Garmin Forerunner 165 is a new release. It was unveiled on 20 February 2024. Garmin Forerunner 745 was released in September 2020.
We compare Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 below.
Main differences
Garmin Forerunner 165 uses an AMOLED display. Forerunner 745 uses an MIP or Memory-in-pixel screen.
This is a significant difference because the Forerunner 165 offers a much better display performance. Due to the AMOLED display, the Forerunner 165 has a better display resolution (390 x 390 pixels) than the Forerunner 745 (260 x 260 pixels).
Garmin Forerunner 745 uses 3rd generation DX-coated Corning Gorilla Glass. Forerunner 165 uses a chemically strengthened glass.
Forerunner 745 has full music functionality. Forerunner 165 lacks music functionality. Forerunner 165, though, allows you to manage music on the paired smartphone.
Forerunner 165 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity. Forerunner 745 has Wi-Fi connectivity. The Wi-Fi connectivity helps you to pull firmware updates over the Wi-Fi connection. You could also connect with apps like Spotify to stream music.
Forerunner 165 offers longer battery backup than Forerunner 745. The difference, however, is insignificant as both watches support fast charging.
Garmin Forerunner 165 does not have a sensor for the gyroscope. Forerunner 745 does have a Gyroscope.
Forerunner 165 is priced at $249.99. Forerunner 745 is priced at $499.99. The Forerunner 745 is a dated variant, and priced the double of Forerunner 165.
We look at these differences in detail below.
Display specifications
Garmin Forerunner 745 uses better quality branded display glass than Forerunner 165. But, Forerunner 165 uses better display technology. It uses an AMOLED display for a much better display resolution and display experience.
| Display specifications | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 745 |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 1.2″ or 30 mm | 1.2″ or 30 mm |
| Display resolution | 390 x 390 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
| Display lens | Chemically strengthened glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX |
| Display technology | AMOLED (optional always-on mode) | MIP (Memory-in-pixel) |
| Color display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes | No |
- Forerunner 165 has a touchscreen functionality and Forerunner 745 lacks it.
- Forerunner 165 also has an ambient light sensor while the Forerunner 745 lacks it.
It may be pertinent to mention that the ambient light sensor helps to improve the display brightness based on ambient light or surroundings’ light. This is achieved by altering the amount of backlight on the smartwatch display screen.
Physical specifications
Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 have similar sizes. We compare the physical attributes of Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 below.
| Physical specifications | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 745 |
|---|---|---|
| Watch size | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm | 43.8 x 43.8 x 13.3 mm |
| Thickness | 11.6 mm | 13.3 mm |
| Band size | 20 mm | 22 mm |
| Band material | Silicone | Silicone |
| Recommended wrist circumference | 126-203 mm | 126-216 mm |
| Weight | 39 g | 47 g |
| Bezel | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Wireless connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
The important points to note are:
- Garmin Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 have a water rating of 5 ATM. This is equivalent to 50 meters of water depth pressure.
- Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 can make contactless payments or NFC payments through the Garmin Pay app.
- Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 support GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems for GPS connectivity.
Music
Forerunner 165 does not have music functionality. You can, however, control music on the paired smartphone using Forerunner 165.
If you wish to have full music functionality, you may consider getting a Forerunner 165 Music smartwatch rather than the Forerunner 165 standard edition.
Forerunner 745 has full music functionality.
This includes the following:
- Forerunner 745 can control music on the paired smartphone
- Forerunner 745 can play and control music on the smartwatch.
- You can store personal audio content on Forerunner 745 device storage.
- You can download apps like Spotify and Deezer from the ConnectIQ store on a Forerunner 745. Music streaming through these apps is possible.
Battery
Forerunner 165 offers longer battery backup than Forerunner 745. On the different watch modes, we have compared Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 battery backups below.
| Watch mode | Forerunner 165 backup | Forerunner 745 backup |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 11 days | Up to 7 days |
| GPS-Only GNSS mode | Up to 19 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| All-Systems GNSS mode | Up to 17 hours | – |
| Battery Saver mode | Up to 20 days | – |
| Ultratrac mode | – | Up to 21 hours |
The important points to note are:
- Forerunner 165 has a battery saver mode. The battery saver mode allows you to use the watch at low power settings.
- Forerunner 745 has an Ultratrac mode with a backup of up to 21 hours.
- Forerunner 165 does have slightly better battery backup than Forerunner 745
It may be pertinent to reiterate that Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 745 use the Garmin proprietary battery charger. Both watches can go from an empty to full battery backup in less than 2 hours.
Final verdict
Garmin Forerunner 745 is double the cost of the Garmin Forerunner 165. By spending an additional $250 in getting Forerunner 745, you get the following benefits:
- Sensor for Gyroscope
- Better display glass – Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX coated
- Wi-Fi wireless connectivity
- Higher number of activity profiles
- Full music functionality
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