Apple Watch Series 9 vs Garmin Forerunner 265
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 9 excels as a comprehensive smartwatch with its bright Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display (484 x 396 resolution), powerful S9 SiP processor, and rich health suite including ECG and skin temperature monitoring. Battery life reaches 18 hours standard or 36 hours in Low Power Mode. Garmin Forerunner 265 targets fitness enthusiasts with exceptional battery longevity,up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours GPS,making it ideal for multi-day adventures. Its AMOLED display and comprehensive sports tracking justify the $50 premium, though it lacks ECG and cellular connectivity. Choose Apple Watch Series 9 for seamless iOS integration, broader app ecosystem, and advanced health features at a lower price. Select Garmin Forerunner 265 if marathon battery life and specialized running metrics matter more than everyday smartwatch versatility.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if…
- →S9 chip enables on-device Siri and the new Double Tap gesture
- →Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, temperature, crash detection
- →Brightest Apple Watch display at up to 2000 nits
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
Apple Watch Series 9
Pros
- S9 chip enables on-device Siri and the new Double Tap gesture
- Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, temperature, crash detection
- Brightest Apple Watch display at up to 2000 nits
- Seamless deep integration with iPhone and Apple ecosystem
- Wide variety of bands and cases for personalization
Cons
- 18-hour battery life requires daily charging
- Only useful if you own an iPhone — no Android support
- Cellular model adds significant ongoing carrier cost
- Incremental upgrade over Series 8 for existing owners
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 | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 38.7 g (aluminum) | 47 g |
| Case material | Aluminum or stainless steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR50 / EN13319 | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hrs, up to 36 hrs Low Power Mode | Up to 13 days (smartwatch), 20 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 45 mm | 46mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 484 x 396 | 416 x 416 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S9 SiP | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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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 Apple products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Garmin Forerunner 265.