The Garmin Forerunner 165 aims to bring many of the premium features seen in higher-end Garmin models to a broader audience at a more affordable price. This review delves into various aspects of the watch, including its design, display, fitness tracking features, health and smart functionalities, and overall performance. The focus is on the balance between affordability and functionality, making it a potential option for fitness enthusiasts who do not wish to invest in more expensive models.
Design and Comfort
Lightweight Build and Materials
The Forerunner 165 is designed with a light and comfortable build, making it ideal for all-day wear. Weighing just 1.38 oz (39 g), the watch features a casing made primarily from plastic, which contrasts with the more robust, heavier metal-cased Garmin watches. This design choice ensures that the watch remains lightweight, although it does compromise somewhat on ruggedness.
In terms of aesthetics, the Forerunner 165 embraces a minimalist, sporty look that will appeal to fitness enthusiasts who value function over form. The polymer casing offers a comfortable fit, avoiding the bulk that comes with some of the metal counterparts. The combination of these materials keeps the watch relatively unobtrusive, allowing users to wear it throughout various activities without feeling weighed down.
Durability and Wearability
Despite the polymer casing and chemically strengthened glass, the Forerunner 165 has shown reasonable durability. After five months of use, the watch displayed no visible damage, suggesting it can withstand everyday wear and tear. However, it may not be as rugged as stainless steel or titanium counterparts, which could be a consideration for users with more demanding needs.
In daily situations, while the watch may handle typical gym and outdoor conditions well, it might struggle under extreme conditions such as intense mountain climbing or professional triathlon training. The lightweight build does mean that it’s more susceptible to scratches and minor impacts compared to its rugged metal-cased siblings. However, for the average user, the balance between weight and durability presents an adequate compromise, maintaining functionality without significant trade-offs.
Display and User Interface
OLED Screen Quality
The Forerunner 165 features a crisp, colorful 1.2-inch OLED screen, marking a significant improvement over Garmin’s older transflective displays. This upgrade offers better visibility and a more smartwatch-like experience, enhancing the overall user experience. The display is vibrant and clear, making it easy to read data and notifications even in bright sunlight.
The improved screen quality significantly enhances the usability of the watch, providing users with a more engaging visual experience that mirrors that of modern smartphones. The interface takes full advantage of the colorful display, presenting information systematically and aesthetically pleasing, ultimately facilitating better interaction and a smoother user experience.
Practical Controls
The combination of button-led control and touchscreen functionality is highlighted as highly practical. This dual control system is particularly useful during workouts, where accidental touches can be problematic. The interface is intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate through various features and settings, balancing traditional tactile feedback with modern touch responsiveness.
This practical control mechanism provides flexibility, allowing users to switch between tactile buttons and a fingertip swipe depending on the situation. Whether navigating through settings, starting a workout, or pausing an activity, users can comfortably choose their preferred method. It also ensures that users can still operate their device efficiently during intense workouts, avoiding disruptions caused by accidental screen touches.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities
GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy
The Forerunner 165 excels in GPS and heart rate accuracy, especially for running. However, it falls short in some advanced tracking features found in higher-end models. Notably, the watch does not offer on-screen maps, which could be a drawback for some users who rely on detailed navigational assistance during their runs or bike rides.
For most typical use cases, the GPS accuracy is impressive, capable of tracking routes with precision and consistency. This makes it a reliable companion for runners and cyclists who need accurate tracking of their workouts. Despite lacking on-screen maps, it compensates with efficient route tracking and accurate distance metrics, proving its reliability in core functionalities.
Advanced Tracking Features
While the Forerunner 165 lacks support for controlling bike turbo trainers and some detailed athlete metrics such as training load and performance condition, it still offers valuable features. Suggested workouts based on activity level and readiness, route planning via phone, and solid VO2 Max estimates contribute positively to the fitness tracking experience. These functionalities enable users to enhance their training routines without being overwhelmed by overly complex options.
The inclusion of suggested workouts based on daily activity levels is particularly beneficial for users who might not have access to a personal trainer. It simplifies the decision-making process, providing tailored recommendations that align with personal fitness goals and current readiness. Although some advanced metrics are missing, the Forerunner 165’s primary features serve the needs of most fitness enthusiasts effectively.
