Damn hell, i waited a long time the presentation of the new 245, finally i bought a brand new 255 for 399€, and after 6 months Garmin drop the REAL upgrade, wtf
I think the OLED touch screen makes it a much better "all day, every day" smart watch than the previous generations. Personally, I use an Apple Watch for that and just use my Garmin for running so I'm happy with the MIP screen.
I'm doing exactly this nowadays. I'm still running with both (to have a better all around fitness info on the apple app). But in the near future I'm thinking about dropping the garmin in favor o just the Apple Watch
@@Rota42Videos Agree - the apple watch really just about does it all now. The main reason I own a Garmin is because I find the multi-band GPS far more accurate on the wooded, windy singletrack trails (lots of switchbacks) that I spend most of my time on. The Ultra has multi-band but it is gigantic and expensive - but maybe this will filter down to the regular series soon.
I just switched my Apple Watch for the Garmin. The only thing will miss is that in Brazil there’s only one bank that supports NFC and it is not my bank haha. The Garmin’s battery, the native metrics, the garmin coach, the lack of buttons on Apple Watch, the rep counts at the gym (and all the metrics for gym). All of this really caught me.
Hey, I could be wrong, but I think the "multiply height by width" calculation is for the area of a square/rectangle. For something like a circular watch face, I think it's πr^2. For the 255s, that would be 37,325 pixels. 255 would be 53,093 pixels 265s would be 101,788 pixels 265 would be 135,918 pixels. Love the reviews, though. I ordered by 965 and can't wait to get my hands on it!
@@stevek8829 Yeah, but that's for a square (or rectangle for screens with aspect ratios other than 1:1). A circle the same height as a square will have a smaller area. Dimensions or pixels, the result is the same.
The new forerunner 265 with AMOLED display, touch screen and good battery life does all the function + more what the Vivoactive 4 and venu 2 were performing. So besides the lower price is there any reason one would want to buy the Vivoactive and venu watches?
Not a fan of AMOLED display on a watch. Too much like wearing a phone on your wrist. Loving the MIP on my FR955 👍 I'll upgrade when Garmin adds ECG and maybe LTE to to be able to make phone calls on it 👍
Wish Garmin would get serious about sleeping tracking. My $100 Fitbit Charge 5 does better sleeping tracking than my $900 Fenix Solar. A $900 Garmin should not fall short on any metrics.
Have always been a polar user, just switched to Garmin 965. After two days, I am beginning to appreciate the simplicity of polar. Never needed to read the manual for polar, but I have been googling on how to find what for Garmin every time I needed to do anything with it. Just hope I get it figured out before the warranty expires.
Another thought: connect iq screens are a good fit to amoled screens that aren't in always on mode, as they're limited to 10 seconds of 1sec refresh due to Garmin's power usage profiles. The wake gesture gives the connect iq screen another 10 seconds of 1 sec refresh, so you don't see any difference between those and the built-in screens. The higher resolution also works well with the data-rich connect iq screens. 😊
garmin playing all these games, gonna drive me straight to the Apple Store to get an Apple Watch .., which I can get updates on, as long as I am slightly current, and not have to buy in at a certain price point to get some features. that being said, I will keep my current garmin watch.., until I finally make a decision on my next watch.
Thinking about getting this one but wondering if I will like the touch screen.. go with a non touch screen?? Or would I miss not having touch screen? I have used apple watch, Samsung watch 5.. and wanting something more sporty
This is a bit of an own goal for Garmin. They should have just launched the 265 and 965 as AMOLED (fancy UI) versions of the 255 and 955 so as not to anger/lose their loyal early adopter customers. I'm going to stick with my 245 and HRM Pro until it croaks and see if Garmin rectifies this Product Marketing disaster...
Funny to me that the 265 and 965 were deemed worthy of a new model number, having really just a different screen, when the 945 LTE was deemed incremental.
I think the problem with the LTE is that it wasn't available in all countries so if they made it a new model number it would have further annoyed people that couldn't get it....
I bought my first sports watch, a 255 Music two weeks ago. I'm loving the 255, but the display alone on the 265 looks well worth the extra $50. Not sure if I can return my 255 to upgrade to the 265 but I'm gonna find out!
I have 255 Music and the only thing I regret that I took white color instead of more universal black. Looking at the review 255/955 are better gen and there is no need to upgrade for now.
I just returned the 255 Music for the 265. I went to my local running store where I made the original purchase and upgraded with no issues. I wanted to do it right away just in case they sell out or I pass the return date. Initial thoughts: the new display looks great, definitely worth it IMO. Super bright compared to the 255. The touch screen has been nice going through some of the setup too, not sure if I will use that when training, but it's a nice option to have. The wristband feels a little nicer then the 255 to me as well. I have to get used to the display turning on/off on a regular basis as it's a little strange to look down and see a dark screen but a glance or a tap and it comes right on.
I wouldn't think of replacing it. I was looking for a watch with MIP. I could have bought a Venu 2 if I wanted to enjoy AMOLED all day long. But, no! I had the "luck" to use an AMOLED watch, but it was a misery for me. Yes, AMOLED is nicer, but that's where the benefits end (for me). It consumes more power (poorer battery life), and outdoors, especially in sunlight (spring, summer, kayaking, cycling) the readability is incomparable. No buttons to push, no "wake up". The display is always active (not the fake "AOD") and you don't have to worry about getting burnt out. For a sports watch like this, I think the AMOLED is completely unnecessary. They should have come out with a newer Vivoactive with such a display rather than spoil the Forerunner with it.
