Why this change of direction for this watch that is both light (39 grams) and discreet, suitable for both men and women? Because the Forerunner 165 is more than just an evolution of the previous model. Where the addition of a hyper-bright Amoled screen recently allowed Garmin to offer the Forerunner 265 alongside the 255 or the 965 alongside the 955, this choice was therefore not made for the model of entry level of the brand.
This is because the Forerunner 165, in the absence of a revolution, marks a small break in the positioning of watches dedicated to running at Garmin.
We had the opportunity to test this in recent weeks.
The cheapest Garmin watch with an Amoled screen
From now on, the Amoled screen seems to become a standard on sports watches, expected by many. First arriving via high-end models, this screen offering better comfort and better readability (except in strong sunlight) is in the process of becoming widespread across all watches. After the 965 and the 265 at Garmin, here it is on the 165. This nevertheless has a price that was difficult to put on a so-called entry-level model.
The Forerunner 165 is in fact sold at €280 (€330 in Music version). For example, it is more thana Coros Pace 3model with excellent value for money among the competition. We can also without too much difficulty find a Garmin Forerunner 255i.e. the model above the Forerunner 55 (without Amoled therefore), at this price, or even a little below while the 55 can now be found without worry at less than €170.
The Forerunner 165 nonetheless remains currently the cheapest Garmin watch with an Amoled screen. And that is an argument in its favor.
A few hooks with the outdoors
Reducing the Forerunner 165 to its screen would be deceiving reality. Compared to the Forerunner 55, it has other advantages. If it is not a watch designed for trail running strictly speaking, it has a certain versatility and can do the job if you like to make a few forays on the trails.
This is manifested in particular by this nice surprise during the test for us: the integration of navigation. Please note, this is not mapping on a map background but tracking routes on a black background. Enough to allow you to import traces or even retrace your steps.
The Forerunner 165 also offers a barometric altimeter (but which cannot be calibrated directly from the watch, however) or analysis of heart rate variability, with an optical sensor on the wrist, the quality of which we were positively surprised by, on a daily basis as well as for sports.
Here is a model designed for running but which can be sufficient for other sports as well (it has an open water swimming profile with GPS tracking for example), with great versatility and which can accompany you in most of your activities. .
Be careful, however, not to overestimate its capabilities if you only swear by trail running or want a multitude of daily health analyzes or training data. There are, for example, only a maximum of four pieces of data per screen to display during exercise, whereas you can display up to 8 on certain outdoor watches. A qualitative watch that goes to the essentials.
Five quality GPS running watches for less than 250 euros: our selection
Autonomy that holds up
In the past, we had already had the opportunity to test an Epix. Compared to the Fenix 7, the integration of an Amoled screen had a considerable impact on battery life.
Here, Garmin has managed to offer a model with an Amoled screen retaining the same autonomy as the Forerunner 55. Of course, the larger screen and an increasing price have made it possible to review its capabilities. But in the end, we end up with a watch that is capable of lasting 15-16 hours of activity in multi GNSS mode (the most precise mode) according to our tests, while keeping the screen on during exercise.
Be careful, the use of music (on the Music version) has a very impact on autonomy, to the point of dividing it by two. Good to know.
On a daily basis, the watch, with moderate sporting activity, should allow you to last a full week, with the screen turning off when you are not using it.
WE love
- The Amoled screen
- Integration of navigation options
- Correct autonomy despite the integration of AMOLED
We don't like
- The price: it’s almost €300 for the first watch in Garmin’s latest generation running range.
- Buttons that are a little too thin, not always easy to use
- The object itself, despite the Amoled screen and a pleasant and discreet look, remains rather simple, without frills and with a plastic finish. At this price, we now expect a little more.
- No manual calibration for the barometric altimeter
The technical sheet in brief
- Model : Garmin Forerunner 165
- Price : €279.95 (€329.95 in Music version)
- Autonomy: Approximately 15 to 17 hours of activity in multi GNSS mode; up to 1 week in “daily life”
- Weight : 39 grams
- Screen : Amoled, resolution 390 x 390 pixels
- Case dimensions: 43mm x 43mm x 11.5mm
