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Garmin Forerunner 165 and Garmin Forerunner 55 are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, and long-lasting performance. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is the newer and more advanced model with broader health tracking, and upgraded fitness features. The Forerunner 55 remains a popular entry-level running watch known for simplicity and long battery life. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Garmin Forerunner 165 features an upgraded processor that improves navigation speed and screen responsiveness during workouts.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses an older processor with slower interface transitions.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Display:- Garmin Forerunner 165 has an 1.2 inch AMOLED display that delivers sharp visuals and better contrast for improved readability.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses a 1.04 inch transflective MIP display.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Always-On Display:- Garmin Forerunner 165 support an always-on display for constant visibility without wrist movement.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 does not support an always-on screen mode.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Display Resolution:- Garmin Forerunner 165 has a 390 x 390 pixel resolution that enhances clarity and detail.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 has a 208 x 208 resolution suited for basic metrics.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Touchscreen:- Garmin Forerunner 165 includes a full touchscreen that enables intuitive control and navigation.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 does not support touchscreen and relies on button controls.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Battery Life:- Garmin Forerunner 165 includes a battery that lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode for regular daily tracking.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 lasts up to 14 days, which extends time between charges.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 55 |
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Charging:- Garmin Forerunner 165 comes with a proprietary USB cable that supports faster charging between workouts.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 also uses a proprietary cable with standard charging time.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Fitness Features:- Garmin Forerunner 165 supports training effect, recovery time, and HRV status to help optimize rest and performance.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 includes daily suggested workouts and basic pace guidance.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Durability:- Garmin Forerunner 165 features an aluminum bezel that provides added surface durability.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses a full plastic case.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Smart Features:- Garmin Forerunner 165 includes smartphone notifications and calendar sync with visual previews.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 provides basic text notifications.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Sleep Tracking:- Garmin Forerunner 165 includes advanced sleep monitoring that tracks stages and gives morning summaries.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 tracks sleep duration and movement patterns.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | Transflective MIP |
| Display Size | 1.2 inches | 1.04 inches |
| Display Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels | 208 x 208 pixels |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) | Up to 11 days | Up to 14 days |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) | Up to 19 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Charging Method | Proprietary USB charging cable | Proprietary USB charging cable |
| GPS | Single-frequency | Single-frequency |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Weight | 39g | 37g |
| Material (Case/Bezel) | Plastic/Aluminum | Plastic/Plastic |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 if you:- Want a high-resolution AMOLED display for a modern and bright look
- Need advanced training metrics like Morning Report, HRV Status, and Recovery Time
- Prefer a touchscreen interface and always-on display for easier interaction
- Like the refined design with a metal bezel and more premium feel
- Value newer software and hardware for long-term updates
Check Garmin Forerunner 165 Best Price Buy the Garmin Forerunner 55 if you:- Want a budget-friendly running watch with essential tracking features
- Need a lightweight device with longer battery life in smartwatch mode
- Prefer button-only control without touchscreen
- Are new to running and want guided workouts and daily suggestions
- Do not need advanced performance analytics or newer display technology
Check Forerunner 55 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Forerunner 165 |
| Always-On Display | Forerunner 165 |
| Display Size | Forerunner 165 |
| Higher Resolution | Forerunner 165 |
| Display Brightness | Forerunner 165 |
| Battery Life | Forerunner 55 |
| Action Button | Forerunner 165 |
| Health & Fitness | Forerunner 165 |
| Durability | Forerunner 165 |
| Design | Forerunner 165 |
What They Have in Common
- GPS Tracking: Both watches have built-in GPS, allowing you to track runs, walks, and bike rides accurately without needing a phone.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Each model includes an optical heart rate sensor to monitor your heart rate continuously for better training and health insights.
- Fitness Tracking: Both devices support step counting, calories burned, and distance tracking, helping you stay on top of your daily activity goals.
- Water Resistance: Each watch is water-rated for swimming, meaning you can wear them in the pool or shower without worry.
- Smart Notifications: Both watches display call, text, and app notifications from your phone, keeping you connected without taking out your device.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Garmin Forerunner 165 have a touchscreen?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 165 includes a touchscreen that allows users to interact with menus, data, and settings more easily alongside traditional button controls.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 compatible with third-party heart rate monitors?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 supports ANT+ connectivity, which allows it to pair with external heart rate monitors and other fitness sensors.
Can I listen to music directly from the Garmin Forerunner 165?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 165 does not have built-in music storage or playback capabilities. You will need to use a phone for music during workouts.
Which model has better battery life in GPS mode?
The Garmin Forerunner 55 slightly outperforms the Forerunner 165 in GPS mode, offering up to 20 hours compared to 19 hours on the Forerunner 165.
Does either watch have Wi-Fi or LTE support?
Neither the Garmin Forerunner 165 nor the Forerunner 55 supports Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity. All syncing is done via Bluetooth with a paired smartphone.
Can I track sleep with these watches?
Yes, both models track sleep. The Forerunner 165 offers more advanced sleep metrics, including stages and morning reports, while the Forerunner 55 provides basic duration and movement data.
Is the Forerunner 165 worth the upgrade from the Forerunner 55?
Yes, if you want a more modern display, touchscreen, and detailed training insights, the Forerunner 165 provides a noticeable upgrade over the Forerunner 55.
Are both watches water resistant for swimming?
Yes, both the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 55 are rated at 5 ATM, making them suitable for pool swimming and shower use.
Do either of these watches have an always-on display feature?
Only the Garmin Forerunner 165 has an always-on display. The Forerunner 55 display turns off when not in active use.
Can I use these watches for indoor workouts like treadmill or yoga?
Yes, both watches support indoor workout tracking, including treadmill running. The Forerunner 165 may offer more workout profiles and better visual feedback due to its AMOLED screen.