Available to buy here:
Welcome to Reviews inside tv, your go-to source for the most in-depth and objective product reviews. Today, we’re checking out the Garmin Forerunner 165, a running smartwatch packed with smart features to help you get the most out of your fitness routine. With a sleek design and cutting-edge tech, it promises to deliver all the essential data you need during your workouts. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is designed with runners in mind, offering a powerful combination of features that make it stand out in the world of fitness wearables. At the heart of this smartwatch is a brilliant AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and clear readability, whether you’re out in bright sunlight or in low light conditions. It’s paired with traditional button controls for those who prefer tactile feedback over touchscreens, which adds to the overall ease of use. The 43mm size keeps it compact and lightweight, so it won’t feel bulky on your wrist, even during those long runs.
When it comes to functionality, the Forerunner 165 doesn’t disappoint. Built-in GPS tracks your pace and distance, so you’ll always know exactly where you stand in terms of your running goals. The watch also monitors your wrist-based heart rate, eliminating the need for a chest strap and providing more comfort during exercise. And with up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, or 19 hours in GPS mode, you don’t have to worry about frequent charging interruptions, whether you’re training for a marathon or just tracking your daily steps.
In terms of features designed to enhance your workout experience, Garmin really packed this smartwatch with training metrics and recovery insights. The daily suggested workouts adjust based on your performance and recovery, ensuring that you’re always pushing your limits, but in a smart, sustainable way. For those preparing for specific events, Garmin Coach and race adaptive training plans provide personalized workout suggestions that target your goals, whether you’re training for a 5K or a half marathon.
Of course, it’s not all about running. The Forerunner 165 comes with 25+ built-in activity profiles, including cycling, HIIT, strength training, and more, making it an all-around fitness companion. After each workout, you get a morning report that offers an overview of your sleep, recovery, and training outlook, along with your heart rate variability (HRV) status—essential metrics for anyone serious about their fitness journey.
But how does the Forerunner 165 handle real-world use? I took this watch for a test drive in a few different workout scenarios, including running, cycling, and strength training, to see how well it performs. The GPS was spot-on, giving me accurate pace and distance readings during my runs, and I found the heart rate monitoring to be impressively responsive, even during intense interval sessions. One of the standout features was the training effect labels, which clearly show how each workout impacts your fitness, helping you fine-tune your training plan. On top of that, the recovery time feature helped me gauge how much rest I needed before my next high-effort session, ensuring that I wasn’t overtraining.
In terms of performance, the Forerunner 165 really shines in battery life. I had no issues getting through multiple days of use with regular workouts, and the GPS mode offered plenty of tracking time for longer runs, which was a huge plus. The watch also did a great job of keeping me connected, with smart notifications coming through clearly for calls, texts, and app alerts, without being overly intrusive.
However, it’s not perfect. The watch is very functional for fitness enthusiasts, but if you’re expecting advanced smartwatch features like a full-fledged music player or third-party app support, you might be a little disappointed. While Garmin Pay is a useful addition for those who want to leave their wallet at home, it’s only available in supported countries and payment networks, so its usefulness may be limited depending on where you live.
In terms of value for money, the Garmin Forerunner 165 does offer a solid package, especially for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a watch that’s focused on performance metrics and recovery insights. With its combination of accurate tracking, long battery life, and smart features like Garmin Pay, it’s a great choice for those who prioritize functionality over all the extra frills that other smartwatches might offer. That said, for those looking for a more feature-rich smartwatch experience, there are alternatives like the Apple Watch Series 7 or the Fitbit Charge 5 that offer more in terms of apps and general smart features, though they may come at a higher price.
When comparing the Forerunner 165 to its competitors in the same price range, one of its main selling points is the in-depth fitness tracking, especially for runners. Unlike some of the more general fitness trackers that focus mostly on step counting and heart rate, the Forerunner 165 gives you a detailed breakdown of your workouts and recovery, which can be a game-changer for serious athletes. However, if you’re not specifically training for a race or don’t need all the detailed metrics, you might find some of the other wearables more appealing in terms of overall versatility and broader smartwatch features.
Looking at the build quality, the Forerunner 165 feels solid and durable. It’s built to withstand tough workouts and outdoor conditions, and the AMOLED display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which adds to its overall longevity. I haven’t had it long enough to speak to its long-term reliability, but given Garmin’s reputation for durable and well-built products, I’d expect it to hold up well over time.
Garmin’s customer service reputation is generally positive, with most users reporting good experiences when seeking support for setup, troubleshooting, or warranty issues. I haven’t needed to contact customer service myself for this watch, but based on Garmin’s track record, I feel confident that they’ll offer timely and helpful assistance if needed.
In terms of software, there haven’t been any notable updates yet, but the Forerunner 165 doesn’t appear to require frequent updates to maintain its core functionality. The watch’s firmware works smoothly, and given its focus on fitness and health tracking, it’s more about having the right sensors and metrics rather than constantly adding new software features.
So, what’s the final verdict? The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a fantastic choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts who are looking for a dedicated smartwatch that offers comprehensive workout metrics, recovery insights, and long battery life. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more general-purpose smartwatches, but for its target audience, it offers exceptional value. If you’re serious about improving your fitness and need a reliable, no-nonsense watch that tracks all the essential data, the Forerunner 165 is definitely worth considering.
Thanks for watching! If you’ve already tried the Garmin Forerunner 165 or have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below. The link to get the product will be in the description. Until next time, stay fit and don’t forget to take it one step at a time—just like the Garmin Forerunner 165.
Available to buy here:
