Garmin Forerunner 165 review
Best for: Beginner and improving runners · Mid-range
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Pros
- Bright 1.2 in AMOLED display
- Garmin Pay included
- Up to 11 days smartwatch battery
- Excellent running tools and app
Cons
- No ECG
- Sits at the top of this price band
- Small screen
Full review
The Forerunner 165 remains the best-known entry point to Garmin's running range. It has a 1.2 inch AMOLED touchscreen at 390 x 390 in a 43 mm case, weighing about 39 g, so it feels light on any wrist.
Garmin quotes up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, and rates it 5 ATM for swimming. It includes Garmin Pay for contactless payments, a built-in GPS and an optical heart rate sensor, and syncs through Garmin Connect to iPhone or Android phones. It has no ECG and no cellular.
The value is in the software. Daily suggested workouts, recovery guidance and training load tools come through the Garmin Connect app and help you build up mileage without overdoing it. The Music version adds storage for playlists and podcasts.
It sits at the top of this price band, and prices change often. If you run regularly and want to improve, it is a better tool than most cheaper smartwatches; if you want apps and replies, pick a Wear OS or Apple watch instead.
Full specifications
| Launch price (RRP) | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.2 in AMOLED, 390 x 390 |
| Case sizes | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm (one size) |
| Software / platform | Garmin (proprietary) |
| Works with | iPhone and Android (Garmin Connect app) |
| Battery life (brand) | Up to 11 days smartwatch mode; up to 19 h GPS |
| GPS | Built-in GPS |
| Health sensors | Optical heart rate, wellness tracking |
| ECG | No |
| LTE / eSIM option | No |
| Contactless payments | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
| Water rating | 5 ATM |
| Weight | 39 g (listed for the Music model) |
| Case material | Not stated |
| Released | 2024 |
Spec check note: The 39 g weight and size come from Garmin's listing for the Music model; we did not find a separate figure for the standard model.
Specifications checked against: Garmin UK: Forerunner 165 Music, Garmin: Forerunner 165 series owner's manual, specifications
How it compares with its rivals
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 165 | Huawei Watch Fit 4 | Polar Pacer | Amazfit Active Max | Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginner and improving runners | A slim, light fitness watch | Easy-to-use running watch | Marathon battery and offline maps | A good-looking metal everyday watch |
| Price band | Mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Launch price (RRP) | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | $169.99 (US); about €169.90 at EU launch | €159.99 (EU launch) |
| Display | 1.2 in AMOLED, 390 x 390 | 1.82 in AMOLED, 480 x 408, up to 2,000 nits | 1.2 in always-on colour display, 240 x 240 | 1.5 in AMOLED, 480 x 480, up to 3,000 nits | 1.32 in AMOLED, 466 x 466, up to 1,500 nits |
| Case sizes | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm (one size) | 43.0 x 38.0 x 9.5 mm | 45 x 45 x 11.5 mm | 48.5 x 48.5 x 12.2 mm | 41.2 x 41.2 x 9.5 mm |
| Software / platform | Garmin (proprietary) | Not stated | Polar (proprietary) | Zepp OS | Xiaomi HyperOS 3 |
| Works with | iPhone and Android (Garmin Connect app) | Android 8 or later, iOS 13 or later | Not stated | Android 7+ and iOS 14+ (manual says iOS 15+) | Android 8 or later, iOS 14 or later |
| Battery life (brand) | Up to 11 days smartwatch mode; up to 19 h GPS | Up to 10 days maximum; about 7 days typical; 4 days with always-on display | Up to 7 days watch mode; up to 35 h GPS with wrist heart rate | Up to 25 days typical; 13 days heavy; 64 h GPS | Up to 8 days light use; 4 days normal; 3 days heavy |
Prices in every region
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