WatchFitTool

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Xiaomi Watch S3

Size, specs & wrist fit compared

Garmin Forerunner® 970010-02969-00
Garmin Forerunner® 970
Xiaomi Watch S3
Xiaomi Watch S3

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Which one fits you

Both need much the same wrist — roughly 49–67mm across the flat of the wrist. Neither will fit where the other won't, so decide on thickness, weight and features instead.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 and Xiaomi Watch S3 share a near-identical 47mm case, so wrist presence comes down to thickness, lug-to-lug and weight.

The Xiaomi Watch S3 is the slimmer of the two (12mm vs 12.9mm), so it slides under a cuff more easily.

On the wrist the Xiaomi Watch S3 feels lighter (44g vs 56g, case only).

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is middle-of-the-pack for thickness among the 102 47mm watches in the database.

Among the 102 47mm watches we hold thickness for, the Xiaomi Watch S3 is thinner than 76%, so it wears flatter than its width suggests.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is 0.9mm thicker and 12g heavier than the Xiaomi Watch S3. Both are circular.

Garmin

Forerunner® 970

Xiaomi

Watch S3

Case width
47mm
47mmsame
Lug-to-lug
47mm
47mmsame
Thickness
12.9mm
12mm−0.9mm
Weight
56g
44g−12g

Switch or add watches

Garmin Forerunner® 970

Garmin

Forerunner® 970

Xiaomi Watch S3

Xiaomi

Watch S3

Fit tool

Watch Fit Tool

For sports watches, lug-to-lug (L2L) is what matters most — it decides whether a watch overhangs your wrist. Bulky is fine; overhang is not.

Your wrist
mm
≈ 146.9mm around

Garmin Forerunner® 970

Case 47.0mm · Lug-to-lug 47.0mm · Thickness 12.9mm · 56g

Sweet Spot

47mm on a 55mm wrist

10:09TUE 12lug to lug 47.0mmyour wrist 55.0mm

Across the wrist it works — 4.0mm spare each side — but wide enough that the edge of the case back lifts clear of the skin.

On a 55mm wrist the sweet spot is 47–53mm lug to lug. This one is 47mm.

How to Measure

Measure where you wear it, just below the wrist bone. Either of these works — the tool converts between them.

  1. 1. Flat width — arm flat on a table, palm up. Measure straight across the top of the wrist, bone to bone, ignoring the curve down the sides.
  2. 2. Around — a tape, or a strip of paper marked and held against a ruler, snug the whole way round.
Complete Wrist Measurement Guide →
Against one you know

Leather: Attaches at the lugs, so the case back rests on your skin. Thins and softens with wear. Typical figures, not this model’s own.

Show the measurements
  • Across the wrist4.0mm spare each side

    Fills the wrist without reaching the edge.

  • Off the wrist12.9mm off the skin

    Normal sports-watch height for a wrist this size. (12.9mm case, back against the skin)

  • How it seats~6.1mm under the rim

    Wide enough that the edge of the case back lifts clear of the skin.

  • Weight on the wrist56g

    Substantial without being a burden — the usual weight of a steel watch on a wrist this size. (1.0g per mm of wrist)

Xiaomi Watch S3

Case 47.0mm · Lug-to-lug 47.0mm · Thickness 12.0mm · 44g

Sweet Spot

47mm on a 55mm wrist

10:09TUE 12lug to lug 47.0mmyour wrist 55.0mm

Across the wrist it works — 4.0mm spare each side — but wide enough that the edge of the case back lifts clear of the skin.

On a 55mm wrist the sweet spot is 47–53mm lug to lug. This one is 47mm.

How to Measure

Measure where you wear it, just below the wrist bone. Either of these works — the tool converts between them.

  1. 1. Flat width — arm flat on a table, palm up. Measure straight across the top of the wrist, bone to bone, ignoring the curve down the sides.
  2. 2. Around — a tape, or a strip of paper marked and held against a ruler, snug the whole way round.
Complete Wrist Measurement Guide →
Against one you know

Leather: Attaches at the lugs, so the case back rests on your skin. Thins and softens with wear. Typical figures, not this model’s own.

Show the measurements
  • Across the wrist4.0mm spare each side

    Fills the wrist without reaching the edge.

  • Off the wrist12.0mm off the skin

    Normal sports-watch height for a wrist this size. (12.0mm case, back against the skin)

  • How it seats~6.1mm under the rim

    Wide enough that the edge of the case back lifts clear of the skin.

  • Weight on the wrist44g

    Light enough to forget you have it on. (0.8g per mm of wrist)

2D Dimension Schematics

Every case drawn to scale on a shared centre — from above, and in profile against the wrist.

