# Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Venu X1 vs. Forerunner 970: Key Differences and Buying Guide

Canonical page: https://savlume.com/items/b7ku0fjxiwaaggmvu1yvw7uer
Publisher: Savlume
Published on Savlume: 2025-08-06T11:16:13.000Z
Content updated: 2026-10-11T14:54:08.828Z
Source publication time: 2025-08-06T11:16:13.000Z
Offer status: Unverified

DC Rainmaker compared Garmin's Fenix 8 ($999+), Venu X1 ($799), and Forerunner 970 ($749), highlighting that while all three now share identical core software and menu navigation, hardware differences sharply divide them. The Venu X1 features a thin chassis and a 2-inch display, but testing revealed roughly two-day battery life with always-on display enabled, no ECG capability, and only two buttons. Athletes prioritizing battery longevity, physical five-button controls, or water sports like diving are advised to stick with the Fenix 8 or Forerunner 970.

## Media review

The author finds the three watches broadly similar in software, but says battery life and hardware-specific features are important differentiators; they prefer returning to the Fenix 8 for its battery life.

Attribution: DC Rainmaker · AI discovery
AI-assisted summary of source text, not a Savlume hands-on test.

- Source-reported strength: The article compares more than 234 settings, options, and features across the three watch series.
- Source-reported strength: The author reports similar GPS and optical heart-rate results across the watches in most tested scenarios.
- Source-reported strength: The author says the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970 handled longer activities better than the Venu X1 in their use.
- Source-reported limitation: The author reports much shorter battery life for the Venu X1, especially during GPS activities.
- Source-reported limitation: The Venu X1 lacks ECG hardware, has two physical buttons, and does not support dual-frequency GNSS, according to the article.
- Source-reported limitation: The watches differ in certain sports features, including diving and some golf functions.

### Which watch does the author say has the longest battery life in their use?

The author reports that the Fenix 8 lasted longer than the Forerunner 970 and Venu X1 in their use.

### Which watch includes diving features, according to the article?

The article lists snorkeling, scuba diving, and apnea diving as Fenix 8-only profiles among the three watches.

### What does the article say about the Venu X1’s ECG capability?

It says the Venu X1 lacks the hardware required for ECG.
## Evidence and sources

Source report only. Merchant price, availability, seller, and conditions have not been independently confirmed.
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DC Rainmaker · AI discovery: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/08/fenix8-vs-forerunner970-vs-venux1-full-review-details-differences.html

AI-assisted summary of cited source material. Not a hands-on review. Prices and availability can change.