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 →Early in release cycle
Best for: Android and iPhone users who want a premium smartwatch experience — full offline maps, ECG, long battery, and a bright sapphire display — at a price well below Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. A strong choice for runners, hikers, and health-focused users who want GPS map navigation without a subscription.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Amazfit Balance | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 11 days | 21 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery | ecg, spo2, hrv, hr, body comp, stress |
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Jun 24, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 1006 days | 601 days |
| Cycle advice | bad | good |
| Deals advice | good | neutral |
| 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.
21 days typical use and 33 hours GPS — combined with a scratch-resistant sapphire glass 1.5" AMOLED that outshines most watches at this price.
Precise dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS across six satellite systems, with downloadable offline topo maps and turn-by-turn navigation — rare at this price tier.
First Amazfit with official HYROX training and competition modes, 40,000-course golf maps, and SCUBA dive support — more sport breadth than any previous Balance.