Highlight
From above — same centre, true scale
From the side — how far each sits off the wrist
  • Garmin Forerunner® 97047mm · 12.9mm thick
  • Xiaomi Watch S347mm · 12mm thick

3D preview

Garmin Forerunner® 970 vs Xiaomi Watch S3 on a wrist

Sized to your own wrist, turned any way you like.

Open 3D try-on

Shapes are built from published measurements, not manufacturer 3D models — accurate proportions, generic dial.

Battery life compared

Runtime for every power mode either watch publishes, 1 of them directly comparable.

Garmin Forerunner 970Xiaomi Watch S3

  • Smartwatch

    15 days
    15 days
  • GPS-Only GNSS

    26 hours
    —
  • SatIQ GNSS

    23 hours
    —
  • All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band

    21 hours
    —
  • GPS-Only GNSS with music

    14 hours
    —
  • SatIQ GNSS with music

    13 hours
    —
  • All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band with music

    12 hours
    —
  • Training

    —
    3 hours
  • GPS

    —
    3 hours

Specifications

The short version

6 key specs
SpecGarminForerunner® 970XiaomiWatch S3
Case Width47mm47mm
Thickness12.9mm12mm
Weight56g44g
ShapeCircularCircular
Display typeAMOLED (optional always-on mode)OLED/AMOLED
Released20252023

