Versus Matchup · Reviewed by Sanjiv Sathiah, Managing Editor
A head-to-head wearable comparison of critic scores, GPS & sensor accuracy, battery endurance, value pressure, and buyer fit.
Carries the stronger blended case on critic score (88), value score (100), and release longevity.
Suunto Race S
Shrinking the flagship Suunto Race down to a trim 45mm case and 53–60g weight, the Suunto Race S is a triumph for smaller wrists and trail runners. It upgrades to a more accurate optical heart-rate sensor array while retaining 32GB of free offline outdoor maps, dual-band L1+L5 GNSS, and a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen at an aggressive $349 price point.
Garmin Forerunner 165
The Garmin Forerunner 165 democratizes Garmin's modern running experience, bringing a crisp 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 5-button physical lap controls, barometric altimeter, and adaptive Garmin Coach race plans down to $249. While it omits dual-frequency L1+L5 GNSS and Training Readiness to protect the Forerunner 265, its 11-day battery life and 39-gram comfort make it the best entry-level running watch available.
| Metric | Suunto Race S | Garmin Forerunner 165 |
|---|---|---|
| Critic MetaScore | 88/100 | 88/100 |
| Value Score | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Typical Street Price | $349 | $249 |
| Category | GPS & Running Watches | GPS & Running Watches |
| Key Hardware / Sensors | Compact 45mm AMOLED / Offline maps / Dual-band GPS | 1.2-inch AMOLED / Adaptive Race Plans / 11-day battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 days daily smartwatch mode / 30 hrs Performance dual-band GNSS / 120 hrs Tour mode | Up to 11 days smartwatch mode / up to 19 hrs GPS-only / 17 hrs all-systems GNSS |
| Sensors & GPS | Updated Suunto optical HR array, HRV recovery, SpO2, barometric altimeter, dual-band GNSS | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 optical HR, HRV status, Pulse Ox, barometric altimeter, multi-GNSS |
| Display | 1.32-inch (466x466) high-contrast AMOLED touchscreen + Digital Crown | 1.2-inch (390x390) AMOLED touchscreen + 5 traditional runner buttons |
| Case & Lens Glass | 45mm glass-fiber polyamide case (60g stainless steel / 53g titanium), Gorilla Glass | 43mm ultralight polymer case (39g), chemically strengthened glass |
| Water & Dive Rating | 50m water resistance (5 ATM) | 5 ATM (50m swimproof) |
| Platform & Storage | Suunto OS (32GB free global offline outdoor maps, climb guidance, 95+ sport modes) | Garmin OS (Garmin Coach, Race Adaptive Training Plans, Morning Report, Garmin Pay) |
| Phone Compatibility | iOS & Android via Suunto App | iOS & Android via Garmin Connect |
| Release Age | 2y 5m old | 2y 8m old |
| Consensus | 88/100 | 88/100 |
| Buying Verdict | Best value | Best value |
Suunto Race S takes the overall recommendation on Smartwatchify (88 MetaScore vs 88), while Garmin Forerunner 165 remains a strong option depending on street price ($249) and ecosystem preference.
Suunto Race S is listed around $349 (100/100 value score), whereas Garmin Forerunner 165 is listed around $249 (100/100 value score). Check live Amazon and B&H Photo offers as wearable discounts frequently shift the value winner.
Choose Suunto Race S for the stronger all-around critic consensus and sensor longevity, or pick Garmin Forerunner 165 if its battery life, form factor, or current deal price fits your priorities better.
Managing Editor
Sanjiv is a veteran technology journalist and the Managing Editor across our network. With over 15 years of experience writing and reviewing consumer electronics, his bylines have appeared in top-tier tech publications including MacNN, Electronista, SlashGear, and Notebook Check. His deep industry knowledge and authoritative, buyer-focused insights drive our "Editor's Verdict" recommendations, ensuring you cut through the noise and buy the right tech.