Been needing a sport watch as I get more into running. Finally replacing my Apple Watch Series 4 I’ve had since 2019 and purchased the 265s as my first Garmin watch for $349!
I bought a 255 a couple of months ago, and I wouldn't go for the 265 (with the training readiness being the only glaring improvement for me personally). I much prefer the memory in pixel screen, and not having to worry about reduced battery life and screen burn, should you use the AOD. I presume I'm in the minority here though?
No, you are not alone. I chose the Forerunner because of the MIP. I'm not a big runner, so I was actually waiting for the Vivoactive 5, but it just wouldn't come, so I got the 255 Music. I love it. I love that I don't have the drawbacks of AMOLED (worse battery life, poor readability, especially outdoors in strong sunlight, and no fear of burn-in). I absolutely do not feel this 265 is an improvement. If I were Garmin, I would have preferred to put AMOLED in the Vivoactive series. I just hope that Garmin will not let go of MIP displays over time, otherwise I will be very sad (and forced to switch ...)
@@elmarflat728 100% agreed! As a runner and cyclist in African sun... The miip screen makes so much sense for me. As you say, hopefully garmin continues to release miip options
I've been waiting for 265 launch to see if it was worth going for instead of 255. It seems that training readiness is minimal added value, I will prefer the 255 and dive into stats rather than have garmin summarise it for me.
I went from 245M to Fenix 7 Solar for battery life...was tempted by 255 but didn't want to risk it....265 looks great but if you want that OLED on all or most of the time it'll kill it. And I like wearing my Garmin 24/7.
Same, i have the 255 and i never thought: " damn i wish my screen was brighter because i cant read the screen" and neither "i wish the battery lasted less" 🤪 Is the 265 screen prettier? Yeah but who cares, i would never buy an ugly ass Garmin anyway if i wanted a prettier watch...
Looking at getting the 265s but anyone reckon new forerunners might come out soon? Love your videos, thanks so much! I was a unsatisfied Apple Watch idiot before and your videos may be excited to try garmin 👊
How does 265 perform regarding swimming? Does it support structured pool workouts? How do HRM and GPS perform while swimming? I'm thinking of replacing my daily Venu 2 and training Swim 2 with FR265 and those are my main concerns about this watch.
Why do new features rarely come to older models? Like, the 255 and 265 are close to identical in hardware, from what i gather, yet even though 255 is only half a year old, this one gets features that the other doesnt? Feels bad to be a Garmin user tbh
The Forerunner does get new features, just not training readiness. But it gets the wrist-based running dynamics as well as newer physio true-up stuffs.
Garmin can't get away from thinking it is competing against itself (and its last version). Managing their (software) code base must be insane. Very different from Apple, but like most other watches.
@@CaptainCook83 I wouldnt upgrade, but i would also not be happy about buying a Garmin in the first place, when im guaranteed this little support afterwards. Imagine if you bought a phone and it just got no updates, because they will release a similar one in 6 months
Maybe the display is great, but the look of the watch and the visual interface makes me think of dance aerobics in the 1990s. A button that says "start", "stop" _and_ "run" shouldn't exist. I'm very glad I got a late FR 245, which is not a dress watch, but at least you can wear it at work. Price point is also ridiculous: 499 EUR, while I paid just 160 EUR for a watch that does basically the same thing (without music though). Maybe this version doesn't suck at sleep stats, that would be worth 50 EUR in my book.
The UI I can live with, but the buttons are horrendous. Same as the wristbands. Whatever they had to get it so right with the 245, they've totally lost it.
Previous garmin watches have had a shelf life of around 3 years. Yet the 255 only launched in June 2022 and is being replaced 9 months later. Is it a bad watch? I wanted a 255 but ended up getting a 245 music at a ridiculously cheap price, I think I made the right move!
What really worries me, is that the 265 looks so glossy compared to the 965...wondering if its just the video or if its really that shiny. If so, i'd prefer a MIP display.
Is it possible to control music (ffwd/rwd/vol+/vol-) from a connected smartphone using only physical buttons? At 3:22 it shows a screenshot of music playback, but it's not clear if this is from the onboard watch memory, or from a connected device. It's also not clear what the buttons are mapped to. Thanks for this early and comprehensive review!
Is there much difference between the forerunner 265 and the 955? I have seen the 955 on sale for $599 AU and for that price I'm tempted to grab that, as the 265 is likely to set me back around $689 AU. personally I like the look of the AMOLED display, but wondering if it's worth the extra money.
Thanks for the review. Imho the 265 is not attractive enough with amoled and training readiness. I was hoping to see wireless charging, because more than one time my watch hardly made contact with the charging cable and I got to get it exchanged.
Is there a chart that does features to price jump? I only run, follow structured training and have the 245 as an insurance replacement to a stolen 235. If I was buying again, I think the 55 is all I would need (although extra features might be nice)
I had the 965 for 3 months but end up selling it. The size is huge underestimated. I ordered the 265s but I also wished they would make the 965 with an option for a smaller size
@@matteo.ceriotti By the way, I assume that there is no light meter sensor. Now I won't even go into how good I think it was to put an AMOLED in the Forerunner series (I've written about it a few times above), but if it does, without a light sensor it's just useless.
@@matteo.ceriotti lly shouldn't. Garmin is Garmin and Apple Watch is Apple Watch. I think there are very few people who would hesitate between the two brands.
