Wear Radar

Amazfit BalancevsGarmin Forerunner 265

Amazfit Balance
Buy/Wait:neutral

First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on

Best for: Android and iPhone users who want smartwatch health features (ECG, body composition, AI coaching) and a premium display at a price well below Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. A strong pick if multi-day battery is a priority alongside health monitoring.

Full details →
Garmin Forerunner 265
Buy/Wait:bad

Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming

Best for: Regular runners who race 5K to marathon distances and want accurate GPS, detailed training load management, and long battery life. Multi-band GPS makes it particularly valuable for city runners or trail runners where single-band GPS loses accuracy.

Full details →
Amazfit BalanceGarmin Forerunner 265
TierSmartwatchSports GPS
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery14 days13 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorsecg, spo2, hrv, hr, body comp, stresshr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness
ReleasedNov 1, 2023Mar 1, 2023
Cycle lengthnull days1188 days
Cycle adviceneutralbad
Deals adviceneutralgood
Next model

Why buy each?

Amazfit Balance

14-day battery with AMOLED display

Rare combination: a bright always-on AMOLED display and 14 days of typical use without charging.

ECG and body composition

Medical-grade ECG and bioelectrical impedance body fat analysis — features usually found only on watches costing $100–$200 more.

AI wellness coaching

Zepp Coach uses Amazfit's AI to build personalised workout plans, recovery recommendations, and stress management guidance.

Garmin Forerunner 265

Multi-band GPS accuracy

L1+L5 multi-band GPS reduces position drift in urban canyons and dense forest — a meaningful upgrade over single-band watches for competitive runners.

Training readiness score

Daily score combining HRV status, sleep, acute load, and recovery time — tells you whether to train hard, easy, or rest on any given day.

Race time predictor

Estimates your finish time for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon based on your current fitness — useful for pacing race-day strategy.