The Garmin Forerunner 165 weighs 39 grams and has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display. This sports watch combines satellite location tracking, modes for running and other activities, health features and contactless payments. Its stated battery life is up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 weighs 39 grams and has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display. This sports watch combines satellite location tracking, modes for running and other activities, health features and contactless payments. Its stated battery life is up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
Design and controls
The watch has a 43 mm plastic case and a replaceable 20 mm silicone strap. Its light weight is practical for exercise and all-day wear, while the strap can be replaced when worn or to change the watch’s appearance.
The round 1.2-inch AMOLED display has a resolution of 390 × 390 pixels and shows training data and notifications. In addition to the touchscreen, physical buttons make the watch easier to operate while moving or wearing gloves.
The interface supports languages including English, Slovak, Czech, German and Hungarian.
Battery life and water resistance
Battery life reaches up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. It is shorter when using GPS, and the actual duration depends on settings and usage. The watch therefore does not need daily charging, but satellite tracking uses more power during longer activities.
The 5 ATM water-resistance rating corresponds to pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 metres. The watch is suitable for swimming, wearing in the rain and showering; the 50-metre figure does not indicate a recommended diving depth.
Satellite systems, connectivity and payments
The Forerunner 165 supports GPS, Galileo and GLONASS satellite systems for recording location and routes. Bluetooth and ANT+ provide wireless connections to other devices.
NFC enables contactless payments through Garmin Pay, for example when buying something after a workout without taking out a wallet. A supported payment card and bank are required.
The watch displays notifications for calls, messages, emails and social media, including WhatsApp. Android users can reply to messages directly from the watch using preset responses.
Sports and health tracking
Sports modes include running, walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, fitness and hiking. Users can record different types of activity and track their results.
The watch measures heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and includes a barometer, gyroscope, thermometer and compass. It also tracks stress, sleep, menstrual cycles and recovery. These data can help with planning training and rest, but the measurements are indicative and do not replace a medical examination.
The Forerunner 165 is an option for people who want a lightweight sports watch with a clear display, tracking for a range of activities and features for everyday wear.