The Garmin Forerunner 165 (FR165) enters the budget-friendly running watch market as an exciting new option. Garmin has introduced an AMOLED display to its lower-priced Forerunner line, a significant shift from the traditional MIP-based screens. Positioned between the Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 265, the FR165 aims to deliver essential running features and a modern display at an accessible price.
But does it live up to expectations? This review covers everything from its display and battery life to its GPS accuracy and missing features, helping you decide if it's the right watch for you.
First Impressions & Key Features
The Forerunner 165 is Garmin's latest entry-level running watch. While the Forerunner 55 remains available, the FR165 costs only $50 more and offers compelling upgrades like an AMOLED display, touchscreen, and additional sensors. It comes in two versions:
- FR165 (Standard)
- FR165 Music Edition (+$50, includes music storage and playback)
Design & Build
- Size: 43mm diameter, 11.6mm thickness
- Weight: 39g (lightweight and comfortable)
- Display: 1.2" AMOLED, 390x390 pixels, touchscreen + 5-button navigation
- Materials: Plastic case, chemically strengthened glass
- Strap: 20mm silicone, quick-release bands
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (safe for swimming)
Battery Life
Battery performance varies based on usage:
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 11 days (4 days with always-on display)
- Battery Saver Mode: Up to 20 days
- GPS Mode: 19 hours (GPS-only), 17 hours (All-Systems GNSS)
- GPS + Music: 6.5–7 hours
Compared to MIP-based watches like the Forerunner 255, battery life is shorter, especially with always-on display.
User Interface & Daily Features
The FR165 balances button-based controls with a responsive touchscreen. While swipes and taps work smoothly, some users may prefer disabling the touchscreen during workouts.
Daily Features
- Customizable Watch Faces (Garmin stock, Connect IQ, or personal photos)
- Morning Report: Displays HRV status, sleep, weather, and planned workouts
- Sleep & Nap Tracking (including Body Battery adjustments)
- Smart Notifications: Works with Android & iPhone
- Garmin Pay: ❌ Not supported
- Music Storage: Only on Music Edition (4GB)
Sleep tracking is available, but as with most wearables, sleep stage accuracy is inconsistent. The AMOLED display’s sleep mode helps prevent unnecessary screen wake-ups at night.
Sports & Activity Tracking
The FR165 covers a wide range of activities, particularly running, swimming, and cycling. However, it lacks multisport/triathlon mode, a major drawback for triathletes.
Supported Sport Profiles
🏃 Running
- Run, Treadmill, Track Run, Trail Run, Virtual Run
🚴 Cycling
- Bike, Indoor Bike
- ✅ Supports heart rate monitors, speed/cadence sensors
- ❌ No support for power meters or smart trainers
🏊 Swimming
- Pool Swim ✅
- Open Water Swim ❌ (strangely missing despite water resistance)
🏋 Other Sports
- Hiking, Walking, Tennis, Pickleball, Strength, Yoga, HIIT, and more.
Navigation & Workout Features
- Breadcrumb navigation (No turn-by-turn directions)
- Customizable Data Fields (Up to 4 per page)
- Daily Suggested Workouts
- VO2Max & Race Predictions
The lack of cycling power meter support and triathlon mode feels like an intentional limitation to push users toward higher-end models.
GPS & Heart Rate Accuracy
Despite not having multiband/dual-frequency GPS, the FR165 performs very well in GPS accuracy tests. It even outperformed the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in some cases.
- GPS Types: Multi-GNSS (not multiband)
- Heart Rate Sensor: Garmin Elevate V4 optical HR
- HR Accuracy: Good for steady efforts, slightly slower to adjust during intervals
- SpO2 Tracking: Available, but disabling it improves battery life
Omissions & Limitations
While the FR165 is a fantastic entry-level watch, it misses some key features:
- ❌ No Triathlon/Multisport Mode
- ❌ No Skiing or Snowboarding Modes
- ❌ No Training Readiness, Training Status, or Training Load
- ❌ No Cycling Power Meter Support
- ❌ No Open Water Swimming Mode
Why Garmin, Why?
✅ Great display, accurate GPS, and solid features for most runners
❌ Feature limitations seem artificial rather than hardware-based
For example:
- The best colors are locked behind the Music Edition, even if you don’t need music.
- The lack of triathlon mode is puzzling given that it tracks running, cycling, and swimming separately.
- Garmin appears to "draw arbitrary lines" to segment features across different price tiers.
Competitor Comparisons
| Watch | Display | Battery (GPS) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin FR55 | MIP | 20 hrs | Basic runner’s watch |
| Garmin FR255 | MIP | 26 hrs | More sensors, no AMOLED |
| Garmin FR265 | AMOLED | 20 hrs | More training tools, Multisport Mode |
| COROS Pace 3 | MIP | 38 hrs | Dual-band GPS, longer battery life |
| Apple Watch 9 | OLED | ~6 hrs | Smartwatch features, but short battery life |
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is an excellent option for runners who want:
✅ A vibrant AMOLED display
✅ Accurate GPS and HR tracking
✅ A lightweight, comfortable design
However, if you need advanced training tools, triathlon support, or cycling power meters, this isn’t the watch for you.
Overall, the FR165 is a great entry-level running watch, but Garmin’s segmentation strategy may leave some users frustrated.