Amazfit Bip 5 vs Garmin Forerunner 265
The Verdict
Both smartwatches excel in fitness tracking and durability, but serve different budgets. Amazfit Bip 5 delivers exceptional value with a massive 10-day battery life, lightweight 26g design, and essential health monitoring (SpO2, heart rate, sleep tracking) via Zepp OS. Its 1.91-inch IPS LCD display offers ample screen real estate at 320x380 resolution with always-on capability. Garmin Forerunner 265 commands a premium price ($449 vs $89) with superior AMOLED display technology, higher resolution (416x416), additional connectivity (NFC and Wi-Fi), and stronger fitness software for serious athletes. Battery longevity favors Garmin (13 days smartwatch, 20 hours GPS) despite weighing 47g. For casual fitness enthusiasts and everyday wear, Amazfit Bip 5 offers remarkable value with solid fundamentals. Serious runners requiring advanced training metrics and Garmin's ecosystem should invest in Forerunner 265.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit Bip 5 if…
- →Incredibly affordable at $89 for a GPS smartwatch
- →10-day battery life from a large 1.91-inch display watch
- →Built-in GPS for run and walk tracking
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…
- →Vibrant AMOLED display is a massive upgrade over the 255's MIP screen
- →Training Readiness and Morning Report provide actionable fitness insights
- →Multi-band GPS delivers extremely accurate pace and distance tracking
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Amazfit Bip 5
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $89 for a GPS smartwatch
- 10-day battery life from a large 1.91-inch display watch
- Built-in GPS for run and walk tracking
- 120+ sport modes cover most activities
- SpO2 and heart rate monitoring at budget pricing
Cons
- IPS LCD display — no AMOLED vibrancy or deep blacks
- Polycarbonate build feels cheap compared to metal alternatives
- No NFC, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity
- Zepp OS app ecosystem is very limited
Garmin Forerunner 265
Pros
- Vibrant AMOLED display is a massive upgrade over the 255's MIP screen
- Training Readiness and Morning Report provide actionable fitness insights
- Multi-band GPS delivers extremely accurate pace and distance tracking
- 13-day battery with AMOLED is exceptional — best in its class
- Race Widget helps plan pacing strategy for upcoming events
Cons
- No built-in maps — only breadcrumb trail navigation
- No music storage on the base model (265 Music has it)
- No cellular connectivity — phone required for notifications
- Proprietary charging cable is easy to forget when traveling
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit Bip 5 | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26 g (without strap) | 47 g |
| Case material | Polycarbonate | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Skin temperature | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 days (typical usage) | Up to 13 days (smartwatch), 20 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 45.4 mm (1.91 inches) | 46mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 320 x 380 | 416 x 416 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Huami proprietary | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Amazfit products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Amazfit Bip 5 or the Garmin Forerunner 265.