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The Garmin Forerunner 235 and 245 are two popular running watches from Garmin. The Forerunner 235 is the older model, while the Forerunner 245 is the newer version. Both watches are aimed at runners and sports enthusiasts who want to track their metrics.
In terms of design, the Forerunner 245 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Forerunner 235, with a 42mm case compared to the 45mm case of the 235. The display resolution is also higher on the Forerunner 245. Both watches come with interchangeable watch bands and are waterproof up to 50 meters. In terms of heart rate monitoring, the Forerunner 245 uses a newer sensor compared to the Forerunner 235. The 245 also offers more color options for customization.
Overall, the Forerunner 245 is the newer and more advanced model, but the Forerunner 235 is still a solid choice for those on a budget or looking for a basic running watch.
Key Takeaways:
- The Garmin Forerunner 235 and 245 are popular running watches with different features and designs.
- The Forerunner 245 is smaller, lighter, and has a higher display resolution compared to the Forerunner 235.
- The Forerunner 245 offers more advanced heart rate monitoring and customization options.
- The Forerunner 235 is a budget-friendly option with reliable running tracking features.
- The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and budget considerations.
Sports Tracking Features
When it comes to sports tracking, the Garmin Forerunner smartwatches are equipped with impressive features that cater to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the details of the sports tracking capabilities of the Garmin Forerunner 235 and 245.
Garmin Forerunner 245
The Garmin Forerunner 245 offers a comprehensive range of sports tracking modes, empowering you to monitor your performance across various activities. Whether you’re a dedicated runner, cyclist, or enjoy swimming or indoor rowing, the Forerunner 245 has got you covered.
“The Forerunner 245 provides advanced metrics such as running dynamics, pulse ox sensor for sleep tracking and elevated terrain workouts.”
The advanced running dynamics feature allows you to analyze crucial data such as ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation. This level of detail helps you optimize your running form and maximize your performance.
Additionally, the pulse ox sensor included in the Forerunner 245 enriches your sleep tracking experience by providing insights into your sleep patterns and helping you make adjustments for optimal rest and recovery. It also offers detailed metrics for workouts in elevated terrains, making it a valuable companion for hikers and trail runners.
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 primarily focuses on running and cycling tracking. Although it has more limited navigation features compared to the Forerunner 245, it still offers essential functionalities to track and analyze your workouts.
With built-in GPS and GLONASS sensors, the Forerunner 235 ensures accurate tracking of your outdoor activities. Whether you’re hitting the trails or exploring new routes, this feature ensures you stay on track and have a record of your performance.
Both the Forerunner 235 and 245 provide activity tracking features such as calorie burn tracking, step counting, and distance tracking. These features help you monitor your overall fitness progress and set achievable goals.
Battery Life and Price
When it comes to battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 245 offers up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode. On the other hand, the Forerunner 235 boasts a battery life of up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and up to 11 hours in GPS mode. These impressive battery lives ensure that your watch can keep up with your active lifestyle without frequent recharging.
As for the price, it’s essential to consider your budget when choosing between the two smartwatches. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is priced higher compared to the Forerunner 235, making it a premium option for those seeking a more advanced and feature-rich sports tracking experience.
Overall, both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and 245 offer robust sports tracking capabilities. The Forerunner 245 comes with additional features and metrics that cater to the needs of serious athletes, while the Forerunner 235 provides reliable tracking functionalities at a more affordable price point.
Next, we’ll explore the smartwatch features of the Garmin Forerunner 235 and 245, showcasing their versatile functionalities beyond sports tracking.
Smartwatch Features
Both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Forerunner 245 offer a range of smartwatch features that enhance the overall user experience and make them more than just fitness trackers. These features include:
- Notifications: Stay connected with notifications for emails, texts, calendar appointments, and weather forecasts. Never miss an important update while you’re on the move.
- Music Control: Easily control your music playlist from your connected smartphone, making it convenient to enjoy your favorite tunes during your workouts.
- Garmin Connect IQ: Customize your watch with additional apps, widgets, watch faces, and data fields through Garmin Connect IQ. Personalize your watch to suit your style and preferences.
However, the Garmin Forerunner 245 goes above and beyond with its smartwatch capabilities. It offers a built-in music player, allowing you to load your own music onto the watch or stream music from popular streaming services like Spotify and Deezer. This means you can leave your phone behind and still enjoy your favorite music while you run or exercise.
Additionally, the Forerunner 245 supports Connect IQ, giving you access to a wider range of apps and personalization options. Customize your watch even further and explore new ways to make the most of your smartwatch experience.
