Garmin’s Forerunner 970 stands as the priciest running watch from the brand to date, but should you consider the 570 instead?
Garmin has updated its mid-tier and premium running watches, introducing the enhanced Forerunner 570 and 970, respectively. Although both smartwatches aim to assist you in improving your running performance, they cater to different price ranges. The Forerunner 970, priced at $750, brings the Forerunner’s capabilities closer to Garmin’s top-tier smartwatches. Conversely, the Forerunner 570 targets the midrange market.
Both the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 exhibit some limitations. The Forerunner 570 misses out on certain features we often expect at the $550 price bracket, such as ECG capability. Meanwhile, the Forerunner 970 is the most adaptable Forerunner ever produced, albeit at a premium cost.
If you’re seeking to determine whether your requirements align better with the Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970, this comparison will be beneficial.
Garmin Forerunner 970 vs. Forerunner 570: Design and display
Garmin’s Forerunner series emphasizes practicality, which is evident in the design. Both the Forerunner 970 and 570 come equipped with hardware buttons that simplify tracking laps and starting/stopping workouts seamlessly. They feature a somewhat bold design, typically appreciated by runners. Each is available in distinctive color combinations to highlight a sporty aesthetic, or you can choose black for a more understated look.
However, the Forerunner 970’s polymer casing does not exude the highest level of premium feel, a measure taken to maintain a lightweight structure. It does incorporate a titanium bezel and metal buttons for enhanced durability. Additionally, there’s a colored metal accent piece on the side of the Forerunner, underscoring the runner-first philosophy of this device. Its weight is 56 grams, including the strap.
The Forerunner 970 is offered in a single 47mm case size, while the Forerunner 570 provides more options with both 42mm and 47mm sizes available. It also features a polymer case, but opts for a lighter and less premium aluminum bezel. The 570 employs Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, unlike the sapphire glass used in the 970.
In general, the Forerunner 570 may feel a bit less upscale than the Forerunner 970. However, both models share significant design similarities.
Garmin enhanced the display on the Forerunner 970, doubling its maximum brightness. This smartwatch boasts a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 454×454. The switch to AMOLED improves clarity and color while maintaining brightness, and without impacting battery life adversely.
In contrast, the Forerunner 570 comes with either a 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch display, depending on the size chosen. It features an AMOLED panel as well, but it doesn’t last as long as the Forerunner 970. Nevertheless, both smartwatches provide sufficient brightness for outdoor activities.
Garmin Forerunner 970 vs. Forerunner 570: Hardware and specs
There are minor variances between the Forerunner 970 and 570 concerning hardware. Both watches utilize the Garmin Elevate v5 heart rate sensor, the latest and most precise iteration. However, the 970 enhances this feature by adding ECG support and a skin temperature sensor. Both the Forerunner 970 and 570 include a blood-oxygen sensor, accelerometer, altimeter, compass, and gyroscope.
The higher-priced 970 provides four times the storage capacity, featuring 32GB of onboard memory. In contrast, the 570 only offers 8GB for music and workout files. Furthermore, the 970 supports additional GPS bands, with both watches enabling multi-band GPS.
Regarding battery life, the Forerunner 970 excels. It can last up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 23 hours while utilizing SatIQ GPS. The 42mm Forerunner 570 caps at 10 days in smartwatch mode, while the larger, 47mm model adds just one extra day. Both models surpass typical smartwatches in longevity but fall short of other Garmin offerings.
To conclude, the Forerunner 970 includes a dedicated flashlight for your runs, best used in emergencies rather than as a continuous lighting solution. However, the 570 does not feature a flashlight at all—its screen can only illuminate as a temporary alternative.
Garmin Forerunner 970 vs. Forerunner 570: Fitness and health
