What is known so far?

Garmin is apparently preparing the launch of a product under the name “Index Sleep Monitor.” It’s said to be a comfortable and flexible wearable designed to be worn on the upper arm with a Velcro strap, collecting vital data during sleep – essentially like one of Garmin’s sports watches with a PPG sensor, but for the upper arm.

The optical sensor is a separate unit and is housed in a small pocket within the band. The back of the device shows the familiar design of Garmin’s current Elevate sensor. No metallic electrodes are visible, suggesting that ECG-related features are not included.

There is no display or buttons. Only a small LED next to the PPG sensor indicates battery status. In practice, this LED should not disturb sleep as long as the device is worn correctly. Charging is done via Garmin’s standard charging cable.

With eight hours of sleep per day, the built-in battery should provide enough power for around seven days.

The largely passive device can apparently only alert the user via vibration – for example, as an alarm clock. Tapping the band is intended to suffice for snoozing or stopping the wake-up signal.

Expected Features of the Index Sleep Monitor

Rarely has a Garmin device been more aptly named: The Index Sleep Monitor appears to focus entirely on capturing and analyzing sleep behavior.

If it is indeed a dedicated sleep-tracking device, its classification within the Index series – which so far includes the smart scale Index S2 and the blood pressure monitor Index BPM – would make sense. These devices clearly focus on “passive” health metrics rather than activity or performance data.

Based on this and what the Elevate sensor is capable of, the Index Sleep Monitor is expected to capture the following metrics:

• Sleep Score
• Sleep Duration
• Sleep Stages
• Resting / Heart Rate
• Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
• Respiration Rate
• Body Battery
• Skin Temperature
• Women’s Health
• Alarm / Smart Wake-up

Despite its thematic proximity to the Whoop band, the Index Sleep Monitor seems to remain focused on sleep. The Whoop device, on the other hand, collects health data around the clock and thus serves a broader purpose.

Pricing and Availability

Garmin has not officially announced the Index Sleep Monitor yet. However, the launch of such a device seems almost certain in the coming weeks.

the5krunner expects a release within the next two months – personally, I’m a bit more optimistic and consider a reveal in a shorter timeframe entirely possible.

The Index Sleep Monitor will likely be offered in sizes S-M and L-XL at a price point around €170.

Assessment

Very little information about the Index Sleep Monitor has reached me so far, and as long as the device hasn’t been officially confirmed, all details here should be taken with a pinch of salt. At best, they offer a first glimpse into a new product family Garmin might present in the coming weeks.

As for the product itself, the price combined with the expected features raises a few questions: If Garmin doesn’t unveil additional functionality at launch, it’s fair to ask how the device will be positioned in the market – especially compared to existing Garmin watches that also offer sleep tracking but come with a much broader range of features.

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Product announcement | Source: Polar

Not much is known yet about the watch Polar has announced. I’ve gathered and tried to interpret the few pieces of information available so far:

• Polar hasn’t just teased the new watch – each day, a few more details are to be revealed, gradually painting a clearer picture. If you’re curious, you can follow the current state of the announcement on the official product page: https://www.polar.com/en/comingout

• According to the terms and conditions of the ongoing giveaway, the new watch is expected to have a suggested retail price (RRP) of €479. This would place it in the upper mid-range of Polar’s product lineup – above the entry-level models, but below the high-end devices Grit X2 and Vantage V3.

• The timing is also interesting: the giveaway runs until June 4 – which happens to be Global Running Day. Whether this is pure coincidence or a strategic decision remains unclear. In any case, it’s quite possible that Polar plans to unveil the watch on that date officially.

At first glance, the announcement is reminiscent of the Vantage M3 – a functionally similar but more affordable version of the Vantage V3. I could imagine that the new model might therefore be a lower-cost variant of the Grit X2 series – potentially with a stronger focus on trail running and outdoor features.

Whether and to what extent the new watch will actually offer advanced features for runners or trail runners will likely become clearer in the days to come…

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The Forerunner series has always primarily targeted runners and endurance athletes. Thanks to the broad (and sometimes confusing) portfolio, both beginners, ambitious athletes, and professionals can find a suitable model, which mainly differs in terms of the number of functions and metrics. Despite the focus on running, the sports watches offer excellent support for many different types of sports.

Garmin Forerunner 570 | Source: Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 570 in Comparison

With the Forerunner 570, Garmin is creating a new line that will host models between the 2xx and 9xx series in the future. With that in mind, it’s worth comparing the key data of this new sports watch, which is offered in a small 42 mm model and a larger 47 mm version.

Visually, the new model closely resembles the Forerunner 265, although the bezel of the Forerunner 570 is now made of aluminum. Additionally, Garmin has returned to a round button at the top right in favor of an oval one. Apart from that, Garmin sticks to the classic 5-button design used in its sports watches.

Moreover, the smaller Forerunner 570 with its 1.2″ display seems more aligned with the Forerunner 265, while the model with the larger 1.4″ display resembles the Forerunner 965. The differences in weight and dimensions are minimal.

More noticeable are the differences in battery life compared to the adjacent models. In some cases, the values are slightly lower than those of the older Forerunner 265 and always significantly below the battery life of the Forerunner 965.

In terms of storage, the Forerunner 570 offers 8 GB, matching the Forerunner 265. The larger 32 GB of storage for maps, apps, and music remains reserved for the Forerunner 965 and Forerunner 970.

New and Noteworthy

Functionally, the Forerunner 570 draws heavily from the feature set of the Forerunner 965. That’s not surprising, as major new features are typically reserved for premium models at first. Among the entirely new features are:

• Skin temperature
• Evening report
• Voice control
• Bluetooth calling (speaker + microphone)
• Garmin Triathlon Coach
• Automatic timeline
• Multisport workouts

In addition to the new features, the Forerunner 570 generously borrows from the feature set of existing products. In addition to numerous metrics for training readiness and load, training data and plans, and running metrics, it also offers a large range of health and vital data. Small improvements to the interface and everyday functions round things off.

In the end, however, it is primarily the sports-related functions that define the Forerunner 570. Overall, the gap to the Forerunner 965 is significantly smaller, yet Garmin still keeps the Forerunner 570 at a distance:

• Elevate V5 sensor without ECG capability

  One puzzling aspect is the use of a new variant of the Elevate V5 sensor that omits the metal contact surfaces – and thus the ability to take ECGs. Given the number of products that already offer ECG functionality for considerably less money, the absence of this feature in the Forerunner 570 is surprising. This is especially noticeable when compared to the Venu 3 – a Garmin product that already offers this feature at a street price of around $370.

• Missing offline maps

  In addition to the lack of ECG functionality, the missing support for offline maps raises questions – especially since the competition shows that this feature is now standard in the Forerunner 570’s price and device class. This impression is reinforced when looking at products from Amazfit, which already offer offline maps on a watch for under €100. Admittedly, not in the same quality as Garmin, but at a fraction of the price.

  In my opinion, this decision is hard to comprehend – especially considering that the Forerunner 570 is explicitly aimed at trail running and hiking enthusiasts.

Prices and Availability

Garmin officially introduced the Forerunner 570 on May 15. It will be available from May 21 in the following versions:

• Black, 42 mm
• White, 42 mm
• Mango, 42 mm
• Black, 47 mm
• White, 47 mm
• Violet, 47 mm

In addition to the standard black and white versions, the Mango and Violet models stand out with colorful, translucent straps and high-contrast bezels. Given the extensive range of features, the price of $549 is not surprising. However, when comparing the significantly better battery life, the additional metrics, larger storage, and support for offline maps, choosing between the Forerunner 570 and the Forerunner 965 is difficult – especially since the latter is already available for around $510 in stores.

Der Beitrag Garmin Forerunner 570 – Sports Watch with Extensive Features but No Maps erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Garmin vívoactive 6 | Source: Garmin

Garmin has created a series with the vívoactive that has never fully fit into either the sports or lifestyle segment. Rather, it attempts to meet the demands of both target groups – at least partially. Supporting an active lifestyle is, after all, already reflected in the name of the vívoactive series.

