Garmin has launched two new smartwatches, the Forerunner 165 and the Vivoactive 5, and they’re catching a lot of attention. If you’re scratching your head trying to figure out which one to pick, you’re not alone.

At a glance, they might seem pretty similar, especially since they’re priced closely. But here’s the thing: the Forerunner 165 is all about sports and getting the most out of your workouts, while the Vivoactive 5 is like your cool, versatile buddy that’s part smartwatch, part sportswatch, and all about fitting into your everyday life.

So, if you’re torn between the two, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to compare the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 side by side, looking at what they offer, to help you figure out which one’s the better fit for you. Let’s get started.

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5: Price & Availability

When it comes to picking between the Garmin Forerunner 165 and the Vivoactive 5, the price and where you can get them are big things to consider. The Forerunner 165 is the more wallet-friendly option, with prices starting at about $250. If you’re looking for a bit more, like being able to play music directly from your watch, there’s a version for that too, but it’ll cost you an extra $50. This makes the Forerunner 165 a great choice if you’re mainly interested in keeping track of your running and fitness without spending a lot.

On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 comes in at $300. That’s right around what you’d pay for the music-playing version of the Forerunner 165. So, if you’re weighing your options, it’s not just about how much you want to spend, but also what you’re looking to get out of your smartwatch. Whether it’s for hitting the gym or something that fits into more parts of your day, it’s worth thinking about what each of these watches offers for their price.

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5: Specs Comparison

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5: Design & Display

When you’re eyeing up the Garmin Forerunner 165 and the Vivoactive 5, you’ll notice right away that both watches have a round design, nodding to the classic look of traditional watches. But that’s where a lot of their similarities end, especially when we dive into their design and display features.

The Forerunner 165 is all about that sporty vibe. It’s built tough with a light fiber-reinforced polymer case and a screen that’s made to resist scratches. This watch doesn’t just look ready for action; it’s built for it. Meanwhile, the Vivoactive 5 adds a touch of elegance with an anodized aluminum bezel that gives it a sleek look, and it’s even a bit more compact and lightweight than the Forerunner 165. When we talk sizes, the Forerunner 165 is a bit bigger at 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm, while the Vivoactive 5 is slightly more petite at 42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1 mm.

Then there’s the ease of use. The Forerunner 165 comes with five physical buttons, making it super easy to navigate through menus and access your stats without fuss. The Vivoactive 5 keeps it simpler with just two buttons, which still gets you where you need to go quickly and easily.

Both watches boast beautiful AMOLED screens that make everything pop. The Forerunner 165 has a 1.2-inch display with crisp 390 x 390 pixels resolution, while the Vivoactive 5 steps it up a notch with a slightly larger 1.3-inch screen, keeping the same sharp resolution.

Color choices? You’ve got plenty. The Forerunner 165 ranges from sporty to sleek with options like Mist Grey/Whitestone and Berry/Lilac, ensuring there’s a look for every taste. The Vivoactive 5, on the other hand, brings its A-game with chic options like Metallic Orchid and Slate Aluminium, giving it a stylish edge that’s hard to beat.

And let’s not forget about water resistance. Both watches are ready to dive into adventure with you, thanks to their 5 ATM water resistance rating. This means they’re not just splash-proof but can join you for swimming and most other water activities without skipping a beat. So, whether you’re hitting the gym, the trails, or the pool, both the Forerunner 165 and the Vivoactive 5 are equipped to keep up with your active lifestyle.

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5: Health & Fitness Features

Both the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 pack a punch when it comes to keeping tabs on your health and fitness. Right off the bat, they offer the essentials: monitoring your heart rate all day, analyzing your sleep patterns, giving you a heads-up on stress levels, and even tracking women’s health. They’re like having a personal health assistant on your wrist, keeping an eye on various health metrics through the Garmin Connect app.

When you’re ready to get moving, both watches are right there with you. They’ve got dedicated profiles for running and cycling, making sure you know how far you’ve gone, how fast, and how hard your heart’s working. And if you like to mix up your workouts with some strength training, HIIT, or a cardio session, these watches have got you covered there, too.

