Smartwatches · owner-verdict comparison

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch8: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Samsung Galaxy Watch8: 73% of 11 owners recommend it, vs 67% of 147 for the Garmin Forerunner 165.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Garmin Forerunner 165

67%of 147 owners recommend
67% recommend · 8% neutral · 25% don't
Owners praise
  • Excellent battery life for the price, often lasting close to a week (or ~12 days per some owners) and far outlasting Apple Watch/Samsung comparisons
  • Strong value for money, praised repeatedly as the 'budget'/entry-level Garmin that delivers most of the higher-tier features at a much lower price
  • Light and comfortable on the wrist, especially compared to bulkier models like the 255/265 or Apple Watch Ultra
Owners complain about
  • Firmware updates (notably the 27.09/27.10 releases) introduced real bugs, GPS drifting off track, heart rate stuck or inaccurate, steps not counting, freezing during activities, and unusual battery drain
  • Missing higher-end features owners wanted, especially power meter support, triathlon mode, and dual-band GPS/offline maps, pushing some to return it for the 265 or a Coros Pace
  • Menus, the on-screen keyboard, and overall navigation feel complicated or unresponsive for a 'basic' entry watch
Full owner report →

Samsung Galaxy Watch8

73%of 11 owners recommend
73% recommend · 0% neutral · 27% don't
Owners praise
  • Runs fast and smooth, with lag and freezing gone for upgraders
  • One UI Watch 8 looks polished and feels responsive
  • Owners are enjoying it day to day
Owners complain about
  • Can't be charged wirelessly from a phone, so you must carry the charger
  • Annoying bugs, like raise-to-wake not re-enabling after sleep mode
  • The Classic feels cheapened by plastic around the buttons and detachable lugs
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Garmin Forerunner 165 if
  • ✓Beginner or casual runners who just want accurate basics without complexity
  • ✓Buyers upgrading from a Forerunner 55 or basic Apple Watch on a budget
  • ✓Runners who value long battery life and a light, comfortable wrist feel
  • ✓People who mainly run/hike in open areas and don't need multisport or power meters
Skip it if
  • Triathletes or cyclists needing power meter support, multisport mode, or dual-band GPS
  • Runners training under tree canopy or in dense urban areas needing stronger GPS accuracy
Get the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 if
  • ✓Upgraders from older Galaxy watches wanting smoother performance
  • ✓Users happy with roughly two-day battery life
  • ✓Anyone tired of lag and freezing on prior models
Skip it if
  • Buyers wanting a premium, all-metal classic look
  • People who rely on wireless charging from a phone

What Garmin Forerunner 165 owners say

“This video has made me realise the 165 is for me.”
— @CGCGCG91 on YouTube
“ordered a 165 hahah wish I knew sooner!”
— @Joseeppph on YouTube
“To remove a feature that was previously there as soon as you release the product, which contains the hardware for the feature is a really bad look.”
— @Fernweh_8 on YouTube

What Samsung Galaxy Watch8 owners say

“I really like the GW8 this year idk why ppl are hating on it so much? It looks comfortable to me.”
— @katinasoutherland7693 on YouTube
“The watch 8 looks way better than watch 7”
— @BIU-Intelligence on YouTube
“Samsung has lost me with the square design.”
— @reneguittet876 on YouTube

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch8: frequently asked questions

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 better?

Real owners lean toward the Samsung Galaxy Watch8: 73% of 11 owners recommend it, vs 67% of 147 for the Garmin Forerunner 165.

Who should get the Garmin Forerunner 165?

Owners point the Garmin Forerunner 165 at beginner or casual runners who just want accurate basics without complexity, and buyers upgrading from a Forerunner 55 or basic Apple Watch on a budget.

Who should get the Samsung Galaxy Watch8?

Owners point the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 at upgraders from older Galaxy watches wanting smoother performance, and users happy with roughly two-day battery life.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Garmin Forerunner 165 is firmware updates (notably the 27.09/27.10 releases) introduced real bugs, GPS drifting off track, heart rate stuck or inaccurate, steps not counting, freezing during activities, and unusual battery drain. For the Samsung Galaxy Watch8, it's can't be charged wirelessly from a phone, so you must carry the charger.