Garmin Forerunner 265 vs TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
The Verdict
Both watches excel at fitness tracking with AMOLED displays and solid 5ATM water resistance, but they take different approaches. The Garmin Forerunner 265 delivers a lighter 47g design with exceptional battery longevity: 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours during continuous GPS workouts. Its fiber-reinforced polymer case keeps weight minimal, ideal for runners prioritizing minimal wrist burden. The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro counters with a larger 48mm display (466 x 466 pixels versus 416 x 416), practical skin temperature monitoring, and a revolutionary dual-display system that extends battery to 90 hours in Smart Mode or 45 days in Essential Mode. Its stainless steel construction feels more premium, though adds 3g weight. The Forerunner 265 runs Garmin's purpose-built OS with Connect IQ apps, making it superior for serious runners and triathletes. The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro offers Wear OS 3.5, providing broader third-party app compatibility and Google integration, plus more comprehensive health sensors. At $100 cheaper, the TicWatch represents exceptional value with its dual-screen battery solution and larger display. For runners wanting pure performance with minimal weight, choose the Forerunner 265. For users wanting versatility, better displays, and extreme battery life without sacrificing features, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro edges ahead.
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 TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro if…
- →Dual display system — 90-hour smart mode or 45-day essential mode
- →Full Wear OS with Google Play Store, Maps, and Google Assistant
- →Snapdragon W5+ chip delivers smooth performance for a Wear OS watch
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
TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro
Pros
- Dual display system — 90-hour smart mode or 45-day essential mode
- Full Wear OS with Google Play Store, Maps, and Google Assistant
- Snapdragon W5+ chip delivers smooth performance for a Wear OS watch
- NFC for Google Wallet and contactless payments
- Military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability
Cons
- No ECG monitoring despite the health-focused positioning
- Bulky at 48 mm — too large for small wrists
- Wear OS 3.5 — not the latest Wear OS 4
- Mobvoi's app ecosystem is less polished than Samsung or Google
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Wear OS 3.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 47 g | 44.3 g (without strap) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless steel and high-strength nylon |
| 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 90 hrs (Smart Mode), 45 days (Essential Mode) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm (1.3 inches) | 48 mm (1.43 inches) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED + FSTN dual display |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 466 x 466 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
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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 Mobvoi products. View full details for the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.