Our Take
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a 43mm GPS running watch aimed at recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts who want a premium display without paying flagship prices. It sits between Garmin's entry-level and serious performance tiers, offering an AMOLED touchscreen and useful training guidance in a lightweight, everyday-wearable package.
Key Features
AMOLED colour touchscreen delivers noticeably sharper, more vibrant visuals than older MIP displays at this price point
GPS tracking with multiple satellite systems for accurate outdoor run, walk, and cycling routes
Up to 11 days battery life in smartwatch mode (significantly less with continuous GPS active)
Training Readiness and daily suggested workouts based on sleep, HRV, and recent load
Wrist-based heart rate monitoring with sleep tracking and stress score
Smart notifications, contactless Garmin Pay, and safety/incident detection features
Our Verdict
A strong pick for regular runners who want a good-looking, feature-rich watch without spending Forerunner 265 money. If you run primarily to stay fit and want actionable guidance, this delivers well. Competitive athletes needing deeper metrics, or anyone wanting offline music, should step up or look sideways.