It is only recently Garmin’s smartwatches started featuring AMOLED screens. Before they relied on MIP screens, which do have a few advantages in some areas, but remain fairly behind AMOLED in numerous uses. The company expanded the adoption of AMOLED to its running smartwatch models. Now, it is launching even a cheaper AMOLED-equipped entry—the Forerunner 165 series.
Garmin Forerunner 165 features and specs
For starters, the Forerunner 165, which comes in standard and Music edition, is a slightly muted version of the Forerunner 265 (review). It has the same round form but with a midge smaller circular touchscreen panel at 1.2-inch with 390×390 pixels resolution. This is protected by a strengthened glass instead of the Gorilla Glass 3 on the pricier Forerunner.
The smartwatch gets the same 5 ATM waterproofing in addition to the case being made from fiber-reinforced polymer. You can also find five physical buttons around the device. At the same time, it’s a few grams lighter, tipping only at 39 grams without a case. The wearable comes with a replaceable silicone strap in a 20 mm size.
In terms of fitness tracking, you’re getting the same capabilities on both Forerunner lines. Namely, the Forerunner 165 comes with a wide array of activity tracking features for regular workouts and in-depth race training tools, including Race Adaptive Training Plans and Running Power and Dynamics.
The wellbeing section is managed by an optical heart rate sensor through the older Elevate V4 sensor, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep and stress management, and nap detection, among others. There is also a guided meditation and safe features such as incident detection and live tracking.
Additionally, the Forerunner 165 is compatible with Android and iPhones. It supports smart features like notifications and Find My via Bluetooth. On the other hand, the Forerunner 165 Music edition gets Wi-Fi connectivity on-board storage to store tracks that you can play even without a connected smartphone. Likewise, both standard and Music variants get remote smartphone playback control.
What makes the Garmin Forerunner 165 cheaper
The differences between the Forerunner 165 and 265 are primarily with the sensors. With the 165, there is only a single-frequency GPS rather with a more accurate dual-frequency GPS on the latter. Plus, the cheaper smartwatch drops the gyroscope sensor and has a slightly shorter battery at 11 days compared to 13 days on the 265.
Despite the minimal differences in features to the Forerunner 265, the Forerunner 165 is steeply priced much lower at $250—$200 cheaper—while the Forerunner 165 Music sets you at $300.
With a cheaper price, are you intending to buy the Forerunner 165 over the Forerunner 265? Let us hear your opinion.
