Polar has just unveiled their latest premium offering, the Vantage V3 Smartwatch, packed with new features and significant improvements.

One of the standout upgrades is the inclusion of an AMOLED screen, a feature that many Garmin sports watches have already integrated, notably in their recent Forerunner 965 and 265 series.

But how does the Vantage V3 really measure up against Garmin’s newest Forerunners? Is it just about the display, or is there more beneath the surface?

Let’s dive deep and pit these giants against each other to see which one comes out on top.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 265: Price & Availability

The Polar Vantage V3 watch comes in three cool colors: night black, sky blue, and sunrise apricot. You can preorder it for $599.90 / €599.90.

For those who really care about tracking their heart rate, Polar has a special deal. You can get the Vantage V3 with the H10 heart rate monitor for $649.90 / €649.90.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 came out on March 2, 2023. It’s priced at $449/£429. There are two types: the Forerunner 265 and the Forerunner 265S.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 was released in March 2023. The price is the same as Vantage V3 at $599/£599. There are two looks to pick from. One has a grey metal look and the other has a shiny metal edge. You can choose a black, yellow, or white band to go with them. And the cool thing? If you get bored with one band, you can swap it with another.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 265: Desing & Build

When considering design and durability, both Polar and Garmin bring their own flavor to the table, catering to the varied tastes and requirements of fitness enthusiasts.

Starting with the Garmin Forerunner 965, it stands out as the boldest of the three. With its dimensions of 47.1 x 47.1 x 13.2 mm and a set of five tactile buttons, it’s undoubtedly tailored for individuals who appreciate a robust feel around their wrist. With a 1.4-inch AMOLED display boasting a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, users can expect clear and sharp visuals. Crafted with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and paired with a silicone strap, it promises durability while ensuring user comfort during extended wear.

In comparison, the Forerunner 265 and 265s exude a subtler vibe. Though their designs echo each other, they differ in size. Users can opt between a 46mm and 41mm fiber-reinforced case. Display size also varies, with the larger version sporting a 1.3-inch screen, and the smaller variant settling for a 1.1-inch one.

Pivoting to Polar’s offering, the Vantage V3 showcases its advancement over its predecessor, the V2. It’s a tad bulkier, with dimensions of 47 x 50.8 x 14.5 mm, a slight increase from the V2’s 47 x 47 x 13 mm. This growth accommodates its stunning AMOLED touchscreen display, not only larger at 1.39 inches but also sharper, flaunting a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. This makes it noticeably crisper than the V2’s 1.2-inch MIP screen.

Further enhancing its appeal, the V3 features a slimmer bezel, lending it a contemporary touch. Taking cues from Nordic aesthetics, the V3 couples simplicity with luxury. Its aluminum bezel imparts a premium look without adding heft. A standout feature for many would be the V3’s compatibility with standard 22mm wristbands, opening up a realm of personalization possibilities.

In this trio, each watch makes a statement, catering to different user preferences. Whether you’re leaning towards the boldness of the Forerunner 965, the sleekness of the 265 series, or the modern elegance of the Vantage V3, you’re sure to find a match that resonates with your style and functional needs.

Related:

• Polar Vantage V3 vs Polar Ignite 3: Which One to Pick?
• Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro: Which Should You Buy?
• Polar Vantage V3 vs Vantage V2: What’s the Difference?

Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 265: Health & Fitness Tracking

When choosing a fitness watch, it’s essential to know what’s ticking inside. The Vantage V3, Forerunner 965, and 265 are not just regular timepieces; they are well-equipped machines designed to track, analyze, and optimize your health and athletic performance.

Starting with the core, all three models boast a solid range of sensors. They can monitor heart rate, elevation changes, direction, and even temperature.

However, these watches aren’t trying to be like the Apple or Galaxy Watch. Their primary mission is clear: to be fitness and sports champs. Yes, they can tell you if you’ve got a new text or email, but their real value lies in their health and fitness capabilities. Whether you’re counting your daily steps, tracking your sleep, or analyzing advanced athletic performance metrics, they’ve got you covered.

The Forerunner series, especially, has a soft spot for serious athletes. It dives deep, offering rich analytics essential for those aiming to push their limits. If you’re into meticulous training, planning, and performance analysis, the Forerunner 965 and 265 are hard to beat. They come packed with features like “Heat and Altitude Acclimation” and insights like “VO2 Max for Trail Run”. And if running is your jam, these models are the go-to choices. They offer an extensive range of metrics focused on running, ensuring you’re always on top of your game.

All three models — the Vantage V3, Forerunner 965, and 265 — prioritize accuracy in location tracking. They have dual-band satellite connectivity, making sure they always lock onto a signal even in tricky spots where regular GPS might falter.

