove that the watch lacks solar charging hardware.

Not available

Not available

Charging methodiThe connection at the watch, not the cable end at the USB adapter. A proprietary inductive puck is not Qi unless interoperability is explicitly established.

Proprietary plug1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Garmin proprietary plug charger. The cable has a USB-C end. The watch port is Garmin's own.

Proprietary plug1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026General > Charging method: Garmin proprietary plug charger. Neither magnetic pins nor USB-C at the watch.

Charging guidanceiPublished charging requirements, nominal estimates and compatibility guidance. Keep adapter ratings separate from power accepted by the watch.

Not available

Not available

Max charging power (watch)iPublished maximum charging power at the watch. Adapter rating or charger input power does not prove the power accepted by the watch.

Not available

Not available

Fast chargingiAn explicit fast-charging capability claim. A short charging time or high adapter wattage alone does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Quick charge claimiMaker claim for usage from a short charge. Source notes identify the usage workload, such as normal use or sleep tracking.

Not available

Not available

Charge 0 to 80% (claimed)iMaker claim for charging an empty battery to 80%. Charger and approximate qualifiers belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (claimed)iMaker advertised nominal full-charge duration. Approximate or theoretical maker estimates are allowed, with their conditions in source notes. Partial-charge intervals do not qualify. Measured 0 to 100% tests have a separate field.

Not available

Not available

Measured

3 of 4 differ

Peak brightness (measured)iReviewer measurement. Source notes state screen area, mode and ambient light. A small-area peak claim cannot be replaced with a full-screen measurement.

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-observed mixed-use endurance. Source notes state case size, AOD, workout use and whether it was a complete discharge. Extrapolation from partial discharge is excluded.

94h18Measurementfrandroid.com/marques/garmin/1669051_test-de-la-garmin-forerunner-265-une-excellente-montre-de-sport-mais-pas-sans-defautsRead 7 October 2026Actual regular 46 mm Forerunner 265, not 265S. Review comparison cycle starts both watches at 100 percent and runs 265 until it shuts down after 94 hours. Same stated settings: all-day SpO2, AOD from 09:00 to 23:00, multi-GNSS/multi-band, total 3 h 09 min running GPS. Standard sleep/night setting is not separately specified, firmware and brightness are unstated. Complete discharge, not a projection from percentage loss. Six represented SKUs share the same 46 mm electronics/display/battery and differ in colour and regional bundle. Article March 2023 test, no promise that current firmware reproduces it.

Not available

Battery tests (measured)iReviewer-observed endurance, with case size and test settings in source notes. Partial-discharge projections are not stored as measured endurance.

AGarmin Forerunner 265

Test	Hours (h)
Mixed use, always-on	94

Source18Measurementfrandroid.com/marques/garmin/1669051_test-de-la-garmin-forerunner-265-une-excellente-montre-de-sport-mais-pas-sans-defautsRead 7 October 2026Actual regular 46 mm Forerunner 265, not 265S. Review comparison cycle starts both watches at 100 percent and runs 265 until it shuts down after 94 hours. Same stated settings: all-day SpO2, AOD from 09:00 to 23:00, multi-GNSS/multi-band, total 3 h 09 min running GPS. Standard sleep/night setting is not separately specified, firmware and brightness are unstated. Complete discharge, not a projection from percentage loss. Six represented SKUs share the same 46 mm electronics/display/battery and differ in colour and regional bundle. Article March 2023 test, no promise that current firmware reproduces it. Enum mixed_use_always_on reflects active daily AOD schedule. It does not mean every night pixel remains on.

BGarmin Forerunner 970

Test	Hours (h)
GPS activity	25
Mixed use, always-on	60

Source7Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2025/06/garmin-forerunner-970-in-depth-review-brillance.htmlRead 30 September 2026Basics > battery: observational 2.5 days with AOD and high default brightness, plus GPS workouts. 60 h is an exact conversion of the stated 2.5 days, but not a standardized lab benchmark.8Measurementoutdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/gps-watch/garmin-forerunner-970Read 30 September 2026Battery Life section: 25 hours continuously recorded in normal GPS mode. A separate 60 h mixed-use AOD observation from DC Rainmaker uses default high brightness and 1-3 h GPS workouts per day.

Full charge time (measured)iReviewer measurement from empty to full, not 0-80% or a charge from 5%. Source notes name the charger and case size.

Not available

95min8Measurementoutdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/gps-watch/garmin-forerunner-970Read 30 September 2026Measured Charging Time table: 95 min. Watch case 47 mm. Charger/adapter and precise endpoints are not specified on the product review page.13Reviewoutdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-gps-watchRead 30 September 2026Forerunner 970 table: measured charging time 95 min. Battery Life methodology describes empty-to-full charging and default settings. Charger/adapter not specified.

Strap

2 of 6 differ

Lug widthiDistance between standard strap attachment lugs, not the decorative width of a proprietary strap. Unknown for custom connectors unless the maker publishes lug width.

22mm1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Quick Release bands yes (22 mm, industry standard).

22mm1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Quick-release strapiThe supplied strap can be detached through its quick-release mechanism. Compatibility with quick-release replacement straps alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Strap systemiPublished attachment system and compatible case sizes. Proprietary connectors are distinguished from standard spring bars.

