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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Forerunner 965 vs Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the flagship option here, offering a brilliant 1.4" AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. In real-world use, its 23-day battery life outlasts the Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium's 20 days, making it a no-brainer for those who prioritize longevity. The Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium surprises with its stunning 1.5" LTPO AMOLED display that reaches 2000 nits, perfect for outdoor visibility. If you're an adventurer needing an integrated LED flashlight for night safety, the Suunto's rugged build and features might just be the upgrade you’re looking for in 2026.
⚖️ Weight: 1.87 oz vs 2.61 oz🔋 Battery: 23 days vs 20 days📱 Display: 1.4" vs 1.5"
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Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7
(1,717)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
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Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
★4.4
(32)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (Suunto App); Predefined replies (Android only)
Operating System:Suunto Proprietary OS
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm)
Case Material:Titanium Grade 5 bezel; Glass fibre reinforced polyamide case; Sapphire crystal glass
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin Forerunner 965
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
1.5 in
Resolution
Garmin Forerunner 965
454 x 454 pixels
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
466 x 466 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Forerunner 965
32GB
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
32GB (Dedicated for offline maps)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
Smartwatch: Up to 20 days; Performance Mode (Dual-band GPS + AOD): Up to 65 hours; Tour Mode: Up to 250 hours
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Forerunner 965
53 gWinner
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
74 g
Water Resistance
Garmin Forerunner 965
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
100 m
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
Suunto Proprietary OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Forerunner 965
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
Bluetooth
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
★4.4(32)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,717)Amazon | ★4.4(32)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android and iOS (Suunto App); Predefined replies (Android only) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Suunto Proprietary OS |
Case Size | 47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens | Titanium Grade 5 bezel; Glass fibre reinforced polyamide case; Sapphire crystal glass |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | LTPO AMOLED matrix display; Up to 2000 nits brightness; Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | 1.5 in |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 466 x 466 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 100 m |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity | Tested to military standards (MIL-STD-810H); Titanium bezel; Sapphire crystal |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | — |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Optical heart rate (upgraded sensor); Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric altimeter (FusedAlti™); Digital compass; Thermometer; Accelerometer; Gyroscope |
Health Features | Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot | HRV recovery measurement; Sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); Blood oxygen; Stress and recovery status; Fitness Level (VO2max) |
Workout Modes | Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates | 115+ sport modes; Triathlon; Swimming (pool/open water); Running (power/pace); Cycling; Hiking; Ski touring; Snorkeling (depth up to 10m) |
Storage | 32GB | 32GB (Dedicated for offline maps) |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | — |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours | Smartwatch: Up to 20 days; Performance Mode (Dual-band GPS + AOD): Up to 65 hours; Tour Mode: Up to 250 hours |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-C) |
Weight | 53 g | 74 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin) | Fits wrists 125–175 mm (standard) or up to 215 mm; 22mm width |
Extras | Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina | Integrated LED Flashlight; Offline maps with heatmaps and surface info; Solar charging (Titanium Solar models only, though AMOLED limits efficacy); Climb Guidance; SuuntoPlus ecosystem |
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Garmin Forerunner 965
Rating:★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:53 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin)
Extras:Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina
✓ Pros:
- • Bright, high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED makes maps easy to read
- • Lightweight (53g) and slim profile ideal for racing and sleep
- • Excellent battery life (23 days) eclipses most AMOLED competitors
- • Titanium bezel adds a premium feel to the lightweight chassis
- • Native running power and advanced metrics (Training Readiness) built-in
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older Elevate Gen 4 sensor (lacks ECG hardware found in Fenix 8)
- • No built-in microphone or speaker for voice notes/calls
- • Water resistance is 5 ATM (standard) vs 10 ATM on Fenix/Epix
- • Stock strap uses a non-QuickFit pin system (requires tool to swap to QuickFit)
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Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
Rating:★4.4(32)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (Suunto App); Predefined replies (Android only)
Operating System:Suunto Proprietary OS
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm)
Case Material:Titanium Grade 5 bezel; Glass fibre reinforced polyamide case; Sapphire crystal glass
Display Type:LTPO AMOLED matrix display; Up to 2000 nits brightness; Always-On Display
Display Size:1.5 in
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m
Durability:Tested to military standards (MIL-STD-810H); Titanium bezel; Sapphire crystal
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth
NFC Payments:—
Sensors:Optical heart rate (upgraded sensor); Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric altimeter (FusedAlti™); Digital compass; Thermometer; Accelerometer; Gyroscope
Health Features:HRV recovery measurement; Sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); Blood oxygen; Stress and recovery status; Fitness Level (VO2max)
Workout Modes:115+ sport modes; Triathlon; Swimming (pool/open water); Running (power/pace); Cycling; Hiking; Ski touring; Snorkeling (depth up to 10m)
Storage:32GB (Dedicated for offline maps)
Speaker Mic:—
Calls:No (Call notifications only)
Battery:Smartwatch: Up to 20 days; Performance Mode (Dual-band GPS + AOD): Up to 65 hours; Tour Mode: Up to 250 hours
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-C)
Weight:74 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–175 mm (standard) or up to 215 mm; 22mm width
Extras:Integrated LED Flashlight; Offline maps with heatmaps and surface info; Solar charging (Titanium Solar models only, though AMOLED limits efficacy); Climb Guidance; SuuntoPlus ecosystem
✓ Pros:
- • Stunning 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display (2000 nits) is significantly brighter than the original MIP
- • Integrated LED flashlight is a game-changer for camping and night safety
- • Maintains incredible battery life (65h dual-band GPS) despite the switch to AMOLED
- • Market-leading offline mapping capabilities with 32GB storage
✗ Cons:
- • No onboard music storage (only media controls)
- • Lacks smart features like NFC payments and Bluetooth calling
- • Large 49mm case size may be overwhelming for smaller wrists
- • Proprietary OS is less fluid/app-rich than Apple Watch or Wear OS
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Which one is better?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the better buy for most people - its 23-day battery life crushes the Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium's 20 days. That said, grab the Suunto if you need a flashlight for camping - it's a game-changer for nighttime adventures.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 965 if: you want a longer battery life of 23 days, a lightweight build at 1.87 oz, or you prefer high-resolution maps for navigation.
Choose the Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium if: you need an integrated flashlight for safety, a larger 1.5" display for better visibility, or you appreciate rugged designs that can withstand outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Forerunner 965 excels if you value bright, high-resolution 1.4" amoled makes maps easy to read. Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium is better if you prioritize stunning 1.5-inch ltpo amoled display (2000 nits) is significantly brighter than the original mip. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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