The new Forerunner 165 Series is here, with Garmin’s latest GPS-powered smartwatch bringing plenty of functionality and a long battery life. 

The Forerunner 165 – available in both standard and Music specifications – incorporates a 1.2-inch AMOLED display through which you’ll access training data, activity data for situations such as trail running and open water swimming, and even sleep reports. 

Switch to the Forerunner 165 Music model and you’ll be able to download music from Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music accounts to allow you to listen phone-free with wireless headphones. You can use headphones to listen to audio prompts, too, be that for guided workouts or high-performance alerts issued directly from the smartwatch. 

Ensuring that it can still deliver as an out-and-out smartwatch, the Forerunner 165 can also sort contactless payments via Garmin Pay. Garmin says that the Forerunner 165 will manage 11 days of battery life, too, or up to 19 hours in full GPS mode. This is the same with both standard and Music versions, too. 

Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales, said: “Whether you’re looking to complete your first 5K or set a new PR, the Forerunner 165 Series is here to help you through every step of your running journey. 

“With personalised training plans, advanced running and recovery metrics, and 24/7 wellness monitoring, these user-friendly smartwatches include impressive tools to help you cross the finish line.” 

Around-the-clock wellness tracking is a key feature of the Forerunner 165, as it’s able to monitor heart rate as well as sleep and stress levels. A fitness age system can estimate how fit runners are compared to their actual age, too. 

When linked to compatible Android or iPhone smartphones the Forerunner 165 can receive texts, emails and other alerts. Plus, when added to the Garmin Connect smartphone app, the Forerunner 165 can message a pre-selected emergency contact if an incident is detected. 

The new Forerunner 165 comes in at a value-focused £249.99, while you’re only paying slightly more – £289.99 – the Forerunner 165 Music.