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Garmin Forerunner 265 and Garmin Forerunner 265S are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, AMOLED display and long-lasting performance. The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a larger case and longer battery life, while the Forerunner 265S offers a smaller fit and slightly lighter design. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 features a responsive multi-core processor that ensures smoother animations and faster menu navigation.
- Garmin Forerunner 265S uses the same processor and performs similarly in daily tasks.
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Display:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 includes a 1.3-inch AMOLED display that enhances readability with higher contrast and deeper colors.
- Garmin Forerunner 265S has a 1.1-inch AMOLED display.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 265
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Internal Storage:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 includes 8GB of internal storage that allows to store more music for phone-free workouts.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 also includes 8GB of internal storage.
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Display Resolution:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 has a 416 x 416 resolution that delivers sharper text and graphics.
- Garmin Forerunner 265S comes with a 360 x 360 pixel resolution.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 265
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Battery Life:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 includes a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 13 days in smartwatch mode to reduce frequent charging.
- Garmin Forerunner 265S lasts up to 15 days in smartwatch mode.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 265S
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Fitness Features:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 includes HRV status, training readiness, and Pulse Ox that enable deeper health insights and recovery guidance.
- Garmin Forerunner 265S includes Same fitness features.
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Comfort & Fit:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 comes with a 46 mm case that feel more comfortable for long time use.
- Garmin Forerunner 265S has a more compact 42 mm case, making it ideal for smaller wrists.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 265
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Design Appeal:
- Garmin Forerunner 265 is available in Black and Powder Gray for a bold and sporty appearance.
- Garmin Forerunner 265S offers Whitestone and Neo Tropic.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 265
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Garmin Forerunner 265 |
Garmin Forerunner 265S |
| Case Size |
46 mm |
42 mm |
| Display Size |
1.3-inch AMOLED |
1.1-inch AMOLED |
| Display Resolution |
416 x 416 pixels |
360 x 360 pixels |
| Weight |
47 g |
39 g |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) |
Up to 13 days |
Up to 15 days |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) |
Up to 20 hours |
Up to 24 hours |
| Sports Modes |
30+ activities including Triathlon, HIIT |
30+ activities including Triathlon, HIIT |
| Training Readiness Score |
Yes |
Yes |
| GPS |
Multi-band GNSS |
Multi-band GNSS |
| Music Storage |
Up to 8GB |
Up to 8GB |
| NFC Payments |
Garmin Pay |
Garmin Pay |
| Water Rating |
5 ATM |
5 ATM |
| Compatible Wrist Size |
135–205 mm |
115–178 mm |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 if you:
- Want a larger and sharper AMOLED display for easier viewing on the run.
- Prefer a 46 mm watch with a more robust, masculine fit.
- Like neutral or darker color options like Powder Gray and Black.
- Need a slightly larger screen for better mapping or workout stats.
- Are used to wearing full-size fitness watches.
Check Garmin Forerunner 265 Best Price
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265S if you:
- Have a smaller wrist and want a lighter, more compact watch.
- Prefer longer battery life in both GPS and smartwatch modes.
- Like playful and colorful options such as Neo Tropic and Whitestone.
- Plan to wear the watch all day and night for continuous tracking.
- Want the same features in a slimmer package.
Check Forerunner 265S Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Display Size |
Garmin Forerunner 265 |
| Clarity |
Garmin Forerunner 265 |
| Comfort & Fit |
Garmin Forerunner 265 |
| Battery Life (GPS) |
Garmin Forerunner 265S |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) |
Garmin Forerunner 265S |
| Portability |
Garmin Forerunner 265S |
FAQ
Which watch is better for smaller wrists?
The Garmin Forerunner 265S is designed for smaller wrists with a 42 mm case size and lighter weight, making it more comfortable for petite users.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 265 have a larger display than the 265S?
Yes, the Forerunner 265 has a 1.3-inch AMOLED screen while the 265S has a smaller 1.1-inch screen. This gives the 265 a clearer view of workout data at a glance.
Do both models support music storage and playback?
Yes, both the Forerunner 265 and 265S come with onboard music storage and allow syncing with Spotify, Amazon Music, and other services.
Is battery life better on the 265 or the 265S?
Despite being smaller, the 265S has slightly better battery life with up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. The 265 lasts up to 13 days in smartwatch and 20 hours in GPS mode.
Can you make contactless payments with either watch?
Yes, both watches support Garmin Pay for making secure payments directly from the wrist.
Do both watches support advanced training metrics?
Yes, both models offer VO2 Max, training load, HRV status, race prediction, and other performance metrics designed for serious runners and athletes.
Are the watches compatible with iPhone and Android?
Yes, the Forerunner 265 and 265S work with both iOS and Android via the Garmin Connect app.
What type of GPS is included in these watches?
Both models feature multi-band GNSS for more accurate tracking, especially in challenging environments like cities or trails.