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When it comes to high-end GPS watches for running and triathlon activities, Garmin is a brand that stands out. Two of their most popular models, the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Garmin Forerunner 945, offer a range of features to help athletes track their performance and achieve their fitness goals. In this article, we will compare the Garmin 935 vs 945 to help you make an informed decision about which watch is right for you.
Key Takeaways:
- The Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 are high-end GPS watches designed for running and triathlon activities.
- The 945 is the successor to the 935 and offers additional performance monitoring tools, features, and sensors.
- Both watches have a circular design and similar dimensions, but the 945 is slightly thinner and has a slimmer plastic body.
- The 945 has a faster processor, more memory, a new GPS chip, and additional sensors compared to the 935.
- The 945 offers features such as onboard music storage, Garmin Pay, navigational mapping, a pulse oximeter, and enhanced heart rate monitoring.
Design and Hardware Comparison
When it comes to design, the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 share a similar circular shape, measuring 47mm x 47mm. However, there are some notable differences between the two models. The Garmin 945 is slightly thinner and features a slimmer plastic body, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Additionally, the Garmin 945 LTE version is even smaller, catering to individuals with smaller wrists. Both watches sport a 1.2-inch MIP screen with a 240 x 240 pixel resolution, offering clear and vibrant visuals. Although the 945 LTE boasts a thinner bezel, all three watches have the same button configuration and are water-resistant up to 5 ATM. Moving on to the hardware, the Garmin 945 takes the lead with a faster processor, increased memory, a new GPS chip, and additional sensors compared to the 935.
Functionality and Features Comparison
When it comes to functionality and features, both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 offer a range of capabilities to enhance your fitness journey.
First and foremost, both watches provide a comprehensive selection of sports modes, allowing you to track and analyze your performance across various activities. Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, cyclist, or engage in other sports, both the Garmin 935 and 945 have you covered.
In addition to sports tracking, both watches offer 24/7 activity and sleep tracking, allowing you to monitor your daily movement and sleep patterns. This valuable data can help you understand your overall health and make lifestyle adjustments accordingly.
However, the Garmin 945 takes functionality to the next level with some impressive additional features. One notable upgrade is the onboard music storage, which allows you to listen to your favorite tunes without the need for a separate device. Simply pair the watch with Bluetooth headphones, and you’re good to go.
Furthermore, the Garmin 945 offers Garmin Pay, enabling convenient contactless payments on the go. Whether you’re grabbing a post-workout snack or purchasing essentials, you can make payments without reaching for your wallet or phone.
The navigational mapping feature with preloaded maps is another standout feature of the Garmin 945. Whether you’re exploring unfamiliar terrain or planning a specific route, the watch provides detailed maps that keep you on track.
Additionally, the Garmin 945 incorporates a pulse oximeter, allowing for sleep tracking and oxygen saturation monitoring. This feature provides valuable insights into your sleep quality and overall well-being.
The heart rate monitoring capabilities of the Garmin 945 have also been enhanced with the latest sensor technology. This ensures more accurate and reliable heart rate data during workouts and throughout the day.
Furthermore, the Garmin 945 introduces new Firstbeat Metrics, including Body Battery energy monitoring, improved VO2 max calculations, and training effect labels. These metrics provide valuable insights into your fitness level, training intensity, and recovery.
For those seeking even greater flexibility, the Garmin 945 LTE version offers cellular connectivity. This allows for phone-free safety and tracking features, providing peace of mind during outdoor adventures or when you prefer to leave your phone behind.
| Functionality and Features | Garmin Forerunner 935 | Garmin Forerunner 945 |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Modes | Wide range available | Wide range available |
| Activity and Sleep Tracking | 24/7 tracking | 24/7 tracking |
| Onboard Music Storage | No | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | No | Yes |
| Navigational Mapping | No | Yes |
| Pulse Oximeter | No | Yes |
| Enhanced Heart Rate Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Firstbeat Metrics | No | Yes |
| Cellular Connectivity | No | Yes (LTE version) |
As seen in the feature comparison table, the Garmin Forerunner 945 offers several additional functionalities and features that enhance your fitness tracking and overall convenience. Depending on your needs and preferences, these extra capabilities may make the Garmin 945 the preferred choice for your fitness goals. With its extensive range of features, the Garmin 945 empowers you to take your fitness journey to new heights.
Continue reading to explore the upgraded version of the Garmin Forerunner series in Section 4: Garmin Forerunner 955: The Upgraded Version.
Garmin Forerunner 955: The Upgraded Version
The Garmin Forerunner 955 is the highly anticipated successor to the popular 945 model, bringing exciting new features and enhanced performance metrics to the table. With the 955, Garmin has stepped up its game, delivering cutting-edge technology and functionality designed to elevate your fitness tracking experience.
One standout feature of the Garmin Forerunner 955 is the introduction of a solar option for the first time. This innovative addition allows you to harness the power of the sun to extend the battery life of your watch, providing you with more time to train and explore without worrying about recharging.
Another impressive upgrade is the inclusion of a touch-screen display. With the 955, navigating through menus and selecting options is more intuitive and convenient. The larger screen size enhances visibility, and the touch-enabled capabilities facilitate seamless interaction with your watch, making it easier than ever to monitor your stats and adjust settings on the go.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 also introduces a range of new performance metrics to help you optimize your training. Take advantage of the Morning Report feature to gain valuable insights into your sleep quality, recovery, and overall well-being. The Training Readiness score provides an assessment of your preparedness for intense workouts, ensuring that you train at the right intensity level for maximum performance gains.
