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Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
Which product has fewer dealbreakers? Side-by-side risk analysis based on real user complaints.
7/10High Risk
Garmin Forerunner 165
High Risk
~$249.98as of Mar 2026
Full ReportCheck Price on Amazon(paid link)
WINNER
8/10High Risk
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
High Risk
~$198.60as of Mar 2026
Full ReportCheck Price on Amazon(paid link)
At a Glance
| Metric | Garmin Forerunner 165 | Samsung Galaxy Watch FE |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Dealbreakers | 5 | 4 |
| Critical Issues | 2 | 2 |
| Longevity Score | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Resale Value | Low | Low |
| Priceapprox. | ~$249.98 | ~$198.60 |
Dealbreakers Comparison
Garmin Forerunner 165
Faulty GPS
HIGH severity
HR Monitor Lies
HIGH severity
Battery Scam
MED severity
Sweat Screen
MED severity
Skin Irritation
LOW severity
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
Outdated Hardware
HIGH severity
Limited Storage
MED severity
Scratch-Prone Screen
MED severity
Inaccurate Health Metrics
HIGH severity
Our Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 fails runners with unreliable GPS and heart rate tracking, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE disappoints with outdated hardware and inaccurate health metrics. If you prioritize fitness accuracy, both watches have critical flaws, but the Galaxy Watch FE at least offers better smartwatch features for the price. Neither is ideal, but the Galaxy Watch FE is the lesser evil for casual users who can overlook its performance issues.
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