Health Tracking and Smart Features
Comprehensive Health Insights
The Forerunner 165 provides comprehensive health tracking, offering insights into stress, sleep, and blood oxygen levels. Although it lacks ECG capabilities, it is equipped to alert users to high-stress levels or unusual heart rate patterns, supporting overall health monitoring. This all-encompassing approach ensures users are well-informed about their physical state and can take preemptive actions to maintain well-being.
The sleep tracking functionality delivers in-depth analysis, providing insights into sleep stages and identifying patterns that may impact daily performance. Coupled with stress tracking, these features make the Forerunner 165 a valuable tool for holistic health management, allowing users to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and improvements.
Morning Report Feature
The Morning Report feature is noted for its simplicity and usefulness. It offers a sleep summary and weather forecast, providing a quick overview at the start of the day. This feature enhances the user experience by delivering relevant information in a concise manner, allowing users to start their day well-informed without navigating through multiple screens.
Simplifying the start of the day, the Morning Report consolidates key information into an easy-to-digest format. It presents a clear sleep analysis and up-to-date weather conditions, which can positively impact users’ planning for daily exercise routines or outdoor activities. This user-centric design ensures that critical insights are conveniently accessible first thing in the morning, establishing a more intuitive user experience overall.
Performance and Battery Life
Heart Rate and GPS Performance
Performance-wise, the Forerunner 165 delivers good heart rate tracking and GPS accuracy. The GPS might falter under dense canopies, particularly in wet conditions, but generally provides high-end performance. Heart rate tracking is reliable during running but might lag during short gym sets or give inaccurate readings if the wrist is in a strained position.
For most outdoor activities, the GPS accuracy remains dependable, maintaining high fidelity in mapping routes and distance measurement. However, gym-goers might experience less precise heart rate readings during certain exercises due to wrist movement interference. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall tracking performance remains efficient and trustworthy for everyday fitness applications.
Battery Life Considerations
Garmin claims up to 11 days of use for the Forerunner 165, but using the always-on display mode significantly reduces this to four days. Music playback can also drastically cut down battery life. Users need to weigh these factors against their usage patterns to determine if the battery life meets their needs. Balancing display preferences and activity tracking will aid users in optimizing battery consumption based on their individual needs.
Energy management is key for maximizing battery life, especially for those who rely heavily on continuous monitoring or multimedia features. Even with the reduced battery life when utilizing always-on modes and music, strategic use and periodic recharging will sustain the device’s functionality. Users must evaluate their priorities, considering how often they engage the most power-intensive features to make informed charging decisions.
Value for Money
Target Audience
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is portrayed as an excellent value-for-money fitness watch suitable for those seeking advanced features without the hefty price. It is particularly recommended for runners, casual cyclists, and gym-goers who do not need the most advanced metrics or rugged design of top-end models. Its affordability without significant compromise on essential functionalities attracts a broad audience looking for reliable, everyday wearables.
By combining essential features from high-end models into a more budget-friendly option, the Forerunner 165 serves the needs of dedicated fitness enthusiasts without the financial burden. It appeals to those who may be new to advanced fitness tracking or who prioritize essential features and user experience over high-end technical specifications.
Limitations and Considerations
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is designed to deliver many of the high-end features found in pricier Garmin models to a wider audience by offering them at a more accessible price point. This review examines the watch from various angles, including its design, display quality, fitness tracking capabilities, health and smart functionalities, and overall performance. What stands out is the watch’s ability to maintain a balance between cost and functionality, which could make it an attractive choice for fitness enthusiasts who are budget-conscious and do not want to splurge on the more expensive models.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 features a sleek and modern design, which ensures it looks good both in the gym and during everyday use. The display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor workouts. In terms of fitness tracking, the watch offers a range of features similar to Garmin’s premium models, such as heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and various workout modes.
In addition to fitness tracking, the Forerunner 165 includes several health and smart features. Users can track their sleep patterns, monitor stress levels, and even receive smartphone notifications directly on the watch. This blend of health and smart functionalities ensures that the watch serves as a comprehensive fitness companion.
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 165 successfully combines affordability with functionality, providing a versatile option for those who want a reliable fitness tracker without breaking the bank. This makes it a viable option for fitness enthusiasts seeking value without sacrificing essential features.
