This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 170.
Full details →| Amazfit Balance | Garmin Forerunner 165 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $369 | $249★ |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 62g | 39g★ |
| Water resistance | 10ATM★ | 5ATM |
| Battery | 21 days★ | 11 days |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Jun 2, 2026 | Mar 5, 2024 |
| Cycle advice | good | superseded |
| Deals advice | neutral | clearance |
| Next model | — | — |
The 1.5" AMOLED is 50% brighter than the Balance 2 at 3,000 nits, under scratch-resistant sapphire glass — with 21 days of typical use and 41 hours of Accuracy-Mode GPS.
An upgraded processor renders maps 2.5× faster, with dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS across six satellite systems, 64GB of storage, and turn-by-turn offline topo navigation.
A new dual-mode LED flashlight with white, red, and SOS modes joins official HYROX training, golf course maps, and more than 180 sport modes.
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 right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$369 vs $459 over 3 years.
21 days vs 11 days battery.
7 sensors.
39g.
Android and iPhone users who want a premium smartwatch experience — full offline maps, long battery, and a bright sapphire display — at a price below Apple Watch or Garmin equivalents. A strong choice for runners, hikers, and hybrid athletes who want GPS map navigation without a subscription.
Full details →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 →