Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 - Detailed Comparison

Garmin makes solid smartwatches and fitness trackers, with a catalogue aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Garmin Forerunner 955 and the Garmin Forerunner 965 are some of their most popular running watches. Both models come packed with advanced tracking features, solid battery life, and high-quality displays. But how do they compare? You can also check the article of Garmin Forerunner 965 Review in our website.

In this comparison guide, we’ll explore the main differences and similarities between these two premium GPS running timepieces of Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 to help you check out which one’s best for you. You can also check other Garmin Forerunner watch models review or comparison below:

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Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 overview

Garmin Forerunner 955 launched: June 2022 Color: 3 prices to start with it for runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts. In terms of features, it has a mind-blowing array of things to offer, like multi-band GPS, advanced running dynamics, and solar charging (for the Solar version).

A year after the 955, Garmin introduced the Forerunner 965, the second in the series, which added key upgrades to the 955's foundations—mostly in the display department and design. The 965 holds onto most of the features of its predecessor and adds a nice AMOLED display and more premium build.

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 - Design and Build Quality

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between the two models is design and display:

• Garmin Forerunner 955: 1.3-inch transflective MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) display that is ideal for visibility outside. The display has been optimized for better power consumption and is also easier to read in direct sunlight.
• Garmin Forerunner 965: Updated with a 1.4-inch AMOLED display for a more premium feel with richer colors and sharper visuals. The addition of an AMOLED screen improves the user experience, making things like maps,metrics, and workout stats more clearly defined and vibrant.

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 - Bands

Both the Garmin Forerunner 955 and 965 feature the QuickFit 22 system, making them compatible with all 22mm QuickFit bands - including both official and third-party options. This allows users to easily switch bands to match different activities and styles.

However, not all third-party straps are created equal. Many suffer from poor materials or loose fit. That’s where Bandletic stands apart. We specialize in high-quality, precisely engineered Garmin straps that combine comfort, durability, and a perfect fit - whether you’re training hard or going about your day.

Our selection of Garmin Forerunner 955 Watch straps and Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch straps includes a variety of materials such as silicone, nylon, and leather, offering breathable, sweat-resistant, and stylish options for every occasion.

Bandletic also offers other Garmin Watch bands, including Garmin Approach Watch straps for golfers, Garmin Descent Watch straps for divers, Garmin Enduro Watch straps for endurance athletes, and Garmin Instinct Watch straps for outdoor adventurers. We also carry popular models like Garmin Forerunner Watch straps and Garmin Fenix Watch straps.

Choosing Bandletic means choosing a strap that’s built for performance, designed for comfort, and styled for everyday life. Elevate your Garmin experience - with Bandletic.

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 - Build Quality and Materials

• A lightweight but fiber-reinforced polymer case houses the Forerunner 955.
• Compared with this, the Garmin Forerunner 965 enhances by applying a titanium bezel, giving it a more premium feel while being fired up and having a similar weight.

Verdict: If you want a power-friendly, always-on, sunlight-readable display, consider the Forerunner 955. If you prefer a brighter, more colorful, and modern AMOLED screen, the Forerunner 965 is the better option.

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 - Display and User Experience

• The Garmin Forerunner 955 has a 260 x260 pixels resolution, whereas it’s 454 x 454 pixels thanks to its AMOLED screen on the Forerunner 965.
• The 965’s touchscreen feels more responsive, which makes navigation easier to do, particularly when using maps.
• Though the 955 MIP display performed well in bright light, the AMOLED screen on the 965 is just so much punchier for readability in dimmer conditions.

Verdict:

The Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965- Display:The biggest win goes to the Garmin Forerunner 965. Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 -Features and Functionality Both smartwatches include the same trainingand tracking features, however, the Forerunner 965 comes with some key refinements.

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 - Shared Features For Both Models

• Broad-spectrum GPS to ensure accuracy
• Cadence and advanced running dynamics(stride length, ground contact time, etc.)
• Training status and recovery tracking alongside VO2 Max
• Guided, turn-by-turn navigation with full-color maps
• Offline storage for music for Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer
• Seamless contactless payments with Garmin Pay
• Heart rate and SpO2 sensors

Training ReadinessScore (optimizes workout intensity based on your sleep, recovery, and stress levels)

Exclusive Features - Garmin Forerunner 965

• Improved AMOLED Display: More beautiful map andmetric graphics.
• Additional Screen Real Estate: A bigger 1.4-inch display offers moredata real estate.
• Graphins Animations: The interface elements have been remodeled with morepolite graphics and animations.

The new Forerunner 965 builds upon the experience both watches provide, withimproved visuals and a slightly more polished interface, making for easier usability.

Verdict: Both are similar enough in core functionality, but the 965’s AMOLED screen makes it more usefulin general

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 - Battery Life

We expect a perfectly good performance here— Garmin is an industry leader in battery life — and these systems do just that.

Ironically, despite the Forerunner 965 having greater battery life in smartwatch mode, the Garmin Forerunner 955 hasgreater battery life in pure GPS mode. That's because the Garmin Forerunner 955  has a more power-efficient MIP display, while the 965 has anAMOLED one.

And if you go forthe Forerunner 955 Solar version, it can extend the battery life even further, thanks to solar charging.

Verdict:

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is thebetter option if you want to use the GPS as much as possible.For better smartwatch battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 965 wins.