Apple Watch SE 3 Smartwatch with vs Garmin Forerunner 165

Design and build quality

The Apple Watch SE 3 and Garmin Forerunner 165 adopt different approaches to wearable design. The Garmin unit features a lightweight design in a 43 mm size, incorporating both an AMOLED touchscreen and traditional button controls for navigation. This hybrid input method allows for operation during workouts where touch sensitivity might be compromised by sweat. The Apple Watch SE 3 relies on a touchscreen interface with an Always-On Display, allowing users to read the time without raising their wrist. While specific case dimensions for the Apple model are not provided in the data, both devices aim for comfort during extended wear. The Garmin includes physical buttons which can be advantageous for starting and stopping workouts quickly.

Display technology

Display visibility is critical for fitness tracking during outdoor activities. The Apple Watch SE 3 features an Always-On Display, ensuring that time and watch face data are visible at a glance without requiring wrist movement. This enhances convenience for daily use. The Garmin Forerunner 165 utilizes a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display. AMOLED technology typically offers high contrast and vibrant colors, which is beneficial for viewing metrics in various lighting conditions. Both devices prioritize readability, though the implementation differs. The Apple model focuses on wrist-raise independence, while the Garmin combines touch capability with physical button backups to ensure the display remains usable during intense physical activity.

Fitness tracking capabilities

Fitness functionality is the core purpose of these devices. The Garmin Forerunner 165 supports 25+ built-in activity profiles, including running, cycling, HIIT, and strength training. It offers personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery. Users can access Garmin Coach and race adaptive training plans to receive workout suggestions for specific events. The Apple Watch SE 3 provides a healthy number of ways to track workouts with real-time metrics. It introduces Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from a nearby iPhone to help users hit goals. While Apple focuses on AI-driven guidance, Garmin emphasizes structured training plans and adaptive suggestions based on historical performance data.

Health monitoring features

Health insights vary between the two platforms. The Apple Watch SE 3 includes temperature sensing which enables richer insights in the Vitals app and retrospective ovulation estimates. It also provides sleep apnea notifications and alerts for high or low heart rates or irregular rhythms. A daily sleep score is included to track rest quality. The Garmin Forerunner 165 provides a morning report with an overview of sleep, recovery, and training outlook alongside weather and HRV status. It uses training effect and training effect labels to show how workouts impact fitness. Recovery time features let users know how long they need to recover before the next session. Apple focuses on specific health conditions like apnea, while Garmin emphasizes recovery and training readiness.

Battery life and efficiency

Battery performance represents a significant divergence between these models. The Apple Watch SE 3 offers all-day, 18-hour battery life. However, it supports fast charging, allowing users to get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes. This mitigates the shorter overall duration by enabling quick top-ups. The Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode. This extended duration reduces the frequency of charging required, which is beneficial for multi-day events or users who prefer not to charge daily. For pure longevity without frequent intervention, the Garmin holds a distinct advantage.

Software and ecosystem

Software integration defines the user experience. The Apple Watch SE 3 works with an iPhone or Wi-Fi to keep users connected. It allows users to send texts, take calls, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, and get notifications. The reliance on Apple Intelligence features requires a nearby iPhone. The Garmin Forerunner 165 focuses on training metrics within its own ecosystem. It provides data intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked, such as HRV status. Apple offers broader smart connectivity including communications and media control, whereas Garmin prioritizes training analytics and performance data presentation through its morning report and adaptive plans.

Price and value

Cost is a determining factor for many buyers. The Apple Watch SE 3 is priced at $239.00. This price point includes access to the Apple ecosystem features and safety detections. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is listed at $199.99, making it the more affordable option of the two. Considering the Garmin also offers significantly longer battery life and dedicated GPS metrics, it presents a strong value proposition for fitness-focused users. The Apple Watch commands a higher price, justified by its broader smartwatch capabilities and health sensors like temperature sensing. Buyers must weigh the cost against the specific features they prioritize most.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these devices depends on your primary use case. If you require extensive battery life, dedicated training plans, and lower cost, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is the superior choice. Its 11-day battery life and 25+ activity profiles cater well to runners and cyclists. If you prioritize safety features like crash detection, temperature sensing for health insights, and seamless iPhone connectivity for calls and texts, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the better fit. The Apple model suits those who want a hybrid smartwatch and fitness tracker, while the Garmin suits those who view the device primarily as a training tool.