Forerunner 165
| Forerunner 165 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| The Forerunner 165 (left) and Forerunner 165 Music (right) | |
| General Information | |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Type | GPS Running Smartwatch |
| Series | Forerunner Series |
| Release Date | February 20, 2024 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Price | $249.99 (standard) / $299.99 (Music) |
| Predecessor | Forerunner 55 |
| Successor | Forerunner 170 |
| Colors | Black/Slate Gray, Turquoise/Aqua, Berry/Lilac, Whitestone/Lime (standard); Black/Slate Gray, Berry/Lilac (Music) |
| Display | |
| Size | 1.2 inches (30.4mm) |
| Type | AMOLED touchscreen with optional always-on mode |
| Physical | |
| Case Size | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm |
| Weight | 39g |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Bezel Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Battery Life | |
| Smartwatch | Up to 11 days (4 days with AOD) |
| GPS Only | Up to 19 hours |
| GPS + Music | Up to 7 hours |
| Features | |
| HR Sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen. 4 optical heart rate |
| GPS | Yes (GPS + GLONASS + Galileo, multi-GNSS but not multi-band) |
| Sensors | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Barometric Altimeter, Compass, Accelerometer, Pulse Oximeter, Ambient light sensor |
| Storage | 4 GB (approximately 450 songs, Music edition only) |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi (Music edition only) |
| Music | Yes (Music edition: up to 450 songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer) |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
| Key Features | AMOLED touchscreen display, HRV Status, Morning Report, Daily Suggested Workouts, Race Calendar Widget, Garmin Pay, Wrist-based Running Power, Wrist-based Running Dynamics, PacePro, Pulse Oximeter, Body Battery, Nap Detection, Garmin Coach, Course navigation (breadcrumb) |
| Related | Forerunner 55, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 965, Vivoactive 5 |
The Garmin Forerunner 165 (also known as the FR165) is a GPS running smartwatch announced and released by Garmin on February 20, 2024.[1] The watch succeeded the Forerunner 55 as Garmin's entry-level dedicated running watch, representing a generational leap with the introduction of an AMOLED display, touchscreen interface, and numerous training features previously exclusive to mid-range and premium Forerunner models.
The Forerunner 165 was released in two variants: the standard Forerunner 165 at $249.99 and the Forerunner 165 Music at $299.99, which added onboard music storage and Wi-Fi connectivity. At launch, Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, stated: "Whether you're looking to complete your first 5K or set a new PR, the Forerunner 165 Series is here to help you through every step of your running journey. With personalized training plans, advanced running and recovery metrics, and 24/7 wellness monitoring, these user-friendly smartwatches include tools to help you cross the finish line."[1]
Overview
The Forerunner 165 represented Garmin's most update to its entry-level Forerunner lineup in years, bridging the gap between the aging Forerunner 55 ($199.99) and the mid-range Forerunner 265 ($449.99). While the FR55 featured a transflective MIP display and button-only interface, the FR165 introduced a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen—the same display technology found in Garmin's premium watches like the Forerunner 965 and Epix (Gen 2).[2]
The FR165 incorporated numerous features previously available only on higher-end models, including:[3]
- AMOLED display: Vibrant, high-resolution touchscreen (390 x 390) with optional always-on mode
- Morning Report: Customizable wake-up summary with HRV status, sleep data, and training outlook
- HRV Status: Heart rate variability tracking during sleep with baseline comparison
- Wrist-based Running Power: Real-time power output measurement without external sensors
- Wrist-based Running Dynamics: Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio from the wrist
- Garmin Pay: Contactless payments via NFC
- Barometric Altimeter: Elevation tracking and floor climb counting
- Pulse Oximeter: Blood oxygen saturation monitoring
- Nap Detection: Automatic tracking of daytime naps
However, to maintain its entry-level price point, the FR165 omitted several features found in the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965:[2]
- Multi-band GPS: The FR165 uses multi-GNSS but not dual-frequency GPS
- Training Readiness score: Not available
- Training Status: No Productive/Maintaining/Recovery status indicators
- Training Load: No acute/chronic load tracking
- Multisport Mode: No automatic sport transitions for triathlon
- Full-color maps: Course navigation is breadcrumb-style only
- ClimbPro: Not available
- Real-Time Stamina: Not available
Historical Context
The AMOLED Transition
The Forerunner 165 marked a pivotal moment in Garmin's display technology strategy for entry-level running watches. Prior to 2024, Garmin's budget Forerunner models exclusively used memory-in-pixel (MIP) transflective displays, which offered sunlight visibility and exceptional battery efficiency but lacked the vibrancy and resolution of modern smartphone displays.
