Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the flagship option here, offering an impressive 23-day battery life compared to the Withings ScanWatch Nova's 30 days. In real-world use, this means you'll spend less time charging and more time tracking your workouts or daily activities without interruption. However, the Forerunner 965 shines in features like a high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED display that makes reading maps a breeze. Meanwhile, the ScanWatch Nova’s elegant design, with a ceramic bezel, makes it a stylish choice, but it sacrifices some smart features due to its smaller monochrome screen. Key specs: Weight: 1.87 oz vs 2.22 oz and Battery: 23 days vs 30 days.
Why compare these? The Garmin Forerunner 965 (premium flagship) and Withings ScanWatch Nova (high-end) represent different approaches to smartwatches. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Garmin Forerunner | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (1,717 reviews) | 4★ (268 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Bright, high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED makes maps easy to read | Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass |
| Main Drawback | Uses older Elevate Gen 4 sensor (lacks ECG hardware found in Fenix 8) | Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Premium |
Garmin Forerunner 965
iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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 Withings ScanWatch Nova
Garmin Forerunner 965
Withings ScanWatch Nova
| Criterion | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Withings ScanWatch Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,717)Amazon | ★4(268)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | 0.63 in (digital screen) |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (Analog hands always visible) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | No (Not supported) |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes |
Health Features | Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot | ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) |
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 | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) |
Storage | 32GB | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | No (Notification alerts 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 | Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) |
Weight | 53 g | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin) | Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width |
Extras | Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync |
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Garmin Forerunner 965
iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Pros
- Bright, high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED makes maps easy to read
- Lightweight (53g) and slim profile ideal for racing and sleep
Cons
- Uses older Elevate Gen 4 sensor (lacks ECG hardware found in Fenix 8)
- No built-in microphone or speaker for voice notes/calls
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
0.63 in (digital screen)
Pros
- Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
Cons
- Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
Which one is better?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the better buy for most people - its 23-day battery life crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's 30 days when it comes to performance during workouts. That said, grab the Withings ScanWatch Nova if you prefer a stylish design and clinical-grade health sensors.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 965 if: you want a lightweight design at 1.87 oz, need a vibrant display for navigation, or prefer longer battery life for multiple weeks of use.
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you value stylish aesthetics with a ceramic bezel, require advanced health metrics like ECG, or want a watch that lasts up to 30 days on a single charge.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Garmin Forerunner
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,717 reviews vs 268
→ Choose Garmin Forerunner
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Garmin Forerunner
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Withings ScanWatch
Conclusion
Garmin Forerunner 965 and Withings ScanWatch Nova are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Garmin Forerunner 965 edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating compared to 4★. However, Withings ScanWatch Nova remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Garmin Forerunner 965 or Withings ScanWatch Nova?
Garmin Forerunner 965 is the better choice if you prioritize bright, high-resolution 1.4" amoled makes maps easy to read. Withings ScanWatch Nova wins if you value elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Garmin Forerunner 965 and Withings ScanWatch Nova?
Key differences: Garmin Forerunner 965 offers bright, high-resolution 1.4" amoled makes maps easy to read, while Withings ScanWatch Nova stands out with elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Consider that Garmin Forerunner 965 uses older elevate gen 4 sensor (lacks ecg hardware found in fenix 8). Meanwhile, Withings ScanWatch Nova small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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