Looking to invest in a smartwatch to track your fitness goals and daily activities? With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is the best for you. Two popular choices are the Amazfit Cheetah Pro and the Garmin Forerunner 265. But which one should you buy?
But before we get to the full details, here’s a quick look at the Amazfit Cheetah Pro SmartWatch vs Garmin Forerunner 265 SmartWatch.
Amazfit Cheetah Pro
- Built-in GPS
- Up to 14-day battery life
- 1.45-inch AMOLED touchscreen display
- Heart rate monitoring
- Music storage and playback
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- Sleep tracking
Garmin Forerunner 265
- Sleep tracking
- Wrist-based running dynamics
- Hydration tracking
- PacePro pacing guidance
- Music storage and playback
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- 1.3-inch colorful AMOLED display
Smartwatches have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a range of features that can help you stay on top of your health and fitness routine. From tracking your steps and heart rate to monitoring your sleep patterns, these devices can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.
Choosing the right smartwatch for your needs can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. In this article, we will compare the Amazfit Cheetah Pro and the Garmin Forerunner 265 to help you make an informed decision on which one is the best fit for you.
Amazfit Cheetah Pro VS Garmin Forerunner 265
Looking to choose between the Amazfit Cheetah Pro and the Garmin Forerunner 265? We’ll help you make an informed decision on which watch suits you best. Let’s dive into the key features and benefits of each to find the perfect match for your needs.
Amazfit Cheetah Pro smartwatch
The Amazfit Cheetah Pro is a GPS smartwatch that is designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It has a variety of features that can help you track your workouts, monitor your health, and stay connected.
Amazfit Cheetah Pro
- 1.45-inch AMOLED touchscreen display
- Up to 14-day battery life
- Built-in GPS
- Heart rate monitoring
- Music storage and playback
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- Blood oxygen monitoring
Features:
- 1.45-inch AMOLED touchscreen display
- 150+ sports modes
- Up to 14-day battery life
- 5ATM water resistance
- Built-in GPS
- Heart rate monitoring
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Music storage and playback
- Built-in microphone and speaker
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Wide variety of sports modes
- Built-in GPS
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not as accurate as some high-end GPS watches
- Display can be difficult to see in bright sunlight
- Limited music storage
- Software can be buggy at times
Garmin Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a GPS smartwatch designed for runners of all levels. It offers a variety of features to help you track your runs, monitor your training, and improve your performance.
Garmin Forerunner 265
- 1.3-inch colorful AMOLED display
- Wrist-based running dynamics
- Sleep tracking
- Wrist-based running power
- Hydration tracking
- PacePro pacing guidance
- Music storage and playback
Features:
- 1.3-inch colorful AMOLED display
- Up to 20 hours of battery life in GPS mode (13 days in smartwatch mode)
- Advanced training metrics and recovery insights, including pace, distance, heart rate, cadence, stride length, and more.
