Compare Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 vs Garmin Forerunner 165

Auto-detection is useful but basic: one reviewer saw workout prompts work well, while another liked the feature but wanted more control.

Reviewers found the app ecosystem limited, citing missing major apps and only a small number of add-on apps.

The app ecosystem was useful through Connect IQ and Garmin features, but Garmin's broader platform could still feel intimidating.

Band feedback is mostly positive for comfort, swapping, and optional materials, though some reviewers disliked proprietary straps or unremarkable fit.

Band quality was mostly comfortable and flexible, but one reviewer warned the stock strap needs frequent washing to avoid irritation.

Battery life is the strongest consensus point, with most reviewers reporting unusually long endurance for a budget smartwatch despite one heavier-use outlier.

Battery life was generally good for an AMOLED Garmin and daily training, but reviewers flagged limits for long adventures, always-on use, or heavy GPS/music.

Blood oxygen tracking received limited but positive accuracy evidence, with one reviewer saying readings were close in testing.

Blood oxygen tracking was treated as a useful extra by reviewers who valued the reassurance, though broader accuracy was not deeply tested.

Bluetooth connectivity was praised in limited evidence for stable, lower-latency calling and audio support.

Bluetooth headphone pairing was reported to work without problems.

Body temperature tracking is effectively absent; the reviewer grouped the missing temperature sensor with features that would have been nice to have.

Brightness is widely praised, with reviewers repeatedly calling the AMOLED panel bright enough for outdoor use and high peak brightness.

Brightness was strongly praised in sunlight and adaptive lighting conditions.

Build quality is mixed-positive: several reviewers praised the aluminum feel, while one felt the casing was plasticky.

Build quality was viewed as solid and well-made for a lightweight running watch.

The rotating crown and button controls are generally liked for tactile feedback and navigation, though one reviewer wished for more button functionality.

Button controls were a major strength, especially for workouts, gloves, sweat, rain, and avoiding touchscreen reliance.

Call handling is mostly good for quick wrist calls, but reviewers noted limits such as modest loudness, occasional lag, or uneven clarity.

Charging convenience is mixed: the magnetic connection can be secure and cable-sharing helps, but several reviewers disliked the proprietary pogo-pin cable.

Charging convenience was mixed: secure contacts helped, but the proprietary/short cable was a drawback.

Charging speed is generally acceptable to strong, with reviewers noting quick top-ups, one-hour charging, or reasonable full-charge times.

Charging speed was praised in the reviews that discussed it, ranging from under two hours to very fast top-ups.

Coaching features are useful for budget fitness guidance, including running courses, guided workouts, breathing exercises, and export options.

Coaching and structured workouts were praised as approachable, flexible, and valuable for beginner and intermediate runners.

Comfort is broadly praised because the watch is light and wearable day and night, though its size can still matter for smaller wrists.

Comfort was consistently excellent, with reviewers praising the lightweight feel for all-day wear and sleep.

The Mi Fitness companion app is generally viewed as clean, visual, and easy to use, but some reviewers found it basic or behind stronger rivals.

Garmin Connect was seen as powerful and useful, with cleaner or comprehensive analysis, though one reviewer found the redesign not much easier.

Contactless payments are a clear limitation because global reviewers repeatedly noted the lack of NFC payment support.

Garmin Pay was viewed as a straightforward, effective contactless payment feature.

Cross-platform compatibility is useful but compromised, with reviewers noting broader phone support alongside reduced functionality on some platforms.

Customization is mixed: photo faces, watch faces, and UI options are praised, but some reviewers wanted deeper watch-face customization.

Customization was a strength, from watch faces and widgets to activity screens and data pages.

Display quality is one of the most praised areas, with reviewers consistently highlighting the large, vibrant, sharp AMOLED screen.

Display quality was a standout strength thanks to a crisp, vibrant AMOLED screen, though one reviewer still preferred MIP for always-visible use.

Durability evidence is positive but limited, with reviewers reporting no scratches or scuffs after use.

Durability was reassuring, with reviewers reporting no concerns and even real-world abuse without damage.

ECG functionality is missing, and one reviewer treated the absent advanced sensors as nice-to-have but not expected at the price.

Fit is split: one reviewer found alternative straps did not fit well, while another found the watch balanced on the wrist.

Fit was strong for many wrists, with secure wear and little slipping, though the single case size remained a caveat.

Fitness tracking accuracy is mixed: some casual and heart-rate workout results impressed reviewers, while others found it basic or not ideal for serious tracking.

Fitness tracking accuracy was praised for broad data quality and even strength-training rep counting in testing.

The flashlight received a brief positive usefulness mention as a handy quick setting.

GPS accuracy is mixed-positive: many reviewers found it accurate or reliable for casual runs, but some saw overreporting or slight inaccuracies.

GPS accuracy was one of the strongest themes, with most reviewers finding reliable tracks even without dual-band GPS; a few dense-terrain issues remained.

Health tracking accuracy is adequate for general use but not advanced, with reviewers warning against medical-grade expectations while noting some improvements.

Reviewers described the Forerunner 165 as having reliable sensors and detailed data collection for general health and fitness tracking.

Heart rate accuracy is mixed: some tests were close to chest straps, while other reviewers found lag, high readings, or odd spikes.

Heart-rate accuracy was generally praised across runs, rides, and intervals, with only occasional optical-sensor lag or spikes.

LTE connectivity is a drawback on the global model, with reviewers noting the lack of global LTE/eSIM support.

