Garmin Forerunner 265

Launched Mar 2023 · Sports watch

76
GoodGifng score
Good for runningGood for fitnessGood for all-rounderGood for health

Usual price₹32,990

Where to buy

Usual price ₹32,990 · launch price ₹50,490

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Score breakdown

Health tracking
82

Among most accurate wrist HR; good recovery data; no ECG

Smart features
52

Notifications and music only; no calls, mic or maps

Battery
78

4-5 days with AOD and daily GPS; far more with AOD off

Display
84

Bright AMOLED touchscreen, easy to read outdoors

Fitness & GPS
91

Dual-band GPS on the line, training readiness, running power

Build & comfort
78

Light 47 g polymer case, plain Gorilla Glass 3

Each part is rated on one scale for every smartwatch and band, from reviewers' accuracy tests and measured battery life where they exist, what reviewers found, specs and owner reports. It rates the product itself, not how good it is for the price.

Pros

  • One of the most accurate wrist heart-rate sensors this tester has used
  • Dual-band GPS tracks right on the line
  • Gorgeous AMOLED screen on a light 47 g watch
  • Battery beat Garmin's estimates
  • Stores music and podcasts
  • GPS tracks matched Garmin's top watches
  • Bright AMOLED screen

Cons

  • Plastic case and plain Gorilla Glass
  • Route outlines only, no real maps
  • Sleep data less trustworthy than Apple Watch or Oura
  • Night-time HRV is a trend tool, not a daily guide
  • Occasional high heart-rate spikes on runs
  • No maps
  • Shorter battery than the Forerunner 255
  • Connect the WattsMay 2023

    Checked against a Polar H10 strap and many other sports watches, its wrist heart rate stayed close almost all the time and dual-band GPS matched or beat nearly everything; sleep tracking is behind Apple and Oura.

  • CoachMar 2023

    Multi-band GPS traced almost the same lines as an Enduro 2 and Epix 2, but next to an HRM-Pro Plus strap the wrist heart rate sometimes jumped high (likely locking onto cadence), so pair a strap for hard sessions; four to five days with everything switched on.

  • Tom's GuideMar 2023

    The new touchscreen AMOLED is a big step up and GPS felt accurate on a half marathon (no reference device or chest-strap test); lasted a week including the race, but limited as a smartwatch.

  • Man's World IndiaJun 2023

    An Indian review of the Rs 50,490 model: light, readable outdoors and full of useful recovery data, aimed at runners rather than smartwatch fans; no accuracy testing was done.

Full specs

Basics
SoftwareGarmin
Works withAndroid, iPhone
Display
Screen1.3" · AMOLED · 416x416
Always-on displayYes
Battery
Maker's figure13 days, 5 days with always-on
Measured in a test4.5 days (four to five days with always-on screen, multi-band GPS, a run every day and notifications; Connect the Watts typically got a day more than Garmin's estimates in six weeks)
With GPS on20 h
ChargingGarmin clip cable
Health & fitness
Heart rateYes
Blood oxygen (SpO2)Yes
ECGNo
Skin temperatureNo
Blood pressureNo
GPSBuilt-in, dual-band
Barometer / compassbarometer, compass
Health featuresTraining Readiness, HRV status, morning report, sleep score, Body Battery, stress, Pulse Ox, Health Snapshot
Smart features
CallingNo
AppsA few apps
PaymentsGarmin Pay (NFC; not usable in India)
MapsNo
Reply to messagesYes
Music on the watchYes
Build
Casefibre-reinforced polymer, Gorilla Glass 3 glass
Sizes42 mm, 46 mm
Weight47 g
Water resistance5 ATM
Other
Warranty1 year
ColoursBlack, Aqua, Whitestone, Pink (265S)

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