β‘οΈ Quick Verdict - GARMIN Forerunner 265 (2023)
- Best For: Dedicated runners and multi-sport athletes seeking advanced training metrics and a vibrant display.
- Strengths: Stunning AMOLED display, comprehensive training readiness features, accurate GPS, integrated music.
- Drawbacks: Shorter battery life compared to MIP display models, higher price point.
- Verdict: An advanced running watch with a premium screen for serious athletes.
βοΈ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros (Based on User Feedback) | Cons (Based on User Feedback) |
|---|---|---|
| Display & Design | Users often praise the vibrant, crisp AMOLED screen, making data easy to read in various conditions, and the responsive touchscreen. The build quality feels durable for active use. | While beautiful, some users note the AMOLED screen is more power-hungry, requiring more frequent charging than previous Garmin models or competitors with MIP displays. |
| Training Features | The Training Readiness score and Morning Report are frequently highlighted as highly useful features, providing actionable insights into recovery and performance potential. The detailed metrics help guide training decisions. | For new users, the sheer volume of data and metrics can be overwhelming initially, requiring a learning curve to fully utilize all available insights. |
| GPS & Accuracy | Feedback indicates excellent GPS accuracy, especially with multi-band support, providing reliable distance and pace tracking even in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests. | A few users have reported minor inconsistencies with heart rate monitoring during very intense, high-movement activities compared to chest straps. |
| Battery Life | Despite the AMOLED, users find the battery life sufficient for daily training for about a week, and long enough for most ultra-distance events, especially with GPS settings adjusted. | A common point of comparison is the noticeable reduction in battery longevity when GPS is active compared to non-AMOLED Garmin watches, meaning more frequent charging for heavy users. |
π§ Whatβs Included? & Why It Matters
| Component/Technology | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| AMOLED Display | Provides a bright, colorful, and high-contrast screen that is highly legible in various lighting conditions, enhancing the user experience for reviewing stats and maps. |
| Multi-Band GPS (GNSS) | Utilizes multiple satellite frequency bands (L1 and L5) to significantly improve location accuracy in challenging environments, ensuring precise distance, pace, and route tracking. |
| Training Readiness Score | Combines sleep, recovery, training load, and HRV data to provide a daily score indicating how prepared an athlete is for a demanding workout, optimizing training and reducing overtraining risk. |
| Wrist-Based Running Dynamics | Measures key running metrics like cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation directly from the wrist, offering insights into running form without additional pods. |
| Morning Report | Delivers a customizable daily summary upon waking, including sleep, HRV status, training readiness, and weather, providing a quick overview of key metrics for the day. |
| Music Storage (8GB) | Allows users to download songs or playlists from compatible streaming services directly to the watch, enabling phone-free listening during workouts. |
π° Is It Worth It? β Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive Perspective | Negative Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Features for Price | The integration of a premium AMOLED screen, advanced training metrics like Training Readiness, and reliable multi-band GPS justifies the cost for serious athletes who prioritize data and display quality. | For users who do not require an AMOLED screen or the most advanced training metrics, the price point might be seen as high, especially if a simpler, more battery-efficient device would suffice. |
| Longevity & Durability | Garmin watches are known for their robust build quality and long-term software support, suggesting the Forerunner 265 is a durable investment that will receive updates and remain relevant for years. | While durable, the battery life of AMOLED watches naturally degrades over time. For those prioritizing multi-year use without noticeable battery reduction, MIP models might offer better long-term performance. |
| Ecosystem Value | Access to the extensive Garmin Connect ecosystem, which provides in-depth data analysis, training plans, and community features, adds significant value beyond the hardware itself. | Some users might find the Garmin Connect app's interface overwhelming due to the vast amount of data, which could detract from the perceived value if not fully utilized. |
π GARMIN Comparison β How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
| Aspect | GARMIN Forerunner 255 (2022) | GARMIN Forerunner 265 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Transflective MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) | AMOLED Color Display |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Training Readiness Score | No | Yes |
| Music Storage | Music versions only | Standard on all models |
| Morning Report | Yes | Yes (more comprehensive) |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 14 days | Up to 13 days |
βοΈ Alternatives vs GARMIN Forerunner 265
| Aspect | COROS PACE 3 | Polar Pacer Pro | GARMIN Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) | Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) | AMOLED Color Display |
| Training Load & Recovery | Solid metrics with EvoLab | Excellent with Training Load Pro & Recovery Pro | Excellent with Training Readiness, HRV Status, Load Focus |
| GPS Accuracy | Excellent (Dual-Frequency) | Good (Single-Frequency) | Excellent (Multi-Band GNSS) |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) | Up to 24 days | Up to 7 days | Up to 13 days |
| Music Storage | Yes (MP3 only) | No | Yes (Streaming Services & MP3) |
| Touchscreen | No | No | Yes |
π‘ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does the Forerunner 265 have music storage?Yes, the Forerunner 265 has built-in music storage and supports offline playlists from compatible streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music.
