Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5

Garmin Forerunner was launched on 20 February 2024. Garmin Vivoactive 5 was released on 20 September 2023.

We compare the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 below.

Garmin Vivoactive 5 has a 3rd-gen Corning Gorilla Glass display lens. Forerunner 165 uses a chemically strengthened glass.

Garmin Forerunner 165 lacks music functionality. Vivoactive 5 has full music features.

Garmin Forerunner 165 lacks Wi-Fi wireless connectivity. Vivoactive 5 has Wi-Fi connectivity.

Garmin Vivoactive 5 has special apps for meditation and sleep coaching. Forerunner 165 lacks these apps.

Garmin Forerunner 165 has sensors for barometric altimeter and thermometer. Vivoactive 5 requires a tempe sensor to track skin-based temperature readings.

These are basic capability differences between the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5. The details specifics are dimensions are discussed below for either smartwatch.

Garmin Forerunner 165 in black

Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 use the AMOLED display type. Both smartwatches can support the Always-on-display mode.

However, Vivoactive 5 uses 3rd-gen Corning Gorilla Glass. It is better than the chemically strengthened glass used in Forerunner 165.

The important display properties of Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 are mentioned below.

Display specificationsForerunner 165Vivoactive 5
Display size30 mm30 mm
Display resolution390 x 390 pixels390 x 390 pixels
Display lensChemically strengthened glassCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Display technologyAMOLED (optional always-on mode)AMOLED (optional always-on mode)
Color displayYesYes
TouchscreenYesYes
Ambient light sensorYesNo

The important points to note are:

  • Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 have the same display size and display resolution.
  • Both watches have ambient light sensors.

Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 have similar size and weight. We look at the significant physical features of Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 below.

Physical specificationsForerunner 165Vivoactive 5
Watch size43 x 43 x 11.6 mm42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1 mm
Thickness11.6 mm12.2 mm
Band size20 mm20 mm
Band materialSiliconeSilicone
Recommended wrist circumference126-203 mm125-190 mm
Weight39 g36 g
BezelFiber-reinforced polymerAnodized aluminum
Water rating5 ATM5 ATM
Storage4 GB4 GB
Wireless connectivityANT+, BluetoothANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
GPSGPS, GLONASS, GalileoGPS, GLONASS, Galileo
NFC PaymentsGarmin PayGarmin Pay

The body of Vivoactive 5 is made of anodized aluminum. Forerunner 165 uses fiber-enforced polymer in the body.

Garmin Vivoactive 5 has a full music feature. You could do the following music features on a Vivoactive 5:

  • Control smartphone music
  • Store and control music on the smartwatch storage
  • Download apps like Spotify and Deezer from the Connect IQ store to stream music

Garmin Forerunner 165 standard edition lacks music functionality. You could use the Garmin Forerunner 165 standard edition to control and play music from the paired smartphone.

If you need full music functionality on a Forerunner 165, you may consider getting the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music edition. The Forerunner 165 Music edition provides full music functionality and is $50 costlier than the Forerunner 165 Music edition.

Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 have similar sizes and battery backups. We compare the battery backup offered by Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 below.

Watch modeForerunner 165 backupVivoactive 5
Smartwatch modeUp to 11 daysUp to 11 days
GPS-Only GNSS modeUp to 19 hoursUp to 21 hours
All-Systems GNSS mode: Up to 17 hoursUp to 17 hours
Battery Saver ModeUp to 20 daysUp to 21 days

Both, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 use the Garmin proprietary wired charger for charging the battery.

Garmin Forerunner 165 costs $249.99 and Vivoactive 5 costs $299.99. So, the Vivoactive 5 is more expensive than the Forerunner 165 by $50.

Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 have comparable features. Forerunner 165 is more suitable for runners and athletes.

  • Forerunner 165 has more activity profiles for running than Vivoactive 5. These include profiles for outdoor and indoor running.

Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a lifestyle watch. It does offer the following benefits:

  • Full Wi-Fi support in wireless connectivity in addition to Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity.
  • Full music feature support
  • Sensors for barometric altimeter and skin-based temperature readings.

You may also like to read more content related to smartwatch comparisons below: