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.
Main differences
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.

Display specifications
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 specifications | Forerunner 165 | Vivoactive 5 |
---|---|---|
Display size | 30 mm | 30 mm |
Display resolution | 390 x 390 pixels | 390 x 390 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 | No |
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.
Physical specifications
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 specifications | Forerunner 165 | Vivoactive 5 |
---|---|---|
Watch size | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm | 42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1 mm |
Thickness | 11.6 mm | 12.2 mm |
Band size | 20 mm | 20 mm |
Band material | Silicone | Silicone |
Recommended wrist circumference | 126-203 mm | 125-190 mm |
Weight | 39 g | 36 g |
Bezel | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Anodized aluminum |
Water rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Storage | 4 GB | 4 GB |
Wireless connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
The body of Vivoactive 5 is made of anodized aluminum. Forerunner 165 uses fiber-enforced polymer in the body.
Music
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.
Battery
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 mode | Forerunner 165 backup | Vivoactive 5 |
---|---|---|
Smartwatch mode | Up to 11 days | Up to 11 days |
GPS-Only GNSS mode | Up to 19 hours | Up to 21 hours |
All-Systems GNSS mode: | Up to 17 hours | Up to 17 hours |
Battery Saver Mode | Up to 20 days | Up to 21 days |
Both, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Vivoactive 5 use the Garmin proprietary wired charger for charging the battery.
Costs
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.
Final verdict
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.
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