Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965: We’re here to explore the exciting world of sports watches, specifically a head-to-head between the Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Polar Vantage V3. These watches are the flagships of their respective brands, and we’re delving deep into their features, similarities, and differences.
Table of Contents
Design and Construction
Both the Forerunner 965 and Vantage V3 boast a sleek circular design, complemented by five physical buttons for easy navigation. This design ensures effortless use, even during the sweatiest workouts.
Garmin Forerunner 965:
- Size: 47.1 mm
- Dimensions: 47.1 x 47.1 x 13.2 mm
- Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels
- Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer with a titanium bezel
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Weight: 52 g
- Display: Protected by Gorilla Glass DX
Polar Vantage V3:
- Size: 47 mm
- Dimensions: 47 x 50.8 x 14.5 mm
- Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels
- Material: Aluminum case
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Weight: 57 g (including the bracelet)
- Display: Gorilla Glass 3
Display and Size
Both watches are quite similar in size, ensuring they’re noticeable yet comfortable for both daily wear and intense exercise.
Forerunner 965: Features a 1.4-inch AMOLED display
Vantage V3: Comes with a slightly smaller 1.39-inch AMOLED screen
Resolution: Both have 454 x 454 pixels, with an always-on screen option
Color and Water Resistance
Forerunner 965: Available in classic black and stone powder gray
Vantage V3: Offers vibrant colors like sunrise apricot, night black, and sky blue
Water Resistance: Both are rated for water activities, suitable for swimming but not for high-impact water sports
Connectivity and Sensory Features
Both watches boast Bluetooth connectivity. The Forerunner 965 steps it up with ANT+ support. Each includes a barometric altimeter and the ability to set storm warnings. Unique to the Forerunner 965 is a temperature sensor.
User Interface and Display
Both models feature a mix of buttons and touchscreen interfaces, with subtle differences in layout. The Forerunner 965 has a 1.4-inch display, while the Vantage V3’s is slightly larger at 1.43 inches. The touchscreen utility varies between the two, offering different levels of control and customization.
Visibility and Always-On Display
Thanks to their light sensors, both watches adapt brilliantly under strong sunlight. They also feature an always-on display mode, enhancing the ease of viewing time and other data.
Weather and Environmental Insights
The Forerunner 965 stands out with its animated weather maps and detailed environmental data like the UV index and air quality. In contrast, the Vantage V3 offers a more straightforward weather widget with a clear forecast display.
Music and App Integration
While the Vantage V3 can control music on a connected phone, the Forerunner 965 allows direct music downloads from Spotify and Amazon Music, and sports a broader app integration via the Connect IQ Store.
Fitness Tracking
Both watches track fitness activities comprehensively, but the Forerunner 965 offers a more graphical display of steps, calories, and heart rate, including unique features like the Body Battery and stress measurements.
Training and Recovery Tools
Both models come packed with training widgets and suggestions. The Forerunner 965 offers advanced features like training readiness and detailed cycling metrics, while the Vantage V3 focuses on overall fitness and recovery, including innovative tests for cardiovascular and muscle recovery.
Navigation Capabilities
Both support offline map navigation, but the Forerunner 965 provides more detailed maps and navigation features. The Vantage V3 keeps its maps simple and straightforward, focusing on essential navigational data.
Battery Life and Efficiency
In real-world testing, both watches show impressive battery life, with the Forerunner 965 slightly edging out the Vantage V3. However, the Vantage V3 doesn’t support charging during activities, unlike the Forerunner 965.
Forerunner 965
Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days, GPS-Only GNSS mode: Up to 31 hours, All-Systems GNSS mode + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours.
Vantage V3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 8 days. Training with single-frequency GPS/HR: Up to 61 hours. Training with dual-frequency GPS/HR: Up to 47 hours. Training time with power save options 140h.
Heart Rate Monitoring and Health Features
The Vantage V3 offers ECG measurement (not medically certified), a unique feature not found in the Forerunner 965. However, the Forerunner 965 demonstrates more accurate heart rate readings during activities.
Pricing and Overall Value
As of now, the Polar Vantage V3 retails around $599.95, and the Garmin Forerunner 965 is slightly higher at around $599.99. The prices are relatively close, considering the unique features each model offers.
Conclusion: Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
Choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Polar Vantage V3 depends on your specific needs and preferences:
- Build and Materials (Garmin Forerunner 965): If you’re looking for a watch with a sturdy build and upscale materials, the Forerunner 965 is a great choice. Its fiber-reinforced polymer case and titanium bezel offer both style and durability.
- Advanced Health Tracking (Polar Vantage V3): For those who prioritize advanced health monitoring, the Vantage V3 is the better option. Its ECG sensor for heart rate analysis and skin temperature sensor provide valuable insights for athletes focused on health and recovery.
- Smart Features (Garmin Forerunner 965): The Forerunner 965 excels with additional smart features like ample music storage and Garmin Pay, making it more versatile for everyday use.
- Display and Battery Performance: Both models have high-quality AMOLED displays, though Garmin’s screen is slightly larger. The Forerunner 965 leads in smartwatch mode battery life, while the Vantage V3 has the edge in GPS mode.
In summary, if you’re looking for a well-rounded device that combines sports tracking with smartwatch features and durability, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is the better choice. However, if your focus is more on detailed health and recovery metrics, the Polar Vantage V3 would be more suitable.
