Garmin Forerunner 265S: The AMOLED Beauty for Smaller Wrists

Overview

The Garmin Forerunner 265S represents a pivotal moment in Garmin’s running watch evolution - proving that powerful training tools don’t need to be oversized. This 42mm variant of the acclaimed Forerunner 265 delivers the same cutting-edge features in a lighter, more comfortable package that’s perfect for runners with smaller wrists who refuse to compromise on capabilities.

Released in March 2023 alongside its larger sibling, the 265S brought AMOLED displays to Garmin’s mid-tier running lineup, fundamentally changing what runners expect from a $450 training watch. But this isn’t just about a pretty screen - the addition of Training Readiness, dual-band GPS, and wrist-based running power creates a comprehensive training system that rivals watches costing hundreds more.

Key Selling Points

1. Perfect Sizing for Smaller Wrists

At just 39g and 42mm wide, the 265S is one of the lightest serious GPS watches available. It’s specifically designed for wrist circumferences between 108-175mm, making it ideal for runners who find standard 46mm watches overwhelming. Despite the smaller size, you get the same features as the regular 265 - Garmin didn’t cut corners here.

2. AMOLED Display That Transforms the Experience

The 1.1 inch AMOLED touchscreen is a revelation if you’re coming from older MIP displays. With 360x360 resolution and vibrant colors, data is crisp, maps are readable, and the interface feels modern. The always-on mode keeps key metrics visible without destroying battery life, while 1000-nit brightness ensures visibility in direct sunlight.

3. Training Readiness: Your Personal Coach

This feature alone justifies the upgrade from the 255S. Training Readiness combines HRV status, sleep quality, recovery time, acute training load, and stress to give you a simple 1-100 score each morning. It tells you whether to push hard, go easy, or rest - taking the guesswork out of training intensity.

4. Dual-Band GPS for Exceptional Accuracy

The multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology locks onto both L1 and L5 satellite frequencies, delivering clean GPS tracks even in challenging environments like downtown cities or dense forests. Your Strava routes will finally look like you actually ran them, not like a drunk spider’s web.

5. Surprisingly Superior Battery Life

Here’s the plot twist: despite having a power-hungry AMOLED display, the 265S actually gets better battery life than the larger 265. You’ll see 15 days in smartwatch mode (vs 13 on the regular), and 24 hours of GPS tracking (vs 20). The smaller display draws less power while using the same battery capacity - physics wins.

Design and Build Quality

Physical Presence

The 265S strikes an excellent balance between capability and wearability. At 41.7mm in diameter and 12.9mm thick, it’s substantial enough to house serious tech but slim enough to slip under a dress shirt cuff. The 39g weight (47g with the band) means you’ll forget you’re wearing it during long runs - crucial for comfort over marathon distances.

Materials and Durability

Garmin chose fiber-reinforced polymer for the case and bezel, keeping weight down while maintaining durability. While it doesn’t feel as premium as the titanium on the Forerunner 965, the plastic construction is practical for a sports watch - it won’t get dinged up like aluminum and won’t feel cold against your skin in winter.

The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens protects the display admirably, resisting scratches from daily wear. The 5 ATM water rating means you can swim with confidence, though this isn’t a dedicated swim watch like the Garmin Swim 2.

Comfort and Wearability

The included silicone band is soft, flexible, and quick-drying - perfect for sweaty workouts. The 18mm QuickFit system lets you swap bands in seconds without tools, opening up options for leather, nylon, or metal bands for different occasions. The watch sits flat against the wrist with minimal gap, ensuring accurate heart rate readings.

Display Technology

AMOLED Revolution

If you’re upgrading from a MIP display watch, prepare to be amazed. The AMOLED screen transforms the Garmin experience with rich colors, deep blacks, and crisp text that makes data genuinely enjoyable to read. Photos look fantastic, maps are actually useful, and navigating menus feels modern rather than utilitarian.

