Currently, according to the latest figures, Garmin holds 4% of the global smartwatch market. Despite the market being led by the Apple Watch, Garmin is a reference in watches dedicated to sports. To reinforce this segment, the company launched the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches.
Garmin raises the bar for sports smartwatches
The (not-so-mysterious) new members of Garmin's Forerunner family are now official. When information about them was “leaked”, the surprise effect at launch was lost, but an undeniably attractive offer became known.
As their names suggest, the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches are designed to track your runs users first (as well as virtually any other type of outdoor or indoor physical activity).
What distinguishes these bad boys of all other Forerunners released in the past, 255 and 955 models included, it's a "vibrant" AMOLED screen. Yes the 265 has one of thesewith a size of 1.3 inches in diameter and boasting a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, and naturally, the top-of-the-line 965 comes with a slightly larger and higher resolution 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 454 x 454 inches.
The Forerunner 265 is ready to be grabbed now
With a price of 449.99 euros, either in 42 or 46mm boxes, it is already available on the brand's website and could be on your wrist in a few days. The smaller model was technically named the Forerunner 265Sand believe it or not, it promises to outlast its big brother between loads, up to 15 days in “smartwatch mode” and 24 hours in “GPS mode”.
Of course the Garmin Forerunner 265 without the S designation It's also not far behind when it comes to battery life. This one claims for itself a maximum strength rating of 13 days and 20 hours in “smartwatch” and “GPS” modes respectively, with all these numbers eclipsing what other articles from gadgets with premium AMOLED are currently able to do.
Again, Garmin likely isn't going after the same "mainstream" audience as the Apple Watch Series 8 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 here, however, aiming to strike the best possible balance between fitness and lifestyle features. .
The Forerunner 265 can do many of the same things that the best smartwatches out there can do. This model features Always-On functionality. For users who like to constantly hug a wall while monitoring everything, it brings everything from heart rate variability, to sleep quality, running dynamics, training effect, VO2 Max, blood oxygen saturation, stress levels, energy levels, and menstrual cycle.
The Forerunner 965 is coming
Yes, you can order now top of the range model. You will have to pay 649.99 euros. You have the option of the 47mm case and three color options, but you'll have to wait between 5 to 8 weeks for the company to ship your favorite model.
Is this longer wait and extra expense worth it over the 265?
If you are the type of “athlete who strives to be the best” at everything, Garmin seems to have this user in mind. And by the offer, the company is right. This is yet another great asset of the “wearable” or wearableas currently used.
Not only is this a slightly larger and heavier device than the Forerunner 265, it also rocks a stronger and more durable body combining a “lightweight” titanium alloy with a Corning Gorilla Glass DX dial and a silicone strap instead of a case. of “fiber-reinforced polymer” and a Gorilla Glass 3 dial.
We might not be looking at a fully rugged smartwatch capable of taking on the Apple Watch Ultra in battle against the elements, but outdoor enthusiasts should rest easy knowing that the Forerunner 965 can probably handle a jungle run or two, as well as the hardest possible open water swimming sessions.
Power and autonomy are not lacking, without forgetting that they have a fantastic design.
