Today, Garmin introduced two new GPS running smartwatches with AMOLED displays: the Forerunner 965 and 265 series. The new watches provide runners “advanced training data” as well as health indicators such as heart-rate variability (HRV), general sleep quality, and training load.
The Forerunner 265 Series is available in two sizes (the 42mm Forerunner 265S and the 46mm Forerunner 265). The 265S has a battery life of up to 24 hours in GPS mode and up to 15 days in smartwatch mode; the 265 has a battery life of up to 20 hours in GPS mode and 13 days in smartwatch mode. Pulse Ox sensors, “Body Battery” energy monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, menstrual cycle monitoring, and pregnancy tracking are all included in both watches. They also track V02 max (the maximum amount of oxygen you can use per minute based on your weight), performance condition, and other variables. Lastly, it provides two adaptive training options: daily advised exercises based on future race information and video series from your favourite Garmin instructors.
However, the Forerunner 965 is the more expensive variant, with a 1.4-inch AMOLED display and a battery life of up to 31 hours (in GPS mode) and up to 23 days (in smartwatch mode). In addition to retaining all of the capabilities of the cheaper model, it tracks additional performance indicators such as load ratio (the link between an athlete’s training load and what they can tolerate), real-time stamina data to manage exertion levels, and precise climbing measurements (including gradient, distance and elevation gains). The watch also has built-in navigation and greater music storage.