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COROS PACE 3 and Garmin Forerunner 165 are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, and long-lasting performance. The COROS PACE 3 is the newer and more advanced model with dual-frequency GPS, navigation, and longer battery life. The Garmin Forerunner 165 remains a popular entry-level fitness watch known for simplicity and vibrant AMOLED display. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- COROS PACE 3 features a power-efficient processor that maximizes GPS performance and extends battery life.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 uses a standard Garmin processor.
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Design:
- COROS PACE 3 features a lightweight 30g build with physical buttons for easy control during training.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 weighs 39g and supports touchscreen interaction.
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Dual Frequency GPS:
- COROS PACE 3 includes dual-frequency GPS that improves location precision in dense areas.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 uses standard single-band GPS.
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Battery Life:
- COROS PACE 3 has a battery that lasts up to 17 days in smartwatch mode and up to 38 hours in GPS mode on a single charge.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode & 19 hours in GPS mode.
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Action Button:
- COROS PACE 3 includes a dedicated action button that simplifies starting workouts or marking laps.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 relies on touchscreen and standard buttons.
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Navigation:
- COROS PACE 3 includes breadcrumb navigation and back-to-start features.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 includes basic route tracking but lacks detailed navigation.
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Connectivity:
- COROS PACE 3 supports Bluetooth and ANT+ for connecting sensors and accessories.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 supports Bluetooth and Garmin Connect Mobile sync.
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Sport Mode:
- COROS PACE 3 supports over 30 sport modes including triathlon, skiing, and gym cardio.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 includes 25+ modes but lacks triathlon.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
COROS PACE 3 |
Garmin Forerunner 165 |
| Processor |
Advanced processor |
Older gen processor |
| Dual-Frequency GPS |
Yes |
No |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) |
Up to 17 days |
Up to 11 days |
| Battery Life (GPS) |
Up to 38 hours |
Up to 19 hours |
| Internal Storage |
4GB |
Not specified |
| Sport Modes |
30+ (Run, Bike, Ski, etc.) |
25+ (Run, Bike, Pool Swim, etc.) |
| Health Metrics |
HR, Sleep, SpO2, Training Load |
HR, SpO2, Stress, Sleep, Recovery |
| Charging Time |
~2 hours |
~1.5 hours |
| Weight |
30g |
39g |
| Action Button |
Yes |
No |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the COROS PACE 3 if you:
- Want better battery life for multi-day outdoor training.
- Need dual-frequency GPS for higher accuracy in cities or trails.
- Prefer a lightweight watch that is easy to wear all day.
- Rely on physical buttons for controlling workouts.
- Want more value at a slightly lower price.
Check Coros Pace 3 Best Price
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 if you:
- Prefer a colorful AMOLED display for better readability and appeal.
- Want smart features like voice assistant and music storage.
- Need recovery insights, Body Battery, and stress tracking.
- Like touchscreen interaction alongside physical buttons.
- Use Garmin Connect for a richer fitness tracking experience.
Check Garmin 165 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
COROS PACE 3 |
| Dual Frequency GPS |
COROS PACE 3 |
| Battery Life |
COROS PACE 3 |
| Sport Mode |
COROS PACE 3 |
| Action Button |
COROS PACE 3 |
| Durability |
COROS PACE 3 |
FAQ
Does the COROS PACE 3 have an always-on display?
Yes, the COROS PACE 3 features a memory LCD that is always on, allowing for continuous visibility without significantly draining battery life.
Can the Garmin Forerunner 165 store and play music?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 165 supports onboard music storage, letting users listen to music without needing their smartphone during workouts.
Which watch has better battery life for GPS tracking?
The COROS PACE 3 provides up to 38 hours of continuous GPS tracking, while the Garmin Forerunner 165 offers up to 19 hours, making the COROS model better for long-distance activities.
Is dual-frequency GPS available on both watches?
No, only the COROS PACE 3 supports dual-frequency GPS, which provides more accurate tracking in urban areas and challenging terrains.
Do either of these watches support Wi-Fi connectivity?
No, both the COROS PACE 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 165 lack Wi-Fi support and rely on Bluetooth for syncing with phones.
Are these watches suitable for swimming?
Yes, both watches are rated at 5 ATM water resistance, meaning they are safe for pool swimming and shower use.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 165 support voice commands or assistant features?
Yes, the Forerunner 165 includes a microphone and supports voice assistant functions and phone call handling when connected to a smartphone.
Which model is better for athletes doing triathlon or multi-sport training?
The COROS PACE 3 is better suited for multi-sport training as it supports triathlon and ski modes, unlike the Garmin Forerunner 165.
Is touchscreen available on both watches?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 165 includes a full-color AMOLED touchscreen, while the COROS PACE 3 relies solely on physical buttons.
Which device has more advanced recovery and stress tracking features?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 includes Garmin’s Body Battery, stress tracking, and recovery insights, offering deeper health metrics than the COROS PACE 3.