Unless he is using smaller version. Both models use same battery this time so smaller model has more battery life than bigger version because it has a bigger screen to light up
thanks for the vid...Wireless charging IS what i want..i Always Run Into Trouble with garmins way to Connect cables to the watch for charging...does IT Work flawlessly?
@ yes I much prefer the interface, the ease of use, and I definitely missed the digital scroll wheel and the app to me is far far better than Garmin. Also, the battery life is better on the COROS.
The glass has a very slight dome-like curvature that makes it very glary at the edges to me. That display looks awesome otherwise, though for a sports watch I wonder whether the battery life tradeoffs are worth it.
Yeah, I haven't quite figured out why the 265 catches slightly more edge glare than the FR965. The curvature seems identical to me, but the bezel-edge area seems a bit more mat to me on the FR965.
I think these watches are targeted more to those who need a touch and LED screen sport watch than actual athletes. For most people this battery life will be more than sufficient.
no thank you to the AMOLED screen, I rather have the long battery life, look at that weird wrist rotate thing.....do they really expect people to rotate their wrist through out the day like that to check the time??? what if I am cooking, holding a cup, typing at work....or someone working outdoor holding a drill.....
Are they the same as 255 GPS chipset ???, If it yes, no need to pay the expensive for 265, I'm not interested in the Amoled screen, I'm just interested only with the 6 data fields with HR gauge.
Thanks so much for the review!!! I've heard a lot of people complaining about Bluetooth connectivity issues when the GPS is on with the Forerunner 255s, does the 265s have the same issue?
Don't even own a 255, but it not getting Training readiness is honestly a disgrace and disrespectuful to anyone who bought it Hope they change their mind
I’ve noticed that the elevation data from my 265 is very inaccurate! My old 235 was much better for elevation. It’s really obvious on looped runs where it varies wildly for the same spots on each loop! Not sure what to do about it.
Does anyone have any info on how these amoled screens will hold up against burn-in in the long term? I'm also a fairly new owner of a 255 music, chosen because I wanted buttons and not touch screen and the transflective, always on display. When I saw the 265 I had a moment of longing, but I soon changed to being happy with my choice. It looks like the wrist-based running dynamics is coming in a future update, and I'm not too fussed about the training readiness as I'm not that serious an athlete. 😁
The screen protector that I used on my wife's 255 does not work on her new 265. The centre of the protector sticks, but not the edges due to the curvature of the screen.
I'm tired of garmin limiting software features on watches with no reason, and punishing they users. And even worse. A really bad support when You update a firmware, they never answer bug reports , and don't let you downgrade the firmware. I hope that Apple bring some of the "ultra" features to the standard Apple Watch and improve sport features and I will leave garmin.
@@MartijnPeek Nah, Apple will trickle down some of the Ultra’s features over the next couple of years while still improving the Ultra, the same way they trickle down features from their regular watch into the SE. They will over time eat into Garmins market share.
The issue with this watch are the Bands. If you have sensitive skin and get a dermatitis (relatively common) there is no alternative other than the leather band. The 955 and 965 and all 20mm watches allow a nylon textile band to be used instead. The third party marked motstly constist out of extremely cheap ugly china bands.
The FR 265 is more expensive tho... I think the noticeable difference is the Amoled touchscreen and the added training readiness score. It's not worthy of an upgrade if your watch isn't damaged.
I currently have the Forerunner 45… no where close to being as advanced as these current watches. The band/screws don’t hold properly and I’ve replaced it 3x now and it currently broken again after 3 days of use. Looking to upgrade maybe to the 265? I own an iPhone but I’ve always owned Garmin watches. What do you think? Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 or look/consider and Apple Watch? Huge purchase so really trying to do my research first.
I have the Apple Watch Ultra and consider switching it for the Garmin 965, still hate the battery life on the Ultra. With WiFi enabled, doing 2 hours of workout and listing to music I only get about 24 hours, but sometimes the battery drains more quickly and after 8 hours it's dead (sometimes process in the background gets hanged or Spotify consumes all the battery). This is the problem with Apple Watches, unless you definitely want a computer on your wrist with smart watch capabilities, your trade off is the battery life. I previously had a Garmin 945LTE and I miss the body battery (quite accurate for me), training readiness, and morning report. Also train with HRV, and Apple Watch Ultra sucks for that and gives me completely random number. So there you have it, if you care about a Watch for health and sports tracking, buy a Garmin. If you don't mind charging your watch every day and even want to call with your watch, buy an Apple Watch ;)
Seems pretty bullshit that the training readiness features don't get pushed to the 255 series since they are capable of it. Sure the new screen is already enough of a differentiator between models?
Training readiness Will depends on the activity you did the previous day plus stress etc. its better to listen to your body. They call it agile periodisation
Hi Ray is there any chance you do a Heart rate strap comparison for durability, reliability and accuracy. I seem to be replacing mine every 6-12 months, my last one, the Tickr v2 only lasted two weeks.
Tickr straps are a bad joke, went through 3 in 6 months, and none worked consistently for more than a week, losing connection/HR reading being the main issue. Most satisfaction I got was throwing the last one in the bin at the retailer after they offered me another warranty replacement. Back to the basic Garmin strap and happy with it.
Can you test any existing Garmin Connect Apps? How do they behave on these new amoled watches? I wonder if they render correctly, considering the resolution got doubled.
I wonder does the Garmin spec have an error or are the numbers with always on: 265: up to 20 hours in GPS only mode 255: up to 30 hours in GPS only mode 50% less battery life is huge. Or is that really with always on since they don't clarify that anywhere?
Great video Ray! Will the 255 also be getting running dynamics other than running power? The cyrstal clear one is ther will be no training readiness for 255, right?
Hi. I have a new Garmin Forerunner 265, and despite turning off the screen activation with the hand movement ("gesture" in the general use options), it keeps turning on. I've tried turning it off and on several times, but after a while it keeps doing it. What can I do? Thank you!
Is the glare on the screen that strong when you're outside? Fitness tracking on the MIP display on the 255 looks good out in the sun with the white background but the black background on the 265 plus the glare from the screen make it look a little more difficult to read stats despite the brightness.
Hi there. Love your videos. Can you help me, and tell me if when i'm running, in the screen can i see the elevation gain? de D+? Or just when i finish the race and connect to Garmin or Strava, like in my 245? Thank you vey much!
Unified Training Stats sounds like may be a solution to my concern about getting a watch too large to consistently sleep with. Could I use that feature to wear a very slim watch or other device at night for sleep tracking? Would I need it be a specific device thay has full compatibility with that feature? Any suggestions on a lightweight garmin sleeping device that would allow me to use that feature?
Now that there are touch controls, is there any way to skip forward or backward within a specific song on Spotify? It's killing me that I can't start a podcast from the middle
thanks for this video. just a bit of constructive criticism- i find your hands and arms moving around a bit too much and quite distracting. so i just listen to your audio on those parts
My Forerunner 255s beeps for run/walk intervals, but my VivoActive 4s vibrated. What does the 265s do? Is there a Treadmill Walking activity available yet?
Using FR255s from last few months ..grabbed fenix 6 pro solar in crazy 400$ price last week ..n yesterday they launched 265 with amoled.. now feeling stupid n confused what to do..should i return fenix or keep fenix n sale my 255s n in future grab 265 also.. coz fenix is totally different level of class n feel that i can't buy on full mrp where as i can buy FR 265 at full mrp 😅
Damn hell, i waited a long time the presentation of the new 245, finally i bought a brand new 255 for 399€, and after 6 months Garmin drop the REAL upgrade, wtf
Just glanced at your subscriber numbers - over 400k, well done & thoroughly merited.
I think the OLED touch screen makes it a much better "all day, every day" smart watch than the previous generations. Personally, I use an Apple Watch for that and just use my Garmin for running so I'm happy with the MIP screen.
I'm doing exactly this nowadays. I'm still running with both (to have a better all around fitness info on the apple app). But in the near future I'm thinking about dropping the garmin in favor o just the Apple Watch
@@Rota42Videos Agree - the apple watch really just about does it all now. The main reason I own a Garmin is because I find the multi-band GPS far more accurate on the wooded, windy singletrack trails (lots of switchbacks) that I spend most of my time on. The Ultra has multi-band but it is gigantic and expensive - but maybe this will filter down to the regular series soon.
@@Justin-vg7ij Good point. If Apple start to think again about the battery, it would be the perfect watch for me.
The battery is really a bummer.
apple watch battery life is beyond laughable compared to garmin watches
I just switched my Apple Watch for the Garmin. The only thing will miss is that in Brazil there’s only one bank that supports NFC and it is not my bank haha.
The Garmin’s battery, the native metrics, the garmin coach, the lack of buttons on Apple Watch, the rep counts at the gym (and all the metrics for gym). All of this really caught me.
I wish half of this technology would trickle down to their Garmin Edge line.
Hey, I could be wrong, but I think the "multiply height by width" calculation is for the area of a square/rectangle. For something like a circular watch face, I think it's πr^2.
For the 255s, that would be 37,325 pixels.
255 would be 53,093 pixels
265s would be 101,788 pixels
265 would be 135,918 pixels.
Love the reviews, though. I ordered by 965 and can't wait to get my hands on it!
It looked like he was multiplying height x width in rows of actual pixels, not mere dimensions, just like the resolutions of computer screens.
@@stevek8829 Yeah, but that's for a square (or rectangle for screens with aspect ratios other than 1:1). A circle the same height as a square will have a smaller area. Dimensions or pixels, the result is the same.
@@johnbrooks5903 the picture elements are arranged in an x by y grid, a rectangle, not a perfect circle.
The new forerunner 265 with AMOLED display, touch screen and good battery life does all the function + more what the Vivoactive 4 and venu 2 were performing.
So besides the lower price is there any reason one would want to buy the Vivoactive and venu watches?
Not a fan of AMOLED display on a watch. Too much like wearing a phone on your wrist. Loving the MIP on my FR955 👍 I'll upgrade when Garmin adds ECG and maybe LTE to to be able to make phone calls on it 👍
I suspect there won't be anymore midrange triathlon watches with MIP anymore.
MIP screen looks way better at rest. Only time I prefer Amoled is in maps.
Wish Garmin would get serious about sleeping tracking. My $100 Fitbit Charge 5 does better sleeping tracking than my $900 Fenix Solar. A $900 Garmin should not fall short on any metrics.
Have always been a polar user, just switched to Garmin 965. After two days, I am beginning to appreciate the simplicity of polar. Never needed to read the manual for polar, but I have been googling on how to find what for Garmin every time I needed to do anything with it. Just hope I get it figured out before the warranty expires.
