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Garmin Forerunner 70 and 170 Debut With AMOLED Screens and Pro-Style Training Tools

Higher entry prices move premium features to beginners and set up a tougher value test against cheaper rivals.

Close-up of the new Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 running watches
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© Garmin
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Overview

  • Garmin, which announced the Forerunner 70 and 170 on Tuesday, set U.S. prices at $249.99, $299.99 and $349.99 for the 170 Music, with sales on garmin.com starting May 15.
  • Both models use a 1.2-inch AMOLED touch display for brighter visuals, include built‑in GPS and wrist heart rate, and add software like Garmin Coach, Training Readiness, daily suggested workouts and new Quick Workouts.
  • The Forerunner 170 adds Garmin Pay contactless payments and a Music version with onboard audio, plus extra sensors such as a barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope and thermometer for elevation, floor climbs and open‑water swim tracking.
  • Battery claims differ by model, with the Forerunner 70 rated up to 13 days and the 170 up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, and neither watch includes dual‑band GPS found on pricier Garmins.
  • The new watches replace the Forerunner 55 and 165 and raise Garmin’s entry price by about $50, as Amazon clears remaining Forerunner 165 units at $199.99 and India availability is slated for June pending approvals.