Almost 1.5 years after the release of the vivoactive 5, Garmin has introduced the next generation with the vívoactive 6. While the appearance of the vívoactive 6 has changed little compared to its predecessor, the new internal components are designed to make the watch shine.

Garmin vívoactive 6 – Comparison to the Predecessor

The comparison shows that the new model and the predecessor differ only marginally. The most noticeable change is likely the redesign of the top button, which Garmin has placed on the right side of the case. Unlike the vívoactive 5, the button on the sixth-generation model is more prominent.

Garmin vívoactive 6 – New and Noteworthy

Garmin has largely borrowed from the feature sets of newer models for the improvements in the vívoactive 6. In mid-range models, entirely new features are usually not expected. Consequently, the increase in functionality is evolutionary and primarily visible in the watch’s athletic capabilities:

• Onboard Storage Doubled

  Garmin has doubled the onboard storage of the vívoactive 6 from 4GB to 8GB. The larger storage primarily benefits the watch’s music features, as it is intended solely for storing MP3 files and offline streaming content. Apps also utilize this storage, but are generally much smaller than media data.

• Support for QZSS and BeiDou

  With the addition of QZSS and BeiDou, the vívoactive 6 now supports these two Asian satellite positioning systems, complementing the well-known GNSS systems GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. Garmin had already made this support available to the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 at the end of last year. However, the vívoactive 6 does not offer multiband capabilities or SatIQ.

• Sleep Phase Alarm

  With the vívoactive 6, Garmin integrates a sleep phase alarm into one of its wearables for the first time. While this feature is already well-established in the market – many competitors have been offering it for years – it is a welcome new addition for Garmin users. The alarm adjusts based on the individual’s sleep phase, aiming to provide a smoother and more natural wake-up experience before the actual alarm time.

• Support for Garmin Share

  Garmin Share allows for easy data transfer between compatible devices – without the need for a smartphone or the Connect app. Positions, routes, and training data can be transferred directly from device to device. The devices must be within three meters of each other and have data sharing enabled.

• Running Metrics and Animated Workouts

  The most significant feature upgrade of the vívoactive 6 is in the athletic domain. For the first time, users have access to advanced running metrics, which Garmin groups under the term “Running Dynamics.” These include vertical oscillation, stride length, vertical ratio, ground contact time, cadence, and running efficiency. These metrics are especially relevant for serious runners aiming to refine their technique and minimize the risk of injury. Running by performance offers an interesting alternative to the traditional heart rate-based training.

  In addition to running metrics, the vívoactive 6 also features animated workouts – a well-known Garmin feature not available on the vívoactive 5. Users can benefit from visually guided exercises directly on their wrist.

It is surprising that Garmin continues to use the aging Elevate V4 sensor in the vívoactive 6. This means the watch lacks both EKG functionality and the algorithmic AFib detection – features that have become standard in comparable models from other manufacturers.

Almost secondary is the missing barometric altimeter. However, its absence is noticeable: without this sensor, neither floor tracking nor precise elevation profiles for activities in hilly or mountainous terrain can be recorded. For users focused on outdoor activities or structured elevation tracking, this could be a drawback.

Consistent Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, the vívoactive 6 shows no significant change compared to its predecessor. Since both the display and battery remain unchanged, and many of the new features rely on existing sensors, the comparable battery life is understandable. For users, this means reliable endurance, but no significant progress in energy efficiency.

Prices and Availability

Like its predecessor, the vívoactive 6 is available in four color variants:

• Black / Slate
• Bone / Lunar Gold
• Jasper Green / Jasper Green Metallic
• Pink Dawn / Pink Dawn Metallic

The smartwatch is now available both online and in retail stores for a price of $299.99.

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When Black Friday 2024 is celebrated on November 29, there will be many bargains for sports watches, fitness trackers, and smartwatches. On December 2, Cyber Monday follows, with numerous deals once again.
I am trying to keep track for you and compile the best offers in the field of wearables, sports watches, fitness trackers, and sports electronics

Below you can find some of the best deals online – click on the headlines to see the deals.

Black Friday – How to survive guide

You may find some of the information useful.

Dates

Useful information

• What is Black Friday?

  Black Friday denominates the Friday following Thanksgiving in the US. The holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November and people usually take another day off on Friday. It inofficially marks the start of the Christmas shopping season.

• When is Black Friday 2024?

  This year’s Black Friday is on 2024/11/29.

• Where to find the best deals?

  There will be tons of deals on and around Black Friday. The best deals are often those that are expired the moment you see them. Thus you have to keep an eye open. The best would be to come back here regularly and check for new offers.

• What is Cyber Monday?

  Cyber Monday is the last day of Black Week – a week full of deals and offers usually to be found online. This year’s Black Week starts on November 21 and ends on 2022/12/02.

• Do deals expire?

  Amazon differentiates between Deals of the Day and Lightning Deals. While Deals of the Day are usually valid for 24 hours, Lightning Deals are valid for a couple of hours only. If a product’s contingent is exhausted a deal might end before the allotted time.

• How to make a bargain?

  Being fast is the way to success – at least on Black Friday, during Cyber Week, and on Cyber Monday. Amazon Prime members have an advantage as for Prime members Lightning Deals start 30 minutes prior to non-prime members. Just in case you are not an Amazon Prime Member, there is a free trial membership valid for 30 days.

Disclaimer: All these links are affiliate links. If you click on a link and buy something on Amazon, I may get a small commission that I use for maintaining this website.

Der Beitrag Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 – The best sports watches deals erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

The Instinct series has enjoyed a six-year success story: the rugged sports watch made its debut in October 2018. Solar-powered models followed in the summer 2020, and the Instinct 2 launched in spring 2022. Most recently, the Instinct Crossover – a hybrid sports watch – was released in November 2022.

If Garmin sticks to its two-year cycle, the Instinct 3 shouldn’t be far off.

Listing on Garmin Spain

Strong hints come from Garmin’s Spanish website, where the Instinct 3 popped up for the first time on a support page listing repair costs. The entry “INSTINCT 3, SOLAR, 45MM, NEGRO” indicates a repair price of €133.33.

Garmin Instinct 3 | Source: Garmin Spain

From this, a few details can be inferred, even though none of it is groundbreaking:

• Solar Technology

  The Instinct 3 will have at least one solar-powered version. This is no surprise since all three sizes of the Instinct 2 include solar variants. Additionally, this suggests that the Instinct 3 will likely retain a transflective MIP display.

• 45 mm Size

  The size is also unsurprising since the Instinct 2 is available in 40 mm, 45 mm, and 50 mm models. The medium-sized version seems to fit expectations. The absence of 40 mm or 50 mm models on the list isn’t definitive proof that these versions won’t exist.

I guess that the list isn’t complete, and a 50 mm model is likely missing. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Garmin introduces an AMOLED version of the Instinct 3. However, we likely won’t see a combination of AMOLED and Solar for this series – it would make more sense for a future Fenix 8 with MicroLED technology.

Considering the product strategy of the Fenix 8, an Instinct E with fewer features and more basic sensors might also be a possibility.

Pricing for the Garmin Instinct 3

The expected pricing for the Instinct 3 can be estimated based on the Instinct 2, recent releases, and the repair costs:

When launched, the Instinct 2 was priced at €349.99 for the non-solar version and €449.99 for the solar version. These prices applied to both the smaller and medium-sized models, as Garmin hasn’t differentiated pricing based on size for some time.

The Instinct 2X Solar launched in April 2023 with an MSRP of €449.99.

Since the solar technology is now well-established, production processes are optimized, and there’s no premium for cutting-edge tech, I expect the Instinct 3 to be priced as follows:

• Instinct 3 Solar (50 mm) – approx. €450
• Instinct 3 Solar (45 mm) – approx. €400

If a 40 mm Instinct 3 is released, it will likely also have an MSRP around €400.

Availability of the Instinct 3

Estimating the release date is trickier. The listing on Garmin’s own site doesn’t provide much clarity. Retailer listings often give better clues, but there’s been silence on that front.

A release in the next few weeks seems unlikely for the upcoming holiday season. I’d expect the Instinct 3 to arrive in February or March of next year instead.