Another thought: connect iq screens are a good fit to amoled screens that aren't in always on mode, as they're limited to 10 seconds of 1sec refresh due to Garmin's power usage profiles. The wake gesture gives the connect iq screen another 10 seconds of 1 sec refresh, so you don't see any difference between those and the built-in screens. The higher resolution also works well with the data-rich connect iq screens. 😊
garmin playing all these games, gonna drive me straight to the Apple Store to get an Apple Watch .., which I can get updates on, as long as I am slightly current, and not have to buy in at a certain price point to get some features.
that being said, I will keep my current garmin watch.., until I finally make a decision on my next watch.
AW not runner friendly
man Garmin should really bring training readiness to the 255…
😀They should and they could... but they want the 255 guys to buy 265 for that feature
@@SS-kg8qw They're dreaming :P
Training readiness is same with recovery duration, isn't ? And its already on garmin 245
Thinking about getting this one but wondering if I will like the touch screen.. go with a non touch screen?? Or would I miss not having touch screen? I have used apple watch, Samsung watch 5.. and wanting something more sporty
So if you use the watch on a stationary bike, it would track your cadence?
This is a bit of an own goal for Garmin. They should have just launched the 265 and 965 as AMOLED (fancy UI) versions of the 255 and 955 so as not to anger/lose their loyal early adopter customers. I'm going to stick with my 245 and HRM Pro until it croaks and see if Garmin rectifies this Product Marketing disaster...
Funny to me that the 265 and 965 were deemed worthy of a new model number, having really just a different screen, when the 945 LTE was deemed incremental.
I think the problem with the LTE is that it wasn't available in all countries so if they made it a new model number it would have further annoyed people that couldn't get it....
I bought my first sports watch, a 255 Music two weeks ago. I'm loving the 255, but the display alone on the 265 looks well worth the extra $50. Not sure if I can return my 255 to upgrade to the 265 but I'm gonna find out!
I have 255 Music and the only thing I regret that I took white color instead of more universal black. Looking at the review 255/955 are better gen and there is no need to upgrade for now.
I think u over payed for 255 then I got non music in uk for 250£ when 265 cost in uk 429£
You can return it if you bought it within 30 days afaik
I just returned the 255 Music for the 265. I went to my local running store where I made the original purchase and upgraded with no issues. I wanted to do it right away just in case they sell out or I pass the return date. Initial thoughts: the new display looks great, definitely worth it IMO. Super bright compared to the 255. The touch screen has been nice going through some of the setup too, not sure if I will use that when training, but it's a nice option to have. The wristband feels a little nicer then the 255 to me as well. I have to get used to the display turning on/off on a regular basis as it's a little strange to look down and see a dark screen but a glance or a tap and it comes right on.
I wouldn't think of replacing it. I was looking for a watch with MIP. I could have bought a Venu 2 if I wanted to enjoy AMOLED all day long. But, no! I had the "luck" to use an AMOLED watch, but it was a misery for me. Yes, AMOLED is nicer, but that's where the benefits end (for me). It consumes more power (poorer battery life), and outdoors, especially in sunlight (spring, summer, kayaking, cycling) the readability is incomparable. No buttons to push, no "wake up". The display is always active (not the fake "AOD") and you don't have to worry about getting burnt out. For a sports watch like this, I think the AMOLED is completely unnecessary. They should have come out with a newer Vivoactive with such a display rather than spoil the Forerunner with it.
Been needing a sport watch as I get more into running. Finally replacing my Apple Watch Series 4 I’ve had since 2019 and purchased the 265s as my first Garmin watch for $349!
349.00 where?
I bought a 255 a couple of months ago, and I wouldn't go for the 265 (with the training readiness being the only glaring improvement for me personally). I much prefer the memory in pixel screen, and not having to worry about reduced battery life and screen burn, should you use the AOD. I presume I'm in the minority here though?
No, you are not alone. I chose the Forerunner because of the MIP. I'm not a big runner, so I was actually waiting for the Vivoactive 5, but it just wouldn't come, so I got the 255 Music. I love it. I love that I don't have the drawbacks of AMOLED (worse battery life, poor readability, especially outdoors in strong sunlight, and no fear of burn-in).
I absolutely do not feel this 265 is an improvement. If I were Garmin, I would have preferred to put AMOLED in the Vivoactive series. I just hope that Garmin will not let go of MIP displays over time, otherwise I will be very sad (and forced to switch ...)
@@elmarflat728 100% agreed! As a runner and cyclist in African sun... The miip screen makes so much sense for me. As you say, hopefully garmin continues to release miip options
I've been waiting for 265 launch to see if it was worth going for instead of 255. It seems that training readiness is minimal added value, I will prefer the 255 and dive into stats rather than have garmin summarise it for me.
I went from 245M to Fenix 7 Solar for battery life...was tempted by 255 but didn't want to risk it....265 looks great but if you want that OLED on all or most of the time it'll kill it.
And I like wearing my Garmin 24/7.
Same, i have the 255 and i never thought: " damn i wish my screen was brighter because i cant read the screen" and neither "i wish the battery lasted less" 🤪 Is the 265 screen prettier? Yeah but who cares, i would never buy an ugly ass Garmin anyway if i wanted a prettier watch...
Cada vez tienes más público en español, saludos ✌🏻✌🏻
Looking at getting the 265s but anyone reckon new forerunners might come out soon? Love your videos, thanks so much! I was a unsatisfied Apple Watch idiot before and your videos may be excited to try garmin 👊
Going to switch from Apple Watch s7 to the 265s! I’m FINALLY impressed enough, Garmin!!
