Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
The Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 265 excels for dedicated fitness tracking with industry-leading battery life up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours GPS tracking, plus SpO2 monitoring and comprehensive training metrics. Google Pixel Watch 1st Gen offers superior everyday smartwatch functionality with Wear OS 3.5, ECG capability, cellular connectivity, and a higher resolution 450x450 AMOLED display, though battery life maxes out at 24 hours. Forerunner 265 weighs 47g versus Pixel Watch's 36g. Price difference favors Pixel Watch at $349 versus $449. Choose Forerunner 265 if fitness tracking and battery longevity are priorities, or Pixel Watch if you need full smartwatch features, cellular independence, and Google ecosystem integration.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) if…
- →Beautiful domed glass design with smooth pebble-like aesthetic
- →Deep Fitbit integration for health tracking and premium features
- →Smooth Wear OS 3.5 with native Google Maps and Google Wallet
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
Pros
- Beautiful domed glass design with smooth pebble-like aesthetic
- Deep Fitbit integration for health tracking and premium features
- Smooth Wear OS 3.5 with native Google Maps and Google Wallet
- Accurate heart rate and SpO2 tracking with ECG support
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear at 36 g
Cons
- 24-hour battery life barely lasts a full day with active use
- Thick bezels reduce the usable screen area
- Exynos 9110 is an older chip that can feel laggy
- Only one 41mm size option — too small for many users
- No offline Google Maps navigation at launch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Wear OS 3.5 by Google |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 47 g | 36 g (without band) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Recycled stainless steel with domed Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 13 days (smartwatch), 20 hrs GPS | Up to 24 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm (1.3 inches) | 41mm |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, DCI-P3, Always-On |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Samsung Exynos 9110 with Cortex-M33 co-processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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 Garmin products or all Google products. View full details for the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen).