Garmin Forerunner 165
Score: 85/100
Amazfit Active 2
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Forerunner 165 is an entry-level GPS running smartwatch featuring a vivid AMOLED display, solid battery life and a broad set of health sensors. It omits advanced multi-sport capabilities and makes music storage optional, which may limit power users. Best suited for beginner to intermediate runners seeking an affordable, feature-rich watch with clear visuals.
The Amazfit Active 2 Premium is a round smartwatch that blends a stainless-steel case, sapphire glass, and dual-frequency GPS with a respectable 10-12-day battery life. Drawbacks include the lack of an included charger, occasional Bluetooth hiccups, and a relatively small screen. Best suited for style-conscious fitness fans who value premium materials and accurate navigation without paying flagship prices.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
264 hoursbest | 264 hoursbest | |
30.4 mm | 33.528 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 39 g | 31.65 gbest |
25 | 160best | |
4 GBbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 39 g | 31.65 g |
Display(2) | ||
Display Size (mm) | 30.4 mm | 33.5 mm |
Display Resolution | 390x390 | 466 x 466 pixels |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Sports Modes | 25 | 160 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers position the Forerunner 165 as an excellent entry-level GPS smartwatch, lauding its vivid AMOLED display, personalized Garmin Coach workouts, and robust battery life.
Everyday users consistently praise the watch's lightweight comfort, reliable GPS performance, and long battery endurance, with most comments focusing on its suitability for beginners and the clear, bright screen; few complaints are recorded.
Professional reviewers describe the Amazfit Active 2 Premium as delivering premium-grade features-speakers, microphone, offline maps and a high-brightness sapphire-protected display-at a budget-friendly $129 price. They commend its compact 44 mm round case, 5 ATM water resistance, precise BioTracker sensor and impressive 10-day battery life, while noting the missing USB-C charger and occasional Bluetooth hiccups as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the watch's comfortable fit, long battery endurance, stylish strap options and bright, readable display. The inclusion of offline maps and voice control is also well-received. Recurring complaints focus on Bluetooth stability issues and the absence of a charging cable in the box, with some noting modest audio quality.
“Vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with physical buttons enables clear visibility and easy operation while running.”
“"premium features without the premium price"”
