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Garmin Forerunner 65 wishlist: All the features I want to see

I'm crossing my fingers for a new device for budget-conscious runners.
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Published onOctober 3, 2024

Garmin Forerunner 55 review watch face display on wrist
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

Garmin’s watches are well known for their durable builds and extensive feature kits, and the Forerunner 55 is no exception. I’d be hard-pressed to recommend another fitness-tracking watch to runners on a budget. With that said, it is aging, and the Forerunner 65 could soon be on its way. Read on to find out every upgrade and change I want to see on a potential Garmin Forerunner 65.

Wallet-friendly pricing

A Garmin Forerunner 55 rests face up on a fence post display its watch face.
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

While it’s always easy to ask for more features, a better build, and upgraded tools, my biggest hope is that the Forerunner 65 remains a ~$200 running watch. I want to see enough improvements to warrant the device’s launch, but I don’t want to see any customers priced out of the Forerunner family. Fortunately, Garmin doesn’t typically raise its prices significantly beyond what shoppers might expect with market inflation.

A colorful facelift

The Forerunner 265 features a colorful AMOLED display that could be added to the Forerunner 65.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

My go-to wish for the Forerunner 55 is an AMOLED display. I was thrilled to see this upgrade added to the Forerunner 165, 265, and the 965. However, I understand the 65 is meant to be a lower-priced wearable and, as such, may not be able to offer an elevated display while still keeping a low price point. If the device doesn’t see an AMOLED upgrade, I hope Garmin improves the line’s MIP display with higher resolution. The Forerunner 55 looks quite dated with its pixelated screen. I don’t mind the line’s lack of a touchscreen because buttons are easier to use during sweaty runs, but I’d be happy to see a jump in display size.

Improved sleep tracking

Garmin Forerunner 55 review body battery graph
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

Another feature of the Forerunner 55 that could be improved is sleep tracking. The device didn’t always capture overnight wake time during our review period. I would love for the next generation to iron out these hiccups and provide the same level of sleep data as other devices from Garmin’s stable. I’d be particularly impressed to see the automatic nap detection the company introduced on the Venu 3.

More Garmin training tools

Garmin's more expensive Forerunners feature a bevy of tools we'd like to see make their way to the Forerunner 65.
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Since the Forerunner 55’s launch, Garmin dropped a bundle of training features ranging from Hill Score and Endurance Score to Training Readiness. I’d love to see some of these features trickle down to the company’s most affordable running watch. To be clear, the Forerunner 55 isn’t short on tools for athletes. The device offers everything from PacePro and daily suggested workouts to race predictions and women’s health tracking. I fully expect all of the 55’s offerings to reach the 65. I’m simply a huge fan of Garmin’s toolkit and am excited to get access to every training advantage I can. As far as sensors, I expect the same high-level GPS and heart rate accuracy I’ve grown to expect from Garmin watches. I wouldn’t be disappointed to see music storage added in as well.

Multiple case sizes

A Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3S rest face down, each displaying their sensor packages.
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Inclusivity is a key facet of wearable tech that Garmin typically nails. We’ve seen more and more of the brand’s lineups offer multiple case sizes to provide a better fit for all customers. The Forerunner 55 is only available in a single 42mm build, despite the Forerunner 45 offering two sizes. I’m hoping Garmin brings more selection back to the next generation.

Which upgrade do you want to see most on the Garmin Forerunner 65?

244 votes

Will there be a Garmin Forerunner 65?

Garmin Forerunner 55 review cadence alert running
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

The Forerunner family is an extremely popular collection of wearables, with a device for shoppers at every price point. The 55 is still a great device, but it’s starting to show its age, especially regarding display quality. I can’t imagine Garmin abandoning its budget-conscious fan base and discontinuing updates to the lower tier. While the launch schedule for Garmin’s cheapest Forerunners hasn’t been especially regular, we’ve grown to expect a new generation about every two years or so, yet we’re already well past that time frame. I have not yet heard any information about the device going into production, but will keep this hub updated with any rumors or leaks.

Should you wait for the Garmin Forerunner 65?

A user reviews the sport profiles not their Garmin Forerunner 55.
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Garmin Forerunner 55

It’s always hard to recommend that readers wait for a device that hasn’t been officially announced (or even unofficially). With so little to go on, it’s impossible to say how long it will be before you can get your hands on a Forerunner 65. There’s no doubt in my mind that if the device lands, it will be well worth purchasing, but the best wearable is always the one helping you achieve fitness goals right now.

If you want a sub-$200 running watch today, the Forerunner 55 ($199.99 at Amazon) is my current recommendation. It packs tons of training tools and highly accurate GPS tracking. If you can spring for the Forerunner 165 ($249.99 at Garmin), I love the device’s AMOLED display and upgraded fitness platform. Meanwhile, Garmin also released the Venu 3 ($449.99 at Amazon), for anyone looking for more features beyond fitness tracking.

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