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Head-to-head · smartwatch vs sportwatch

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Garmin Forerunner 165

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (2023, listed at $249) and Garmin Forerunner 165 (2024, listed at $249) are different kinds of watch: a smartwatch and a sport watch. That changes what you give up for what you get.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
smartwatch

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

Best-value Apple Watch — core fitness, calls and Apple Pay without the ECG/SpO2 premium.

$249list price
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Full specs
Garmin Forerunner 165
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 165

Most affordable Garmin AMOLED runner — training readiness, race predictor and morning report.

$249list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Garmin
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) wins on weight (33 g vs 39 g); Garmin Forerunner 165 wins on battery life (11 days vs 1.2 days).

Check your phone first. The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) works with iPhone only; the Garmin Forerunner 165 works with both iPhone and Android. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.

Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (1 to 1). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Garmin Forerunner 165 specifications
SpecApple Watch SE (2nd gen)Garmin Forerunner 165
Battery (rated)1.2 days11 days
Weight33 g39 g
List price$249$249
Water rating5ATM5ATM
Tracked features44
Case size44 mm43 mm
DisplayOLEDAMOLED
Works withiPhone onlyboth iPhone and Android
Listed best foreveryday wellness, gym and strength work and runningrunning
Released20232024

Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.

Feature overlap

Both have (2)

  • built-in GPS
  • swim tracking

Only Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (2)

  • on-device music
  • contactless payments

Only Garmin Forerunner 165 (2)

  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • AMOLED display

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) if…

  • You want a lighter watch: 33 g vs 39 g.
  • You need on-device music and contactless payments, which the Garmin Forerunner 165 does not list.
  • Your main use is everyday wellness and gym and strength work: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 165 is not.

Skip it if…

  • • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
  • • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.2 days per charge.

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 11 days per charge vs 1.2 days.
  • You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂) and AMOLED display, which the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not list.
  • You use an Android phone: the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not pair with it.
  • You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).
  • You want a bright AMOLED screen.

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Garmin Forerunner 165?

The Garmin Forerunner 165 has the longer rated battery life: about 11 days per charge against 1.2 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Garmin Forerunner 165?

They have the same list price ($249) in our database. Check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Garmin Forerunner 165 work with iPhone and Android?

Check your phone first. The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) works with iPhone only; the Garmin Forerunner 165 works with both iPhone and Android. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.

Which is better for swimming, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Garmin Forerunner 165?

Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.

Not sure either is right for you?

Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.

Take the free quiz

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