Garmin Forerunner 55 vs Forerunner 165 – Which Should You Buy?

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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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Check Forerunner 165 Best Price
Check Forerunner 55 Best Price

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

FAQ

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.

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