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 →First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Mountain runners, alpinists, and expedition athletes who need the longest possible battery life with full navigation maps. Suunto loyalists who want the brand's precision and offline maps for serious alpine or wilderness adventures.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Suunto Vertical | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 11 days | 60 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery | hr, spo2, hrv, training load |
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | May 15, 2023 |
| Cycle length | 1006 days | null days |
| Cycle advice | bad | neutral |
| Deals advice | good | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
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.
60 continuous GPS hours with full offline topographic maps — enough for a 2.5-day mountain traverse without charging or phone dependency.
Downloadable topographic maps for 100+ countries for turn-by-turn navigation in any terrain, no cellular signal required.
The Titanium Solar edition extends battery to 85+ days with sunlight exposure — critical for extended wilderness expeditions.