Garmin Forerunner 165 was released on 20 February 2024. Garmin Venu Sq 2 was released in September 2022. Both smartwatches are priced at $249.99.
We compare the features of Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 below.
Main differences
Garmin Forerunner 165 has a round dial. Venu Sq 2 has a box or square look. Venu Sq 2 is more like an Apple watch in appearance.
Garmin Venu Sq 2 uses 3rd generation Corning Gorilla Glass in the display lens. Forerunner 165 uses a chemically strengthened glass.
Forerunner 165 has sensors for barometric altimeter and thermometer. Venu Sq 2 lacks a barometric altimeter. It needs a tempe sensor for temperature tracking.
Forerunner 165 offers special apps for nap detection.
These are the basic differences between a Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2. The details specifications for each watch are shared in the relevant sections below.
Display specifications
Forerunner 165 uses a round display and Venu Sq 2 uses a box display (just like an Apple watch).
Both watches use AMOLED display technology. AMOLED technology allows both watches to support the Always-on-display mode.
We list the main display specifications of Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 below.
| Display specifications | Forerunner 165 | Venu Sq 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 30 mm or 1.2″ | 36 mm or 1.4″ |
| Display resolution | 390 x 390 pixels | 320 x 360 pixels |
| Display lens | Chemically strengthened glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Display technology | AMOLED (optional always-on mode) | AMOLED (optional always-on mode) |
| Color display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes | Yes |
Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 use a color display and support touchscreen functionality. Both watches do have an ambient light sensor.
Physical specifications
Most differences in the physical specifications of Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 are due to the different sizes and shapes of both smartwatches.
| Physical specifications | Forerunner 165 | Venu Sq 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Watch size | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm | 40.6 x 37.0 x 11.1 mm |
| Thickness | 11.6 mm | 11.1 mm |
| Band size | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Band material | Silicone | Silicone |
| Recommended wrist circumference | 126-203 mm | 125-190 mm |
| Weight | 39 g | 38 g |
| Bezel | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Anodized aluminum |
| Water rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Storage | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Wireless connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth | ANT+, Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
The body of Venu Sq 2 is made of anodized aluminum. Forerunner 165 uses fiber-enforced polymer in the body. Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 have a similar water rating of 5 ATM. Both watches can sustain a depth pressure of 50 meters under water level.
Music
Garmin Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 lack Wi-Fi connectivity. So, it cannot be used directly for storing or playing music from the smartwatch.
However, Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 allow you to manage, control, and play music from the smartphone paired with the smartwatch.
Battery
Garmin Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 have comparable battery backups. We compare the battery backup offered by Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2 below.
| Watch mode | Forerunner 165 backup | Venu Sq 2 backup |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 11 days | Up to 11 days |
| GPS-Only GNSS mode | Up to 19 hours | Up to 26 hours |
| All-Systems GNSS mode: | Up to 17 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Battery Saver Mode | Up to 20 days | Up to 12 days |
In terms of battery backup, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Garmin Venu Sq 2 support the battery-saver mode.
Battery Saver Mode allows you to continue using the smartwatch at low power settings.
Final verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a good basic watch for runners and athletes. It does bring new apps like the nap detection app.
Most features are identical for Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2. You could pick either of the two watches, depending on your liking for the shape of the display.
Most core features like storage, NFC payments, GPS support, and health tracking are similar for Forerunner 165 and Venu Sq 2.
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