Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023, listed at $449) and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025, listed at $329) are different kinds of watch: a sport watch and a smartwatch. That changes what you give up for what you get.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin Forerunner 265
Mid-range runner's pick — bright AMOLED, training load focus, race predictor.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Galaxy AI on the wrist — antioxidant index, vascular load, brighter 3,000-nit AMOLED.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 265 wins on battery life (13 days vs 1.7 days); Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 wins on weight (34 g vs 47 g), price ($329 vs $449) and tracked features (7 vs 5).
Check your phone first. The Garmin Forerunner 265 works with both iPhone and Android; the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Bottom line: on raw specs the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 leads 3 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 13 days | 1.7 days |
| Weight | 47 g | 34 g |
| List price | $449 | $329 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 7 |
| Case size | 46 mm | 44 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | Android only |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | everyday wellness, health tracking, gym and strength work and running |
| Released | 2023 | 2025 |
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 (5)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Garmin Forerunner 265 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2)
- ECG
- contactless payments
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 13 days per charge vs 1.7 days.
- Your main use is multisport and triathlon: it is listed for that and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is not.
- You use an Android phone: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 does not pair with it.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Pick the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $120 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 34 g vs 47 g.
- You need ECG and contactless payments, which the Garmin Forerunner 265 does not list.
- Your main use is everyday wellness, health tracking and gym and strength work: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 265 is not.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2023).
Skip it if…
- • You use an iPhone — it needs an Android phone for full features.
- • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.7 days per charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?
The Garmin Forerunner 265 has the longer rated battery life: about 13 days per charge against 1.7 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has the lower list price: $329 against $449 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 work with iPhone and Android?
Check your phone first. The Garmin Forerunner 265 works with both iPhone and Android; the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?
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 quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Garmin Forerunner 265
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.
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