ConsFirst / Smartwatches & fitness trackers / Compare
Google Pixel Watch 4 vs Garmin Forerunner 165
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Google Pixel Watch 4 ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on smart features, durability. Garmin Forerunner 165 wins on battery life, fitness tracking.
The biggest complaint about the Google Pixel Watch 4 is battery and value split owners; for the Garmin Forerunner 165 it's key training features held back. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | Garmin Forerunner 165 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smartwatches & fitness trackers | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Smartwatch | Sports watch |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 5% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.6 |
| Battery life | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Fitness tracking | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Smart features | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–350 · $$$ over $350. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Google Pixel Watch 4
- Battery and value split owners
Amazon's review summary says battery life and value for money get mixed reviews, with some owners saying the battery only lasts a couple of days and others saying it isn't worth the price. Tom's Guide, by contrast, got close to 60 hours on the 45 mm model.
- Heart-rate accuracy questioned
Amazon's review summary says customers disagree on how accurate the heart-rate tracking is. Tom's Guide calls the fitness and health updates incremental.
- New charger, and SOS only on LTE
Tom's Guide lists incompatibility with older chargers as a con, along with satellite SOS messaging being limited to the pricier LTE models.
Garmin Forerunner 165
- Key training features held back
Android Central lists the missing Training Load and Training Status as a con, saying Garmin reserves them, along with Training Readiness and multisport profiles, for the pricier Forerunner 265.
Source: Android Central review - Confusing at first and fiddly pairing
Amazon's summary calls the interface mixed, with some owners saying it isn't intuitive. Low-star Walmart reviews say it has too many buttons to figure out, Bluetooth pairing isn't user-friendly, and it came without instructions. Android Central says the button layout has a learning curve.
- Plain plastic build, limited smarts, extra costs
Android Central dislikes the plastic, button-heavy look and the glass, which isn't Gorilla Glass. It says the watch feels substandard next to full smartwatches, and music storage and Wi-Fi cost extra. A Walmart reviewer complains about needing an adapter to charge.
Who should pick which
Pick the Google Pixel Watch 4 if
Android users on any brand of phone
Two days between charges (45 mm)
People who want a repairable watch (replaceable battery and screen)
Skip it if: You use an iPhone; You want satellite SOS without paying for LTE; You want to reuse an older Pixel Watch charger
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if
Runners who want Garmin coaching on a budget
Accurate GPS distance and pace
Over a week between charges
Skip it if: You want apps, voice assistants or a full smartwatch; You track Training Load or train for triathlons; You want music without paying for the Music edition
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