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: Users who want Garmin's best health analytics and sports tracking on a stylish AMOLED watch for everyday wear. Works equally well for Android and iPhone. The Venu 4 adds ECG and a flashlight to the formula — ideal for anyone who wants a capable lifestyle watch with genuine health monitoring depth.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Venu | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 11 days | 12 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, nap detection |
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Sep 22, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 1006 days | 746 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.
The Venu 4 adds on-demand ECG (a first for the Venu line) alongside Garmin's signature Body Battery energy score — combining health monitoring and daily readiness in one watch.
A white/red LED flashlight and a speaker/microphone for hands-free calling — practical features that set the Venu 4 apart from the Venu 3.
SatIQ multi-band GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, with up to 12 days of battery life in the 45mm model — significantly more than any comparable smartwatch.