Every specification

408 specs
SpecGarmin Forerunner® 970Xiaomi Watch S3
Overview
FamilyGarmin—
General
Battery lifeSmartwatch mode: Up to 15 days GPS-Only GNSS mode: Up to 26 hours SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS mode: Up to 23 hours All-Systems GNSS mode + Multi-Band: Up to 21 hours GPS-Only GNSS mode with music: Up to 14 hours SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS mode with music: Up to 13 hours All-Systems GNSS mode + Multi-Band with music: Up to 12 hours See Details—
Battery typeLithium ion—
Display Size1.4" (35.3 mm) diameter—
Color displayYes—
Lens MaterialSapphire Crystal—
Bezel Materialtitanium—
Memory/History32 GB—
Strap materialsilicone—
Charging methodGarmin proprietary plug charger—
Large font optionYes—
Display resolution454 x 454 pixels—
Built-in speaker/microphoneYes—
QuickFit® watch band compatibleyes (22 mm)—
Sensors
GPSYes—
QZSSYes—
BeiDouYes—
CompassYes—
GLONASSYes—
GalileoYes—
GyroscopeYes—
ThermometerYes—
AccelerometerYes—
SatIQ™ TechnologyYes—
Ambient light sensorYes—
Barometric altimeterYes—
Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation MonitorYes—
Garmin Elevate™ wrist heart rate monitorYes—
has GPS—Yes
has a compass—Yes
Has a barometer—Yes
has a gyroscope—Yes
Has a cadence sensor—No
has an accelerometer—Yes
Monitors perspiration—No
Has a heart rate monitor—Yes
Has a temperature sensor—No
Monitors blood oxygenation levels—Yes
Product Info
Main SKU010-02969-00—
Product ID1462801—
Product NameForerunner® 970—
Release Date5/15/2025—
Product VariationCarbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Case and Black/Translucent Whitestone Band—
Clock Features
TimerYes—
StopwatchYes—
Time/dateYes—
Alarm clockYes—
GPS Time SyncYes—
Sunrise/sunset timesYes—
Automatic daylight saving timeYes—
Cycling Features
CoursesYes—
Power guideYes—
MTB Grit & FlowYes—
Race an activityYes—
Power meter compatibleYes—
Advanced cycling dynamicsYes—
Power curve and % FTP workoutsYes—
Compatible with Varia™ lightsYes—
FTP (Functional Threshold Power)yes (with compatible accessory)—
Compatible with Varia headlight cameraYes—
Speed and cadence sensor support (w/sensor)Yes—
Cycle Map (routable cycling-specific street map)Yes—
Bike lap and lap maximum power (with power sensor)Yes—
Compatible with Varia™ radar (rear-facing radar)Yes—
Compatible with Vector™ and Rally™ (power meters)Yes—
Compatible with Varia Vision™ (head-mounted display)Yes—
Alerts (triggers alarm when you reach goals including time, distance, heart rate or calories)Yes—
Golfing Features
PinPointerYes—
Handicap scoringYes—
Tournament legalYes—
Digital scorecardYes—
Garmin AutoShot™Yes—
Round timer/odometerYes—
Auto CourseView updatesYes—
Yardage to layups/doglegsYes—
Hazards and course targetsYes—
Pairs with Garmin Golf appYes—
Green View with manual pin positionYes—
Preloaded with 43,000 courses worldwideYes—
CT10 Automatic club tracking compatible (requires accessory)Yes—
Yardage to F/M/B (distance to front, middle and back of green)Yes—
Stat tracking (strokes, putts per round, greens and fairways hit)Yes—
Measures shot distance (calculates exact yardage for shots from anywhere on course)automatic—
Running Features
Hill scoreYes—
Run workoutsYes—
Running powerYes—
Race predictorYes—
Running Economyyes (with compatible accessory)—
Step speed lossyes (with compatible accessory)—
Foot pod capableYes—
Running dynamicsYes—
Lactate thresholdYes—
Running ToleranceYes—
Grade-adjusted paceYes—
Trail run auto climbYes—
Performance conditionYes—
Run/Walk/Stand detectionYes—
Stride length (real time)Yes—
PacePro™ Pacing StrategiesYes—
Projected race time and paceYes—
Vertical oscillation and ratioYes—
Ground contact time and balanceyes (GCT balance with accessory)—
GPS-based distance, time and paceYes—
Course- and weather-specific race predictorYes—
Cadence (provides real-time number of steps per minute)Yes—
What You'll Love
TouchscreenYes—
Display typeAMOLED (optional always-on mode)—
Water rating5 ATM—
Garmin Pay™Yes—
Music storageYes—
Garmin ECG AppYes—
LED flashlightYes—
Multi-band GPSYes—
Training statusyes (improved)—
Built-in mappingYes—
Training readinessYes—
Pulse Ox blood oxygenyes (spot-check, and optional all-day acclimation and in sleep)—
Sleep score and insightsYes—
Battery life (smartwatch mode)Up to 15 days—
Make calls and send texts via voiceyes (with paired compatible smartphone)—
Activity Profiles
GymStrength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, Jump Roping—
SwimPool Swimming, Open Water Swimming—
CyclingBiking, Road Biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bike Commuting, Bike Touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Cyclocross, BMX—
WellnessWalking, Pilates, Yoga, Indoor Walking, Mobility—
MultisportTriathlon, Duathlon, Brick, Pool Triathlon, Swimming/Running—
In the ringBoxing, Mixed Martial Arts—
Team sportsBasketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football/Soccer, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball—
Motor sportsMotorcycling, Overlanding, Motocrossing, ATVing, Snowmobiling—