For the runners out there, the Forerunner 165 might catch your eye a bit more. It’s got a bit of an edge for those who take their running seriously, offering features and metrics tailored to help you improve your performance.

And no matter where your adventures or workouts take you, both watches are ready with built-in GPS. They don’t just use one, but three satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO) to make sure you’ve got accurate location tracking wherever you are. Whether you’re exploring a new trail or hitting your favorite running path, these watches are designed to keep up and keep track, giving you one less thing to worry about. So, whether you’re all about fitness, looking for health insights, or a bit of both, the Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 are equipped to support your active lifestyle.

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5: Other Features

Diving into the smartwatch features of the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5, you’ll find that both watches have got the basics down pat. They’re smart about keeping you connected without having to constantly reach for your phone. You’ll see notifications pop up on your wrist, get gentle nudges for calendar reminders, and even control your music without breaking stride. And if you’re the type to leave your phone behind during workouts, both watches have thought about that too, though in slightly different ways.

The Forerunner 165 gives you the option to store music right on the watch, but it’s an extra feature you’ll choose if music is your must-have workout buddy. This means if you’re keen on having your playlists pump you up as you pound the pavement, you can opt for this version without needing your phone nearby. The Vivoactive 5, however, steps up by including music storage straight out of the box. So, if tunes are essential to your exercise or daily routine, it’s ready to rock without any additional decisions needed.

One thing to note is that neither watch comes with a microphone for making calls. So, while they’re great at keeping you informed and entertained, you’ll need to grab your phone for conversations.

Both watches also come equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication). This is a nifty feature that lets you make contactless payments with Garmin Pay. Imagine grabbing a post-run smoothie or a quick coffee and paying with a tap of your wrist – that’s the kind of convenience we’re talking about. Whether you’re out for a run, hitting the gym, or just on a walk, having Garmin Pay means one less thing to carry, making both the Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 not just smartwatches, but smart companions for your active lifestyle.

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5: Battery Life

When it comes to keeping these watches running, both the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 have impressive battery lives, but they shine in their own ways.

The Forerunner 165 is a powerhouse, giving you up to 11 days of juice in smartwatch mode. This means you can go about your day-to-day, tracking your steps, checking your heart rate, and staying on top of notifications without worrying about running out of battery too soon. And if you’re someone who loves to explore or track your runs with GPS, you’re covered for up to 19 hours. That’s a lot of ground you can cover before needing a recharge, making the Forerunner 165 a solid pick for athletes and active folks who need their watch to keep up with their pace.

Now, the Vivoactive 5 takes battery life to another level. Like the Forerunner 165, it offers up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which is already fantastic. But it doesn’t stop there. It has a battery saver mode that can stretch the battery life up to an impressive 21 days. Imagine going nearly three weeks without needing to plug in your watch – that’s the kind of freedom the Vivoactive 5 offers. And for those who rely on GPS, the Vivoactive 5 doesn’t disappoint, providing up to 21 hours of tracking. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just taking a long walk, this watch is ready to map every step of the way.

Both watches offer great battery performance, but your choice might come down to how often you like to charge your devices and how much you use features like GPS. If you’re all about endurance and minimizing downtime, the Vivoactive 5’s extended battery life and saver mode might just tip the scales for you.

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5: Which is Right for You?

Well, if you’re a dedicated runner who needs a tough and reliable fitness tracker that’s all about running, the Forerunner 165 is a great pick. It’s priced right and comes with all the features runners care about, plus a battery that keeps up with your long runs and workouts. It’s perfect for athletes who really want to focus on their performance and track their progress closely.

On the flip side, if you’re after a watch that gives you a wider view of your health, offers more sports profiles to track different activities, and packs in extra smartwatch features for everyday use, then the Vivoactive 5 has got your back. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about fitting into your life with style and versatility, making it the go-to watch for a more varied, active lifestyle.

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