Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Amazfit Balance 2
With only $50.99 separating them, the Garmin Forerunner 165 and the Amazfit Balance 2 are worth comparing spec-for-spec rather than by price alone.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 packs a 1.2" display, 11 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS.
Global reference price
The Amazfit Balance 2 is built around a 1.5" display, 21 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 5ATM water resistance.
Global reference price
Specification Comparison
Key Differences
Battery life is a major gap here: the Amazfit Balance 2 is rated for 21 days against the Garmin Forerunner 165's 11, meaning far fewer trips to the charger. The Amazfit Balance 2 has a visibly larger display (1.5" vs 1.2"), an advantage for reading data on the move.
Pros & Cons
Garmin Forerunner 165
Pros
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Shorter battery life (11 days)
- Smaller 1.2" display
Amazfit Balance 2
Pros
- Much longer battery life (21 days)
- Larger 1.5" display
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Costs a bit more
Which One Is Right For You?
- Garmin Forerunner 165: Best for someone who wants to spend a little less.
- Amazfit Balance 2: A good fit for buyers who wants to charge as infrequently as possible and prefers a larger, easier-to-read display.
Conclusion
The two trade advantages on different fronts rather than one clearly beating the other outright, so the better fit depends on what matters most for daily wear.
Summary
Garmin Forerunner 165
Strengths
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Shorter battery life (11 days)
- Smaller 1.2" display
Amazfit Balance 2
Strengths
- Much longer battery life (21 days)
- Larger 1.5" display
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Costs a bit more
Weigh the tradeoffs above against actual use: battery life, screen size, and connectivity matter differently depending on how the watch will be worn day to day.