Garmin's Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265S are two popular choices for fitness enthusiasts looking for advanced features in a sports watch. While both models offer a range of capabilities, there are key differences that set them apart.
Price and Features
The Forerunner 165 is positioned as Garmin's more affordable OLED watch, starting at $249, while the Forerunner 265S comes at a higher price point of $449. The Forerunner 265S offers music support as standard, allowing users to stream tunes from their watch to wireless earphones. Additionally, it features double the storage capacity compared to the Forerunner 165.
GPS Technology
One notable feature of the Forerunner 265S is its multi-band GPS functionality, which enhances signal strength in challenging environments such as areas with tall buildings or dense tree cover. This feature can be particularly useful for users who require precise GPS tracking during their workouts.
Design and Durability
Both the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265S sport plastic casings and offer 5ATM water resistance. However, the Forerunner 265S boasts Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability, while the Forerunner 165 features chemically strengthened glass.
Fitness Tracking
While the Forerunner 165 offers advanced fitness features like on-wrist navigation and route creation, the Forerunner 265S includes additional metrics such as performance condition and training load analysis. These features cater to serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to optimize their training routines.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Forerunner 265S offers longer battery life compared to the Forerunner 165, lasting up to 15 days in its 42mm iteration. Additionally, it provides better accessory connectivity support, including the ability to control smart turbo trainers for bikes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265S depends on individual preferences and requirements. While the Forerunner 165 offers great value and a range of advanced features, the Forerunner 265S may be worth the upgrade for users seeking enhanced GPS accuracy, longer battery life, and additional fitness tracking metrics.