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring
- Wrist-based running dynamics
- Wrist-based running power
- PacePro pacing guidance
- Hydration tracking
- Sleep tracking
- Music storage and playback
- Safety and tracking features, including built-in GPS, incident detection, and assistance
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Wide variety of training metrics and recovery insights
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring, running dynamics, and running power
- PacePro pacing guidance
- Hydration tracking and sleep tracking
- Music storage and playback
- Safety and tracking features
Cons:
- More expensive than some other GPS running watches
- Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end Garmin watches, such as barometric altimeter and advanced training analysis tools
Amazfit Cheetah Pro vs Garmin Forerunner 265: Key Differences
| Feature | Amazfit Cheetah Pro | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More Affordable | More Expensive |
| Offers | Upto 35% OFF | Upto 45% OFF |
| Design | Slim and lightweight | Sturdy and slightly heavier |
| Display | AMOLED with vibrant colors | Transflective MIP display, good visibility in sunlight |
| Battery Life | Up to 45 days (watch mode) | Up to 13 hours (GPS mode) |
| GPS | Multi-band GPS for accurate tracking | Multi-band GPS for improved accuracy |
| Smartwatch Features | Built-in music storage, Bluetooth calling | Limited smartwatch features |
| Fitness Tracking | Tracks various activities, basic training metrics | Extensive fitness tracking, advanced training metrics (VO2 Max, recovery time) |
| Running Dynamics | Lacks dedicated running form analysis | Offers wrist-based running dynamics |
| Training Readiness Score | Not available | Analyzes sleep, recovery, and training load to suggest workout intensity |
| Training Plans | Limited options | Built-in training plans for various race distances |
| Music Controls | Yes, with built-in storage | Limited music control (phone required) |
| App | Zepp App | Garmin Connect app with detailed data analysis |
| Durability | May be less durable due to slim design | Built for durability |
| Brand Reputation | Newer entrant in fitness trackers | Established brand known for accuracy and reliability |
| Ideal for | Budget-conscious runners who want a stylish watch with basic training features | Serious runners who prioritize advanced training metrics and coaching features |
| Get it now! | Get it now! |
Features Comparison
Feature Face-Off: Amazfit Cheetah Pro vs. Garmin Forerunner 265
Display and Design: The Amazfit Cheetah Pro boasts a larger, 1.45-inch AMOLED display compared to the Forerunner 265’s 1.3-inch or 1.1-inch display (depending on model size). This translates to better readability, especially outdoors. The Cheetah Pro opts for a sleek, modern design with a touchscreen and two physical buttons. In contrast, the Forerunner retains a classic, sporty look with a round face and five buttons, offering more tactile control during workouts.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities: Both watches offer core features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and other sports. However, the Forerunner 265 goes a step further with advanced metrics like running dynamics, which analyze your running form for efficiency improvements. The Amazfit Cheetah Pro offers similar analytic features like VO2 Max and recovery time, but may not be as detailed as Garmin’s offering.
Battery Life: Battery life is a crucial factor for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Amazfit Cheetah Pro shines here, boasting up to 14 days in normal usage mode compared to the Forerunner 265’s 7 days. This extends the time between charges, making the Cheetah Pro ideal for extended training sessions or vacations.
Water Resistance: Both watches are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, meaning they can withstand rain, sweat, and shallow swims. However, serious swimmers or divers may prefer a watch specifically designed for water activities.
Connectivity Options: Both watches offer Bluetooth connectivity for syncing data with smartphones and accessing notifications. The Forerunner 265 adds built-in music storage, allowing you to leave your phone behind during workouts. While the Cheetah Pro lacks this feature, it offers the advantage of Bluetooth calling, letting you take calls directly from your wrist.
Performance Comparison
Putting Them to the Test: Performance Comparison
GPS Accuracy: Both the Amazfit Cheetah Pro and Garmin Forerunner 265 utilize GPS for accurate distance and pace tracking during workouts. In general, the Forerunner 265 boasts a slight edge in pinpoint accuracy, especially beneficial for serious runners and cyclists who rely on precise data for performance analysis. However, the Cheetah Pro’s GPS accuracy is still sufficient for most fitness enthusiasts and casual runners.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches offer continuous heart rate monitoring, providing valuable insights into calorie expenditure, workout intensity, and overall fitness levels. While both are generally reliable, the Forerunner 265 might offer slightly better accuracy, particularly during high-intensity workouts where heart rate fluctuates rapidly. However, the difference may not be significant for most users.
Activity Tracking Accuracy: Tracking daily activity levels like steps, distance, and calorie burn is a core function of both watches. Both the Cheetah Pro and Forerunner 265 are known for their reliable activity tracking, but some discrepancies might exist. The Cheetah Pro might occasionally overestimate steps due to its touchscreen sensitivity, while the Forerunner 265 could be slightly more conservative in its estimations.