On the WaterStand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Fishing, Boating, Sailing, Sail Racing, Snorkeling, Sailing Expedition—
Racket sportsTennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball—
Snow & winterSkiing, Snowboarding, Backcountry Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, XC Skate Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing—
Indoor runningTreadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual Running—
Outdoor runningRunning, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Obstacle Racing—
Outdoor recreationHiking, Rucking, Mountaineering, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Hunting, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Disc Golf, Archery—
Other activity profilesInline skating—
Swimming Features
Pool swim workoutsYes—
Critical swim speedYes—
Time and distance alertsYes—
Auto rest (pool swim only)Yes—
Drill logging (pool swim only)Yes—
Pacing alerts (pool swim only)Yes—
Countdown start (pool swim only)Yes—
Underwater wrist-based heart rateYes—
"Repeat on" rest timer (pool swim only)Yes—
Basic rest timer (up from 0) (pool swim only)Yes—
Stroke type detection (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly) (pool swim only)Yes—
Pool swim metrics (lengths, distance, pace, stroke count, swim efficiency (SWOLF), calories)Yes—
Open-water swim metrics (distance, pace, stroke count/rate, stroke distance, swim efficiency (SWOLF), calories)Yes—
Heart rate from external HRM (real-time during rests, interval and session stats during rests, and automatic heart rate download post-swim)yes (with HRM-Swim, HRM-Pro, HRM-Pro Plus or HRM 600)—
Outdoor Recreation
Up AheadYes—
Auto restYes—
TracBack®Yes—
Sight 'N GoYes—
Back to startYes—
Fish forecastyes (via Connect IQ™)—
Explore NearbyYes—
UltraTrac modeYes—
Vertical speedYes—
GPS coordinatesYes—
Area calculationyes (via Connect IQ™)—
Elevation profileYes—
Projected waypointYes—
Total ascent/descentYes—
Future elevation plotYes—
NextFork™ navigationYes—
Distance to destinationYes—
Expedition GPS ActivityYes—
Sun and moon informationYes—
Point-to-point navigationYes—
Preloaded ski resort mapsYes—
ClimbPro™ Ascent PlannerYes—
Rest Timer (Ultra Run only)Yes—
Preloaded road and trail mapsYes—
Bread crumb trail in real timeYes—
Downloadable cartography supportYes—
Barometric trend indicator with Storm AlertYes—
Daily Smart Features
Stocksyes (optional Connect IQ app)—
CalendarYes—
PasscodeYes—
ConnectivityBluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi®—
Garmin ShareYes—
Find My PhoneYes—
Find My WatchYes—
Voice commandYes—
Evening reportYes—
Morning reportYes—
Red shift modeYes—
Weather forecastsYes—
Smart NotificationsYes—
Smart trainer controlYes—
Smartphone compatibilityiPhone®, Android™—
Controls smartphone musicYes—
On-device Connect IQ™ StoreYes—
Plays and controls watch musicYes—
Find My Phone during GPS activityYes—
Pairs with Garmin Connect™ MobileYes—
Compatible with Garmin Messenger appYes—
Battery saver (customizable low power watch)Yes—
Bluetooth phone calling and voice assistant supportYes—
Realtime settings sync with Garmin Connect™ mobileYes—
View images from notifications on watch (Android™ only)Yes—
Text response/reject phone call with text (Android™ only)Yes—
Connect IQ™ (downloadable watch faces, data fields and apps)Yes—
Activity Tracking Features
TrueUp™Yes—
Move IQ™Yes—
Step counterYes—
Floors climbedYes—
Calories burnedYes—
Distance traveledYes—
Intensity minutesYes—
Automatic rep countingYes—
Garmin Connect™ Challenges appyes (optional Connect IQ app)—
Move alerts (displays on device after a period of inactivity)Yes—
Auto goal (learns your activity level and assigns a daily step goal)Yes—
Workout and Training Plans
HIIT workoutsYes—
Yoga workoutsYes—
Cardio workoutsYes—
Pilates workoutsYes—
Strength workoutsYes—
Multisport workoutsYes—
Garmin Cycling CoachYes—
Garmin Running CoachYes—
Garmin Triathlon CoachYes—
Garmin Coach - StrengthYes—
Garmin Running Coach ExpertsYes—
On-screen workout animationsYes—
On-screen workout muscle mapsYes—
Garmin Coach - Prebuilt Cycling PlansYes—
Daily Suggested Workout - Cycling (Pace and Heart Rate Based)Yes—
Daily Suggested Workout - Running (Pace and Heart Rate Based)Yes—
Health & Wellness Monitoring
Sleepyes (advanced)—
Hydrationyes (in Garmin Connect™ and optional Connect IQ™ widget)—
BreathworkYes—
MeditationYes—
Fitness ageYes—
Sleep coachYes—
Nap detectionYes—
All-day stressYes—
Women's healthyes (in Garmin Connect™ and optional Connect IQ™ widget)—
Health snapshotYes—
Jet lag adviserYes—
Respiration rateYes—
Skin temperatureYes—
Resting heart rateYes—
Breathing variationsYes—
Relaxation remindersYes—
Abnormal heart rate alertsyes (high and low)—
Relaxation breathing timerYes—
Body Battery™ energy monitorYes—
Wrist-based heart rate (constant, every second)Yes—
Safety and Tracking Features
AssistanceYes—
Live Event SharingAndroid™ Only—
Incident Detection during select activitiesYes—
Incident detection alert on phone for wearablesYes—
Training, Planning and Analysis Features
