Apple’s smartest watch ever takes on Garmin’s best value running watch. The winner depends entirely on your wrist.
8.1
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Apple Watch Series 12 is the better smartwatch: brighter display, deeper app ecosystem, and new health features like readiness scoring. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is the better sports watch: 11 day battery, serious training metrics, and a price $150 lower. For most runners, the Garmin is the smarter buy, which is why it takes this comparison.
What We Like
- Apple Watch: best in class smartwatch features and app ecosystem
- Apple Watch: new readiness score and faster health sampling
- Garmin: 11 day battery life crushes Apple's 24 hours
- Garmin: deeper running and training metrics with Garmin Coach
- Garmin: $150 cheaper with no subscription needed for core features
What We Don’t Like
- Apple Watch: daily charging gets old fast
- Apple Watch: $399 plus the iPhone requirement
- Garmin: smaller app selection and clunkier smart features
- Garmin: screen and polish lag behind Apple
Product Details
Full Review
Quality
How they compare: the Series 12 brings Ceramic Shield 2, a bright always on display, and Apple’s typically superb fit and finish, with 50 meter water resistance. The Forerunner 165 is featherlight polymer built for running, with an AMOLED display that is a huge upgrade over older Garmin screens and 5 ATM water resistance. Apple feels like jewelry, Garmin feels like gear. Neither will fall apart, but only one disappears on a long run.
Value
Price comparison: the Forerunner 165 at $249.99 undercuts the Series 12 by $150 while delivering more of what runners actually need: battery life, training plans, and recovery data with no paywall. Apple’s watch justifies its price with smartwatch versatility, but runners pay for features they will not use. On pure fitness value per dollar, Garmin wins comfortably.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Garmin if you run regularly and want training guidance plus battery life measured in weeks. Buy the Apple Watch if you want the best smartwatch experience and train casually.
Who Should Skip It
Skip the Garmin if you live in Apple’s ecosystem and want cellular, apps, and deep iPhone integration. Skip the Apple Watch if you are an Android user or you hate daily charging.
FINAL VERDICT
The Apple Watch Series 12 is the better gadget, but the Garmin Forerunner 165 is the better running watch, and this comparison is about running. Eleven day battery, real training tools, and a lower price make the Garmin the clear winner for fitness focused buyers. Apple keeps the smartwatch crown, Garmin takes the workout.
8.1 / 10
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