Apart from the details pulled from Garmin’s website, all other information should be taken with a pinch of salt. Timelines may shift, pricing could change, and features will only be confirmed when more concrete details emerge. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open in the coming weeks. As soon as there are updates, you’ll find them here or on X (@fttest_de / @fttest_en).

Der Beitrag Garmin Instinct 3 – First information has surfaced at Garmin erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Polar Vantage M3 | Source: Polar

Display and Design

The Vantage M3 is a multisport watch featuring a 1.28-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels. Polar uses Gorilla Glass to protect the display from scratches and impacts. While the watch case is made of lightweight plastic, the bezel is crafted from stainless steel, giving the watch a premium look.

Navigation and Offline Maps

For the first time in the Vantage M series, the Vantage M3 allows the use of offline maps, which can be downloaded for free from Polar’s website and stored on the watch’s 32 GB memory. Since Polar has already installed a large number of base maps, the offline maps can be used immediately. However, those who make the effort to download the data from the website and transfer it to the watch via USB cable will receive more detailed maps.

In combination with the offline maps, routes that can be directly used from Komoot are visible, allowing the Vantage M3 to guide users with turn-by-turn navigation along these routes.

Polar Elixir: Sensors and Algorithms

The term “Elixir” refers to an entire platform of sensors and algorithms that were first introduced with the Vantage V3 and have fully made their way onto the Vantage M3. This includes measurements of heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and ECG. The Vantage M3 can also determine skin temperature. Accelerometers track additional daily activities and nighttime sleep.

Extensive Sports Functions and Subtle Smart Features

Numerous sports profiles and settings clearly indicate the target audience Polar is addressing with the Vantage M3. With a water resistance of up to 50 meters, the watch is suitable for swimming but not for diving.

Since the watch is dedicated to sports, the smart features are somewhat more subdued. Nevertheless, the watch can display messages, control music playback on a paired smartphone, and includes a compass and weather forecast.

Battery Life

Thanks to a larger battery, the Vantage M3 lasts up to seven days with normal use. Activating the Always-On mode is likely to halve the battery life.

One of the special features of the Vantage M3 is the ability to replace the battery. While the watch needs to be sent to Polar for this, it represents a sustainable approach, as many sports watches and smartwatches with defective batteries often end up being discarded.

Polar has already announced an update for spring 2025 (which will also affect other models) that will include a new watch face as well as Points of Interest for the offline maps and a phone-finding function.

Prices and Availability

The Polar Vantage M3 is available from now in two colors (Greige Sand / Night Black). With a recommended retail price of €399.90, the Vantage M3 is €200 cheaper than the larger Vantage V3 model. Since the watches do not functionally differ aside from the material mix and display size, the Vantage M3 is an attractive alternative when display size is not a concern.

Polar Vantage M3

Polar

1.28 inch
AMOLED
416 x 416 pixels
325 PPI
max. 1,500 Nits

7days (Smartwatch)

30hours (GPS - Multi)

44.7 × 44.7 × 12.2 mm

35 g (without strap)
53 g (with strap)

Features

Display

Battery life

Total

Rating

Features

Compare Polar Vantage M3

• Features

  Click for more information

Activity Tracking
Steps
Calories
Floors
Sleep
Stress
Inactivity alert
Dynamic target
Information
Time / Date
Notifications
Weather
Calendar
Find phone
Music
Remote control
Playback via BLE
Phone calls
Calls (direct)
Calls (via Bluetooth)

• Sport programs / features

  Click for more information

Running

▪ Race time prediction

▪ Advanced running metrics

▪ Pairing footpod

▪ Training load / Recovery

▪ Running Power

Cycling

▪ Pairing power meter

▪ Pairing cadence sensor

Swimming

▪ SWOLF

▪ Distance

▪ Strokes

▪ Style

▪ Pace

Hiking

Golf

Rowing

Crosstrainer

Indoor running

Workout

• Sensors

  Click for more information

Acceleration / Gyroskop
PPG / Heart rate
Altimeter
Compass
Skin temperature
Temperature
ECG

• Location services

  Click for more information

GPS
GPS (Multiband)
Galileo
GLONASS
BeiDou
QZSS
Live tracking

• Connectivity

  Click for more information

Bluetooth LE
ANT+
Wi-Fi
NFC
LTE

• Other

  Click for more information

Interchangeable wristband

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Amazfit T-Rex 3 – Packaging

If there is one brand that has made a name for itself in recent years, it is Amazfit. And rightly so, as Zepp (the company behind the Amazfit brand) mostly produces smartwatches that can usually qualified as very strong value-for-money. Models from Amazfit are available for a fraction of what you would pay for similar devices from Garmin and most of the time, the functional differences are minimal.

As both companies offer an extensive range of models, it is quite difficult to decide on a particular one. Hopefully, this review will help to simplify that procedure as well.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 Overview

Let’s start with giving some context: The T-Rex 3 is the latest generation of Amazfit’s T-Rex series. Some time has passed since the release of its predecessor in may 2022, so the following table compares the key specifications of the T-Rex 3 against the T-Rex 2 and its competition:

In terms of the very basic specs, the products are quite similar. The T-Rex 3 stands out primarily for its 1.5″ AMOLED display. With a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, the display boasts a pixel density of 320 PPI, making it comparable to other smartwatches. It delivers content as sharply as Garmin, Suunto, and Polar watches, while benefiting from a slightly larger diameter.

New and Noteworthy

Before we dive into the details of the T-Rex 3, here are the watch’s key new features:

• 1.5″ AMOLED display
• Max. 2,000 nits brightness
• Stainless steel bezel
• Longer battery life
• Readiness score
• Heart rate variability
• 177+ sports modes
• Offline maps (including contour and ski maps)
• Turn-by-turn navigation
• GPS privacy settings
• AI integration / microphone + voice control
• 26 GB storage
• Contactless payment / NFC
• Suitable for free diving

As a reminder, the T-Rex 2 was released in May 2022. Therefore, while all the features mentioned here are new to the T-Rex series, they may not be entirely brand-new. Many of these features were introduced in other products and are now also included in the T-Rex 3.

Unboxing and First Impressions

For me, unboxing a new watch is still one of the most exciting moments. However, since Amazfit rarely changes the packaging and presentation of its watches, opening the white T-Rex 3 box has been relatively straightforward.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 in the open box

Inside the box, the T-Rex 3 is displayed first, with a protective film over the display to guard against scratches. In my opinion, this isn’t necessary, as the watch sits securely in its box.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 with protective film

The protective film is the only piece of plastic that needs to be disposed of. Most companies now avoid using cable ties and plastic bags, which is in line with modern sustainability efforts and a positive step forward.

Alongside the watch, there’s also a small USB charging cradle, adapters for standard straps, and a tiny screwdriver in the box.

Accessories and quick guide

Regarding the USB charging cradle: only the cradle itself is included in the package. Amazfit has opted not to include the cable, which is typically provided with the similar Amazfit Balance charger.

So how does the power get from the adapter to the watch? Via a USB-C cable that plugs into the side port of the charging cradle, which you’ll need to provide yourself. Given the number of USB cables in most households, this shouldn’t be an issue.

The small magnet that is supposed to hold the charging cradle in place during charging could be a bit stronger. It tends to slip more than the Balance charger, likely due to the rigid band of the T-Rex 3 that angles away from the watch case at around 60 degrees.

If you want to swap the strap, you’ll need to attach the included adapters first. After that, you can use standard 22 mm bands with spring bars.

The watch itself stands out with its 1.5″ display and octagonal-round bezel. Octagonal-round doesn’t make sense? Actually, it does. The outer shape of the bezel is octagonal, while the inner form is round to frame the equally round display.

Octagonal-round bezel of the T-Rex 3

The stainless steel bezel gives it a more premium look than the T-Rex 2. The build quality is high as usual, with no reason for criticism.

The slightly higher weight of the T-Rex 3 is noticeable, especially when switching from the Polar Vantage V3, which I had been wearing for the past few weeks. There’s no question that the target audiences of both watches differ, and like most outdoor watches, the design and weight of the T-Rex 3 are more prominent. While it was noticeable at first, I can confirm that it isn’t distracting at all, even during movement-intensive activities.

