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To oversimplify, Garmin’s Forerunner 265 adds a fresh face to the already powerful Forerunner 255 feature set. Beyond their contrasting screens, the devices share many core features. In fact, many of the new generation’s software updates will even roll back to the previous one, keeping the Garmin devices neck and neck. On the other hand, the 265 does pack a few important upgrades that differentiate the device from its older sibling. Find out which fitness tracker is right for your wrist in this Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265 comparison.
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: At a glance
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Specs
| Display | 41mm: 1.1-inch MIP 218 x 218 resolution 46mm: 1.3-inch MIP 260 x 260 resolution |
42mm: 1.1-inch AMOLED, optional always-on 360 x 360 resolution 46mm: 1.3-inch MIP 416 x 416 resolution |
| Dimensions and weight | 41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.4mm 39g w/o strap Fits wrists 110-175mm 46mm: 45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9mm 49g w/o strap Fits wrists 130-205mm |
42mm: 41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9mm 40 w/o strap Fits wrists 115-178mm 46mm: 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9mm 46g w/o strap Fits wrists 135-205mm |
| Colors and materials | 41mm: Color: Powder Gray or Light Pink Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: Color: Tidal Blue or Slate Gray Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap |
42mm: Color: Black/Amp Yello, Whitestone/Neo Tropic, or Light Pink/Powder Gray Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: Color: Whitestone/Tidal Blue, Black/Powder Gray, or Aqua/Black Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap |
| Battery | 41mm Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode Up to 26 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 20 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode Up to 30 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 25 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode |
42mm: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode Up to 24 hours GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 15 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: Up to 13 days in smartwatch mode Up to 20 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 14 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode |
| Sensors | GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor |
GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor |
| Durability | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Connectivity | NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi |
NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi |
| Compatibility | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
The most important thing to know when comparing the Forerunner 255 vs 265 is that both are great fitness trackers. During our Forerunner 255 review, we felt the device significantly improved the Forerunner line with NFC support and upgraded sensors. Before it was outdone by the 265, we considered it the best midrange running watch you could buy.
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