Mapping and navigation are weak because reviewers noted no native map apps, offline maps, or GPX-style navigation.

Mapping and navigation were useful for breadcrumb routes and GPX/course following, but the lack of full maps was a repeated limitation.

Materials quality is budget-appropriate: reviewers noted aluminum alloy and better materials, but not a fancy feel.

Materials quality was mixed: plastic kept it light and affordable but felt less premium.

Menu navigation is generally easy, with praise for app finding, crown scrolling, and text-labeled icon layouts.

Menu navigation was considered intuitive after a short adjustment period.

Music controls are basic but useful for quickly pausing, resuming, skipping tracks, and changing volume.

Music controls were criticized as unintuitive during runs.

Onboard music storage is useful for phone-free workouts but inconsistent across phones and hurt by slow Bluetooth transfers.

Onboard music storage drew split views: handy or smooth for some, but tedious and poor value for others.

The operating system is smooth and functional for basics, but reviewers criticized HyperOS limitations and missing richer smartwatch integrations.

The operating experience was familiar and straightforward for Garmin users.

Outdoor visibility is strongly praised thanks to the bright AMOLED panel and readable screen in direct sunlight.

Outdoor visibility was excellent in direct sun and bright conditions.

Pairing reliability has limited but positive evidence, with no issues reported for pairing and syncing.

Pairing reliability for headphones was described as generally solid.

Recovery insights received limited positive evidence through beneficial breathing and running features tied to training and recovery.

Recovery insights were useful but clearly limited versus higher Forerunners, with some reviewers calling out missing readiness/load tools or odd recovery estimates.

Reliability evidence is limited but positive, with one reviewer reporting no stutters or hiccups in use.

Reliability was praised in workout use, with one reviewer reporting no issues with stability.

Safety features received limited positive evidence from the SOS function, which the reviewer considered useful for emergencies.

Safety features such as LiveTrack were valued for sharing location during activities.

Size options are a weakness because the large one-size design can feel overwhelming or bulky on smaller wrists.

Size options were limited because the watch comes in only one size, though one reviewer liked the in-between fit.

Sleep tracking accuracy is mixed: some reviewers found it close for sleep duration, while others saw inconsistent sleep stages and overestimated deep sleep.

Sleep tracking was mostly viewed as useful and directionally accurate, though one reviewer reported a poor night that the watch missed.

Smartphone notifications are a common weakness because messages can be viewed but usually cannot be acted on or replied to.

Smartphone notifications were described as reliable and easier to read on the AMOLED display.

Smartwatch features cover the basics well for the price, but reviewers repeatedly frame them as limited compared with richer smartwatch platforms.

Smartwatch features were considered respectable for a training watch, especially notifications, Garmin Pay, music features, and basic phone-linked tools.

Software smoothness is mostly good, with smooth navigation in several reviews, but some reported stutters, lag, or touch delays.

Software smoothness was praised as simple, fast, and accurate in use.

Step counting accuracy received limited but very positive evidence, with one reviewer finding exercise-mode counts nearly exact.

Step counting was reported as close to other tested devices.

Stress tracking was criticized in one review as slow and sensitive to movement, making continuous tracking less reliable.

Stress tracking was mentioned as part of the watch's helpful health-glance system for knowing when to ease off.

Style and design are mostly praised for looking modern, smart, and not cheap, although several reviewers criticized the Apple-like originality.

Style and design were viewed as slim, low-profile, sleek, and suitable for daily wear, though still sporty.

Third-party app support is weak because reviewers noted no native major music/map apps, no third-party apps, and limited accessory support.

Third-party app/widget support was available and sometimes useful for tailoring data, though one reviewer did not find it especially useful.

Touchscreen responsiveness is positive, with reviewers praising swipes, taps, and even wet-screen responsiveness.

Touchscreen responsiveness was widely praised, including smooth swiping, reliable taps, and usability with gloves or wet screens.

The user interface is generally easy and smooth, with straightforward layouts and good navigation for a budget watch.

The interface was repeatedly described as simple, approachable, and easy to use.

Value for money is a major strength, but not universal: most reviewers call it excellent value, while one felt it was overpriced against cheaper alternatives.

Value for money was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers repeatedly calling it a high-value or sweet-spot Garmin.

Voice assistant quality is poor because the reviewer noted effectively no voice assistant support.

Voice notes are useful but mixed: reviewers liked recording and audio notes, while others noted loudness, access, or sharing limitations.

Watch face quality is strong, with reviewers praising the large, stylish, free, and varied watch-face library.

Watch face quality was praised for full customization.

Water resistance is reassuring for swimming and showers, with reviewers noting 5ATM support and successful pool/shower use.

Water resistance was considered more than enough for rain, sweat, showering, and swimming use.

Wellness insights are mixed: Vitality and sleep routine suggestions are appreciated, but deeper personalized advice is scarce.

Wellness insights such as Morning Report and Body Battery were considered fun, useful, and sometimes addictive.

Wi-Fi connectivity is absent and criticized because file transfers depend on slower Bluetooth methods.

Wi-Fi/music setup drew criticism when troubleshooting made the watch appear connected even though playlist syncing failed.

Workout tracking variety is strong, with reviewers praising broad activity coverage, many sports, and useful running/workout modes.

Workout variety covers most mainstream running, gym, cycling, swimming, and fitness needs, but reviewers consistently noted missing triathlon or backcountry profiles.