Garmin has expanded its Forerunner line of an upgrade from older models? From the name, it's obvious the Forerunner series is targeted at runners, but it isn't the only line of Garmin smartwatches made for this demographic. The Venu, Fenix, epix, and Enduro series are also aimed at runners. However, while the Venu line is classified as entry-level, the Fenix, epix, and Enduro are elite running watches.
The Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 are successors to the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955, respectively. The has a 41mm case size. On the other hand, the Forerunner 965 is available in a single size with a 47mm dial which is also bigger than the 46mm case of its predecessor.
Forerunner 265 & Forerunner 965: Display & Storage
The biggest upgrade of the new Forerunner smartwatches is the AMOLED touch display that replaces the transflective memory-in-pixel display used by previous models. The new screen is sharper and has an Always-on mode. Garmin has also retained the option to use only buttons to operate the watch. On the Forerunner 265 and the Forerunner 265S, the display is protected by a sheet of Gorilla Glass 3, while the bezel material is a fiber-reinforced polymer. The Forerunner 965's display, which is a tad larger than the one on the previous generation, is protected by Gorilla Glass DX like its predecessor. However, it swaps the fiber-reinforced polymer bezel for titanium.
With the new watches, Garmin has cleaned up the Forerunner series by axing some models. Unlike the Forerunner 255 and 255S which have a music version that costs more, that isn't the case with the Forerunner 265. Actually, there is no need for one as the new watches have for offline playlists. Both have 8GB of storage, double that of the previous generation. The Forerunner 965 has 32GB of storage, but doesn't come in a solar version like its predecessor. It isn't clear if Garmin will announce one later, but there doesn't seem to be the need for one as battery life has improved.
Forerunner 265 & Forerunner 965: Battery & Connectivity
The Forerunner 965 will last up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS-only mode on a full charge. In comparison, the Forerunner 955 has a battery life of up to 15 days (20 days for the solar version) in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS-only mode (49 hours with solar). For the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265S, the battery life in smartwatch mode is 13 days and 15 days, respectively. It drops to 20 hours and 24 hours respectively in GPS-only mode.
The new watches do not have for wireless charging like the recently announced Garmin Vivomove Trend, instead, they are charged via a proprietary plug charger. The Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265S now Wi-Fi connectivity, unlike their predecessors. They also have for Bluetooth, ANT, and Garmin Pay. With respect to health, activity tracking, and smart features, the Forerunner 265 series and Forerunner 965 have the same features as their predecessor. Of course, the Forerunner 965 is still the superior model with features such as built-in maps with full-color mapping, ClimbPro, and Real-Time Stamina.
Forerunner 265 & Forerunner 965: Price
The Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265S are priced at $499, double the price of the Garmin Venu Sq 2, and are available to buy in six different colors. On the other hand, the Forerunner 965 carries a $599 price tag, which makes it more expensive than the Garmin Instinct Crossover. Compared to their predecessors, the new models cost $100 more.
The markup can be chalked up to the higher quality display, upgraded storage capacity with offline music for the Forerunner 265/265S, and a stronger build and better battery life (smartwatch mode) in the case of the Forerunner 965, all of which are significant upgrades. However, whether these upgrades are enough for buyers to switch from previous Garmin Forerunner models depends on their personal requirements.