Positioning of the Forerunner 570 in Garmin's Portfolio

• It succeeds the Forerunner 265, despite the jump in model numbering.
• Positioned as a mid-range option, nestled between the basic models and the high-end Forerunner 970.
• Available in 42mm and 47mm sizes, both featuring vibrant full-color AMOLED displays.
• Priced at $549, a noticeable increase from the Forerunner 265's $449.
• Introduces new, lively color options, including the eye-catching "raspberry mango."

This placement is somewhat tricky, as it closely approaches the price of the more advanced Forerunner 965, yet lacks some features found in cheaper models like the Venu 3, notably the ECG functionality.

Hardware Enhancements

• New Garmin Elevate Gen5 Optical HR Sensor: Offers improved accuracy and skin temperature tracking, though it surprisingly lacks ECG functionality.
• Speaker & Microphone: A first for the Forerunner series, allowing users to take calls directly from their wrist.
• Physical Design: Features a new aluminum bezel enhancing both durability and aesthetics, while maintaining the vibrant AMOLED display.

Software Innovations for the Dedicated Athlete

• Enhanced Racing Features: Includes AutoLap by Timing Gate and advanced pacing strategies.
• Advanced Training Metrics: New metrics like Load Ratio and Heat & Altitude Acclimation provide deeper insights into your training regime.
• Multisport Enhancements: Offers structured workouts and dedicated features for triathletes.
• Daily Wellness Tools: Evening reports and focus modes add to the holistic wellness tracking.

Battery Life: A Mixed Bag

While the Forerunner 570 offers improved battery life for music playback, it sees a reduction in smartwatch mode longevity:

• 47mm Model: 11 days in smartwatch mode, down from 13.
• 42mm Model: 10 days in smartwatch mode, a significant drop from 15.

This mixed performance might be a concern for users prioritizing battery life over music features.

Pricing and Value Consideration

At $549, the Forerunner 570 is just shy of the Forerunner 965's price but significantly more expensive than the Venu 3, which includes ECG. This pricing strategy raises questions about the overall value, especially considering the absence of features like offline maps and ECG, which are available in lower-priced or similarly priced competitors.

What's Missing?

The lack of offline maps and ECG functionality at this price point is puzzling, especially given the inclusion of these features in less expensive models. These omissions could be deal-breakers for trail runners or those who prioritize health monitoring.

Should You Buy the Forerunner 570?

The decision to invest in the Forerunner 570 should be based on specific needs:

• Opt for the 570 if: You value the new training features, need a watch with call capabilities, or are drawn to the new design and color options.
• Look elsewhere if: You need comprehensive map functionality, prioritize ECG, or are looking for better battery performance without the need for music playback.