I’m curious if you have an iPhone and find the 265s better than the Apple Watch?
Did you do it? I am debating the same move right now!
Following
Garmin is way better than Apple Watch, there is no debate about it
How does 265 perform regarding swimming?
Does it support structured pool workouts?
How do HRM and GPS perform while swimming?
I'm thinking of replacing my daily Venu 2 and training Swim 2 with FR265 and those are my main concerns about this watch.
Just bought one. Thanks Ray 🙏🏻
Enjoy!!!
Why do new features rarely come to older models? Like, the 255 and 265 are close to identical in hardware, from what i gather, yet even though 255 is only half a year old, this one gets features that the other doesnt? Feels bad to be a Garmin user tbh
The Forerunner does get new features, just not training readiness. But it gets the wrist-based running dynamics as well as newer physio true-up stuffs.
Why would you upgrade if they gave you those for free
@@rowschank
Silly comment, did you even watch the video? Training readiness and the display are both solid changes
Garmin can't get away from thinking it is competing against itself (and its last version). Managing their (software) code base must be insane. Very different from Apple, but like most other watches.
@@CaptainCook83 I wouldnt upgrade, but i would also not be happy about buying a Garmin in the first place, when im guaranteed this little support afterwards.
Imagine if you bought a phone and it just got no updates, because they will release a similar one in 6 months
Garmin 2 series are like buses you wait ages and ages for one and then along come two in less than a year…
😂
Thanks for this. BTW on the 255 it is a MIP display (memory in pixel). You might be thinking of the MIPS helmet system
Thanks for review.
From this point Venu2 is not an option for any case.
Maybe the display is great, but the look of the watch and the visual interface makes me think of dance aerobics in the 1990s. A button that says "start", "stop" _and_ "run" shouldn't exist. I'm very glad I got a late FR 245, which is not a dress watch, but at least you can wear it at work. Price point is also ridiculous: 499 EUR, while I paid just 160 EUR for a watch that does basically the same thing (without music though). Maybe this version doesn't suck at sleep stats, that would be worth 50 EUR in my book.
The UI I can live with, but the buttons are horrendous. Same as the wristbands. Whatever they had to get it so right with the 245, they've totally lost it.
Previous garmin watches have had a shelf life of around 3 years. Yet the 255 only launched in June 2022 and is being replaced 9 months later. Is it a bad watch? I wanted a 255 but ended up getting a 245 music at a ridiculously cheap price, I think I made the right move!
What really worries me, is that the 265 looks so glossy compared to the 965...wondering if its just the video or if its really that shiny. If so, i'd prefer a MIP display.
Is it possible to control music (ffwd/rwd/vol+/vol-) from a connected smartphone using only physical buttons? At 3:22 it shows a screenshot of music playback, but it's not clear if this is from the onboard watch memory, or from a connected device. It's also not clear what the buttons are mapped to. Thanks for this early and comprehensive review!
Yes please do a Garmin fenix 7s vs forerunner 265s comparison. As a 6s wearer I love the size and trying to figure out where to upgrade. Thanks!
I don’t think there is any comparison between these two models. They serve completely different purposes.
Is there much difference between the forerunner 265 and the 955? I have seen the 955 on sale for $599 AU and for that price I'm tempted to grab that, as the 265 is likely to set me back around $689 AU. personally I like the look of the AMOLED display, but wondering if it's worth the extra money.
Thanks for the review. Imho the 265 is not attractive enough with amoled and training readiness. I was hoping to see wireless charging, because more than one time my watch hardly made contact with the charging cable and I got to get it exchanged.
where is the female perspective, I missed it
Is there a chart that does features to price jump? I only run, follow structured training and have the 245 as an insurance replacement to a stolen 235. If I was buying again, I think the 55 is all I would need (although extra features might be nice)
If they only offered the 9*5 series in s models. 😢 They have all I need, but my 15.5cm wrist is too small for a watch that large.
I had the 965 for 3 months but end up selling it. The size is huge underestimated. I ordered the 265s but I also wished they would make the 965 with an option for a smaller size
Great review. I think you missed the touch screen as a big upgrade from the 255.
Great review
I think the reason Des is getting a bit more battery is he keeps it at 1/3 brightness and says it is fine for him 😎.
So a beautiful amoled but end up keeping the brightness to a minimum to save battery? 🤣
@@matteo.ceriotti By the way, I assume that there is no light meter sensor. Now I won't even go into how good I think it was to put an AMOLED in the Forerunner series (I've written about it a few times above), but if it does, without a light sensor it's just useless.
@@elmarflat728 they are trying to get the apple watch userbase
@@matteo.ceriotti lly shouldn't. Garmin is Garmin and Apple Watch is Apple Watch. I think there are very few people who would hesitate between the two brands.
Unless he is using smaller version. Both models use same battery this time so smaller model has more battery life than bigger version because it has a bigger screen to light up
thanks for the vid...Wireless charging IS what i want..i Always Run Into Trouble with garmins way to Connect cables to the watch for charging...does IT Work flawlessly?
I have the pace 3 but maybe it’s the garmin name but I can’t help but have FOMO of the 265.
Did you pull the trigger?
@ I did and then I ended up back with my pace 3 lol
@@Ennis09 ….any particular reason?
@ yes I much prefer the interface, the ease of use, and I definitely missed the digital scroll wheel and the app to me is far far better than Garmin. Also, the battery life is better on the COROS.