With the FR165, Garmin effectively signaled the end of MIP displays in the Forerunner lineup. When asked whether this marked the end of MIP-based displays on Forerunner watches, Garmin did not fully commit, but industry observers noted that the only remaining MIP Forerunner was the aging Forerunner 55, which had not received an update since 2021.[2]
Market Positioning
When the FR165 launched in February 2024, Garmin's running watch lineup included:
- Forerunner 55 ($199.99) — Entry-level with MIP display (2021)
- Forerunner 165 ($249.99) — Entry-level with AMOLED display (2024)
- Forerunner 165 Music ($299.99) — Entry-level with AMOLED and music (2024)
- Forerunner 255 ($349.99/$399.99) — Mid-range with MIP display (2022)
- Forerunner 265 ($449.99) — Mid-range with AMOLED display (2023)
- Forerunner 955 ($499.99/$599.99) — Flagship with MIP display and maps (2022)
- Forerunner 965 ($599.99) — Flagship with AMOLED display and maps (2023)
The FR165 occupied a new price tier between the FR55 and FR255, offering AMOLED display technology at a more accessible price point than the FR265.[2]
Physical Specifications
| Specification | Forerunner 165 / 165 Music |
|---|---|
| Case Dimensions | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm |
| Weight | 39g |
| Display Size | 1.2 inches (30.4mm) |
| Display Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Strap Width | 20mm (industry standard) |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Bezel Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Colors | Black/Slate Gray, Turquoise/Aqua, Berry/Lilac, Whitestone/Lime (165); Black/Slate Gray, Berry/Lilac (165 Music) |
Display and Interface
The FR165's 1.2-inch AMOLED display represented the most upgrade from the Forerunner 55, offering substantially higher resolution, vibrant colors, and true blacks.[2]
| Specification | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 265 | Forerunner 55 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED | MIP |
| Resolution | 390 x 390 | 416 x 416 | 208 x 208 |
| Size | 1.2" (30.4mm) | 1.3" (32.5mm) | 1.04" (26.3mm) |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Always-On Option | ✓ | ✓ | Yes (always on) |
The FR165 featured Garmin's traditional five-button interface combined with touchscreen controls. Touchscreen supported tap, swipe up/down, and swipe right (back) gestures. By default, touch was disabled during activities to prevent accidental input.[3]
Sensors
The Forerunner 165 supported multiple GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) but did not include multi-band (dual-frequency) GPS. The FR165 used the Garmin Elevate Gen. 4 optical heart rate sensor, the same sensor found in the Forerunner 265, Forerunner 965, and Fenix 7. Additional sensors included Barometric Altimeter, Pulse Oximeter (SpO2), 3-axis compass, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor. The FR165 did not include a gyroscope or thermometer.[3][4]
Training Features
The FR165 included training features powered by Firstbeat Analytics, including Daily Suggested Workouts, race-adaptive training plans, wrist-based Running Power, wrist-based Running Dynamics (cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio), VO2 Max estimates, Recovery Time advisor, predicted race times (5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon), Training Effect, and Garmin Coach support.[2][3]
The FR165 did not include Training Readiness, Training Status, Training Load, Real-Time Stamina, Hill Score, or Endurance Score—features available on the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965.[2]
Health and Wellness Features
The FR165 included health tracking features including Morning Report, HRV Status, Body Battery, Sleep Tracking (stages, score, respiration, HRV, optional Pulse Ox), Nap Detection, Stress Tracking, Activity Tracking (steps, distance, calories, intensity minutes), Respiration Rate, Women's Health, and Fitness Age.[3]
Navigation
