vsversusfinder

Amazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch Fitness vs Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch,

Updated July 2026 — Amazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch Fitness wins on value and design, Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, wins on features and battery.

The Amazfit Active 2 offers great value and style, while the Garmin Forerunner 165 excels in training features and battery life.

Why Amazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch Fitness is better

Price

Amazfit Active 2 is significantly cheaper.

Design

Amazfit has a more luxurious stainless steel build.

Sports Modes

Amazfit offers over 160 sports modes.

Why Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, is better

Battery Life

Garmin Forerunner 165 lasts up to 11 days.

Smart Features

Garmin Pay is available on Forerunner 165.

Training Insights

Forerunner 165 provides personalized workout suggestions.

Overall score

Amazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch Fitness
75
Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch,
85

Specifications

SpecAmazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch FitnessGarmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch,
Price$104.99$199.99
Battery Life10 days11 days
Sports Modes160+25+
Heart RateBioTrackerWrist-based
Smart FeaturesVoice repliesGarmin Pay

Dimension comparison

Amazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch FitnessGarmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch,

Design and Display

The Amazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch features a sleek stainless steel build and a bright 1.32" AMOLED display, making it visually appealing and functional. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 165 comes with a slightly smaller 43 mm size and also showcases a colorful AMOLED touchscreen display. Both watches prioritize an eye-catching design, but the Amazfit offers a more luxurious look with its stainless steel case and optional leather strap. While the Active 2's display is designed for easy readability in bright sunlight, the Forerunner 165 balances aesthetics with functionality, using traditional button controls alongside its touchscreen.

Battery Life

Battery life is a significant factor in fitness trackers, and here the Garmin Forerunner 165 takes the lead with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. The Amazfit Active 2, while impressive, offers up to 10 days of battery life under typical use. This difference of approximately 10% in battery longevity means that if you’re looking for a watch that can last longer between charges, the Forerunner 165 may be the better choice, especially for long training sessions or races.

Fitness Tracking Features

Both the Amazfit Active 2 and the Garmin Forerunner 165 excel in fitness tracking capabilities, but they cater to different user needs. The Amazfit Active 2 provides over 160 sports modes, including unique options like HYROX Race and strength training, while the Forerunner 165 includes 25+ built-in activity profiles, focusing on running and cycling. The Active 2's advanced heart rate and sleep tracking through BioTracker technology promises precision, whereas the Forerunner 165 offers personalized daily workout suggestions based on performance and recovery, enhancing training adaptability.

Smart Features and Connectivity

In terms of smart features, the Amazfit Active 2 allows users to send speech-to-text replies and offers a voice-controlled experience through the Zepp Flow AI. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 165 integrates seamlessly with smartphones, providing notifications for calls and texts directly on the wrist. It also supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments, making it more convenient for on-the-go users. While both watches offer connectivity features, the Active 2 shines with its voice reply function, whereas the Forerunner 165 excels in payment options and real-time notifications.

Health Monitoring

Health monitoring is a crucial aspect for fitness enthusiasts. The Amazfit Active 2 uses advanced BioTracker technology for accurate heart rate and sleep tracking, which is essential for evaluating overall health. In comparison, the Garmin Forerunner 165 provides insightful features like morning reports that summarize sleep, recovery, and training outlooks. It also tracks heart rate variability (HRV), which can be beneficial for understanding stress and recovery. Both watches provide valuable health insights, but the Active 2 offers more in-depth tracking of various fitness metrics.

Target Audience

The Amazfit Active 2 is designed for fashion-conscious individuals who prioritize both style and functionality in their fitness tracker. Its premium design, combined with extensive sports modes, caters well to those who want a stylish yet practical smartwatch for everyday use and workouts. Conversely, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is tailored for serious runners and athletes, offering training metrics and recovery insights that help optimize performance. This makes it a suitable choice for those focused on competitive training and achieving specific fitness goals.

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, the Amazfit Active 2 is currently priced at $104.99, making it about 47% cheaper than the Garmin Forerunner 165, which retails for $199.99. This significant price difference may be a decisive factor for budget-conscious consumers looking for a versatile fitness tracker. While the Forerunner 165 offers advanced features and insights, the Amazfit Active 2 provides excellent value for those who want a stylish smartwatch without breaking the bank.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Amazfit Active 2 Premium Smart Watch and the Garmin Forerunner 165 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you seek a fashionable and versatile smartwatch that excels in fitness tracking and offers great value, the Amazfit Active 2 is a fantastic choice at $104.99. However, if you are a serious athlete looking for robust training metrics, longer battery life, and smart features like Garmin Pay, then the Forerunner 165, despite its higher price of $199.99, may be worth the investment.