“With the Garmin Forerunner 955, you can expect an enhanced user experience with improved touch-screen functionality, extended battery life with solar charging, and a host of new performance metrics to take your training to new heights.”
In addition to these exciting advancements, the Garmin Forerunner 955 incorporates a range of other notable features. Utilize the HRV status report to monitor your heart rate variability and understand how your body is responding to training stress. The race predictor helps you gauge your potential performance in upcoming races based on your training history and physiological indicators.
The inclusion of native running power capabilities opens up a world of possibilities for tracking and analyzing your running performance. With topographical maps, you can confidently explore new routes while staying on track. And with improved battery life, you can rely on your Forerunner 955 to keep up with your longest and most challenging workouts.
With its sleek design, advanced features, and enhanced performance metrics, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is a game-changer in the world of GPS running watches. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or a fitness enthusiast looking to take your training to the next level, the Forerunner 955 has the tools you need to achieve your goals and surpass your expectations.
Experience the future of fitness tracking with the Garmin Forerunner 955 and elevate your performance like never before.
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 945 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Charging | No | Yes |
| Touch-Screen Display | No | Yes |
| New Performance Metrics | Morning Report, Training Readiness score, HRV status report, race predictor | Morning Report, Training Readiness score, HRV status report, race predictor |
| Native Running Power | No | Yes |
| Topographical Maps | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours in GPS mode | Improved battery life |
Garmin Forerunner 945 vs Fenix 5 Plus: A Comparison
The Garmin Forerunner 945 and the Fenix 5 Plus are two popular sports watches that cater to fitness enthusiasts in unique ways. While both watches offer advanced sports tracking features, waterproofing, and heart rate monitoring, they differ in terms of design and additional functionalities.
When it comes to design, the Fenix 5 Plus has a more rugged outdoor appearance, making it suitable for those who prefer a tough and durable timepiece. On the other hand, the Forerunner 945 boasts a more lightweight and comfortable build, making it ideal for athletes looking for a watch that won’t weigh them down during their workouts.
Both the Forerunner 945 and Fenix 5 Plus feature similar screen sizes and resolutions, providing clear and easy-to-read display screens. Additionally, both watches support GPS and GLONASS satellite connectivity, ensuring accurate tracking of your outdoor activities. Whether you’re running, hiking, or cycling, these watches have got you covered.
Furthermore, both watches offer a range of features designed to enhance your overall experience. You can enjoy music playback, make contactless payments with Garmin Pay, and take advantage of the smartwatch functionality they provide.
“The Forerunner 945 and the Fenix 5 Plus are versatile sports watches that combine style and functionality to meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts.”
Although the Forerunner 945 and Fenix 5 Plus offer similar core features, it’s the additional functionalities that set them apart. Whether you prioritize a sleek and lightweight design or need a watch that can withstand rugged outdoor activities, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific fitness goals.
In conclusion, both the Garmin Forerunner 945 and the Fenix 5 Plus are excellent choices for fitness enthusiasts, each with its own set of advantages. Assess your needs, consider the design and additional features, and choose the watch that aligns best with your fitness journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 935, 945, and 955 are all excellent GPS watches with advanced features for fitness enthusiasts. The 945 and 955 offer significant upgrades compared to the 935, including improved hardware, additional features and sensors, enhanced performance metrics, and extended battery life.
The 945 LTE version adds cellular connectivity for added convenience. When deciding between the 945 and the Fenix 5 Plus, your specific needs and preferences should be taken into consideration. The 945 is more focused on sports activities, while the Fenix 5 Plus offers a more rugged design for outdoor adventures.
Ultimately, both watches provide reliable tracking and performance monitoring for your fitness goals. Whether you choose the 945 or the Fenix 5 Plus, you can trust these Garmin watches to accompany you on your fitness journey.
FAQ
What are the differences between the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945?
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the successor to the 935 and includes additional performance monitoring tools, features, and sensors. It has a slimmer design, a faster processor, more memory, a new GPS chip, and enhanced heart rate monitoring with the latest sensor.
What are the design and hardware differences between the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945?
The 935 and 945 have a similar circular design, but the 945 is slightly thinner and has a slimmer plastic body. The three watches have the same 1.2-inch MIP screen with a 240 x 240 pixel resolution, the same button configuration, and 5 ATM water-resistance. The 945 LTE version is smaller and suitable for people with smaller wrists.
How do the functionality and features of the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 compare?
Both watches offer a wide range of sports modes, 24/7 activity and sleep tracking, and advanced performance metrics. However, the 945 includes additional features such as onboard music storage, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, navigational mapping with preloaded maps, and a pulse oximeter for sleep tracking and oxygen saturation monitoring.
What is the Garmin Forerunner 955 and how does it compare to the 945?
The Garmin Forerunner 955 is the upgraded version of the 945. It features a solar option, touch-screen functionality, additional performance metrics, and the introduction of native running power capabilities, topographical maps, and improved battery life.
How does the Garmin Forerunner 945 compare to the Fenix 5 Plus?
The 945 and Fenix 5 Plus are two popular sports watches with similar features and functionality. The 945 is lighter and more comfortable to wear, while the Fenix 5 Plus offers a more rugged design with a stainless steel or titanium bezel for extra protection.