The Forerunner 165 supported breadcrumb-style course navigation without full-color maps. Users could create courses in Garmin Connect or third-party platforms (Komoot, Strava), sync courses to the watch, follow a virtual line showing the route, receive off-course alerts, and navigate back to start. The watch did not include TopoActive maps or turn-by-turn navigation.[3]
Activity Profiles
The Forerunner 165 supported approximately 25+ pre-loaded activity profiles:[3]
| Category | Activities |
|---|---|
| Running | Run, Track Run, Treadmill, Virtual Run, Indoor Track, Trail Run, Ultra Run |
| Cycling | Bike, Bike Indoor |
| Walking | Walk, Walk Indoor, Hike |
| Swimming | Pool Swim, Open Water Swim |
| Gym & Fitness | Strength, Cardio, HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, Breathwork, Elliptical, Stair Stepper, Floor Climb |
| Racket Sports | Tennis, Pickleball, Padel |
| Other | Other |
The watch did not include triathlon/multisport mode, skiing/snowboarding profiles, or golf.[2]
Music
The Forerunner 165 Music ($299.99) included 4GB storage (approximately 450 songs), Wi-Fi connectivity for playlist downloads, Bluetooth headphone support, and music provider integration with Spotify (Premium), Amazon Music, Deezer, and YouTube Music. The standard Forerunner 165 ($249.99) did not include music storage or Wi-Fi, but could control smartphone music playback.[1]
Smart Features
The FR165 included Garmin Pay contactless payments, smart notifications, calendar access, weather updates, phone finder, and activity uploads to Garmin Connect. Safety features included Incident Detection, Assistance, and LiveTrack. The watch supported Connect IQ apps, watch faces, data fields, and widgets. Connectivity included Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, USB-C, and Wi-Fi (Music edition only). Supported external sensors included heart rate chest straps, foot pods, cycling speed/cadence sensors, and Varia lights/radar.[3]
Battery Life
| Mode | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch (gesture mode) | Up to 11 days |
| Smartwatch (always-on display) | Up to 4 days |
| Battery Saver Smartwatch | Up to 20 days |
| GPS Only | Up to 19 hours |
| All-Systems GNSS | Up to 17 hours |
| GPS + Music | Up to 7 hours |
| All-Systems GNSS + Music | Up to 6.5 hours |
Comparison with Forerunner 265
| Feature | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 / $299.99 (Music) | $449.99 |
| Display Size | 1.2" | 1.3" (265) / 1.1" (265S) |
| Display Resolution | 390 x 390 | 416 x 416 (265) |
| Weight | 39g | 47g (265) / 39g (265S) |
| Multi-band GPS | ✗ | ✓ |
| Training Readiness | ✗ | ✓ |
| Training Status | ✗ | ✓ |
| Training Load | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multisport/Triathlon | ✗ | ✓ |
| Power Meter Support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Music Storage | 4 GB (Music edition) | 8 GB |
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Battery (Smartwatch) | Up to 11 days | Up to 13 days |
| Battery (GPS) | Up to 19 hours | Up to 20 hours |
Comparison with Vivoactive 5
| Feature | Forerunner 165 Music | Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $299.99 |
| Display | 1.2" AMOLED | 1.2" AMOLED |
| Buttons | 5 buttons + touchscreen | 2 buttons + touchscreen |
| Running Focus | ✓ | Moderate |
| Wrist-based Running Power | ✓ | ✗ |
| Wrist-based Running Dynamics | ✓ | ✗ |
| PacePro | ✓ | ✗ |
| Track Run Mode | ✓ | ✗ |
| Wheelchair Mode | ✗ | ✓ |
| Nap Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Coach | ✗ | ✓ |
Comparison with Forerunner 55
| Feature | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | February 2024 | June 2021 |
| Price | $249.99 | $199.99 |
| Display Type | AMOLED touchscreen | MIP (transflective) |
| Display Resolution | 390 x 390 | 208 x 208 |
| Display Size | 1.2" (30.4mm) | 1.04" (26.3mm) |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✗ |
| Weight | 39g | 37g |
| HR Sensor | Elevate Gen. 4 | Elevate Gen. 3 |
| Barometric Altimeter | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pulse Oximeter | ✓ | ✗ |
