Okay, so I’ve been rocking a Garmin Forerunner 55 for a while now, and it’s been a solid buddy for my runs. But lately, I’ve been eyeing that shiny new Forerunner 265. The AMOLED screen is just chef’s kiss, and I was itching to see if the other upgrades were worth the jump. So, I did what any reasonable person would do: I got my hands on a 265 and took it for a spin… literally.
First Impressions
Unboxing the 265, I was immediately struck by how much lighter it felt than my 55. It’s noticeably slimmer too. Putting it on, it just felt… nicer. More premium. My 55 feels a bit clunky in comparison now, to be honest.
Then there’s that screen. Oh, that screen! The 55’s display is fine, it’s readable in sunlight, but the 265’s AMOLED is in a whole different league. The colors pop, everything is crisp, and it just makes the whole experience of using the watch so much more enjoyable. Even just scrolling through the menus felt fancy.
Getting Started: Setting it Up
Setting up the 265 was pretty straightforward. I already had the Garmin Connect app, so it was just a matter of pairing the new watch. It took a few minutes to download some updates and sync everything, but nothing too painful. I did spend a bit of time customizing the watch faces and data screens. I mean, with that AMOLED display, you gotta make it look good, right?
Hitting the Road: My First Run
My first run with the 265 was… interesting. I decided to wear both watches, one on each wrist, to get a direct comparison. I felt a little silly, but hey, science! (Or, you know, something like that.)
Right away, I appreciated the 265’s quicker GPS lock. My 55 can sometimes take a minute or two to find a signal, especially if I’m in a new area. The 265 seemed to lock on almost instantly. One point for the new guy.
During the run, I kept glancing at both watches. The data was pretty consistent between the two, which was reassuring. Pace, distance, heart rate – all pretty much in sync. But again, that AMOLED screen on the 265 made it so much easier and more pleasant to check my stats mid-run. It’s just so much clearer, especially in bright sunlight.
Exploring the Features: More Than Just a Screen
After a few runs, I started digging into the 265’s other features. I played around with the Training Readiness score, which is supposed to tell you how prepared you are for a workout. It seemed pretty accurate, reflecting how I was feeling based on my sleep and recent activity. The 55 doesn’t have that.
- Morning Report: I really liked the Morning Report feature. It gives you a quick overview of your sleep, HRV (heart rate variability), and the day’s weather. It’s a nice way to start the day.
- Music storage: My old 55 require my phone for music. So annoying!
- Battery Life: Honestly it is not very different for me.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
So, after a couple of weeks of using both watches, here’s my take: The Forerunner 265 is definitely a step up from the 55. The AMOLED screen is the biggest difference, and it’s a game-changer. But it’s not just about the looks. The faster GPS, the added training metrics, and the overall snappier performance make it a more enjoyable and useful watch to use.
Is it worth the upgrade? That depends. If you’re perfectly happy with your 55 and don’t care about the fancy screen or extra features, then stick with it. It’s still a great watch. But if you’re looking for a more premium experience and appreciate those extra bells and whistles, then the 265 is definitely worth considering. For me, personally? I think I’m making the switch. That screen has won me over.