Visually prominent appearance

In addition to its weight, the T-Rex 3 also stands out visually. A slim profile and narrow bezels aren’t a priority here, which puts the watch in good company with models like the Polar Grit X2 Pro, Suunto Vertical, or Fenix 8.

Amazfit T-Rex 3: Basics

The T-Rex 3 is primarily operated via the touch display and the four buttons, which are evenly distributed on both sides of the watch’s case.

4-Button Design

The buttons on the left side are used to switch between views and functions, while the buttons on the right side are for selecting and confirming functions, or going back to the previous menu.

Standard Watchface

Starting from the watchface, you can navigate through the widgets using the up and down buttons. These widgets are similar to Garmin’s Widget Glances, offering an overview of key metrics or functions. By tapping or pressing the Select button, more detailed information can be accessed.

You can achieve the same result by pressing the lower right button from the watchface, which opens the main menu, allowing you to access all functions and metrics.

Function menu with all T-Rex 3 features

Pressing the back button generally returns you to the previous view.

Thanks to the T-Rex 3’s touch-enabled screen, it can be controlled very easily by touch. It is also very responsive, so there are no delays when changing views.

However, there are sometimes functions that can only be accessed by tapping the touchscreen, as no buttons are assigned to these functions.

Generally, that is no problem and the glass seems to have an anti-fingerprint coating.

Features of the Amazfit T-Rex 3

Whenever I evaluate sports watches or smartwatches, I find it helpful to break down their features into these categories:

• Features adressing everyday life
• Features adressing health
• Features adressing sports

I will follow this same structure in this review. But first, let’s start with a look at the nearly fully revamped app. Let’s dive in…

Zepp Health App with New Design

In September, Zepp invited Amazfit Balance owners to participate in the beta program for the revamped version of the Zepp Health App. The app has now been released in its final version and is available on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

The dashboard continues to be the main entry point, featuring the three core aspects — Sleep, Readiness, and Effort — as well as a range of metrics for the current or previous day. The use of tiles has been significantly reduced, which I find makes the layout clearer. Metrics can be shown or hidden based on your individual preferences.

It’s easy to switch views to get detailed information on sleep, readiness, or effort.

The app largely retains the settings, watch face selection, and app store for connected watches.

The app store still lacks truly standout options. While the selection is growing, nothing has really caught my attention yet.

The watch face selection, however, offers numerous free and now also paid watch faces.

Features adressing everyday life

Each model in Amazfit’s portfolio targets a specific user group. Despite these differences, Amazfit smartwatches are generally quite similar, offering a wide range of features adressing everyday life. This holds true for the T-Rex 3, much like the Amazfit Balance.

Voice Control and Zepp Flow

Not entirely new, but new to the T-Rex series, is the integration of Zepp Flow, which allows for voice control of the watch. Thanks to generative AI, this feature works without predefined keywords, enabling commands in natural language.

Zepp Flow – Textual response to spoken question

In my experience, this works remarkably well. The cool part is that not only can you control watch functions, but also ask general questions (e.g., “How many bridge days are there in April 2025?”) and get answers directly on the watch.

However, there are two minor limitations:

• For more complex voice commands, a paired smartphone needs to be nearby. A limited number of commands (e.g., Start + Workout Name, Open Music) work in Chinese, English, German, and Spanish without smartphone assistance.
• Without paired headphones, responses are shown only in text form as the T-Rex 3 lacks a speaker.

Ultimately, it is up to each user to decide when and where to use Zepp Flow. For instance, I’d find it difficult to speak to my watch in a public setting like on public transportation. Nonetheless, it is a feature with great potential that can be further explored over time.

Contactless Payment

Also new to the T-Rex line is contactless payment via NFC, which Amazfit calls Zepp Pay. Amazfit has taken two approaches here:

• Direct integration

  For direct integration, Amazfit faces the same challenges as many other companies: the number of banks is limited, with major banks not yet supported. Currently, Zepp Pay only supports Mastercard, so Visa or debit cards are not supported.

• Integration via Curve

  A simpler option, independent of one’s primary bank, is to link through Curve’s virtual credit card, which is fully compatible with Amazfit. Transactions are charged to the cards and accounts linked in the Curve app.

Music: Storage and Playback

Amazfit has offered the ability to store and play MP3 files for quite some time. This feature is also available on the T-Rex 3.

Unfortunately and in my opinion, this feature continues to be somewhat underused for several reasons:

• Lack of support for streaming services

  In an age where streaming services provide the main access to music, I sorely miss support for popular services like Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, or YouTube Music.

• Complicated Data Transfer

  This leaves users with no choice but to transfer the music as MP3 files first to the smartphone and then to the watch via the Zepp App. Setting up a private Wi-Fi connection between the watch and the app is tricky, as the smartphone repeatedly chooses the “better” Wi-Fi network with internet access, ending the MP3 upload.

  Only disabling the automatic connection to the home network achieves the desired result.

• Lack of Organization Features

  Once the music is on the watch, there are no options for organizing the content. Neither directories nor playlists can be created. The two predefined playlists, “Favorites” and “Jogging Music,” show that the functionality is available in principle but is very limited in its use through the watch and app.

  

  Music on the T-Rex 3: Essentially only two playlists

This feature could be greatly improved if the app displayed the content on the watch and allowed users to create folders and playlists directly within the app.

As it stands, the functionality feels like a ‘halfway solution.’ However, the fact that handling MP3 files could be enhanced with just an app update offers hope.

Night Mode in Red, Orange or Green

Amazfit seems to have taken a cue from the competition, equipping the T-Rex 3 with a night mode that tints the display in red, orange or green hues. While this might seem like a gimmick, I find it incredibly useful because, at night, the display is much more eye- and relationship-friendly compared to the brighter, untinted modes.

Night mode display: Red Shift mode

Other Features for Everyday Use

In addition to the aforementioned features, the T-Rex 3 also offers several other everyday functions that have become standard features for smartwatches. I will not go into detail about them here, as they are well-known.

• Compass
• Barometer
• Weather
• Alarm
• Calendar
• Membership Cards
• Sunrise/Sunset & Tides
• Cycle Tracking
• Stopwatch/Countdown
• Tasks
• Voice Memos
• World Clock
• Pomodoro Timer

Features addressing health

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is not only a rugged smartwatch but also offers a range of features designed to provide insights into health and well-being. These include metrics like the Readiness Score, heart rate variability, and PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence). These functions aim to help plan activities, monitor personal health, and support daily decisions that promote long-term well-being.

Readiness Score

Since the summer of last year, Amazfit has been offering the Readiness Score metric on various watches. This metric evaluates different aspects of recovery from the previous night and summarizes them into a score between 0 and 100. The score is meant to reflect how ready you are for upcoming activities.

The Readiness Score is generally a useful function to get a quick overview of your current recovery state. I find it helpful that Amazfit provides insights into the different aspects contributing to the overall score.

There are even more detailed insights available in the app. For those interested, additional background information on the individual aspects can be found here.

I am somewhat critical of the often high overall score, even when my sleep or recovery has been suboptimal. Scores above 80 are common, but not every day feels like an “80.” I hope that over time, Amazfit will refine this and make the scores fluctuate more clearly.

Heart Rate Variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) measures the fluctuations in the time span between successive heartbeats and is an important indicator of overall health and stress levels. A high HRV suggests that the body is well able to adapt to different stresses, while a low HRV may indicate stress or exhaustion.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 continuously monitors HRV at night and provides valuable insights into the autonomic nervous system. HRV analysis helps to better understand how well the body recovers from physical exertion or psychological stress. Especially useful is that HRV data is integrated into various functions like the Readiness Score, providing a more comprehensive view of recovery and readiness for performance. This makes heart rate variability a useful tool for optimizing health in the long run and better managing training and recovery.

PAI – Personal Activity Intelligence

PAI (or: Personal Activity Intelligence) is a fitness metric system based on heart rate and aims to promote long-term health. Rather than focusing solely on steps or calories, PAI calculates the heart rate load during various activities and derives a score from it. The higher and longer the effort, the more points you get. The goal is to consistently achieve a PAI score of 100 or higher to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long term.