Practical Performance

The 1.1 inch display packs 360x360 pixels into a relatively small space, resulting in excellent pixel density. Text remains sharp even at small sizes, though the limited screen real estate means you’ll see less data per screen than on larger watches. The touchscreen is responsive even with wet or sweaty fingers, though physical buttons remain the primary control method during workouts.

Always-On Implementation

Garmin’s always-on mode is thoughtfully implemented. In low-power mode, it shows time and key metrics with reduced brightness and refresh rate. Raise your wrist, and it springs to full brightness instantly. You can customize what appears on the always-on display, balancing information density with battery consumption.

Performance and Training Features

Training Readiness: The Game Changer

Training Readiness synthesizes multiple physiological markers into actionable guidance. Each morning, you get a score from 1-100:

• 95-100: Prime - Your body is fully recovered and ready for hard efforts
• 75-94: High - Good to go for normal training
• 50-74: Moderate - Consider an easy day
• 25-49: Low - Rest or very light activity only
• 1-24: Poor - Take a rest day

The score considers:

• HRV status (heart rate variability trends)
• Acute training load (recent workout intensity)
• Recovery time (hours needed before next hard effort)
• Sleep quality (duration, stages, and restfulness)

This isn’t just a gimmick - it’s based on Firstbeat Analytics’ research and actually helps prevent overtraining while optimizing performance gains.

Advanced Running Dynamics

With the wrist-based running power feature, you get real-time feedback on your running efficiency without needing a chest strap or foot pod. The watch measures:

• Power output in watts
• Ground contact time
• Vertical oscillation
• Stride length
• Cadence

These metrics help you understand your running form and identify areas for improvement. The Running Power feature is particularly useful for maintaining consistent effort on varied terrain.

Daily Suggested Workouts

Based on your training load, fitness level, and recovery status, the watch suggests specific workouts each day. These aren’t generic plans - they adapt based on your actual performance and upcoming races. Options include:

• Base runs
• Tempo runs
• Interval training
• Recovery runs
• Long runs
• Race-specific workouts

Race Predictor and PacePro

Enter an upcoming race, and the watch creates a comprehensive race strategy. The Race Widget shows:

• Predicted finish time based on current fitness
• Daily training suggestions leading to race day
• Completion percentage of training plan
• Weather forecast for race day

PacePro takes it further by creating grade-adjusted pace guidance for the actual race course, helping you maintain optimal effort on hills.

GPS and Navigation

Multi-Band GNSS Excellence

The dual-frequency GPS is a significant upgrade over single-band systems. By receiving both L1 and L5 signals, the watch can:

• Triangulate position more accurately
• Reduce multipath errors in cities
• Maintain lock under tree cover
• Provide cleaner activity maps

In testing, tracks are noticeably cleaner than single-band watches, especially in challenging environments. Switchbacks on trails are accurately captured, and you won’t see impossible corner-cutting through buildings.

SatIQ Technology

SatIQ automatically manages GPS mode based on your environment. In open areas, it uses standard GPS to save battery. When it detects challenging conditions (tall buildings, tree cover), it automatically switches to multi-band mode for better accuracy. This intelligent system gives you the best of both worlds - accuracy when needed, battery life when possible.

Navigation Capabilities

While the 265S lacks the full topographic maps of the 965, it still offers useful navigation features:

• Breadcrumb trail: Shows where you’ve been
• Back to Start: Direct or along the same route
• TracBack: Navigates back along your activity
• Courses: Follow pre-loaded routes with turn alerts
• Compass: Three-axis compass with bearing

For most road and trail runners, these features are sufficient. Only ultra-runners venturing into unmarked terrain really need full mapping.

Health and Wellness Monitoring

Heart Rate Monitoring

The fourth-generation Garmin Elevate sensor delivers excellent accuracy for a wrist-based system. During steady-state running, it typically stays within 1-2 bpm of a chest strap. It can struggle during high-intensity intervals or when your wrist is particularly sweaty, but overall performance is impressive.

