Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch vs GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,100 owners)

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Full Review

GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera

9.0/10 Excellent

4.4★ (11,200 owners)

5.3K video, HyperSmooth 6.0, 70m waterproof, 1-hour battery. The adventure camera standard.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch	GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,100)	4.4★ (11,200)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
Display	AMOLED 1.2"	Front + rear touchscreen
Battery	11 days / 19hr GPS	~1 hour (Enduro)
Warranty	1 year	1 year

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch. GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera: 5.3K video, HyperSmooth 6.0, 70m waterproof, 1-hour battery. The adventure camera standard. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

AMOLED display brings Garmin's best screen to the entry price point
Training Readiness score guides workout intensity without overwhelming beginners
11-day battery in smartwatch mode — matches the more expensive Forerunner 265
GPS accuracy from Garmin's trusted GNSS satellite support
Under £200 brings proper training analytics to budget-conscious runners

Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain
No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+
Smaller feature set vs Forerunner 265 for structured workouts

GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera

HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilisation is industry-leading — video is smooth even on rough terrain
5.3K/60fps captures more detail than any competitor action camera at this price
Waterproof to 10m without a case — genuinely submersible without accessories
Improved 1-hour battery life in real-world shooting conditions
Enduro battery in cold conditions performs 15% better than standard battery

Battery life remains the fundamental GoPro limitation — pack spares for long days
GoPro subscription provides better value but adds ongoing cost
DJI Osmo Action 4 offers competitive quality at lower price

FAQ

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS or GoPro HERO12 Black Action?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS worth the extra cost?

The GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS best suited to?

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Who is the GoPro HERO12 Black Action best suited to?

5.3K video, HyperSmooth 6.0, 70m waterproof, 1-hour battery. The adventure camera standard.

What are the main downsides of each?

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain; No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+. GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera: Battery life remains the fundamental GoPro limitation — pack spares for long days; GoPro subscription provides better value but adds ongoing cost.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch sits at 4.5★ from 6,100 verified Amazon owners, and GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera at 4.4★ from 11,200.

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