Garmin has quietly updated its cheapest running watch lineup. The new Forerunner 70, Forerunner 170 and Forerunner 170 Music just came out and they bring a lot of features that used to live only on expensive models.
These watches now have a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen. They also work with touch, though you still get five physical buttons on the side. The frame is made with lightweight plastic. New color options include teal, lilac, citron, and soft pink.
Here is the main upgrade. These cheaper watches now get Training Readiness, Training Status, wrist based running power, and running dynamics. These were higher end features until now. The built in Garmin Coach plans also change every day based on how well you recovered and how you performed. Beginners will see more run/walk programs and lower mileage plans. There is also a Quick Workouts feature. You just tell it how much time you have and how hard you want to go, and it sets up a workout for you.
If you really need multi band GPS, you will have to spend more. That feature is still on the Garmin Forerunner 570 series, which costs more.
The watches track over 80 activities. That includes cycling, swimming, and strength training. They measure your heart rate, pace, distance, and energy levels through something Garmin calls Body Battery. They also track stress and breathing. Safety wise, LiveTrack lets people know where you are during a run.
The cheapest one, the Garmin Forerunner 70, does not have contactless payments. The Forerunner 170 adds Garmin Pay as well. The 170 Music adds onboard storage for music and podcasts. That means you can leave your phone at home and still listen to things.
The Garmin Forerunner 70 lasts up to 13 days in regular smartwatch mode. The two 170 models last up to 10 days. Those numbers come from Garmin’s own tests. Real world results may vary.
These are still not as smooth or sharp as an Apple Watch Series 11 or a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. But Garmin focuses on outdoor visibility and battery life. And the physical buttons are easier to use when you are running and sweating.
The new Garmin Forerunner 70 sells for Php15,990. The Forerunner 170 goes for Php19,290 and Forerunner 170 Music is listed at Php22,290.
You can buy all three models on Garmin’s website.