Sleep Tracking

Sleep monitoring goes beyond basic duration tracking:

• Sleep stages (light, deep, REM, awake)
• Sleep score (0-100 rating)
• Respiration rate
• Blood oxygen (if enabled)
• Movement and disruptions
• Insights and coaching tips

The Morning Report summarizes your sleep, recovery, HRV status, and training readiness in one screen - perfect for planning your day.

HRV Status

Heart Rate Variability tracking provides insights into your autonomic nervous system balance. The watch tracks HRV during sleep and creates a personal baseline over three weeks. Daily status shows whether you’re:

• Balanced (good recovery)
• Unbalanced (stress or fatigue)
• Low (potential overtraining)

This data feeds into Training Readiness and helps identify when you’re getting sick or overly stressed.

Body Battery

This energy monitoring feature uses HRV, stress, activity, and sleep data to estimate your energy reserves throughout the day. Starting at 100 after a good night’s sleep, it drains during activity and stress, and recharges during rest. It’s surprisingly accurate at predicting when you’ll hit the wall.

Women’s Health

Comprehensive menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking includes:

• Cycle logging and predictions
• Symptom tracking
• Training and nutrition insights based on cycle phase
• Pregnancy tracking with adjusted metrics

Smart Features and Connectivity

Music Storage and Playback

With 4GB dedicated to music storage (about 500 songs), you can run phone-free while still enjoying your tunes. The watch supports:

• Spotify (Premium required)
• Amazon Music
• Deezer
• Personal MP3s via computer

Syncing is straightforward over WiFi, though initial playlist downloads can take 20-30 minutes. Bluetooth headphone connectivity is reliable with minimal dropouts.

Garmin Pay

NFC payments work smoothly with supported banks. Setup is simple through Garmin Connect, and payments are secured with a PIN. The convenience of buying water mid-run without carrying cards or phone is genuinely useful.

Smartphone Integration

Notification handling is excellent for a Garmin:

• Call alerts with contact names
• Text messages with full content
• App notifications (customizable)
• Quick replies (Android only)
• Emoji support

You can’t make calls or use voice assistants, but the notification features cover most needs without being distracting.

Connect IQ Ecosystem

The Connect IQ store offers around 2000 apps, watch faces, and data fields. Popular options include:

• Strava Live Segments
• Spotify controller
• Custom training fields
• Weather widgets
• Alternative watch faces

While the selection isn’t as vast as Apple or Samsung, quality apps exist for most needs.

Battery Life and Charging

Real-World Battery Performance

Garmin’s battery claims are actually conservative. In typical use, expect:

• Smartwatch mode: 13-15 days with 24/7 HR, notifications, and occasional GPS
• Always-on display: 4-5 days with full brightness
• GPS only: 22-24 hours
• GPS with music: 7-8 hours
• Multi-band GPS: 14-15 hours
• UltraTrac mode: 48+ hours

For most runners doing 5-10 hours of GPS activities per week, weekly charging is sufficient.

Charging Experience

The proprietary charging cable clips securely to the back of the watch. A full charge takes about 2 hours, but the fast charge feature gives you enough juice for a long run in just 20 minutes. The cable is identical across recent Garmin watches, so existing owners likely have spares.

Software and User Interface

Garmin Connect App

The companion app is comprehensive without being overwhelming. Key features:

• Detailed activity analysis
• Training plans and workouts
• Social features and challenges
• Health trends and insights
• Device settings and customization
• Automatic sync with Strava, TrainingPeaks, etc.

The app has improved significantly in recent years, with a cleaner interface and better data visualization.

On-Device Interface

Navigation uses a combination of touchscreen and five physical buttons:

• Swipe for widgets and menus
• Buttons for start/stop and lap
• Customizable hotkeys
• Shortcuts to favorite features

The interface feels intuitive after a few days, though the menu structure can be deep for advanced settings.

Updates and Support

Garmin regularly adds features through firmware updates. Recent additions include:

• Training Readiness improvements
• New sport profiles
• Enhanced sleep tracking
• Bug fixes and performance improvements

Expect 4-5 years of active support with new features added throughout the lifecycle.

