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Garmin Forerunner 965 and Coros Pace 3 are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, and long-lasting performance. Garmin Forerunner 965 is the newer and more advanced option with AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS, and advanced training tools. The Coros Pace 3 focuses on long battery life, affordability, and reliable performance. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Garmin Forerunner 965 features a faster proprietary processor that enables smoother menu navigation and quicker map rendering.
- Coros Pace 3 uses a older processor, which handles basic tracking efficiently but slower with map graphics.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Display:- Garmin Forerunner 965 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen that delivers sharp visuals and improved readability in bright sunlight.
- Coros Pace 3 uses a 1.2-inch Memory-in-Pixel display.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Advanced Training Metrics:- Garmin Forerunner 965 includes Training Readiness, HRV Status, and advanced recovery tools to guide optimal performance.
- Coros Pace 3 offers basic training load and recovery time metrics.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Offline Maps:- Garmin Forerunner 965 comes with full-color offline maps that allow navigation without a connected phone.
- Coros Pace 3 does not include offline maps, relying on breadcrumb navigation only.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Music Storage:- Garmin Forerunner 965 supports up to 2000 songs for phone-free listening during workouts.
- Coros Pace 3 does not have onboard music storage.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Garmin Pay:- Garmin Forerunner 965 supports Garmin Pay that enables contactless payments directly from the watch.
- Coros Pace 3 does not include payment functionality.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Golf Course Maps:- Garmin Forerunner 965 includes over 43,000 preloaded golf course maps to assist in on-course navigation.
- Coros Pace 3 does not provide golf course mapping.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Training Readiness Score:- Garmin Forerunner 965 features a Training Readiness score that analyzes rest, recovery, and training load for daily readiness.
- Coros Pace 3 does not provide a readiness score metric.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|
| Display | 1.4-inch AMOLED, 454 x 454 pixels | 1.2-inch Memory-in-Pixel (MIP), 240 x 240 pixels |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch mode) | Up to 23 days | Up to 24 days |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) | Up to 31 hours with dual-frequency | Up to 38 hours GPS-only |
| Processor | Faster Garmin proprietary chip | Coros optimized processor |
| RAM | Higher RAM for smoother interface | Standard RAM for basic navigation |
| GPS | Dual-frequency, multi-band GNSS | Dual-frequency, multi-band GNSS |
| Offline Maps | Yes | No |
| Music Storage | Yes, up to 2000 songs | No |
| Advanced Training Metrics | Yes, Training Readiness, HRV Status | Yes, basic training load and recovery |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | No |
| Golf Course Maps | Yes, 43,000+ courses | No |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Forerunner 965 if you:- Want a bright AMOLED touchscreen for better outdoor and indoor visibility.
- Need advanced training metrics like Training Readiness and HRV tracking.
- Rely on offline maps for trail running, hiking, or cycling without your phone.
- Prefer onboard music storage for workouts without carrying a phone.
- Value extra features like Garmin Pay and golf course mapping.
Check Garmin Forerunner 965 Best Price Buy the Coros Pace 3 if you:- Prefer a lightweight watch that is barely noticeable during runs.
- Want long battery life in a budget-friendly package.
- Only need core training metrics without advanced readiness scores.
- Don’t require offline maps or onboard music storage.
- Want a simple, reliable GPS watch for running, cycling, and everyday wear.
Check Coros Pace 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| AMOLED Touchscreen Display | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Offline Maps | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Music Storage | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Advanced Training Metrics | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Garmin Pay | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Golf Course Maps | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Training Readiness Score | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
What They Have in Common
- GPS Tracking: Both Coros and Garmin watches feature built-in GPS, allowing users to accurately record outdoor runs, rides, and hikes for precise distance and pace tracking.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Each brand includes optical heart rate sensors, giving users continuous heart rate data for better training insights and health monitoring.
- Multi-Sport Modes: Both platforms support a wide range of sports profiles, enabling athletes to track workouts for running, cycling, swimming, and more in a single device.
- Long Battery Life: Coros and Garmin watches are known for their excellent battery performance, ensuring users can track multiple days of training without frequent charging.
- Companion Apps: Both brands offer dedicated companion apps that sync data, provide analytics, and allow customization of watch settings for a seamless user experience.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Garmin Forerunner 965 better for advanced athletes than the Coros Pace 3?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is better suited for advanced athletes due to its AMOLED display, advanced training metrics, offline maps, and Training Readiness score, while the Coros Pace 3 focuses more on essential features and longer battery life at a lower cost.
Does the Coros Pace 3 have offline maps like the Garmin Forerunner 965?
No, the Coros Pace 3 does not have offline maps and instead uses breadcrumb navigation, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 includes full-color offline maps for phone-free navigation.
Which watch has better display quality, Garmin Forerunner 965 or Coros Pace 3?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with higher resolution and more vibrant colors, whereas the Coros Pace 3 has a 1.2-inch MIP display that is less vivid but more power-efficient.
Can I store music directly on the Coros Pace 3 like on the Garmin Forerunner 965?
No, the Coros Pace 3 does not support onboard music storage, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 can store up to 2000 songs for offline listening.
Do both the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Coros Pace 3 have dual-frequency GPS?
Yes, both watches support dual-frequency GNSS for improved location accuracy in challenging environments, making them reliable for outdoor sports and navigation.
Which watch has a longer battery life in smartwatch mode?
The Coros Pace 3 has a slightly longer battery life in smartwatch mode at up to 24 days, compared to the Garmin Forerunner 965 which lasts up to 23 days under typical use.
Does either watch support contactless payments?
Only the Garmin Forerunner 965 supports contactless payments through Garmin Pay, while the Coros Pace 3 does not have any payment features.
Is there a difference in water resistance between the two watches?
No, both the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Coros Pace 3 have a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making them suitable for swimming and water-related activities.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 965 have golf course maps?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 comes preloaded with over 43,000 golf course maps, while the Coros Pace 3 does not have golf-specific mapping features.