Wait until first week march 2024 and see what garmin has to offer. Save the date guys before pulling the trigger.
The glass has a very slight dome-like curvature that makes it very glary at the edges to me. That display looks awesome otherwise, though for a sports watch I wonder whether the battery life tradeoffs are worth it.
Yeah, I haven't quite figured out why the 265 catches slightly more edge glare than the FR965. The curvature seems identical to me, but the bezel-edge area seems a bit more mat to me on the FR965.
@@Dcrainmaker Gorilla Glass 3 vs DX?
I think these watches are targeted more to those who need a touch and LED screen sport watch than actual athletes. For most people this battery life will be more than sufficient.
@@SS-kg8qw What’s your definition of “an actual athlete”?
@@Dcrainmaker Someone who trains to run competitive marathons, half marathons , triathlons etc.
no thank you to the AMOLED screen, I rather have the long battery life, look at that weird wrist rotate thing.....do they really expect people to rotate their wrist through out the day like that to check the time??? what if I am cooking, holding a cup, typing at work....or someone working outdoor holding a drill.....
Are they the same as 255 GPS chipset ???, If it yes, no need to pay the expensive for 265, I'm not interested in the Amoled screen, I'm just interested only with the 6 data fields with HR gauge.
Thanks so much for the review!!! I've heard a lot of people complaining about Bluetooth connectivity issues when the GPS is on with the Forerunner 255s, does the 265s have the same issue?
Don't even own a 255, but it not getting Training readiness is honestly a disgrace and disrespectuful to anyone who bought it
Hope they change their mind
I wish it had a loudspeaker to speak and pronounce notifications and instructions
I’ve noticed that the elevation data from my 265 is very inaccurate!
My old 235 was much better for elevation.
It’s really obvious on looped runs where it varies wildly for the same spots on each loop! Not sure what to do about it.
Perfect!!! Thanks! Watch is beautiful)
Does anyone have any info on how these amoled screens will hold up against burn-in in the long term?
I'm also a fairly new owner of a 255 music, chosen because I wanted buttons and not touch screen and the transflective, always on display. When I saw the 265 I had a moment of longing, but I soon changed to being happy with my choice. It looks like the wrist-based running dynamics is coming in a future update, and I'm not too fussed about the training readiness as I'm not that serious an athlete. 😁
Now, its a good time for Garmin Forerunner 165 to be released :)
I'm looking forward to hearing your Wife's comparison with her Fenix 7! 😀
Great stuff thanks. Enjoyed the breakdown.
Any chance of speaking a little slower and more normally?
Is the screen curving ? Will it be difficult to place a screen protector ?
The screen protector that I used on my wife's 255 does not work on her new 265. The centre of the protector sticks, but not the edges due to the curvature of the screen.
@@RunnerRemRem oh my. That's what I thought. Thanks anyway.
This could be a good replacement for my 945, not sure if the 965 is worth it besides the better looking metal ring.
maps will be worth it especially when your mobile can't help you out in the mountains or wilderness.
I'm tired of garmin limiting software features on watches with no reason, and punishing they users. And even worse. A really bad support when
You update a firmware, they never answer bug reports , and don't let you downgrade the firmware.
I hope that Apple bring some of the "ultra" features to the standard Apple Watch and improve sport features and I will leave garmin.
Apple won’t bring Ultra features to the normal Apple Watch for the same reason Garmin won’t bring new features to older watches.
@@MartijnPeek Nah, Apple will trickle down some of the Ultra’s features over the next couple of years while still improving the Ultra, the same way they trickle down features from their regular watch into the SE. They will over time eat into Garmins market share.
The issue with this watch are the Bands. If you have sensitive skin and get a dermatitis (relatively common) there is no alternative other than the leather band. The 955 and 965 and all 20mm watches allow a nylon textile band to be used instead. The third party marked motstly constist out of extremely cheap ugly china bands.
265 uses a standard 22mm band - you should be able to switch it out with nearly an unlimited number of options.
Do you get rash from wearing Apple watch?
You and The Girl make a great team!
its on sale at Garmin right now for $349, which is $100 off
I bought the 255 music, around 2 moth ago....it's feel kind a disappointment 😞
Why?
The FR 265 is more expensive tho...
I think the noticeable difference is the Amoled touchscreen and the added training readiness score. It's not worthy of an upgrade if your watch isn't damaged.
I'd love to buy one, but I think I'll wait a bit for the Venu 3
You really think there will be a Venu 3? 🤔
@@tkdshine why wouldn't there be?
@@lenseclipse fair enough. I just hadn't heard any rumblings until now.
@@tkdshine I imagine they will announce it at the end of the year now, maybe January. But Garmin seem very messy with their releases
I currently have the Forerunner 45… no where close to being as advanced as these current watches. The band/screws don’t hold properly and I’ve replaced it 3x now and it currently broken again after 3 days of use. Looking to upgrade maybe to the 265? I own an iPhone but I’ve always owned Garmin watches. What do you think? Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 or look/consider and Apple Watch? Huge purchase so really trying to do my research first.
I have the Apple Watch Ultra and consider switching it for the Garmin 965, still hate the battery life on the Ultra. With WiFi enabled, doing 2 hours of workout and listing to music I only get about 24 hours, but sometimes the battery drains more quickly and after 8 hours it's dead (sometimes process in the background gets hanged or Spotify consumes all the battery). This is the problem with Apple Watches, unless you definitely want a computer on your wrist with smart watch capabilities, your trade off is the battery life. I previously had a Garmin 945LTE and I miss the body battery (quite accurate for me), training readiness, and morning report. Also train with HRV, and Apple Watch Ultra sucks for that and gives me completely random number.