Target Audience

Ideal For:

• Serious recreational runners wanting professional-grade training tools
• Smaller-wristed athletes who find 46mm watches too large
• Marathon/half-marathon trainers needing structured guidance
• Data-driven athletes who analyze every metric
• Tech-savvy runners who appreciate modern displays
• Women runners looking for a performance watch that fits properly

Not Ideal For:

• Ultra runners needing 30+ hour battery or full maps
• Casual fitness users who just want step counting
• Style-focused buyers wanting a fashion statement
• Budget-conscious shoppers happy with basic GPS
• Apple ecosystem devotees deeply integrated with iPhone

Comparison with Competitors

vs Garmin Forerunner 255S ($349)

The 255S offers 80% of the features for $100 less. You lose:

• AMOLED display (MIP instead)
• Training Readiness
• Touchscreen
• Some battery life

Choose 255S if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind the older display technology.

vs Garmin Forerunner 165 ($249)

The newer 165 brings AMOLED to entry-level with basic training features. The 265S adds:

• Training Readiness
• Dual-band GPS
• Advanced running dynamics
• Better battery life
• More training metrics

The $200 premium is justified for serious runners.

vs Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm) ($399)

Apple offers better smart features and ecosystem integration but falls short on:

• Battery life (18 hours vs 15 days)
• GPS accuracy
• Training metrics depth
• Physical buttons for workouts
• Price (with cellular)

Choose Apple for lifestyle, Garmin for performance.

vs Coros Pace 3 ($229)

Coros offers incredible value with good battery and features. The 265S provides:

• AMOLED display
• Training Readiness
• Better ecosystem
• Music storage
• Garmin Pay
• More refined software

Worth the premium for the complete package.

Long-Term Ownership Experience

Build Quality Over Time

After months of use, the 265S holds up well. The polymer case resists scratches, the display remains pristine under the Gorilla Glass, and buttons stay clicky. The silicone band may discolor slightly (especially lighter colors) but remains comfortable and functional.

Feature Evolution

Garmin consistently adds value through updates. Training Readiness has been refined multiple times since launch, new workout types appear regularly, and bug fixes address user feedback. The watch gets better over time, not worse.

Accuracy Improvements

GPS accuracy improves with firmware updates as Garmin refines their algorithms. Heart rate accuracy also benefits from updates, particularly for specific activities like interval training.

Buying Advice

When to Buy

• Best time: Black Friday/Cyber Monday (typically $50-80 off)
• Good time: Spring running season sales
• Avoid: Right before major running events (prices spike)

Where to Buy

• Garmin.com: Best for customization and warranty
• Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns
• Running specialty stores: Expert advice, possible discounts
• REI: Member dividends and sales

What to Budget

• Watch: $449 (or $399 on sale)
• Extra band: $25-50
• Screen protector: $10
• HRM-Pro Plus (optional): $129
• Total investment: $450-630

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 265S is a triumph of thoughtful design - proving that smaller watches don’t require compromises. By combining a gorgeous AMOLED display with Garmin’s comprehensive training ecosystem in a lightweight 42mm package, it creates the perfect training partner for serious runners with smaller wrists.

Yes, $449 is a significant investment. But consider what you’re getting: a personal running coach, accurate GPS tracker, health monitor, music player, and payment device that lasts two weeks per charge. The Training Readiness feature alone can prevent injuries and optimize performance in ways that justify the cost.

The few compromises - lack of maps, no LTE option, plastic construction - are reasonable given the target audience and price point. For runners who want professional-grade training tools in a comfortable, modern package, the Forerunner 265S is nearly impossible to beat.

If you’re upgrading from an older Garmin (especially the 255S or earlier), the AMOLED display alone transforms the experience. If you’re switching from Apple Watch, prepare for battery life that seems impossible. And if this is your first serious running watch, you’re starting with one of the best.

The Forerunner 265S isn’t just a smaller version of the 265 - it’s proof that great things really do come in small packages.