Table of Contents
Choosing the right smartwatch can significantly impact a runner’s training and daily activity. The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music and Apple Watch Ultra are two popular options, each offering unique features tailored for runners. This article compares these two devices to help athletes make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music features a lightweight, durable design optimized for comfort during long runs. It has a plastic bezel with a silicone strap, making it suitable for continuous wear. The Apple Watch Ultra boasts a rugged, robust build with a titanium case and a customizable band, designed to withstand harsh conditions and rough terrains.
Display and Interface
The Garmin offers a 1.2-inch sunlight-readable display with a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen, providing excellent visibility outdoors. Its interface is simple, with physical buttons for easy navigation. The Apple Watch Ultra has a larger 1.92-inch LTPO OLED display with vibrant colors and touch capabilities, offering a more modern and intuitive user experience.
Fitness and Running Features
Both watches are equipped with GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking. The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music specializes in running metrics, providing detailed data such as cadence, stride length, and VO2 max estimates. It also offers preloaded running programs. The Apple Watch Ultra includes advanced sensors like the ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, and a dedicated running mode with route tracking and pace alerts.
Music and Connectivity
The Garmin device supports music storage for offline playback, compatible with Spotify and other services, allowing runners to listen without their phones. The Apple Watch Ultra has a larger storage capacity for music and seamless integration with Apple Music, making it easy to access playlists and podcasts during runs.
Battery Life
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music offers up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and approximately 1-2 days with music playback. The Apple Watch Ultra provides around 36 hours of typical usage, with some modes extending battery life, but it generally requires more frequent charging, especially when using GPS and music features simultaneously.
Additional Features
The Garmin includes safety features like incident detection and live tracking, ideal for outdoor runners. It also integrates with Garmin Connect for detailed activity analytics. The Apple Watch Ultra offers fall detection, emergency SOS, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including iPhone notifications, calls, and messages.
Price and Value
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is generally more affordable, targeting serious runners looking for detailed metrics and durability. The Apple Watch Ultra is positioned as a premium device with extensive features beyond running, suitable for users seeking a versatile smartwatch with health, fitness, and connectivity capabilities. Pricing varies, with the Apple Watch Ultra typically costing more.
Conclusion
Both the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music and Apple Watch Ultra are excellent choices for runners, each excelling in different areas. The Garmin offers specialized running features, longer battery life, and durability, making it ideal for dedicated athletes. The Apple Watch Ultra provides a more versatile experience with advanced health sensors, a larger display, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. Runners should consider their specific needs, budget, and ecosystem preferences when choosing between these two smartwatches.