Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming
Best for: Beginner and intermediate runners who want real GPS accuracy and Garmin's analytics depth without the price of the 265 or 965. Also ideal as a first serious GPS watch for anyone moving up from a fitness tracker.
Full details →Reaching maturity, next model expected soon
Best for: Android users — especially those in the Samsung ecosystem — who want a premium smartwatch with comprehensive health tracking, Wear OS flexibility, and strong software support. The Ultra suits outdoor-active users who need longer battery life.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Samsung Galaxy Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | Android only |
| Battery | 11 days | 1.5 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ✅ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery | ecg, blood pressure, spo2, skin temp, hrv, body comp |
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Jul 25, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 1006 days | 366 days |
| Cycle advice | bad | neutral |
| Deals advice | good | neutral |
| Next model | — | Galaxy Watch 9 (Expected summer 2026) |
The FR165 is the first Garmin entry-level running watch with an AMOLED display — dramatically more readable than the LCD it replaces.
Training load, recovery time, Body Battery, HRV status, VO2 max estimation — the same analytics found on watches costing twice as much.
11 days typical use and roughly 19 hours GPS — enough for most training blocks without mid-week charging.
ECG, blood pressure, body composition, SpO2, and advanced sleep coaching — all processed on-device with Galaxy AI.
Answer calls, control SmartThings, and use Galaxy AI features seamlessly across Galaxy phones and tablets.
Access Google Play, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and Samsung's polished One UI Watch 7 interface.