I have the 696 and 496 and the 496 is vastly superior. Battery life is vastly better, it has never been a problem to use in any aircraft I have flown. The 696 battery is crap, you can't mount it anywhere in short it's a pain in the ass.
I find the 496 display easy to read and plenty of information without being cluttered.
If buying again I would buy the 495 as I have never used the XM or the marine,car functions.