Garmin Forerunner 165
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Overview
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a versatile running watch designed to cater to both fitness enthusiasts and serious athletes. This watch is part of the Garmin Forerunner family, known for its reliable performance and advanced features.
Key Features:
- AMOLED Display: Offers exceptional clarity and sharpness under any lighting conditions.
- Music Storage: With 4 GB of internal memory, there is plenty of space for content on the go.
- Health Monitoring: Equipped with advanced sensors for comprehensive health and activity tracking.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a vibrant display and music storage for enhanced training sessions. Its health monitoring capabilities offer valuable insights, making it suitable for those focused on improving their fitness levels.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 83%. This puts it rated just above the median rating of comparable running watches. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just below the median price of running watches.
Verdict
The consensus on the Garmin Forerunner 165
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid mid-tier option for those seeking a reliable GPS watch for running and other athletic pursuits. Its AMOLED display provides excellent visibility, although some users may find the smaller screen size less appealing. The watch excels in GPS and heart rate accuracy, making it a dependable choice for tracking workouts. However, it lacks some advanced features like Training Readiness and multisport modes found in higher-end models. The battery life is decent, offering up to 19 hours in GPS mode, which should suffice for most users. While it doesn't support skiing or cycling power meters, it covers a wide range of sports profiles, making it versatile for various activities. Overall, the Forerunner 165 offers good value for money, especially for those who don't require extensive training metrics. It's a great choice for runners looking for a balance of features and affordability.
Updates to Garmin Forerunner 165
The Garmin Forerunner 165 introduces several updates from its predecessor, the Forerunner 55. It features a new AMOLED display, providing enhanced clarity and color vibrancy. The addition of music storage with 4 GB of internal memory allows users to enjoy their favorite tunes during workouts. The battery life has been improved, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. These updates position the Forerunner 165 as a competitive option within the Garmin Forerunner line, appealing to a wide range of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Comparable Watches
The Coros Pace 3 is a good alternative for those seeking longer battery life and dual-band GPS for enhanced tracking accuracy. While the Forerunner 165 offers a more vibrant AMOLED display and better smartwatch features, the Coros Pace 3 excels in heart rate monitoring and provides more strap options. Both watches offer music playback, but the Garmin model includes Wi-Fi and more connectivity options.
The Garmin Instinct 2 is a rugged option for those who need a watch with multisport capabilities and advanced training metrics. While the Forerunner 165 is more affordable and offers a vibrant display, the Instinct 2 provides features like Training Readiness and skiing modes, catering to outdoor adventurers and multisport athletes.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a suitable choice for users who prefer a watch with more smartwatch features and less focus on activity tracking. While the Forerunner 165 is tailored for athletes with its advanced sensors and sport profiles, the Vivoactive 5 offers a broader range of lifestyle features, making it ideal for everyday use.
6 Garmin Forerunner 165 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Battery life
The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers a respectable battery life, with up to 19 hours in GPS mode and 264 hours in smartwatch mode. This makes it suitable for running enthusiasts who engage in long training sessions. However, using features like the always-on display can reduce battery life significantly. For those who prioritize extended battery life, this watch may require more frequent charging compared to some competitors.
Screen quality and brightness
The Forerunner 165 features an AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and sharpness. This makes it easy to read in various lighting conditions, enhancing the user experience during outdoor activities. The touchscreen functionality adds to its user-friendly design, allowing for intuitive navigation through menus and settings. However, the smaller screen size might be a drawback for those who prefer larger displays.
Strap comfort
The Garmin Forerunner 165 comes with a comfortable and adjustable strap, suitable for long-duration wear. Its lightweight design, weighing only 39 g, ensures that it doesn't feel cumbersome on the wrist during running or other activities. The strap's standard locking mechanism provides a secure fit, making it ideal for athletes who require stability during intense workouts.
Heart-rate monitor accuracy
The heart-rate monitor on the Forerunner 165 is highly accurate, providing readings within a close range of more advanced chest strap monitors. This accuracy is crucial for athletes who rely on heart rate data to optimize their training sessions. The watch's ability to deliver precise heart rate information makes it a reliable tool for monitoring fitness progress and ensuring effective workouts.
GPS accuracy
The GPS accuracy of the Forerunner 165 is impressive, matching or even surpassing some dual-frequency models. This ensures reliable tracking of routes and distances, which is essential for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The watch's GPS performance makes it a dependable choice for those who need precise location data during their activities.
Who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is well-suited for runners and fitness enthusiasts who value a vibrant display and music storage for their workouts. It's an excellent choice for those who engage in running and other athletic activities, offering accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring. The watch's lightweight design and comfortable strap make it ideal for individuals with smaller wrists or those who prefer a less bulky watch. Its affordability and range of features make it a great option for those looking to balance performance and cost.
Who should not buy the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Forerunner 165 may not be the best choice for athletes who require advanced training metrics like Training Readiness or multisport capabilities. Those who participate in triathlons or need extensive cycling features might find this watch lacking. Additionally, users who prioritize running in extreme conditions, such as skiing or snowboarding, may need to consider other models with specific sport profiles. If battery life is a top priority, there are other options with longer-lasting performance.
Garmin Forerunner 165: What's it good for?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is good for running and other athletic activities, offering accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring. It's suitable for running enthusiasts who enjoy listening to music during their workouts, thanks to its music storage capability. The watch's lightweight design makes it ideal for high-arm movement activities, such as running and cycling. Its range of sport profiles also caters to fitness enthusiasts who engage in various exercises, from yoga to strength training.
4 Garmin Forerunner 165 FAQs
What is the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers up to 19 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 264 hours in smartwatch mode, making it suitable for long training sessions.
Does the Forerunner 165 support music playback?
Yes, the Forerunner 165 has 4 GB of internal storage for music, allowing users to listen to their favorite tunes during workouts.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 suitable for triathlons?
The Forerunner 165 does not support triathlon modes, so it may not be the best choice for triathletes who need to record multisport activities.
How accurate is the GPS on the Forerunner 165?
The GPS accuracy of the Forerunner 165 is impressive, providing reliable tracking of routes and distances, which is essential for runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
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| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
| released | ReleasedFeb 2024 | Sep 2023 | Jan 2024 | Aug 2023 | Apr 2022 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Battery life | Battery life264 hours | 264 hours | 120 hours | 336 hours | 672 hours | 744 hours |
| Battery life – GPS mode | Battery life – GPS mode19 hours | 21 hours | 26 hours | 89 hours | 82 hours | |
| Screen size | Screen size30 mm | 30 mm | 25 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm |
| Weight | Weight39 g | 24 g | 89 g | 96 g | ||
| Height | Height43 mm | 35 mm | 51 mm | 51 mm | ||
| Resolution | Resolution390 x 390 px | 280 x 280 px | 454 x 454 px | |||
| Pixel density | Pixel density459 ppi | 459 ppi | 458 ppi | 283 ppi | 458 ppi | |
| Charging time | Charging time | 2 hours | 1 hours | |||
| Internal storage | Internal storage4 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
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