| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Xiaomi Smart Band 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $249 | $50★ |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 39g | 16g★ |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery | 11 days | 21 days★ |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅★ |
| GPS | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Fitness Tracker |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Jun 30, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | bad | bad |
| Deals advice | good | good |
| Next model | Garmin Forerunner 170 (Expected March 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.
The Smart Band 10's 1.72" display peaks at 1500 nits — 200 nits brighter than the Band 9 — making it more readable in sunlight, all for around $40.
Continuous heart rate, SpO2, stress, and sleep tracking — all running for 3 weeks before charging. Seven more days than the already impressive Band 9.
Full functionality on both platforms via the Mi Fitness app, including notifications, sleep analysis, and health trends. Bluetooth 5.4 for improved connection stability.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$50 vs $459 over 3 years · no required subscription.
21 days vs 11 days battery.
5 sensors.
16g · no required subscription.
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 →Anyone who wants basic health tracking — steps, sleep, heart rate, SpO2 — without spending more than $40 or carrying a bulky watch. Works with both iPhone and Android. A popular choice for kids, older adults, and budget-conscious fitness beginners who want the world's top-selling fitness band.
Full details →