Garmin has just announced two new products, the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965, two new GPS running watches which incorporate AMOLED display technology, a significant upgrade from the company’s previous models with more basic displays. Garmin says that the new models will be easier to read when outdoors, under any weather condition.
Forerunner 265 Series
First up, we have the Forerunner 265 which includes performance monitoring tools from Garmin Firstbeat Analytics including VO2 max, performance condition, and training effect, to name a few. Users can also access two adaptive training plan options, letting them enter race information into the Garmin Connect calendar and receive daily suggested workouts, or use the Garmin Coach plans for a differently-structured routine. The 265 also includes PacePro, which Garmin describes as a grade-adjusted pacing guidance for selected courses or distances that uses SatIQ technology and multi-band GPS.
The Forerunner 265 also includes a wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor, Body Battery energy monitoring, advanced sleep monitoring and sleep score, stress tracking, and even menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking. The watch also comes with your usual array of smart notifications, song downloads via Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music, incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack, and contactless payment methods with Garmin Pay.
In terms of design, the Forerunner 265 will come in two sizes: there’s a 42mm variant dubbed the Forerunner “265S”, that can give users up to 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 15 days in smartwatch mode. There’s also a 46mm version, aka the “standard” Forerunner 265 that offers up to 20 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 13 days in smartwatch mode.
Forerunner 965
The more “premium” model of the two watches, the Forerunner 965 builds on the Forerunner 265’s features while adding additional performance metrics, built-in mapping functionality, and the ability to store more songs right on the watch. The 965 lets users use the new load ratio feature to track short-term to mid-term load ratio, real-time stamina insights designed to help users prevent burnout, while ClimbPro functionality lets a user view real-time information on current and upcoming climbs including gradient, distance and elevation gain. The AMOLED display also allows for full-colour, so built-in maps as easier to view when on the go.
As for external styling, the 965 features a lightweight titanium bezel, with a 47mm case size and Garmin’s largest AMOLED display at 1.4 inches. The watch can also go for up to 31 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 23 days in smartwatch mode.
Software Features and Pricing
In terms of software, the two watches come with the following features:
- The Morning report feature provides an overview of last night’s sleep and the day’s training outlook, alongside HRV (heart rate variability) status and weather (when paired with a smartphone).
- The race widget provides users with training tips, personalised daily suggested workouts and completion time predictions for an upcoming race based on course details, weather and performance.
- Daily suggested workouts adapt smartly after every run to match performance and recovery while also accounting for upcoming races that are added to the Garmin Connect calendar.
- A training readiness lets you know if you can keep up with the day’s challenges based on sleep quality, recovery, training load and more.
- Built-in heart rate variability allows users to get a better handle on recovery and an overall wellness picture.
As for pricing and availability, the Forerunner 965 will be available in late March for a price of £599.99, while the Forerunner 265 is available now for £429.99.