The first points are easy to earn. The higher the score, the harder it becomes to reach high points, which helps keep motivation high. Points from activities expire after seven days.

I had to get used to PAI after many manufacturers used different metrics as the central tool for an active lifestyle. What I like is that Amazfit doesn’t only consider intense sports sessions but also moderate activities (e.g., brisk walking, hiking) and sometimes even everyday movements. This makes the design of an active day very flexible and more motivating than if a step goal is always looming on the horizon.

However, there is criticism: if a 10-km walk does not raise the heart rate enough, this activity will not contribute to the increase of the PAI score—even if the movement itself should have been beneficial to health.

Features addressing sports

With Amazfit watches, there is always a debate about whether they are sporty smartwatches or smart sport watches. I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In any case, the range of features adressing sports is extensive.

New features of the T-Rex 3 include:

• Offline Maps

  For those exploring unfamiliar terrain, the T-Rex 3’s offline maps will be a valuable feature. To use them, you must first select the desired map section in the app and transfer it to the watch.

  

  This works flawlessly and, depending on the size of the map section, quite quickly as well. To transfer the map data to the watch, it must be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

  Two limitations should be considered:

  • Only one map section at a time can be stored on the watch
  • Maximum dimensions: 400 x 675 km

  The fact that only one map section can be stored on the watch isn’t a major issue for me, but for those traveling frequently across multiple countries and unable to swap out map sections, Garmin and Polar might offer more suitable alternatives.

  

  While the level of detail in cities is quite good, I missed a bit more topographical information in the mountains. The hiking trails were all present, and the contour maps did their job, but a little more geographical detail about the surroundings would have been even better.

• Navigation

  Offline maps are already a fantastic feature, but they become even more valuable when paired with the route and navigation capabilities of the T-Rex 3.

  Routes can be imported either as GPX files or by linking the watch to Komoot. However, integration with Strava for route import is still not supported.

  

  Before starting an activity (e.g., outdoor running, hiking), a route can be selected for use. For the route, you can:

  • View a route profile
  • View an elevation profile
  • Get information on ski slopes
  • Set the map orientation (map always points north vs. map points in the direction of movement)
  • Set the route direction (from A to B or from B to A)

  How the T-Rex 3 gathers information about ski slopes remains a bit of a mystery. Despite the lack of nearby ski areas, the watch still provides slope information. It seems that Amazfit may determine downhill tracks based on longer, downward sections of the route. However, the slope data is limited to an elevation profile rather than a map representation.

  

  During the activity, the map is displayed in the light variant with a white background or in the dark variant with a black background. The colors of the route and the traveled distance can be adjusted in the watch settings (default: Magenta and Blue).

  

  Tracking a route on the T-Rex 3

  If you deviate from the route, the T-Rex 3 will alert you. However, since the watch doesn’t offer pathfinding, there’s no option to recalculate the way back to the planned route. That said, with the watch warning you after a deviation of just 50 meters, the risk of getting lost is minimal. You can also adjust the maximum deviation setting to trigger earlier or later warnings, depending on your preference.

  

  Warning when deviating from the route

  

  Notification when returning to the route

  The watch also acknowledges when you return to the original route.

  The distance from the planned route at which the T-Rex 3 warns you can be reduced to 20 meters, or increased if necessary.

  When following a route, if a direction change is required, the T-Rex 3 shows the distance to the next turn. Just before the change (e.g., at a junction or fork), the watch reminds you again.

  

  Displaying the distance to the next direction change

  This has worked very well so far, although you have to get used to the fact that sometimes your position is shown slightly off the road: the map material simply does not know the width of roads, so even a road with a green strip in the middle is represented with the same line as a one-lane side street. If there is also a green strip between the road and the sidewalk, your current position may appear a little off the displayed road.

  Amazfit can tick off the “Offline Maps and Navigation” feature, although there is still some room for improvement: Currently, only Garmin provides map material that can be used for route finding. For Amazfit, Polar, and others, the maps are no more (but also no less) than images projected onto the current location.

• Diving

  I unfortunately can’t contribute any personal experience with freediving to this review. However, it should be noted that the T-Rex 3 is certified for dives up to 45 meters deep.

  It apparently measures the current and maximum dive depth, dive time, and ascent speed. However, essential metrics for a real dive computer are missing, such as No-Decompression Limits (NDL), decompression stops, and surface intervals.

Before Recording

Before starting a sports activity, you select the appropriate sport from the sports menu.

Selection of the sport

Then, for outdoor activities, the T-Rex 3 searches for a GNSS signal. Like most Amazfit models, it is one of the faster ones. A satellite fix is found within seconds.

Waiting for all signals

At this point, you can not only wait for signals from satellites and external sensors (e.g., Bluetooth heart rate straps) but also adjust settings for the upcoming recording, such as selecting routes, intervals, and workouts. You also have the option to configure the data pages and fields for display during recording: The T-Rex 3 allows up to 6 data fields per data page.

After Recording

After completing the recording, the watch briefly summarizes the sporting aspects.

You can browse through a variety of details and charts that essentially display the values that can also be found in the app after synchronization.

The T-Rex 3 benefits once again from its high-resolution 1.5″ display.

In the app, the data is, of course, even more clearly displayed:

The app has a clean and organized interface, and many of the metrics it provides are comparable to those found in Garmin devices. However, especially for power measurement and training effects, the results may differ, as each company uses its own algorithms for these calculations.

Accuracy of location tracking

For many, the quality of a sports watch largely depends on the accuracy of its GPS, or more broadly, its GNSS capabilities. The T-Rex 3 supports not only dual-band GPS but also GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS. This is an important feature, as accurate location tracking becomes crucial when venturing off familiar paths.

While there are no mountains, canyons, or other challenging conditions in the suburban areas around Berlin, I tested the watch on familiar routes, both with and without tree cover, through areas with terraced houses and narrow streets to see how well it performed.

What stood out was how effortlessly the T-Rex 3 handled these conditions. There was no reason to complain about its performance, and even the short section through the forest was navigated without issue.

From a high vantage point, it becomes clear that the GNSS chip and antenna design of the T-Rex 3 do their job seamlessly.

Only when looking closely do you see some deviations that both Amazfit models share. However, there is nothing significant, and regardless of which products you use, you will occasionally notice slight offsets from the actual path.

In the end, I consider the deviations to be negligible.

In the next test, there was again a high level of agreement with the competition, though some deviations appeared upon closer inspection. This is not uncommon right after the start of the recording, when, although sufficient satellite signals are available for an initial location fix, a greater number of GNSS signals would improve the reliability of the positioning.

Accuracy of Heart Rate Monitoring

As always, I not only looked at the accuracy of the GPS tracking but also checked how accurately the T-Rex 3 measures the heart rate.

As a reference, I used the Polar H10 chest strap, with which I have always had excellent experiences, and by which most products are evaluated.

I’m not sure if it is obvious from the curves, but the effects of my COVID infection from early September still make my body feel strained during exercise. What’s important is how the T-Rex 3 compares to the Polar H10 and how it holds up against the competition.

During a run with some intervals, surprisingly, it is the heart rate chest strap that seems to have issues. If I had to guess the reason today, I would suspect too dry skin or contact issues with the chest strap. However, I can’t say for sure. Since the Polar H10 remains a stable measuring instrument, I excluded the initial anomalies for further analysis.

The difference chart highlights the solid performance of the T-Rex 3, although it falls behind during intervals and doesn’t always capture rapid heart rate spikes accurately.

This is reflected in the coefficient of determination (r²), which indicates how well the values from one or the other sport watch matches the heart rate chest strap, which serves as the reference here.

The T-Rex 3 can’t quite top the comparison and has to let the Coros Pace 3 take the lead. However, it still performs better than the Amazfit Cheetah Pro, which was even less accurate in tracking heart rate during the intervals.

With fewer pace changes, the T-Rex 3 consistently provided reliable and comparable values. During rapid changes in heart rate, it faces the same challenges as many competitors and therefore doesn’t stand out either positively or negatively.

Battery Life

On paper, the T-Rex 3 stands out as a true battery life champion. However, confirming or disproving this through user testing is still challenging for me, even after nearly 10 years of testing sports watches.

