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The short answer · Balanced overview
Garmin Forerunner 970 leads the Balanced Bettr Score 71.8–58.7. The existing category models use the available evidence automatically; open the score details for sources and coverage.
Apple
Keep the 1.81 in GPS configuration in focus. Check the listed compatibility and features against the things you expect to use every day. The catalog specifies a listed weight of 1.28 oz and a manufacturer battery claim of up to 24 hours.
Bettr Score · Balanced
58.7/100
Garmin
Give the routines you care about a place in the comparison. Inspect this Forerunner model’s features and battery claims, then look for independent tracking evidence. The catalog specifies a listed weight of 1.98 oz and a manufacturer battery claim of up to 15 days.
Bettr Score · Balanced
71.8/100
13 shared verified specifications. The Bettr Score uses the available evidence automatically; independent tracking accuracy is not inferred from sensor presence.
| Apple Watch Series 12 (46 mm GPS) | Specification | Garmin Forerunner 970 |
|---|---|---|
$429 Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10US manufacturer reference price or launch MSRP; not a live retailer offer. | Reference priceNot enough data | Not stated / not applicable |
smartwatch Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Device typeTie | smartwatch Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
1 days Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Advertised battery life | 15 days ✓ WinnerManufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
1.28 oz ✓ WinnerManufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Device weight | 1.98 oz Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
164 ft Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Water resistanceTie | 164 ft Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Built-in GPSTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Continuous heart rateTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | ECG capabilityTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Blood oxygen sensingTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Temperature sensingNot enough data | Not stated / not applicable |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Sleep trackingTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | On-device displayTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | iPhone supportTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
No Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Android supportPersonal preference | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
None Manufacturer source · 2026-09-10 | Required subscriptionTie | None Manufacturer source · 2026-10-25Required fee for core device and Garmin Connect use is $0. Optional Garmin Connect+ premium features remain paid; this does not imply all services or features are free. |
Bettr Score
Apple Watch Series 12 (46 mm GPS)
58.7 / 100
Garmin Forerunner 970
71.8 / 100
Evidence-based guidance · Balanced model
One Bettr Score, using the existing category and priority models. Complete comparable independent tests take precedence; otherwise verified published specifications supply the score. Evidence and coverage are shown in the score details. Scores stay fixed across opponents; compare them within the same product group.
Review Apple Watch Series 12 (46 mm GPS)’s score details, sourced features and compatibility for your needs.
Review Garmin Forerunner 970’s score details, sourced features and compatibility for your needs.
People's Pick
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eBay — New
In stock · checked Oct 26, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$649.99
Item price · shipping unknown
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