Test Setup: Two Premium Watches, One Half-Marathon
To move beyond lab specs and marketing claims, the Garmin Forerunner 970 and the AmazFit Cheetah 2 Pro were worn simultaneously during the same half-marathon. The Forerunner 970 was strapped to the right wrist, with the AmazFit running watch on the left, giving a true head-to-head running watch comparison over race distance. Despite a slightly botched start—mostly due to user error at the chaotic starting line—both watches tracked the race closely to the official chip time. This real-world test focused on what matters during a half-marathon GPS watch trial: distance accuracy, pace reliability, heart-rate tracking, and how easy each device is to use when you are breathing hard and moving fast. With both devices pushed through identical conditions, any differences in performance, comfort, or features were immediately obvious on the road rather than just on paper.
GPS, Pace, and Heart Rate: A Statistical Dead Heat
From a pure data standpoint, the Garmin Forerunner 970 and AmazFit Cheetah 2 Pro finished nearly neck and neck. Official race time was 2:04:49 at a 9:32 per mile pace. The AmazFit logged 13.23 miles in 2:04:26 at 9:24 per mile, while the Garmin recorded 13.22 miles in 2:04:20, also at 9:24 per mile. Considering the imperfect start and crowded course, those numbers are impressively close to each other and to the official results. Heart-rate tracking was equally consistent: both watches reported an average heart rate of 166 bpm and a maximum of 192 bpm over the race. For runners who mainly want a half-marathon GPS watch that accurately tracks distance, pace, and heart rate on race day, there is effectively no meaningful performance gap between these two devices.
Comfort, Screen Visibility, and On-the-Run Usability
Wearing two watches for 13.1 miles highlights comfort and design differences quickly. The AmazFit Cheetah 2 Pro stands out as notably lightweight, an advantage that becomes more noticeable the longer you are out on the course. However, the Garmin Forerunner 970 pulls ahead in screen readability and responsiveness. Its display is easier to see at a quick glance, which matters when you are mid-stride and trying not to break form just to check your pace. The raise-to-wake gesture also feels more responsive on the Garmin, reducing the number of times you need to twist your wrist to wake the screen. These are small details, but over a half-marathon they add up, making the Forerunner 970 feel slightly more polished and dependable when seconds and focus both matter.
Training Ecosystem and Advanced Metrics for Serious Runners
While the AmazFit Cheetah 2 Pro proves itself as a capable racing companion, the Garmin Forerunner 970 distinguishes itself through its training ecosystem and depth of metrics. Paired with Garmin Connect, it unlocks extensive post-run analysis, including advanced running dynamics when used with accessories like the HRM 600 chest strap. That setup can even deliver niche stats such as step speed loss and running economy, the kind of data that appeals to serious runners chasing long-term performance gains. By contrast, AmazFit’s Zepp app provides the essentials but does not yet stand out as strongly for long-distance training, recovery insights, or daily coaching tools. For runners logging heavy weekly mileage in preparation for a marathon, these training features may matter more than marginal differences in race-day accuracy, making the Forerunner 970 more compelling for data-focused athletes.
Which Watch Wins for Which Runner?
In this real-world running watch comparison, the result depends on what kind of runner you are. As a pure half-marathon GPS watch, both the Garmin Forerunner 970 and AmazFit Cheetah 2 Pro deliver accurate distance, pace, and heart-rate tracking you can confidently race with. The AmazFit impresses as a lightweight, capable racing watch that performs much better in competition than some initial expectations suggested. However, the Forerunner 970 edges ahead for runners who value quick-glance visibility, responsive controls, and deep training analytics. If your priority is simply to record a solid race, either watch will serve you well. If you are building toward longer distances and want an ecosystem rich in coaching, recovery, and advanced metrics, the Garmin Forerunner 970 remains the stronger long-term partner for serious training.