The Ultimate Running Watch Rumble: Coros Pace 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 165

So, you're a runner, right? You crave that perfect companion for your miles, one that's reliable, insightful, and frankly, doesn't break the bank. But with so many options flooding the market, particularly in that sweet spot where affordability meets serious functionality, picking the right one can feel like a marathon in itself. Well, fret no more, because I’ve done the legwork for you, strapping on two of the newest and most exciting mid-range GPS running watches: the Coros Pace 4 and the Garmin Forerunner 165. And let me tell you, it was quite the showdown!

Both of these watches hit the scene recently, aiming squarely at that sweet spot for runners who want solid performance without shelling out flagship prices. On one side, we have the Coros Pace 4, a watch that builds on Coros' reputation for robust GPS, incredible battery life, and serious training metrics. Then, there's the Garmin Forerunner 165, Garmin's latest entry-level AMOLED running watch, promising vibrant displays, smart features, and the ever-reliable Garmin ecosystem. Honestly, choosing between them felt a bit like splitting hairs at times, but trust me, there are clear distinctions once you start really using them.

Let's kick things off with what you actually see on your wrist: the display and overall aesthetics. The Garmin Forerunner 165 immediately impresses with its beautiful AMOLED screen. Colors pop, details are crisp, and it just feels a bit more premium, especially for daily wear. It's lovely for glancing at notifications or just checking the time. The Coros Pace 4, on the other hand, likely sticks with a transflective MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) display. While not as vibrant indoors, these screens are absolutely fantastic in direct sunlight – the brighter it is, the clearer your data becomes, which is a huge plus for outdoor runners. In terms of comfort, both are surprisingly light and unobtrusive, but the Garmin felt a touch more 'everyday smartwatch' to me, while the Coros leaned a bit more into that 'purpose-built sports tool' vibe. Neither is a fashion statement, necessarily, but both are perfectly wearable.

Now, onto the meat and potatoes for any runner: GPS and heart rate accuracy. This is where the rubber meets the road, or should I say, where the data hits the app. Coros has built its reputation on phenomenal GPS tracking, and the Pace 4 continues that trend. I found its distance tracking to be consistently spot-on, even in challenging environments like tree-covered trails or city streets with tall buildings. It locks onto a signal quickly and reliably, which is exactly what you want when you're itching to start your run. The Garmin Forerunner 165 also performed admirably. Garmin’s GPS is generally very good, and I didn't notice any significant discrepancies that would throw off my training. For heart rate, both watches utilize optical sensors, and for steady-state running, they were both reliable enough for tracking zones. For high-intensity interval training, like any wrist-based sensor, they occasionally had a minor lag, but nothing that made me question my overall effort.

And speaking of staying powered, let's talk battery life. This is often where Coros really shines, and the Pace 4 is no exception. It's practically a marathoner itself when it comes to battery life, offering weeks of general use and dozens of hours with GPS active. For ultra-runners or those who simply detest daily charging, this is a massive win. The Garmin Forerunner 165, with its power-hungry AMOLED screen, understandably can't quite keep up. While it still offers very respectable battery life for a watch in its class – easily lasting several days and providing ample GPS time for most runs – you'll definitely be reaching for the charger more often than with the Coros. Let's be real, a watch that dies halfway through your long run is just... infuriating, so consider your personal tolerance for charging when weighing this factor.

Beyond the basics, what about training features and the overall app ecosystem? Both brands offer robust platforms for analyzing your runs and tracking progress. Garmin Connect is a comprehensive powerhouse, integrating everything from sleep and stress to advanced training status metrics, recovery recommendations, and personalized daily suggested workouts. It’s incredibly deep and frankly, a bit overwhelming at first glance, but once you dig in, it’s an invaluable tool for improving. The Coros app, while perhaps a bit more streamlined, is no slouch. It provides excellent training load insights, recovery times, and unique features like running power directly from the wrist. For serious runners focused purely on performance data, Coros offers an incredibly focused and powerful suite of tools. The choice here often comes down to whether you prefer Garmin's holistic, all-encompassing approach or Coros' more dedicated, running-centric focus.

Finally, we have the 'smart' features – the stuff that makes your watch useful even when you're not pounding the pavement. This is generally where Garmin has an edge. The Forerunner 165 often comes with music storage (so you can leave your phone at home), contactless payments (Garmin Pay), and more robust notification handling. The Coros Pace 4, while offering basic notifications, typically doesn't include music or payment options, staying true to its primary focus as a dedicated sports watch. If you want a device that seamlessly bridges the gap between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch, the Garmin is probably going to be more appealing. If you just want a damn good running watch and don't care about paying for coffee with your wrist, Coros is perfectly adequate.

So, who's the winner in this head-to-head battle? Well, after countless miles, sweat, and data analysis, I'm going to crown the Garmin Forerunner 165 as the victor for most people. Why? It strikes an incredible balance. You get that gorgeous AMOLED display, reliable GPS and heart rate, good battery life for its class, and a richer suite of smart features and training tools through the expansive Garmin Connect ecosystem. It feels like a more complete package, perfect for both everyday wear and serious training sessions.

However, if you're an ultra-runner, an obsessive data analyst who prioritizes pure GPS accuracy and battery longevity above all else, or someone who simply prefers a more streamlined, no-frills training experience, then the Coros Pace 4 absolutely holds its own. It's a fantastic, focused tool for serious runners. Ultimately, both are brilliant watches, but for its all-around versatility and slightly more 'modern' feel, the Forerunner 165 edges it out for me. Your perfect match really depends on what you value most in your wrist-worn running companion.