Quick verdict
The Garmin dēzl OTR720 is the better choice for drivers who want a compact and lightweight truck GPS. The Garmin dēzl OTR820 is better for drivers who want a larger screen with higher resolution.
Both devices have the same verified truck navigation and connected features. They support custom truck routing, satellite arrival imagery, truck parking information, and live traffic updates. Both also include map updates and work with the Garmin dēzl smartphone app.
The main differences are screen size, screen resolution, dimensions, weight, and battery life.
The OTR720 has a 6.95-inch screen and weighs 8.5 oz. The OTR820 has an 8-inch screen with a higher resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels. It also has a longer stated battery life.
For most drivers, the choice depends on screen size, available mounting space, and price rather than navigation features.
Why choose Garmin dēzl OTR720?
Choose the Garmin dēzl OTR720 if you want a truck GPS that takes up less space in your cab.
The OTR720 measures 6.97 × 4.17 × 0.75 inches and weighs 8.5 oz. It is smaller and 5.8 oz lighter than the OTR820. This can be useful if you have limited dashboard or windshield space. The smaller body can also make the device easier to move between trucks.
Its 6.95-inch screen has a resolution of 1024 × 600 pixels. Although the screen is smaller and has a lower resolution than the OTR820, it gives you access to the same verified navigation functions.
These functions include truck-specific routing, hazmat support, bridge height warnings, and satellite arrival imagery. You also get truck parking information, PrePass support, and connected services through the Garmin dēzl app.
The OTR720 has a stated battery life of up to 1.5 hours. This is 30 minutes less than the OTR820.
Choose the OTR720 if lower weight, smaller dimensions, and easier placement in your cab are your priorities.
Why choose Garmin dēzl OTR820?
Choose the Garmin dēzl OTR820 if you want a larger screen with more pixels for truck navigation.
The OTR820 has an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels. The OTR720 has a 6.95-inch screen with a resolution of 1024 × 600 pixels. The larger display can make maps and route information easier to view, especially when the GPS is mounted farther from the driver.
The higher resolution also gives the OTR820 more pixels to display map details and text.
The OTR820 measures 7.87 × 4.92 × 0.79 inches and weighs 14.3 oz. It is larger and heavier than the OTR720, so check the available mounting space before you buy.
Its stated battery life is up to 2 hours, compared with 1.5 hours for the OTR720. However, both devices can use vehicle power during normal operation.
The OTR820 has the same verified truck routing, safety alerts, and connected features as the OTR720. The comparison does not show a verified advantage in routing functions or live services.
Choose the OTR820 if a larger display, higher screen resolution, and longer battery life are more important than device size and weight.
Garmin dēzl OTR720
A 7-inch dedicated truck GPS with custom truck routing, satellite arrival imagery and connected trucking features.
Garmin dēzl™ OTR820
An 8-inch dedicated truck GPS with custom truck routing, BirdsEye satellite arrival imagery, community truck-parking insights and Garmin’s connected trucking features.
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Key differences
Battery life
Weight
Screen resolution
Screen size
Full comparison
Rows with different values are highlighted. “Not verified” means TruckerDude has not confirmed that feature from a reliable source; it does not mean the feature is absent.
| Feature | Garmin dēzl OTR720 | Garmin dēzl™ OTR820 |
|---|---|---|
| Key specifications | ||
| Brand | Garmin | Garmin |
| Device type | Dedicated GPS | Dedicated GPS |
| Built-in dash cam | No | No |
| Release year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Screen size | 6.95 in | 8 in |
| Screen resolution | 1024 x 600 | 1280 x 800 |
| Dimensions | 6.97 × 4.17 × 0.75 in | 7.87 × 4.92 × 0.79 in |
| Weight | 8.5 oz | 14.3 oz |
| Battery life | 1.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | ||
| Live services connection | Smartphone app | Smartphone app |
| Smartphone app required | Yes | Yes |
| Map updates included | Yes | Yes |
| Truck navigation | ||
| Truck-specific routing | Yes | Yes |
| Truck height input | Yes | Yes |
| Truck weight input | Yes | Yes |
| Truck length input | Yes | Yes |
| Truck width input | Yes | Yes |
| Hazmat support | Yes | Yes |
| Bridge height warnings | Yes | Yes |
| Weight limit warnings | Yes | Yes |
| Steep grade warnings | Yes | Yes |
| Weigh station alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Connected & trucker features | ||
| PrePass support | Yes | Yes |
| CAT Scale | Yes | Yes |
| Truck parking | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite arrival imagery | Yes | Yes |
| Community loading docks | Yes | Yes |
| Live traffic | Yes | Yes |
| Live weather | Yes | Yes |
| Live fuel prices | Yes | Yes |
Final recommendation
We recommend the Garmin dēzl OTR720 for drivers who want a smaller and lighter truck GPS. It provides the same verified navigation functions as the OTR820 and requires less mounting space.
Choose the Garmin dēzl OTR820 if you prefer a larger navigation display. Its 8-inch screen and higher resolution are useful when you want to view maps and route information on a larger screen.
Neither model has a verified advantage in truck-specific routing, map updates, or connected services. Compare their current prices and check the available space in your cab before you make a decision.
Both GPS units use truck information to calculate suitable routes, but road restrictions can change. Always follow road signs and check bridge clearances, weight limits, and other restrictions before you continue.