This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 170.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Samsung Galaxy Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $249★ | $379 |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 39g | 32g★ |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery | 11 days★ | 1.5 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅★ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ✅★ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | Android only |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Aug 7, 2026 |
| Cycle advice | superseded | good |
| Deals advice | clearance | good |
| Next model | — | — |
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.
ECG, blood pressure, body composition, SpO2, and advanced sleep coaching — all processed on-device with Galaxy AI.
Answer calls, control SmartThings, and use Galaxy AI features seamlessly across Galaxy phones and tablets.
Access Google Play, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and Samsung's One UI Watch interface.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$379 vs $459 over 3 years.
11 days vs 1.5 days battery.
10 sensors.
32g.
Beginner and intermediate runners who want real GPS accuracy and Garmin's analytics depth without the price of the 570 or 970. Also ideal as a first serious GPS watch for anyone moving up from a fitness tracker.
Full details →Android users — especially those in the Samsung ecosystem — who want a premium smartwatch with comprehensive health tracking, Wear OS flexibility, and strong software support. The Ultra suits outdoor-active users who need longer battery life.
Full details →