Company-provided specifications are typically based on controlled environments, so they serve as a general indication rather than an absolute benchmark for real-world usage. Even small changes, such as additional screen activations or adjusting the brightness, can cause these numbers to vary.

As mentioned, the T-Rex 3 impresses on paper, and the great news is that it performs just as well in everyday use. I managed to get through the first three weeks without a charge, although my sports activity was minimal. It was only when the battery dropped to 8% that I needed to recharge.

In the following weeks, the T-Rex 3 had to record activities more frequently. This not only draws more power due to the active GNSS, but the PPG sensor also works at a second-by-second rate.

What does this mean in the end? The battery life specs seem plausible, although I cannot fully validated them due to varying usage. Is this important? No, because the T-Rex 3 offers an impressive battery life regardless and is quickly recharged for the next use.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 - Verdict

Score: 93%

Pros

• Great 1.5" AMOLED display
• Offline maps / navigation
• Extensive metrics
• Battery life
• Value-for-money ratio

Cons

• limited support to Zepp Pay
• Music upload / playlists
• Apps

Buy on Amazon

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The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a successful blend of a rugged outdoor smartwatch and a smart health companion. Its impressive value-for-money ratio stands out: it offers a wide range of fitness metrics, including Readiness Score, PAI, and HRV analysis, supporting an active and health-focused lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially appreciate the offline maps and GNSS support, which provide reliable navigation in various terrains.

Another standout feature is the battery life; even with intensive use, it lasts exceptionally long, making it an attractive option for frequent users and adventurers. The solid build quality, excellent 1.5″ AMOLED display, and intuitive app complete the overall package.

While the T-Rex 3 may not match the Fenix 8 in app variety, advanced mapping features, music functionality, or premium material quality, it certainly holds its own as a competitor. For those unwilling to pay three to four times the price, the T-Rex 3 stands out as an excellent alternative.

Disclosure: The Amazfit T-Rex 3 to me by Zepp, free of charge, at my request for testing. No conditions were attached to this review, and the opinions and experiences shared here reflect my entirely unbiased assessment of the product.

Der Beitrag Amazfit T-Rex 3 review: A Fenix challenger for a fraction of the price erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Coros Pace Pro Lineup | Source: Coros

Coros Pace Pro – In Comparison

The key specifications primarily highlight the difference in the display: the Apex 2 Pro and Pace 3 feature a relatively low-resolution MIP display, which, due to its transflective properties, is not self-illuminating but guarantees high battery life.

New and Noteworthy

The Pace Pro offers several exciting new features and enhancements to existing functionalities:

• High-Res 1.3″ AMOLED Display

  The most striking update to the Pace Pro is its 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 320 PPI. This delivers crystal-clear visuals, and even under direct sunlight, the maximum brightness of 1,500 nits ensures good readability.

  The display also increases the overall dimensions of the watch: the Pace Pro now measures 46 x 46 x 12.3 mm and weighs only 37 grams with the nylon strap.

• Larger Button / Digital Crown

  In addition to the display, the digital crown and back button have also increased in size. The crown is somewhat reminiscent of the one on the Apex 2 Pro, aimed at enhancing the user experience, particularly when using the watch with cold fingers or gloves.

• 32 GB Storage / Offline Maps

  The Pace Pro has also seen an upgrade in storage, growing from 4 GB to 32 GB. This increase was especially necessary for extensive offline map usage. This makes smartphone-free navigation possible, which is particularly appealing for hikers and adventurers.

  The storage can also be used to save MP3 files, which the Pace Pro can play via paired Bluetooth headphones.

• Improved Sensors / GPS

  Coros promises improvements to the PPG sensor, which primarily measures heart rate and heart rate variability, as well as monitors sleep. Additionally, the Pace Pro is ECG-capable, though it lacks the necessary certifications and cannot be used for Afib detection.

  According to Coros, the GPS chip and antenna design have also been revamped to provide more accurate location tracking.

Compared to the Coros Pace 3

Despite its numerous improvements, the similarity to the Pace 3 is undeniable. The Pace Pro is also made from lightweight but relatively simple plastic. This gives it a low weight, but it doesn’t always convey a premium appearance. When considering the features and setting aside the offline maps, the two models are nearly functionally identical.

The similarity should not obscure the fact that the Pace Pro is a new development in many respects and not just a Pace 3 on steroids.

Pricing and Availability

The Coros Pace Pro is now available and can be purchased directly from the Coros website as well as through authorized dealers. The MSRP has increased from €249.99 for the Pace 3 to €399.99 for the Pace Pro. This price jump is not unusual when comparing similar transitions from MIP displays to AMOLED displays among competitors.

Thus, the Pace Pro moves away from the incredibly attractive price-performance ratio of the Pace 3, yet the overall package at nearly €400 is not expensive.

Assessment

For those who are already satisfied with the Coros Pace 3 and value sports metrics, upgrading to the Pace Pro is not a necessity. However, for those seeking even more precision, offline maps, and a high-resolution AMOLED display, the Pace Pro presents a worthwhile option.

Coros Pace Pro

Coros

1.30 inch
AMOLED
416 x 416 pixels
320 PPI
max. 1,500 Nits

20days (Smartwatch)

38hours (GNSS all)

31hours (GPS - Multi)

12hours (GPS + Music)

46.0 × 46.0 × 12.3 mm

37 g (with strap)

Features

Display

Battery life

Total

Rating

Features

Compare Coros Pace Pro

• Features

  Click for more information

Activity Tracking
Steps
Calories
Floors
Sleep
Stress
Inactivity alert
Dynamic target
Information
Time / Date
Notifications
Weather
Calendar
Find phone
Music
Remote control
Playback via BLE
Phone calls
Calls (direct)
Calls (via Bluetooth)

• Sport programs / features

  Click for more information

Running

▪ Race time prediction

▪ Advanced running metrics

▪ Pairing footpod

▪ Training load / Recovery

▪ Running Power

Cycling

▪ Pairing power meter

▪ Pairing cadence sensor

Swimming

▪ SWOLF

▪ Distance

▪ Strokes

▪ Style

▪ Pace

Hiking

Golf

Rowing

Crosstrainer

Indoor running

Workout

• Sensors

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Acceleration / Gyroskop
PPG / Heart rate
Altimeter
Compass
Skin temperature
Temperature
ECG

• Location services

  Click for more information

GPS
GPS (Multiband)
Galileo
GLONASS
BeiDou
QZSS
Live tracking

• Connectivity

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Bluetooth LE
ANT+
Wi-Fi
NFC
LTE

• Other

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Interchangeable wristband

Der Beitrag Coros Pace Pro – GPS sports watch with bright AMOLED display unveiled erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

With the Forerunner 165, Garmin introduced a watch that not only broadened the existing lineup but also established a new category within the Forerunner series. Positioned strategically between the entry-level Forerunner 55 and the mid-range Forerunner 265, the Forerunner 165 bridges the gap between basic and advanced features.

Garmin provided me with the Forerunner 165 for a 60-day testing period upon my request. As always, there are no conditions or obligations attached. And because it is a loan, the watch will return to Garmin after the testing period.

Rating: 92%

Pros

• great display
• feature-packed

Cons

• no multisport / triathlon
• no training load / training readiness
• lots of plastic

Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is dedicated to running and offers most of its functions in this area but is equally suitable for many other sports. I was impressed by the great display and the mix of functions that the watch inherited from significantly more expensive models. The Forerunner 165 leaves little to be desired, but the decision for the watch is not an easy one.

There are good alternatives from Garmin and competitors – Garmin has not really occupied a niche with the Forerunner 165. Yet, it is the overall package that makes the Forerunner so attractive for entry into Garmin’s sports segment.

Forerunner 165 – What’s new and noteworthy?

Typically, watches within a product line evolve incrementally from one generation to the next — such as the Forerunner 245 evolving into the Forerunner 255, and then the Forerunner 265. This makes it straightforward to compare successive generations within the same series.

However, with the introduction of a completely new product line, comparing the new model requires a broader perspective. In this case, positioning the Forerunner 165 involves looking at the adjacent models: the more affordable Forerunner 55 and the higher-end Forerunner 265. This approach helps in better understanding the new model’s place within Garmin’s lineup.

