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Garmin Fenix 8 and the Garmin Forerunner 965 are both advanced watches aimed at high performance. Garmin Fenix 8 is Garmin’s flagship outdoor watch with rugged design, advanced durability, and top-tier features for adventurers. Garmin Forerunner 965 is a lighter performance watch designed for athletes who prioritize speed, training data, and comfort. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Garmin Fenix 8 features the latest Garmin chipset that improves map rendering and smooth multitasking.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 uses a performance-tuned chipset, which is efficient for training metrics.
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Display:- Garmin Fenix 8 has a 1.5-inch AMOLED Always on display that provides sharper visuals and better readability.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 has a 1.3-inch AMOLED display.
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UI:- Garmin Fenix 8 supports a customizable UI that displays expedition data and health metrics on demand.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 provides a simplified UI.
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Battery Life:- Garmin Fenix 8 supports up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 60 hours in GPS to extend usage outdoors.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 lasts up to 23 days in smartwatch mode but only 31 hours with GPS active.
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Depth Sensor:- Garmin Fenix 8 features a depth sensor that tracks diving depth for underwater activities.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 does not include a depth sensor.
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Sports Modes:- Garmin Fenix 8 includes more than 150 sport and expedition modes that expand activity tracking.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 supports about 100 modes, which focus on running and triathlon training.
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Built-in Flashlight:- Garmin Fenix 8 includes an LED flashlight that improves visibility during night activities.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 does not include a flashlight.
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Sapphire Glass Option:- Garmin Fenix 8 features a sapphire crystal display that resists scratches during outdoor use.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 includes Gorilla Glass DX, which is protective but less durable than sapphire.
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10 ATM Dive Rating:- Garmin Fenix 8 has a 10 ATM water rating that allows safe use in diving up to 100 meters.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 is rated 5 ATM, which supports pool and open-water swimming only.
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Rugged Metal Build:- Garmin Fenix 8 comes with stainless steel casing that improves durability in extreme conditions.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 has a polymer body with titanium bezel.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 8 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|
| Display | 1.5 inch AMOLED, always-on | 1.4 inch AMOLED, always-on |
| Case Material | Titanium or stainless steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium bezel |
| Glass Options | Sapphire crystal or Gorilla Glass | Gorilla Glass DX |
| Water Rating | 10 ATM with dive readiness | 5 ATM with pool and open-water swim support |
| Built-in Flashlight | Yes | No |
| Depth Sensor | Yes | No |
| Processor | Latest generation Garmin chipset | High-performance Garmin chipset |
| RAM | Higher for multitasking and maps | Optimized for training functions |
| Operating System | Garmin OS with outdoor-focused features | Garmin OS with training-first features |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 days smartwatch, 60 hrs GPS | Up to 23 days smartwatch, 31 hrs GPS |
| Case Sizes | Multiple (42mm, 47mm, 51mm) | Single 47mm |
| Sports Modes | 150+ including outdoor expedition | 100+ including advanced triathlon tracking |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Fenix 8 if you:- Want a rugged outdoor watch with titanium or steel construction.
- Need sapphire glass protection and 10 ATM dive rating.
- Use expedition, navigation, and adventure-focused tools.
- Prefer multiple case sizes to fit your wrist.
- Value a built-in flashlight and depth sensor.
Check Garmin Fenix 8 Best Price Buy the Garmin Forerunner 965 if you:- Want a lightweight watch for comfort during training.
- Focus mainly on running, triathlon, or structured workouts.
- Prefer longer smartwatch battery life over extended GPS.
- Want a more affordable premium Garmin option.
- Do not need dive rating or expedition tools.
Check Garmin Forerunner 965 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Rugged Metal Build | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Sapphire Glass Option | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| 10 ATM Dive Rating | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Built-in Flashlight | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Multiple Case Sizes | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Battery Life | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Depth Sensor | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Sports Modes | Garmin Fenix 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Multi-band GNSS (GPS support): Both watches support multi-band GNSS signals to improve location accuracy in challenging environments, which is important for more reliable tracking on trails, in canyons, or under tree cover.
- Advanced training metrics / performance analytics: Both models provide rich training and recovery metrics (e.g. VO2 max, training load, recovery time) so serious athletes can better plan workouts and avoid overtraining.
- Water resistance: Both are water rated (for example swim tracking / 5 ATM or higher), allowing users to track swimming activities and wear the watch in the pool or rain.
- On-device maps: Both support built-in maps or routing features so users can navigate or follow courses without carrying a phone.
- Smart connectivity (notifications, Bluetooth sync): Both can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications, sync data to Garmin Connect, and offer smart functionalities like controlling music or receiving alerts.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Garmin Fenix 8 better than the Forerunner 965 for outdoor adventures?
The Garmin Fenix 8 is better suited for outdoor adventures because it has a rugged metal build, sapphire glass option, 10 ATM dive rating, and built-in flashlight. The Forerunner 965 is durable but designed more for athletes than extreme explorers.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 965 have a depth sensor like the Fenix 8?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 965 does not have a depth sensor. The Fenix 8 includes one, making it the more capable option for diving and underwater tracking.
Which watch is lighter and more comfortable for daily wear?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is lighter at around 53 grams, which makes it more comfortable for daily use and long runs. The Fenix 8 is heavier due to its metal construction but is more rugged.
How do the displays compare between the two models?
Both watches use AMOLED displays with bright, always-on screens. The Fenix 8 supports multiple case sizes with varying display sizes, while the Forerunner 965 has a single 1.4-inch display.
Which model has better battery life?
The Garmin Fenix 8 lasts up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 60 hours in GPS mode. The Forerunner 965 lasts up to 23 days in smartwatch mode but only 31 hours in GPS mode. The Fenix 8 performs better for long outdoor trips.
Do either of these watches support voice assistants?
Neither the Garmin Fenix 8 nor the Forerunner 965 supports built-in voice assistants. Both focus on sports tracking and smartwatch functions without voice command integration.
Can both watches make Bluetooth calls?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Forerunner 965 support Bluetooth calling when connected to a smartphone. This allows you to handle calls directly from the watch.
Is the Fenix 8 worth the higher price compared to the Forerunner 965?
The Garmin Fenix 8 is worth the higher price if you need expedition features, rugged materials, a depth sensor, and dive readiness. If you mainly want a lightweight, athlete-focused watch with strong training tools, the Forerunner 965 is more cost-effective.
Which watch has more sports modes?
The Garmin Fenix 8 includes more than 150 sports and expedition modes, covering a wide variety of activities. The Forerunner 965 supports about 100 modes, with strong emphasis on running, cycling, and triathlon.