Wear Radar

Garmin Forerunner 165vsXiaomi Smart Band 10

Garmin Forerunner 165
Buy/Wait:bad

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.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 10
Buy/Wait:bad

Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming

Best for: Anyone who wants basic health tracking — steps, sleep, heart rate, SpO2 — without spending more than $40 or carrying a bulky watch. Works with both iPhone and Android. A popular choice for kids, older adults, and budget-conscious fitness beginners who want the world's top-selling fitness band.

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Garmin Forerunner 165Xiaomi Smart Band 10
TierSports GPSFitness Tracker
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery11 days21 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, hrv, stress, body batteryhr, spo2, stress, sleep
ReleasedMar 5, 2024Jun 30, 2025
Cycle length1006 days343 days
Cycle advicebadbad
Deals advicegoodgood
Next modelGarmin Forerunner 170 (Expected March 2026)

Why buy each?

Garmin Forerunner 165

AMOLED display at entry-level price

The FR165 is the first Garmin entry-level running watch with an AMOLED display — dramatically more readable than the LCD it replaces.

Full Garmin running analytics

Training load, recovery time, Body Battery, HRV status, VO2 max estimation — the same analytics found on watches costing twice as much.

11 days of battery

11 days typical use and roughly 19 hours GPS — enough for most training blocks without mid-week charging.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10

Brighter AMOLED at under $40

The Smart Band 10's 1.72" display peaks at 1500 nits — 200 nits brighter than the Band 9 — making it more readable in sunlight, all for around $40.

21-day battery with health monitoring

Continuous heart rate, SpO2, stress, and sleep tracking — all running for 3 weeks before charging. Seven more days than the already impressive Band 9.

Works with iPhone and Android

Full functionality on both platforms via the Mi Fitness app, including notifications, sleep analysis, and health trends. Bluetooth 5.4 for improved connection stability.