| HRV Status | ✓ | ✗ |
| Morning Report | ✓ | ✗ |
| Wrist-based Running Power | ✓ | ✗ |
| Wrist-based Running Dynamics | ✓ | ✗ |
| Garmin Pay | ✓ | ✗ |
| Music Storage | ✓ (Music edition) | ✗ |
| Wi-Fi | ✓ (Music edition) | ✗ |
| Battery (Smartwatch) | Up to 11 days | Up to 2 weeks |
| Battery (GPS) | Up to 19 hours | Up to 20 hours |
Limitations
Compared to other Garmin watches, the FR165 had several limitations: no Multi-band GPS, no Training Readiness, Training Status, or Training Load, no multisport/triathlon mode, no full-color maps, no ClimbPro or Real-Time Stamina, no power meter support, no skiing/snowboarding profiles, and no gyroscope.[2]
Reception
The Forerunner 165 received positive reviews, with particular praise for bringing AMOLED display technology and advanced training features to an entry-level price point.
DC Rainmaker stated: "The Forerunner 165 is a feature-packed running watch... it checks the majority of the boxes that most runners will want. It might not have all the fancy post-run training load and recovery analysis, but when it comes to the actual run itself, it's virtually identical to Garmin's mid-tier and higher-end offerings."[2]
TechRadar concluded: "The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a necessary running watch for Garmin... I'm pleased to see Garmin skewing cheaper with the price point, the battery lasts ages, and the screen is lovely to use."[5]
Fitness Tracker Test noted: "The Forerunner 165 proves to be an exceptionally well-equipped sports watch. Especially beginner runners and even ambitious runners will not miss any features if running is the focus."[6]
Lifehacker observed: "The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a perfect entry point for runners who want the necessary metrics without the complexity of a big ol' multi-sport behemoth."[7]
Criticisms focused on the lack of Training Readiness and Training Load features, the absence of multisport/triathlon mode, and the $50 premium for the Music edition.[2][7]
Legacy
The Forerunner 165 established a new tier in Garmin's running watch lineup, demonstrating that AMOLED display technology and advanced training features could be offered at a sub-$300 price point.
Key contributions of the FR165 to the Forerunner lineup:
- AMOLED entry-level — First entry-level Forerunner with AMOLED display
- Feature democratization — Brought Morning Report, HRV Status, wrist-based Running Power, and Garmin Pay to entry-level
- Price/value positioning — Created new tier between FR55 and FR255/265
- Display technology transition — Signaled the likely end of MIP displays in the Forerunner series
See Also
- Forerunner 55
- Forerunner 265
- Forerunner 965
- Vivoactive 5
- Forerunner Series
- Morning Report
- HRV Status
- Daily Suggested Workouts
- PacePro
- VO2 Max
- Body Battery
- Running Dynamics
- Running Power
- Garmin Pay
- Garmin Coach
- Connect IQ
- Multi-band GPS
- AMOLED
- Nap Detection
- Barometric Altimeter
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Light up your run with the Garmin Forerunner 165 Series, easy-to-use GPS running smartwatches with vibrant AMOLED displays". Garmin Newsroom. February 20, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 DC Rainmaker."Garmin Forerunner 165 In-Depth Review: Best Budget Running GPS?". February 20, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 "Forerunner 165 Series Watch Owner's Manual". Garmin. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Forerunner 165 Specifications". Garmin. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ "Garmin Forerunner 165 review: A fantastic, more affordable Forerunner". TechRadar. March 13, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ "Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: Budget, still feature-packed". Fitness Tracker Test. July 23, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Is the Perfect Entry Point for Runners Who Want Serious Metrics". Lifehacker. August 4, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2026