Ultimately, the performance difference between these watches may be subtle for most users. If serious competition or professional training is your focus, the Garmin Forerunner 265’s slight edge in accuracy might be the deciding factor. However, for casual runners, fitness enthusiasts, or those prioritizing a longer battery life and sleek design, the Amazfit Cheetah Pro offers a compelling alternative.
User-Friendliness
User-Friendliness: Striking a Balance
Ease of Use: Both the Amazfit Cheetah Pro and Garmin Forerunner 265 offer intuitive interfaces with clear menus and easy navigation. The Cheetah Pro’s touchscreen allows for swiping and tapping, which some users might find more convenient. However, the Forerunner 265’s five physical buttons provide a tactile advantage, especially during workouts when sweat or rain might hinder touchscreen responsiveness.
Mobile App Interface: Both watches rely on companion mobile apps for data analysis, workout customization, and firmware updates. The Garmin Connect app is renowned for its robust features and detailed data visualization. It allows for in-depth analysis of training metrics, training plans, and community interaction. The Amazfit app, while user-friendly, might feel less comprehensive compared to Garmin Connect. It offers basic data analysis and customization options, but may lack the advanced training features found in Garmin’s app.
Winner: For users who prioritize simplicity and a clean interface, the Amazfit Cheetah Pro and its app might be a good fit. However, for those seeking in-depth data analysis, advanced training tools, and a vibrant fitness community, the Garmin Forerunner 265 paired with Garmin Connect offers a more comprehensive user experience.
Price Consideration
Price Consideration: When it comes to price, the Amazfit Cheetah Pro emerges as the more budget-friendly option. It typically costs less than the Garmin Forerunner 265, making it an attractive choice for value-conscious buyers.
Cost of Amazfit Cheetah Pro: The Amazfit Cheetah Pro falls into a more affordable price range, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Cost of Garmin Forerunner 265: The Garmin Forerunner 265 commands a slightly higher price point due to its brand recognition and reputation for advanced features.
Value for Money: Choosing the watch with the best value proposition depends on your priorities. If affordability is your primary concern, the Amazfit Cheetah Pro offers excellent features for its price. However, if you prioritize advanced training metrics, a comprehensive mobile app, and brand recognition, the Garmin Forerunner 265 represents better value despite the higher cost.
Winner: Consider your fitness goals and budget. If you’re a casual runner or fitness enthusiast seeking a stylish watch with core tracking features and a long battery life, the Amazfit Cheetah Pro offers excellent value. However, if you’re a serious athlete requiring in-depth training data and a robust mobile app ecosystem, the Garmin Forerunner 265 justifies its premium price tag.
Final words
The Final Lap: Choosing Your Perfect Fitness Companion
The Amazfit Cheetah Pro and Garmin Forerunner 265 are both compelling contenders in the fitness watch market. However, key differences exist to guide your decision.
Key Differences:
- Display and Design: Cheetah Pro boasts a larger AMOLED display, while Forerunner offers a classic design with physical buttons.
- Features: Forerunner excels with advanced training metrics and music storage, while Cheetah Pro offers longer battery life and Bluetooth calling.
- Performance: Both are accurate, but Forerunner might hold a slight edge in GPS and heart rate tracking for high-intensity workouts.
- User-Friendliness: Cheetah Pro offers a touchscreen, while Forerunner provides tactile buttons. Garmin Connect app boasts more in-depth analysis compared to Amazfit’s app.
- Price: Cheetah Pro is more budget-friendly, while Forerunner commands a premium due to its advanced features.
Recommendation:
- For Casual Fitness Enthusiasts: Prioritize affordability, battery life, and a stylish design? The Amazfit Cheetah Pro is a strong contender.
- For Serious Athletes: Need in-depth training data, advanced metrics, and a robust mobile app ecosystem? The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a worthy investment.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your fitness goals, budget, and desired features to make an informed decision. Both watches offer excellent value within their respective categories. With either on your wrist, you’ll be well-equipped to track your progress and achieve your fitness aspirations.
