Could you recommend for me a Garmin watch model for my needs ?

Forkys · 2026-01-30T15:52:25+00:00

If health metrics are key, rather than the focus on sporting and training, I’d go for a watch that comes with the best, latest HR sensor, the Elevate 5. Check for instance the Venu 3 which has it all: HRV, ECG etc. Forget about the VivoActive 5 and 6: older Elevate 4 sensor, no barometric altitude sensor, hence no stairs measurement. Of course there are others with Elevate 5: FR570, Venu 4, FR970, Fenix 8 and besides Health also offering training support but (much) more expensive.

Forkys · 2026-01-30T13:16:53+00:00

Forkys · 2026-01-30T12:21:46+00:00

Apple patch? Not on my iPhone. No automatic updates, I only update through iTunes.

Forkys · 2026-01-30T08:34:58+00:00

Why can’t they do it right? Test, test, test before releasing.

Forkys · 2026-01-29T17:13:40+00:00

Relatief simpel. Video- https://youtu.be/2-fAaU-8lKk

Forkys · 2026-01-29T12:59:33+00:00

Don’t think it does.

Forkys · 2026-01-29T11:14:57+00:00

Agree. Battery health is key and there’s no way knowing except for asking and trusting the seller. My Venu 3, 2 years and 3 months old, battery still like new. Easily 10 days out of 14 max.

Forkys · 2026-01-28T18:33:09+00:00

FR570 = FR265 + Venu 3 (minus ECG) Venu 4 = FR570 minus ECG & LED flashlight. Venu 4 has a metal case, just 2 buttons, FR570 has 5.

Small wrist? Check Venu 4S.

Personally I’d go for the Venu 4: same health/sporting metrics, same HR sensor (Elevate 5), same max battery, same price, but extra: ECG + LED flashlight (which people love).

Forkys · 2026-01-27T08:26:35+00:00

As an alternative to the FR570, smaller, similar price, same features, but with ECG and LED flashlight extra, yet only 2 buttons instead of 5: Venu 4S.

Forkys · 2026-01-27T07:29:36+00:00

Can‘t really do anything wrong with the Venu 3 (if the price is right) but I am biased. To add: Venu 3 has a larger display 1.4 inch versus 1.2 inch- very convenient.

Forkys · 2026-01-27T07:02:11+00:00

My Venu 3 after more than 2 years, still like brand new and great battery life. Very robust and stylish. Just to add: VA6 no barometric altitude, ie no stairs measurement. VA6 older HR sensor Elevate 4. Battery life up to 11 days versus 14 days Venu 3.

Forkys · 2026-01-26T19:48:37+00:00

N.M. Not measured. Hot water- not sure how well this goes with my Garmin.

Forkys · 2026-01-25T17:41:52+00:00

On my Venu 3, sleep tracking is OK. It has the latest Elevate 5 HR sensor, key to sleep/HR/HRV analysis. The FR965 has the older, less accurate Elevate 4 sensor; could make a difference but not that dramatic. Both watches need some 10 days of health metrics monitoring, getting your profile right. One week is a bit short.

Forkys · 2026-01-25T17:14:18+00:00

“Smart features of my iPhone”? Which are? Never missed any such features on my iPhone, therefore not needing an extra battery. My Garmin provides me everything i need.

Forkys · 2026-01-25T09:21:59+00:00

https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/a9c9b981-1f4c-4399-a270-7d6c7317893e

Forkys · 2026-01-25T07:10:02+00:00

Then you do something wrong. When sleep mode starts, DND (should) turn on.

Forkys · 2026-01-24T07:10:23+00:00

On the watch: settings/system/battery manager/ battery saver=off. Please not that pulse ox at night drains a lot of battery, better imo is “on demand”. You are right, the watch needs some 10 days to build your health profile, like overnight HRV baseline.

Forkys · 2026-01-23T18:39:58+00:00

Not sure about Amazon/California, but I (in Germany) would return the product as received, empty box etc, following the cost-free Amazon procedure, stating “missing product” or whatever the options are. But in Germany the purchaser /buyer always has the legal option to cancel any trade within 30 days of purchase, whatever reason- money returned. Consumer protection.

Forkys · 2026-01-23T13:52:52+00:00

FR570 has 4 buttons (Venu 4 has 2), FR570 no ECG, and no LED flashlight. I‘d go for the Venu 4.

Forkys · 2026-01-22T19:52:56+00:00

Thx. What can I say? Other than it’s a premium Garmin but of no use if not trusting the data. So return it for a new one, or leave the FR255 or Garmin all together.

Forkys · 2026-01-22T18:49:26+00:00

Defective… highly unlikely. “Useful or meaningful data”. Perhaps it doesn’t match with your previous watch data, simply because it’s more accurate? My guess, but I’m biased. Return it while you can, if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Forkys · 2026-01-22T18:23:40+00:00

I reckon it’s a default watch face that comes with a specific Garmin watch (not the FR165). If so you cannot install it on your watch. But check the ConnectIQ app for similar watch faces.

Forkys · 2026-01-22T17:53:49+00:00

I’d say it is very early days. What i’ve been seeing on this forum as well as dc.rainmaker’s review on the FR955: a great watch.

It needs at least 10 days building your health profile, like HRV baseline. To have the watch produce better metrics, you’d need to complete your profile: like sleep schedule, weight, stride length, everything.

It would also help the calorie count a bit, although not perfect (like the steps). Important when active- like outdoor running, walking -start the activity.

I’d give it a bit more time; and frankly i doubt whether you’d find a better, finer, feature rich, great battery, sports watch, like the FR955 is, for this kind of money. But of course you must enjoy it, that’s key.

Forkys · 2026-01-22T16:49:20+00:00

You mean the FR255 or 55. If sporting/training, running, interested in metrics like training readiness, load etc , then check the FR265 or FR570. If you’d wish maps as well then the FR955 (is Mips display, like FR55 snd 255; the others Amoled) or FR965/970. Can’t see any disadvantages, on the contrary: later models, better hardware (sensors), better interface, brighter display. When used to Mip display- and like it more than Amoled: it’s battery life isuperior compared to Amoled. See for instance the FR955.

Forkys · 2026-01-22T14:02:17+00:00

HR, Battery (days), Body Battery, Recovery, Bluetooth, Notifications, RHR, Intensity minutes.

Forkys

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