Industry-standard 22 mm quick release bands1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

QuickFit 221Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Strap materialiMaterial of the supplied strap for the stated package. Do not substitute material from another band sold separately.

Silicone1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

Silicone1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Strap

Black/Powder Gray Silicone Band1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Exact maker SKU variation phrase names supplied Black/Powder Gray Silicone Band. Whitestone/Tidal Blue and Aqua/Black bands explicitly override it in corresponding rows, including international copies. Strap labels kept from actual maker product names, not replacement bands.

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Strap sizesiPublished wrist-circumference range for the stated strap or case. Source notes distinguish an overall compatible wrist range from one supplied strap size.

AGarmin Forerunner 265

Wrist (min) (mm)	Wrist (max) (mm)
135	205

Source1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Fits wrists with a circumference of 135-205 mm with the supplied silicone band.

BGarmin Forerunner 970

Wrist (min) (mm)	Wrist (max) (mm)
135	205

Source1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Physical Size specifies wrist circumference 135-205 mm. The source supplies no strap-size label. An invented Included band label was removed.

Regulatory

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FCC ID

IPH-0445213Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04452Read 7 October 2026Exact portable-transceiver FCC ID IPH-04452, hardware model A04452. Maker UK declaration explicitly maps A04452 to Forerunner 265 and A04453 to 265S, which is excluded. Same 46 mm watch hardware across represented coloured/global SKUs, not the smaller body.23Regulatory filingfcc.report/FCC-ID/IPH-04452/6306518.pdfRead 7 October 2026Actual certificate first page expressly FCC IPH-04452 and A04452, mapped to regular Forerunner 265 by maker UK declaration.

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SAR limb (US)iPublished limb/wrist SAR for the stated base regional model under the US regime. Other case sizes or radio versions can differ. Head or body SAR is excluded.

0.96W/kg13Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04452Read 7 October 2026Exact FCC grant highest 10 g extremity exposure 0.96 W/kg. Other radio grant 0.29 is smaller. Wrist/limb only, no torso/head substitution. Separation distance not stated in grant summary. EUlimb 0.91 uses different regulatory scope and remains separate.23Regulatory filingfcc.report/FCC-ID/IPH-04452/6306518.pdfRead 7 October 2026Actual SAR certificate first page reports maximum stand-alone SAR 0.96 W/kg with separation 0 mm, portable transmitter next to extremity. FCC grant explicitly identifies 10g extremity highest 0.96 versus separate radio-specific 0.29. SAR.20221106 Revision A tests November 14-16, 2022, engineering sample explicitly same as production. EU manual 0.91 limb and 1.27 torso remain distinct regulatory claims.

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SAR limb (EU)iPublished limb/wrist SAR for the stated base regional model under the EU regime. Other case sizes or radio versions can differ. Head or body SAR is excluded.

0.91W/kg6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Specifications p.107 EU SAR, Forerunner 265: torso 1.27 W/kg, limb 0.91 W/kg. Only limb retained. 265S limb 0.85 excluded. EU method explicitly named, tissue mass and separation not stated by manual. Physical 46 mm A04452 model, same coloured cases.

0.11W/kg4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-DEC2B782-96E8-4287-8C8A-5907CC9D3B35.htmlRead 30 September 2026EU SAR values: 0.11 W/kg limb

Other certifications

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In the box

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In the box

USB-C charging/data cable, Documentation1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Maker supplied inventory gives USB-C charging/data cable and Documentation. Watch itself excluded under accessories-only field help. No power adapter in standard box.

Forerunner 970 GPS running watch, Charging cable, Documentation1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026In the Box tab

Power adapter in boxiA mains/USB power adapter is supplied. A charging cable, inductive puck or charging dock alone does not count.

No1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026

No1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026The In the Box list has no power adapter

Links

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Product page

www.garmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-001Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/pn/010-02810-00Read 7 October 2026Public product HTML embeds the specs, In the Box tab and exact SKU data in GarminAppBootstrap. Plain curl returned 200. No login or bot check was bypassed. The 42 mm Forerunner 265S options on the same page (010-02810-03/04/05 in the US, -13/14/15 elsewhere, product 886689) are a separately named model and are excluded.

www.garmin.com/en-US/p/14628011Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026

Spec sheet

pms-public.1ntersport.com/4-productattachments/at/iat.garmin.01002810.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)pms-public.1ntersport.com/4-productattachments/at/iat.garmin.01002810.pdfRead 7 October 2026Garmin German six-page datasheet for the Forerunner 265 | 265S, hosted by a retailer. Its comparison table still lists the Forerunner 255 and 965, so it dates from the 2023 launch.

www.garmin.com/en-US/p/14628011Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/p/1462801Read 30 September 2026Specifications tab in the public GarminAppBootstrap document, exact model SKUs checked.

Manual

www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdf6Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/Forerunner_265_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original maker Forerunner 265 Series Watch Owner's Manual, June 2025 revision 9. Exact Forerunner 265 columns read. Separate 265S values are excluded.

www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdf5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/Forerunner_970_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 8 October 2026

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year7Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/legal/consumer-limited-warrantyRead 7 October 2026Current US consumer limited warranty revised December 30, 2025: non-aviation products warranted against defects for one year from purchase. Source market US, covering base US 010-02810-00 watch. International statutory or regional guarantees are not represented as identical. Public HTML embeds the complete legal text in var content. read directly without browser or login.

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Both are also in the API. Back to all smartwatches.