Both are top picks for runners. The Garmin is cheaper and lasts for weeks, the Apple is a smartwatch with eSIM.
Short answer
Garmin Forerunner 970 - up to 15 days, sapphire and titanium, 32 GB, 56 g, works with Android, cheaper. Apple Watch Ultra 4 - eSIM, dual-frequency GPS, 100 m.
Key differences
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra 4 49mm GPS + Cellular | Garmin Forerunner 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | OLED, 422×514 | 1.4", AMOLED, 454×454 |
| Chip | Apple S11 | — |
| Memory | 64 GB | 32 GB |
| Battery life | up to 50 h | up to 15 days |
| Connectivity | 5G RedCap, LTE, eSIM | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou (L1 + L5) | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
| NFC | yes | yes |
| Sensors | heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass, gyroscope, temperature | heart rate, barometer, compass, gyroscope, temperature |
| Protection | 100 m / IP6X / EN13319 | 5 ATM |
| OS | watchOS 27 | — |
| Compatibility | iPhone 11 / iPhone SE 2 / iOS 27 | iPhone, Android |
| Dimensions, weight | 49×44×12 mm, 63 g | 47×47×12.9 mm, 56 g |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Specs come from the device pages on Smartphone.ua.
Battery life
Up to 50 h vs up to 15 days.
Protection
100 m, IP6X and EN13319 vs 5 ATM.
Case
49×44×12 mm and 63 g vs 47×47×12.9 mm and 56 g.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Running and battery life - Garmin Forerunner 970.
- Connectivity without a phone - Apple Watch Ultra 4.
FAQ
Does the Apple work with Android?
No.
How much storage?
64 and 32 GB.
Which is cheaper?
The Forerunner 970.