So there you have it, if you care about a Watch for health and sports tracking, buy a Garmin. If you don't mind charging your watch every day and even want to call with your watch, buy an Apple Watch ;)
Seems pretty bullshit that the training readiness features don't get pushed to the 255 series since they are capable of it. Sure the new screen is already enough of a differentiator between models?
Training readiness Will depends on the activity you did the previous day plus stress etc. its better to listen to your body. They call it agile periodisation
Hi Ray is there any chance you do a Heart rate strap comparison for durability, reliability and accuracy. I seem to be replacing mine every 6-12 months, my last one, the Tickr v2 only lasted two weeks.
Tickr straps are a bad joke, went through 3 in 6 months, and none worked consistently for more than a week, losing connection/HR reading being the main issue. Most satisfaction I got was throwing the last one in the bin at the retailer after they offered me another warranty replacement. Back to the basic Garmin strap and happy with it.
Also difference - 255/255s doesnt have touchscreen , 265/265s has :)
Apparently it can be disabled though, so that's good
Love the vibrant screen. Wish they'd go with a square screen though, to show more info.
How does the 265 compare to the 935? Looking to upgrade and wondering if I need to stick with 9 series
Can you test any existing Garmin Connect Apps? How do they behave on these new amoled watches? I wonder if they render correctly, considering the resolution got doubled.
I'm on a vivoactive 3 music.. should I go for the 265 or 255? 🤔🤔🤔
I wonder does the Garmin spec have an error or are the numbers with always on:
265: up to 20 hours in GPS only mode
255: up to 30 hours in GPS only mode
50% less battery life is huge. Or is that really with always on since they don't clarify that anywhere?
That would be 33% less for 265 vs 255 or 50% more for 255 vs 265.
When is that comprehensive video link going to be available?
Great video Ray! Will the 255 also be getting running dynamics other than running power? The cyrstal clear one is ther will be no training readiness for 255, right?
Yes, in next quarterly update for wrist running dynamics. And correct, zero plans for training readiness.
Hi. I have a new Garmin Forerunner 265, and despite turning off the screen activation with the hand movement ("gesture" in the general use options), it keeps turning on. I've tried turning it off and on several times, but after a while it keeps doing it. What can I do? Thank you!
What would you say would be the better watch to go for 955 solar or 265 ?
Is the glare on the screen that strong when you're outside? Fitness tracking on the MIP display on the 255 looks good out in the sun with the white background but the black background on the 265 plus the glare from the screen make it look a little more difficult to read stats despite the brightness.
And that's when it actually manages to stay on :D
The sleep tracking is all over the place for me - my awake time was way way too high
Hi there. Love your videos.
Can you help me, and tell me if when i'm running, in the screen can i see the elevation gain? de D+? Or just when i finish the race and connect to Garmin or Strava, like in my 245?
Thank you vey much!
Garmin understood USB-C wrong. It should go into the watch.
Nah. Those port types don’t do well in athletic devices as they clock up with gunk and eventually corrode. Companies have tried, and failed miserably.
@@Dcrainmaker ah I see, thanks Ray!
Great! What about the Edge 840 or 540?
this 265 or venu plus? which one you guys think is better?
Unified Training Stats sounds like may be a solution to my concern about getting a watch too large to consistently sleep with.
Could I use that feature to wear a very slim watch or other device at night for sleep tracking? Would I need it be a specific device thay has full compatibility with that feature? Any suggestions on a lightweight garmin sleeping device that would allow me to use that feature?
Hi ray great review.
is there option to cancel the tuch screen when i swim?
If all the gps and extra stuff is off, but always on is on, how many days battery life does this give ?
Now that there are touch controls, is there any way to skip forward or backward within a specific song on Spotify? It's killing me that I can't start a podcast from the middle
Can you do a review on garmin eTrex 32x.
How accurate is 265 regarding HR during strength training?
I am thinking of getting a used fr 265 for $260. Still contemplating if its a good deal or not? better deal than a new coros pace 3? Thoughts?
Does it work with UA-cam music?
Any idea why the 265 isn't available on Amazon?
thanks for this video. just a bit of constructive criticism- i find your hands and arms moving around a bit too much and quite distracting. so i just listen to your audio on those parts
My Forerunner 255s beeps for run/walk intervals, but my VivoActive 4s vibrated. What does the 265s do?
Is there a Treadmill Walking activity available yet?
I wish they had that blue color in the 265 s
What would you buy 255+HRMpro or 265??
Do the think the 265 means there won’t be another 7 series as they didn’t make a 755?
Using FR255s from last few months ..grabbed fenix 6 pro solar in crazy 400$ price last week ..n yesterday they launched 265 with amoled.. now feeling stupid n confused what to do..should i return fenix or keep fenix n sale my 255s n in future grab 265 also.. coz fenix is totally different level of class n feel that i can't buy on full mrp where as i can buy FR 265 at full mrp 😅
If I do gym workout mostly and run 2 times a week should I take the 265 or Garmin venu 2 plus?
Wow - what part of Florida? That’s where I am!
@dcrainmaker do you know if onboard wrist based RD will come to the Fenix 7?
you get twice as much music storage (8gb) on the 265 vs the 255 music