The Vantage V3, though, has some unique tricks up its sleeve. It introduces an ECG-capable sensor that takes heart monitoring up a notch. While it doesn’t detect specific conditions like Afib, its readings can still offer vital data about your heart health. Plus, you can even share this with your doctor.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 265: Smart Features

Today’s sports watches are more than just fitness trackers. They’ve become smartwatches that integrate into our daily lives, ensuring we’re connected even when we’re on the move. The Polar Vantage V3 and the Garmin Forerunner models 965 and 265 are prime examples of this convergence of fitness and smart tech.

For music lovers, Forerunner 965 leads the pack, offering spacious storage and a seamless experience with popular music streaming apps like Spotify and Deezer. This means you can leave your phone at home and still jam to your favorite tracks during your workout.

But that doesn’t mean you’ll be entirely disconnected from the world. Each watch ensures you’re always in the loop by relaying smartphone notifications straight to your wrist. Whether it’s an important email, a text from a friend, or that social media update you’ve been waiting for, these watches make sure you never miss a beat.

Connectivity options across these models are robust. They’re all equipped with Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi, ensuring you can link up with a host of devices and platforms. When venturing outdoors, these watches don’t rely on a single satellite system. Instead, they employ multi-frequency positioning, guaranteeing precise location tracking no matter where your adventures take you.

On the storage front, both the Forerunner 965 and Vantage V3 are generously endowed with 32GB of space. This is ample for your apps, music, and other data. The Forerunner 265, while not as expansive, still offers a decent 16GB, which should suffice for most users.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 265: Battery Life Battle

Battery life is often a make-or-break factor for many when choosing a fitness smartwatch. After all, who wants to reach for the charger after every run or workout? Let’s see how these three devices stack up when it comes to keeping the juice flowing.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 emerges as a true marathoner of battery life. Offering a whopping 23 days in smartwatch mode, it is a beast for those who don’t want the hassle of daily charging. Planning a long hike or an ultramarathon? The 965 has got your back with 31 hours in its GPS-only GNSS mode. And if you fancy some tunes during your exercise, the watch can belt out your favorite tracks for over 10 hours without missing a beat.

The Forerunner 265 and its sibling, the 265S, provide a commendable balance between functionality and battery endurance. With up to 13 days (and 15 for the 265S) in smartwatch mode, they’re ideal for the average user. When tracking your activities using GPS-only GNSS mode, these devices hold strong, offering 20 and 24 hours respectively.

Then comes the Polar Vantage V3, a watch that’s designed with versatility in mind. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an everyday user, the V3 caters to various battery needs. For intense, prolonged activities, the V3 shines with an astounding 140 hours in its energy-saving GPS mode. But for the regular days, 8 days of battery life in its gesture-based mode ensures you’re covered. What’s truly impressive is how the V3 manages this feat even with a hefty 129% increase in processor speed. This ensures users get a snappy experience without the fear of their watch dying halfway through the day.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 265: Which Should You Buy?

After dissecting the various features, designs, and capabilities of these smartwatches, it’s time to decide which one might be the best fit for you.

1. For the Tech-Savvy Enthusiast: If cutting-edge features and innovative tech matter the most, the Polar Vantage V3 is a clear contender. Its introduction of the ECG-capable sensor is an advancement that brings something new to the table. The AMOLED touchscreen, and superior display resolution, coupled with the 140-hour battery life in its low-power mode, make the V3 a solid choice for those who desire the latest and greatest.

2. For the Dedicated Athlete: For those who are deeply into sports and fitness and want their wearable to reflect that commitment, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a perfect match. Its detailed running metrics, heat and altitude acclimation, and trail running VO2 max feature offer comprehensive data that can take athletic training to the next level. Combine this with a sturdy build, a bold design, and exceptional battery life, and you have a device tailored for high performance.

3. For the Balanced User: If you’re someone looking for a blend of everyday utility with fitness capabilities, the Forerunner 265 and 265S are well-suited. They offer a perfect blend of design, features, and affordability. These models cater to those who want solid fitness tracking without going deep into specialized training metrics. Their more subtle designs also make them versatile for both sporty and casual wear.

4. For the Budget-Conscious: Price is a crucial factor for many. If you’re keen on Garmin’s ecosystem but don’t want to break the bank, the Forerunner 265 provides considerable value at its price point. You’ll still get a lot of the flagship features, decent battery life, and a design that works in various settings.

5. For the Fashion-Focused: Aesthetics can be just as vital as functionality for many users. If you’re seeking a smartwatch that complements your style while offering extensive features, the Polar Vantage V3 with its Nordic-inspired design, slim bezel, and compatibility with standard 22mm wristbands offers a realm of personalization that’s hard to overlook.

Final Thoughts:

It’s a tight race between the Polar Vantage V3 and Garmin Forerunner 965. Both are top-tier wearables, each with its unique strengths. The Forerunner 265, being more beginner-friendly, offers an alternative for those who might not need all the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterparts.

Latest Comparisons:

• Fitbit Charge 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: In-Depth Comparison
• Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Which to Buy?
• Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Which is Better?
• Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Polar Ignite 3: How do they compare?