• Distinction from Forerunner 55

  The Forerunner 55, now three years old, is considered quite outdated in the rapidly evolving world of wearables. The difference between the Forerunner 55 and the Forerunner 165 is striking, particularly in their displays. The Forerunner 55 is equipped with a 1.04″ transflective MIP display, whereas the Forerunner 165 boasts a 1.2″ AMOLED touchscreen with a much higher resolution.

  Comparing the features of these two watches would be like comparing day and night. The Forerunner 165 benefits from the latest fourth-generation Elevate sensors, whereas the Forerunner 55 relies on the third generation, underscoring the significant advancements in technology and features.

• Distinction from Forerunner 265

  Distinguishing the Forerunner 165 from the Forerunner 265, which debuted in March 2023, is more straightforward.

  Starting with the display, Garmin basically uses the same touch-capable AMOLED screen for both models. However, the Forerunner 265 is available in two sizes: 1.1″ and 1.3″, compared to the Forerunner 165’s 1.2″ display.

  Functionally, the Forerunner 165 offers fewer features than the higher-end Forerunner 265. As a buyer of the Forerunner 165, you will need to forgo the following advanced features:

  • Multiband GPS
  • Training Readiness
  • Training Status
  • Training Load
  • Support for Multisport/Triathlon
  • Greater range of sports profiles
  • Sat-IQ
  • Pace adjusted to incline
  • Connection to power meters/smart meters

  The list is by no means exhaustive, but it would get lost in detail. These are the main features that the Forerunner 165 does not offer.

• Features of the Forerunner 165 at a glance

  When comparing the Forerunner 165 to the Forerunner 265, the list of differences can seem extensive, which might overshadow the fact that for most athletes, the Forerunner 165 is an exceptionally well-rounded sports watch. While it may lack some advanced metrics and features found in the Forerunner 265, these omissions are unlikely to be missed in the initial months or even years of use.

  With this perspective in mind, here’s a concise overview of the key features of the Forerunner 165 before we dive into the details:

  • 1.2″ AMOLED display (touch-capable, hardened glass)
  • 39 g lightweight plastic case with silicone strap
  • Elevate V4 sensor
  • Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.)
  • Garmin Pay
  • Music playback (MP3, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer)
  • Barometric altimeter

Unboxing and first impression

As is typical with Garmin, the Forerunner 165 comes packaged in a compact gray box, adorned with the product name and an image of the sports watch. This model is offered in a variety of colors including turquoise, berry, white, and black.

There’s nothing particularly surprising about the packaging, so I’ll keep this brief:

• Garmin Forerunner 165
• Strap (circumference: 126 – 203 mm)
• USB charging cable (USB-C to proprietary)
• Warranty/safety instructions

Garmin has been using the same 4-pin connector for the charging port for years. However, the other end of the cable now features a USB-C connector.

Overall, the build quality of the Forerunner 165 is good. The extensive use of plastic is typical for the Forerunner series, resulting in a low weight and a somewhat less premium appearance.

Case, back, and buttons – everything is made of plastic but is well crafted. Gaps are rare, and when they do exist, they are even and small.

Forerunner 165: A Basic Operation Guide

The Forerunner 165 features the typical 5-button design found on most Garmin sports watches. Two of the three buttons on the left side are primarily for navigating through menus and functions, while the third button manually turns the display on and off.

The buttons on the right side of the case allow you to:

• Start features / activities
• Stop features / activities
• Access menu items
• Go back

At the same time, the Forerunner 165 can be fully operated using the touch display. The choice is yours.

Display of the Forerunner 165

As it is a good fit here, let me briefly share my impressions of the AMOLED display:

The display offers a 1.2″ size, which is the middle ground between the Forerunner 265S and the Forerunner 265. Initially, I thought a 1.3″ display wouldn’t be bad, but the smaller display looks great on my wrist.

The contrast, colors, and brightness of the display are impressive. Even in direct sunlight, the contents are easily readable.

To ensure the display doesn’t light up the bedroom at night, the watch adjusts the brightness to a lower level. The “night times” can be individually set for each day of the week.

The watch also includes a flashlight using the display at a bright setting. While not as powerful as those in the Fenix 7 and Epix 2, it is useful for certain purposes.

There are now numerous watch faces (i.e., function-enriched watch dials) available – either pre-installed or downloaded to the watch via Connect IQ.

From the watch face, you can access the widgets using the up/down buttons or by swiping up/down. These are small, three-line views of individual metrics, such as HRV status, step count or sleep.

By tapping or selecting widgets using the button, you can access the corresponding detailed views. The display showcases its strengths with its high resolution.

The same information that you see on the watch can be found in the Connect app, which Garmin offers for free for iOS and Android.

Functions in Everyday Life

Many of the Forerunner 165’s features come from the higher-end models. Among the newer ones is the HRV status, which the watch determines during sleep. To obtain comparable values, patience is required initially, as the watch needs 19 nights to establish a baseline.

After that, the HRV status is displayed either in a widget or as part of the Morning Report.

Reminder: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the time difference between consecutive heartbeats. Higher HRV values generally indicate better adaptability to stress, as they reflect a more flexible autonomic nervous system. However, this should be interpreted relative to an individual’s baseline. Therefore, a person with an HRV of 65 ms is not necessarily healthier or more resilient than someone with an HRV of 30 ms.

The watch displays the average HRV from the previous night and compares it to the average HRV from the past four weeks.

This information is also available in the app, which is particularly useful for evaluating data over longer periods.

This brings me to the Morning Report, which, in addition to the HRV status, summarizes the most important values (from the previous day, night, and the upcoming day) in a simple manner.

The watch breaks down sleep into phases and tracks sleep duration. While these metrics provide valuable insights, they are indicative rather than definitive. A professional sleep lab would offer much more precise and comprehensive data. However, in my perception, the sleeping and waking times fit very well.

Once again, the watch provides insights into recent data only, while the app offers summaries on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.

Speaking of sleep: as you know, it helps replenish your energy reserves, which Garmin represents as the Body Battery, depleting over the day – especially with high stress and activities.

But not only nighttime sleep provides new energy; Garmin’s Nap Detection reliably recognizes daytime naps as well.

In the Music variant, the Forerunner 165 allows storing and especially playing music via Bluetooth-connected headphones or speakers. Pairing with headphones from Shokz, Jabra, and Soundcore worked without any issues.

Honestly, having the option to enjoy music is a fantastic feature that provides entertainment and distraction from your heavy breathing during sports. Personally, I’m not concerned with whether the Sony Walkman NW-A306 or a similar device sounds significantly better. While the expectations might be different when relaxing at home, on the track, other aspects are more important. I appreciate being able to leave my smartphone at home just for the sake of enjoying music.

Forerunner 165 for Sports

Anyone opting for a Forerunner model generally has sports in focus, and given its price, the Forerunner 165 is easily convincing in this regard.

The sport mode is activated by pressing the upper right button. Numerous sport profiles are available, although the list is more concise compared to Garmin’s higher-priced models or competitors.

In addition to the basic sports, the Forerunner 165 also offers exotic options such as Pickleball and Padel.

Besides simple documentation, a sport profile serves as a set of settings to be applied when selecting the profile.

This includes data pages and data fields, with each data page accommodating between 1 to 4 fields. You can display a wide range of current and averaged values, as well as small charts, to suit your needs.

A unique feature is the running metrics and running power, which are quite rare for an entry-level watch.

As usual, alarms can also be set up, allowing for targeted training (e.g. by heart rate, pace, or running power).

Speaking of targeted training: in addition to the free training modes, the Forerunner 165 also suggests workouts based on your performance and the load from previous days.

From my experience with running, these recommendations can be valuable at times but also occasionally puzzling: Eight minutes per kilometer is too slow for me, while a pace of 5:30 minutes, even for just 25 minutes, is quite challenging for me.

Since I needed some more custom test data for this report, I politely but firmly ignored the recommendation.

In addition to Garmin’s training suggestions, custom workouts can be stored in Garmin Connect and called up before starting a session. This makes intervals or following a route easily possible.

