Garmin Forerunner 265 has more running-focused features, while Galaxy Watch 7 is more versatile and offers a good balance between health monitoring, fitness tracking, communication, and innovative AI features. We recommend the Forerunner 265 for serious runners and racers, while the Galaxy Watch 7 is better suited for those seeking a more well-rounded smartwatch experience.
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Forerunner 265: The Versatile or The Focused?
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Garmin Forerunner 265 are two of the top smartwatches on the market, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities. Which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's compare the key features and capabilities of these two smartwatches to help you decide.
Key Takeaways
Garmin Forerunner 265 has more running-focused features, while Galaxy Watch 7 is more versatile and offers a good balance between health monitoring, fitness tracking, communication, and innovative AI features. We recommend the Forerunner 265 for serious runners and racers, while the Galaxy Watch 7 is better suited for those seeking a more well-rounded smartwatch experience.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Smart & Robust Smartwatch
✓ Galaxy AI
✓ ECG, BIA, Skin Temperature
✓ On-Wrist Calling, Texting, and Music
✓ Camera Control
Garmin Forerunner 265
Smartwatch For Serious Runners
✓ 1.3” AMOLED
✓ Advanced Training Metrics
✓ Garmin Coach & PacePro
✓ Multi-Band GPS with SatIQ
#1 Price
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 ranges from US$299 to US$379 depending on the size and connectivity options. The most affordable $299 model is the 40mm Bluetooth and WiFi-only variant. The most expensive $379 model is the 44mm version with LTE connectivity.
Garmin Forerunner 265 is more expensive, priced at US$449 for any size and color option, making it a more premium offering compared to the Galaxy Watch 7. When comparing the two models, it is now a question whether the additional features and capabilities of the Garmin Forerunner 265 justify its higher price tag.
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Forerunner 265
Garmin Forerunner 265 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. The 42mm variant is called the Forerunner 265S, which has a slightly different physical specs compared to the 46mm Forerunner 265 model. However, both variants feature a high-resolution AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it a durable and visually appealing smartwatch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 offers a more sophisticated Super AMOLED display. It comes in two size variants, 40mm and 44m, two of which have a higher resolution screen than the Garmin Forerunner 265. The watch also features Sapphire Crystal Glass, which is not only scratch-resistant but adds a premium look and feel to the device.
While both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Forerunner 265 have the same 5 ATM water rating that makes them safe for swimming and other water activities, the Galaxy Watch 7 also boasts MIL-STD-810H certification for military-grade durability
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep tracking are some common health and fitness features shared by both watches. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has an edge when it comes to advanced health monitoring capabilities, as it includes an ECG sensor that can detect atrial fibrillation and a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor that can measure body composition like body fat, skeletal muscle, and other metrics.
Sleep-tracking features are also more sophisticated in the Galaxy Watch 7, with skin temperature tracking and Sleep Apnea detection support which can provide more detailed insights into your sleep quality. While the Forerunner 265 lacks these two features, its sleep-tracking capabilities are still robust, providing detailed sleep stages analysis and other sleep metrics.
The advantage the Forerunner 265 has over the Galaxy Watch 7 is more apparent in terms of running and fitness-focused features. Garmin Forerunner 265 has around 57 built-in sports, including a variety of running activities such as Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, and Virtual Running.
The watch also supports triathlons and includes extensive running metrics and features like running dynamics, running power, PacePro Pacing Strategies, Race Predictor, Garmin Coach, and more.
For certain activities like cardio, pilates, strength, and more, the Forerunner 265 also supports on-screen workout animations and on-screen workout muscle maps. Both features help guide users through exercises and track their form.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Running activities tracked by the Galaxy Watch 7 are more limited, only supporting Running, Treadmill, and Track Running. Specific features and metrics for running and training are also not as advanced as what the Garmin Forerunner 265 offers for serious runners and athletes. However, the Galaxy Watch 7 can track more than 100 workouts of different kinds, including golfing and surfing which the Forerunner 265 doesn't offer.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 also introduces a new Energy Score feature. Powered by the Galaxy AI, Energy Score analyzes your daily activities, sleep, and heart rate data to provide a daily energy level score, helping you better understand your physical readiness and manage your daily routines accordingly.
It is comparable to the well-regarded Body Battery Energy Monitoring feature of the Garmin Forerunner 265. The difference is that while Garmin displays the energy level dynamics more comprehensively throughout the day, Samsung only provides a single daily energy score based on yesterday's data.
#4 Smartwatch Features
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Garmin Forerunner 265 has no built-in speaker and microphone for on-wrist calling and requires a connected phone to be nearby for receiving notifications. Replying to text is also only supported in Android phones, so connectivity is more limited compared to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has a built-in speaker and microphone, so it supports on-wrist calling and voice assistant integration. Variants with LTE connectivity also allow phone-free calling and texting, so users can stay connected even when their smartphone is not nearby.
Another interesting feature of the Galaxy Watch 7 is Suggested Replies, which uses Galaxy AI to provide relevant quick replies for incoming messages, making communication more convenient. Meanwhile, quick replies in the Forerunner 265 are pre-set and less contextual.
Both watches also support music playback, but the Forerunner 265 has no built-in speakers, so users must rely on connected Bluetooth headphones for audio. With the Galaxy Watch 7, users can enjoy music playback directly on the watch's built-in speaker.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has another advantage with its Remote Cam Controller feature, allowing users to control the camera of a compatible smartphone remotely from the watch. Garmin Forerunner 265 lacks such a capability.
#5 Battery & Charging
Garmin Forerunner 265
Samsung claims the Galaxy Watch 7 lasts for up to 60 hours in normal use with the always-on display, 48 hours in exercise power-saving mode with GPS on, and 100 hours in power-saving mode.
Meanwhile, Garmin Forerunner 265 claims up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS-only mode. The watch also features SatIQ technology, which can determine the best GPS mode to use to optimize both the location-tracking accuracy and battery life.
When it comes to charging, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is more convenient, supporting wireless charging that allows users to quickly top up the battery without the need for a dedicated charging cable. Meanwhile, the Forerunner 265 still uses a standard USB-C charging.
#6 Compatibility
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
While Garmin Forerunner 265 is compatible with iOS and Android phones, the Galaxy Watch 7 is only compatible with Android, limiting its usability for iPhone users.
In addition, some features of the Galaxy Watch 7 require certain Galaxy phones. For example, Energy Score is only accessible in Galaxy models that offer Galaxy AI, such as the Galaxy S and Z series. That means, not all Android phone users and Samsung Galaxy users will be able to fully utilize all the features of the Galaxy Watch 7.
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Forerunner 265
Final Thoughts
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Garmin Forerunner 265 is the clear winner for serious runners and athletes due to its more comprehensive suite of running-specific features and metrics.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch 7 offers a more well-rounded smartwatch experience with advanced health monitoring, robust fitness tracking, sophisticated connectivity features, and innovative AI capabilities, making it a better choice for those seeking a versatile wearable device that can handle both fitness and everyday smartwatch tasks.
Ultimately, the answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. Do you prioritize a more feature-rich and versatile smartwatch experience or a dedicated running-focused device?
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Venu 3
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Fitbit Sense 2
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2
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