% HRRYes—
% HR maxYes—
HR zonesYes—
HR alertsYes—
ShortcutsYes—
HRV statusYes—
Load ratioYes—
Manual lapYes—
Rest timerYes—
Auto max HRYes—
Auto scrollYes—
Finish timeYes—
HR caloriesYes—
Voice alertsYes—
Custom alertsYes—
Physio TrueUpYes—
Recovery timeYes—
Training loadYes—
VO2 Max (Run)Yes—
Course guidanceYes—
Endurance scoreYes—
Training effectYes—
Virtual PartnerYes—
Race an ActivityYes—
Realtime staminaYes—
Advanced workoutsYes—
Interval trainingYes—
Race glance/widgetYes—
Training load focusYes—
VO2 Max (Trail Run)Yes—
Garmin Live SegmentsYes—
Strava Live SegmentsYes—
GPS speed and distanceYes—
Improved recovery timeYes—
Configurable lap alertsYes—
Customizable data pagesYes—
Unified training statusYes—
Touch and/or button lockYes—
Activity history on watchYes—
Multisport auto transitionYes—
Downloadable training plansYes—
Training effect (anaerobic)Yes—
Manual multisport activitiesYes—
HRM running pace and distanceYes—
Heat and altitude acclimationYes—
Customizable activity profilesYes—
Trendline™ Popularity RoutingYes—
Auto Pause® automatic timer haltYes—
Respiration rate (during exercise)yes (with compatible accessory)—
Auto Lap® interval tracking featureYes—
Primary benefit (Training Effect labels)Yes—
Round-trip course creator (running/cycling)Yes—
Power Modes - customizable in-activity battery settingsYes—
HR broadcast (broadcasts HR data over ANT+® to paired devices)Yes—
Improved interval (includes open repeats, intervals data page, rest screen and auto detection)Yes—
Design
width—47
height—47
volume—26.51 cm³
weight—44 g
thickness—12
ATM rating—5 ATM
resolution—466 x 466 px
screen size—1.43 inches
Display type—OLED/AMOLED
Has a display—Yes
pixel density—326 ppi
water resistance—Waterproof
Always-On Display—Yes
has a touch screen—Yes
is designed for kids—No
waterproof depth rating—50 m
Watch band is replaceable—Yes
Has sapphire glass display—No
maximum operating temperature—45 °C
has branded damage-resistant glass—No
lowest potential operating temperature—-10 °C
Battery
charge time—0.83 hours
battery life—15 days
battery power—486 mAh
has wireless charging—No
has a removable battery—No
battery life with GPS on—3 hours
Has a solar power battery—No
has a rechargeable battery—Yes
battery life in training mode—3 hours
Features
RAM—32MB
release date—2023-10-26
Has a stopwatch—Yes
Has smart alarm—No
warranty period—1 years
Has call control—Yes
Has silent alarm—Yes
internal storage—4GB
measures VO2 max—Yes
Has notifications—Yes
Has ECG technology—No
Locates your phone—Yes
has fall detection—Yes
has voice commands—Yes
Acquires GPS faster—Yes
Has vibrating alerts—Yes
number of microphones—1
Can be used to answer calls—Yes
measures resting heart rate—Yes
has irregular heart rate warnings—No
has fast/slow heart rate notifications—Yes
Has a built-in camera remote control function—Yes
Connectivity
has NFC—Yes
supports ANT+—No
supports Wi-Fi—No
supports Galileo—Yes
Bluetooth version—5.2
has a cellular module—No
Is compatible with iOS—Yes
Is compatible with Android—Yes
Miscellaneous
Has passcode—No
Is compatible with Windows—No
Is compatible with Mac OS X—No
has an external memory slot—No
has a battery level indicator—Yes
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack—Yes
Compatible with external heart rate monitors—Yes
App & Software
Free app—Yes
Has coaching—No
Supports routes—Yes
Has achievements—Yes
Has goal setting—Yes
Has exercise diary—Yes
Predicts ovulation—Yes
Can be personalised—Yes
Has weight tracking—Yes
Predicts start date—Yes
Tracks water intake—Yes
number of exercises—150
Has inactivity alerts—Yes
Has period notifications—Yes
Has temperature tracking—No
Doesn’t require account—No
Provides activity reports—Yes
Displays fertile window notifications—Yes
Counts how many calories you've burned—Yes
Activity tracking
Measures pace—Yes
Tracks distance—Yes
Tracks elevation—Yes
Designed for golf—No
Tracks your sleep—Yes
Tracks steps taken—Yes
Designed for diving—No
Has a route tracker—Yes
Has exercise tagging—Yes
Tracks calorie intake—Yes
Provides sleep reports—Yes
Detects activities automatically—Yes
Has a stroke counter for swimming—No

Wrist Fit

Garmin Forerunner 970

Sits best on wrists ~49–67mm wide (≈ 13.1–17.9cm circumference).

Xiaomi Watch S3

Sits best on wrists ~49–67mm wide (≈ 13.1–17.9cm circumference).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Garmin Forerunner 970 bigger than the Xiaomi Watch S3?

Both have a 47mm case. Compare their thickness and lug-to-lug above to judge wrist presence.

Which fits a smaller wrist better, the Garmin Forerunner 970 or the Xiaomi Watch S3?

The Garmin Forerunner 970 suits wrists around 49–67mm wide, and the Xiaomi Watch S3 around 49–67mm. The one with the smaller lower bound is the safer pick for a small wrist.

Can I see the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Xiaomi Watch S3 side by side at true scale?

Yes — the schematics and photos above show both watches at matched scale, and our fit tool overlays each on your wrist width.

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