- Is the screen always on?The AMOLED display can be set to 'always-on' mode, though this will significantly reduce battery life. Alternatively, it can be set to activate with a wrist raise or button press.
- Can I pay with the watch?Yes, the Forerunner 265 supports Garmin Pay, allowing for contactless payments directly from your wrist if your bank supports the service.
- How accurate is the GPS for running?The Forerunner 265 features multi-band GNSS support, which significantly enhances GPS accuracy, especially in challenging environments like dense cities or forested trails, making it highly reliable for runners.
π Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The screen is a game-changer; workouts look so much better, and all the stats are crystal clear, even in bright sunlight.
- Training Readiness and the Morning Report are incredibly insightful. It genuinely helps me decide if I should push hard or take it easy for the day.
- GPS accuracy is phenomenal, even on challenging trails where my old watch would struggle.
- Being able to leave my phone at home and still listen to music during runs is fantastic.
- The combination of touchscreen and physical buttons provides the best of both worlds for navigation during activities and daily use.
π Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- While the screen is beautiful, I do miss the extended battery life of my previous Garmin, especially on longer trips without a charger.
- The initial setup and understanding all the new metrics can be a bit overwhelming; it takes time to get the most out of it.
- I've noticed the heart rate monitor can occasionally be a little off during very intense, interval-based workouts compared to my chest strap.
- The watch feels a bit thicker on the wrist than I expected, though it's still comfortable.
- I wish the 'always-on' display mode didn't drain the battery so quickly; it forces me to charge more often.
π Key Details & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED Color Display |
| Display Size | 1.3 inches (265S: 1.1 inches) |
| Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels (265S: 360 x 360 pixels) |
| Lens Material | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Bezel Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Case Size | 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9 mm (265S: 41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9 mm) |
| Weight | 47g (265S: 39g) |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 13 days (265S: Up to 15 days) |
| Battery Life (GPS Only Mode) | Up to 20 hours (265S: Up to 24 hours) |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM |
| GPS | Multi-Band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Internal Memory | 8 GB (for music and maps) |
| Sensors | Optical Heart Rate, Pulse Ox, Barometric Altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Thermometer |
π Summary β Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The GARMIN Forerunner 265 represents a significant upgrade for runners and multi-sport athletes, primarily due to its vibrant AMOLED display and advanced training metrics.
- It excels in providing comprehensive data on training readiness, recovery, and performance, empowering users to optimize their workouts and prevent overtraining.
- The multi-band GPS offers exceptional accuracy, ensuring reliable tracking for all activities.
- While the battery life is generally good, heavy use of the AMOLED screen and GPS will necessitate more frequent charging compared to traditional MIP display watches.
- This watch is an excellent choice for dedicated athletes who value a clear, bright display and crave in-depth performance analytics to guide their training. If a long-lasting battery is your absolute top priority over a vivid screen, or if your needs are more casual, other models might be more suitable.
