Garmin Fenix 6S vs Forerunner 255: Best Pick?

Are you in the market for a new fitness tracker or smartwatch? Look no further than the Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255. These two devices offer great features and specifications that make them popular among fitness enthusiasts.

In this article, we will compare the Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 to determine which one might be the best fit for you. We will delve into their similarities, differences, design and display, fitness tracking features, smartwatch capabilities, battery life, and water resistance. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which device to buy.

Key Takeaways:

• The Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 are popular fitness tracker and smartwatch options.
• We will compare and contrast their features, design, fitness tracking, smartwatch capabilities, battery life, and water resistance.
• By the end of the article, you’ll have a better idea of which device would suit your needs best.
• If you’re looking for a durable device with a longer battery life and advanced features, the Fenix 6S might be the better choice.
• Meanwhile, the Forerunner 255 is more affordable and has a design that is better suited for runners.

Design and Display

When it comes to design, the Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 both have their unique styles. The Fenix 6S has a rugged and durable design with stainless steel or DLC titanium bezels, while the Forerunner 255 features a sleek and lightweight design with a plastic case.

In terms of size, the Fenix 6S is larger at 42mm compared to the Forerunner 255’s 44mm diameter. However, the Forerunner 255 is slightly thicker, making it more noticeable on the wrist.

Now, let’s talk about the display quality. The Fenix 6S boasts a 1.2-inch color display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, protected by Gorilla Glass DX. On the other hand, the Forerunner 255 has a lower resolution of 218 x 218 pixels on a 1.2-inch color display, also with Gorilla Glass DX. Despite the lower resolution, the display on the Forerunner 255 is still crisp and clear, making it easy to read in bright sunlight.

In summary, both devices have their unique design and display qualities, with the Fenix 6S being more rugged and larger while the Forerunner 255 is more lightweight and compact. The Fenix 6S has a higher resolution display, but the Forerunner 255’s display is still easy to read in sunlight.

Fitness Tracking Features

When it comes to fitness tracking, both the Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 offer a wide range of features to help you monitor your health and achieve your fitness goals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main features:

While both devices share similar features such as heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and GPS, the Fenix 6S also comes with some extra tracking capabilities such as stress tracking and blood oxygen monitoring. Additionally, both devices offer built-in workout tracking, allowing you to monitor the progress of your workouts and see how many calories you burned.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to use your fitness tracker for swimming or water activities, make sure to opt for the Fenix 6S, which comes with a water-resistant rating of up to 100 meters.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Both the Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 are equipped with wrist-based heart rate monitoring that provides accurate readings throughout the day, allowing you to monitor heart rate zones and track your progress during workouts.

For those looking for even more precise heart rate monitoring, the Fenix 6S also offers the option to pair with an external heart rate monitor chest strap.

GPS

The GPS capabilities of both devices are highly accurate, allowing you to track your outdoor activities such as running and hiking with ease. Additionally, both devices offer GPS-based features such as route tracking, distance measurement, and more.

If you’re looking for even more advanced navigation features, the Fenix 6S also offers topographical mapping and built-in ABC (altimeter, barometer, and compass) sensors, which can be particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts.

Smartwatch Capabilities

Apart from fitness tracking, smartwatch capabilities can enhance your overall experience with Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255. Both models offer various smartwatch features, including notifications, music control, and apps.

Notifications: Stay informed with incoming calls, texts and emails, and social media alerts directly on your wrist while you’re on the go. You can customize notifications and set vibrations as per your preference.

Music control: Control your music directly from your watch. Whether you are running a marathon or taking a brisk walk, you can control music playback, adjust volume and skip tracks without taking out your phone.

Apps: Access apps like weather, calendar and news headlines from your watch without the need of your smart phone. You can download additional apps from Garmin Connect IQ™ Store to further personalize your smartwatch experience.

If you are looking for a smartwatch with built-in music storage and NFC payment capabilities, the Fenix 6S is the perfect choice for you. If you don’t require these features, the Forerunner 255 offers sufficient smartwatch functionality and comes at a lower price point.

Overall, both the Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 offer extensive smartwatch capabilities, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.

Battery Life and Water Resistance

When it comes to outdoor activities, battery life and water resistance are essential features to consider. The Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 both offer impressive battery life and water-resistant capabilities.

Please note that battery life may vary depending on usage and settings.

The Fenix 6S has a longer battery life in both smartwatch and GPS mode compared to the Forerunner 255. The Fenix 6S can last up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and up to 25 hours in GPS mode, while the Forerunner 255 lasts up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.

Both watches are also designed to be water-resistant. The Fenix 6S is water-resistant up to 100 meters and the Forerunner 255 up to 50 meters, meaning both watches can withstand swimming and other water activities.

Conclusion

After comparing the Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255, it becomes clear that these two devices are both excellent choices for fitness enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for a device with a more luxurious design and premium materials, the Fenix 6S might be more appealing to you. On the other hand, the Forerunner 255 boasts a more lightweight and compact body, making it a great option for runners and triathletes.

In terms of fitness tracking, both devices offer advanced features such as heart rate monitoring, GPS, and activity tracking. However, if you’re looking for more in-depth insights into your training, the Fenix 6S might be a better choice with its advanced metrics and performance monitoring.

When it comes to smartwatch features, both devices offer similar capabilities such as notifications, music control, and mobile payments. However, if you’re looking for a wider selection of apps, the Fenix 6S has a more comprehensive app store.

Finally, the Fenix 6S has a longer battery life and higher water resistance rating compared to the Forerunner 255, making it a great option for outdoor activities and adventures.

Overall, it’s clear that both the Garmin Fenix 6S and Forerunner 255 are excellent choices, and the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. We hope this comparison has helped you make an informed decision on which device to buy.