To give some context: The Forerunner 165 allows you to follow breadcrumb trails, meaning it provides route guidance without referencing or displaying maps. Essentially, you follow a virtual line on the ground.

Routes can be defined in Garmin Connect, as well as on third-party platforms like Komoot, and transferred to the watch. Routes that have been completed but not explicitly defined beforehand can be tracked later as route guidance.

During an activity, you can scroll through data pages using the buttons. This also works with touch gestures, which I prefer to keep disabled.

After recording ends, Garmin automatically synchronizes the Forerunner 165 with the app or cloud, allowing you to review your workout (as well as daily metrics) on your wrist, smartphone, or tablet.

Most of the data is readily available on the watch. For additional information from paired sensors, it’s worthwhile to check the more comprehensive app. Garmin also offers the convenience of accessing this data through the Garmin Connect web portal.

In addition to the very text-heavy analysis on the first screens in the app, the data is also presented more attractively in charts:

To check if the data relates one way or the other, you can overlay various charts.

This allows for some nice composed charts, perfect for showing off to friends and family :)

A step back to sensors: The Forerunner 165 supports pairing with external sensors via Bluetooth and ANT+. Additionally, it can also act as an external sensor itself, transmitting heart rate data via BLE or ANT+ to other devices.

Accuracy in Location Data Determination

With GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, the Forerunner 165 supports the main satellite systems used for positioning. However, compared to more expensive models, it lacks SatIQ and multiband capability, i.e., simultaneous use of the L1 and L5 frequency bands.

In challenging environments, such as mountains, areas with dense buildings, or densely wooded forests, some accuracy may be sacrificed because the secondary signal cannot be used to correct timing errors. For most casual runners, multiband GPS is generally not necessary.

Many questions I receive revolve around the fact that multiband GPS does not actually increase GPS accuracy but rather helps reduce errors primarily caused by signal reflection.

Of course, I also took the Forerunner 165 out and compared it with the following sports watches:

• Polar Ignite 3
• Amazfit Cheetah Pro
• Coros Pace 3
• Forerunner 245

Dense construction is hard to find here, and the Berlin outskirts also lack mountains, but it does offer sections through forests, residential areas, and open fields.

From a high-level perspective, all participants’ recordings are quite similar. However, the Polar Ignite 3 follows a noticeably different path, and at times, the Forerunner 245 appears to deviate in a similar manner.

And actually, it doesn’t matter where you run with the Forerunner 165; the results always make a good impression, even if you can’t shake the feeling that Garmin smooths the values more than the competition.

But let’s take a closer look at the following run.

On closer inspection, it becomes clear that even the Forerunner 165 has its quirks. This means that the watch sometimes positions itself a few meters off the road, not on the sidewalk but in front gardens. This is not a specific problem of sports watches but an issue with GPS accuracy in general.

Overall, the results are good to very good, as the new Garmin model shows few outliers and provides consistent performance.

Even the section through the now heavily wooded forest is completed without issues by the watch.

In my view, the Forerunner 165 performs strongly across all disciplines. There are no significant or consistent outliers in its recordings. When it does deviate, it’s only briefly and is generally on par with much more expensive models.

Accuracy in Heart Rate Recording

Besides route accuracy, no topic triggers people more than the accuracy of heart rate recordings. Here too, the Forerunner 165 had to measure up against models from Polar, Coros, and the Forerunner 245. The Amazfit Cheetah Pro, on the other hand, picked up data from the Polar H10 chest strap, which, despite its age, is one of the most accurate and reliable sensors available. For this reason, I like to use it as a reference for determining r².

Let’s look at a few runs with warm-up, intervals, and cool-down.

And as if the H10 chest strap wanted to disprove me, it has a dropout right at the beginning of the recording. Strap shifting or contacts not wet enough – it’s hard to say today. After a few minutes, the chest strap got back on track.

The sports watches, however, are all quite close to each other. When looking at the difference from the chest strap and ignoring the initial outlier, you see a typical shift along the time axis, i.e., the watch’s PPG sensor is a bit slower in detecting heart rate changes.

Interestingly, the Forerunner 245 with the older third-generation Elevate sensor provides nearly identical values compared to the fourth-generation Elevate sensor.

How close the values of the chest strap and the sports watches are is shown by the coefficient of determination r². The closer the value is to 1, the better the sports watches “follow” the chest strap.

Due to the slower response, the Forerunner 165 lags behind the other sports watches with a value of 0.905. The Coros Pace 3 matches the chest strap’s values best. But these are only gradual differences.

On the next run, the Forerunner 165’s slower response reappears during the intervals, showing the first signs of this issue once again.

Here too, it’s clear how similar the two generations of Elevate technology are. The Forerunner 165 takes longer to detect rapid heart rate changes during intervals.

The older technology of the Forerunner 245 is often closer to the values of the HR chest strap.

As with the previous run, the Forerunner 165 ranks last in the comparison of coefficients of determination with a value of 0.941. The Coros Pace 3 emerges as the performance leader once again with a coefficient of 0.984. However, these are minor differences, and all watches deliver solid results.

In scenarios with steady heart rates, such as during a regular run, all models perform similarly, with no significant outliers observed in the Forerunner 165 or any other models.

In summary, the performance of the Forerunner 165 is commendable, ranging from good to very good.

Comfort

After 60 days of testing, I can also comment on comfort. It’s quite good: The watch is light, compact, and unobtrusive in daily life.

The strap has caused me some issues, and I can’t pinpoint exactly why: The narrow 18-mm silicone strap has caused skin irritations much more often than, for example, the wide strap of a Polar Vantage V3 (Review | German).

My skin under the strap was much more frequently moist, and the strap rubbed despite a normal fit. After just three weeks, I had to keep switching the Forerunner 165 between my left and right wrist to give each wrist time to recover. In the end, both wrists were significantly marked.

Experiences from other users show, however, that this is not a general problem with the Forerunner watch or Garmin. It’s my personal issue with narrow silicone straps. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I strongly recommend nylon bands, which are also available in the right sizes for the Forerunner 165. This will eliminate the problems almost instantly.

Battery Life

I always hesitate to evaluate battery life in detail. It depends on so many factors (e.g., always-on use, number of display activations, display brightness, power-off time, GNSS systems, music playback, etc.) that it’s unlikely to find two identical scenarios.

When used as a smartwatch with gesture-based display activation, it easily lasts a full week. Garmin states the battery life as up to 11 days. Since a weekend is always a regular occasion to charge the watch, I usually do it every seven days.

A completely empty battery takes about 100 minutes to fully charge. After that, it provides enough power for many hours of recording, even when using multiple GNSS systems.

For those who want to know exactly, you can try to get an impression from Garmin’s breakdown.

Garmin Forerunner 165 - Verdict

Score: 92%

Pros

• great display
• feature-packed

Cons

• no multisport / triathlon
• no training load / training readiness
• lots of plastic

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After 60 days of testing, the Forerunner 165 proves to be an exceptionally well-equipped sports watch. Especially beginner runners and even ambitious runners will not miss any features if running is the focus. Even those who increase their expectations over time will find the Forerunner 165 to be a good training partner. However, the possibilities for structured training planning, taking into account training load and recovery, are reserved for the higher-end models.

Although Garmin focuses the watch on running sports, it is also a great companion for many other sports. It just offers a larger range of features specifically for running.

With the AMOLED display, touch control, and also button control, Garmin combines what I believe to be the best approaches for using the watch. The two buttons on the otherwise quite similar vivoactive 5 almost feel a bit limiting in comparison.

The biggest challenge for the watch will likely come from the competition. For its price and the functions it offers for everyday use, there are few alternatives. However, those who don’t need the ultimate all-rounder will find numerous and sometimes more affordable options. Models such as the Coros Pace 3, Polar Ignite 3 or Pacer Pro, and the Amazfit Cheetah Pro are also highly recommended and can be significantly cheaper.

Disclosure: The Forerunner 165 to me by Garmin, free of charge, at my request for testing. No conditions were attached to this review, and the opinions and experiences shared here reflect my entirely unbiased assessment of the product.

Der Beitrag Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: Budget, still feature-packed erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.