Smartwatch Features Comparison
| Smartwatch Features | Garmin Forerunner 235 | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in Music Player | N/A | ✓ |
| Garmin Connect IQ | ✓ | ✓ |
As you can see from the comparison table above, both the Forerunner 235 and Forerunner 245 offer similar smartwatch features such as notifications and music control. However, the Forerunner 245 stands out with its built-in music player, providing a more convenient and enjoyable music experience without the need for a smartphone. It also offers the same Garmin Connect IQ support as the Forerunner 235, allowing for further customization and personalization of the watch.
Battery Life and Price
The battery life and price are important factors to consider when choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 235 and 245.
Battery Life
The Garmin Forerunner 245 has a better battery life compared to the Forerunner 235. In smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 245 can last up to 7 days, while the Forerunner 235 can last up to 9 days. This means that you can go longer without needing to recharge the watch, making it more convenient for everyday use.
When it comes to GPS mode, the Forerunner 245 still has the edge with a battery life of up to 24 hours, while the Forerunner 235 lags behind with a battery life of 11 hours. If you frequently use the GPS feature for tracking your runs or outdoor activities, the Forerunner 245 would be a better choice as it can keep up with longer workouts without draining the battery.
Price
In terms of price, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is slightly more expensive compared to the Forerunner 235. However, this price difference is justified by the additional features and improvements offered by the Forerunner 245. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Forerunner 235 still offers solid performance and functionality at a lower cost.
Keep in mind that there is also a Forerunner 245 Music edition, which comes with built-in music storage and streaming capability. This version is even more expensive than the standard Forerunner 245, but if you enjoy listening to music during your workouts without carrying your phone, it might be worth considering.
| Garmin Forerunner 235 | Garmin Forerunner 245 | Garmin Forerunner 245 Music | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 9 days | Up to 7 days | Up to 7 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Price | Lower | Higher | Highest |
Design and Hardware
The design and hardware of a running watch play a significant role in its usability and appeal. In this section, we will compare the design and hardware aspects of the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 245.
Design
The Forerunner 245 boasts a sleek and stylish design when compared to the Forerunner 235. It is smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable to wear during workouts. With a 42mm case, it offers a compact and modern look. On the other hand, the Forerunner 235 features a slightly larger 45mm case, which may feel bulkier on the wrist.
Both watches come with silicone straps that are comfortable and durable, allowing you to wear them all day without any discomfort. They are also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Display
The display is an essential aspect of a running watch, as it determines the visibility and readability of the information displayed. The Forerunner 245 features a Gorilla Glass display with a higher resolution compared to the Forerunner 235. This means that you will have a clearer and crisper display, making it easier to read your running metrics and notifications.
Additional Features
While both watches offer impressive features, the Forerunner 245 takes it a step further by providing additional functionalities. It includes stress tracking and body battery monitoring, which can help you manage your stress levels and optimize your training. The Forerunner 245 also offers access to the Galileo satellite network, resulting in improved GPS accuracy for more precise tracking.
Furthermore, the Forerunner 245 comes with safety features like incident detection and live event sharing, ensuring your safety and allowing loved ones to track your location during workouts or races.
| Design and Hardware | Garmin Forerunner 235 | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Larger and bulkier 45mm case | Sleek and compact 42mm case |
| Display | Lower resolution | Gorilla Glass display with higher resolution |
| Additional Features | Basic features | – Stress tracking – Body battery monitoring – Galileo satellite network access – Incident detection – Live event sharing |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 235 and 245 are both highly recommended options for runners and sports enthusiasts. The Forerunner 245, being the newer and more advanced model, offers a range of additional features that cater to the needs of the modern athlete.
One notable feature of the Forerunner 245 is the built-in music player, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tunes during their workouts without needing a separate device. Additionally, the Forerunner 245 provides more advanced running analytics, empowering athletes to monitor their progress and improve their performance.
While the Forerunner 245 offers these desirable features, the Forerunner 235 remains a solid choice, particularly for those on a budget or seeking a more basic running watch. With reliable sports tracking features and an extended battery life in smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 235 provides great value for money.
Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences, needs, and budget considerations. Whether you opt for the advanced capabilities of the Forerunner 245 or decide to go with the reliable performance of the Forerunner 235, both watches are excellent options to enhance your running and training experience.
FAQ
Is the Garmin Forerunner 245 a newer model compared to the Forerunner 235?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 is the newer version.
What are the main differences in design between the Forerunner 235 and 245?
The Forerunner 245 is slightly smaller and lighter with a 42mm case compared to the 45mm case of the 235. It also has a higher display resolution.
Are both the Forerunner 235 and 245 waterproof?
Yes, both watches are waterproof up to 50 meters.
Which watch has a newer heart rate monitoring sensor?
The Forerunner 245 uses a newer heart rate monitoring sensor compared to the Forerunner 235.
Does the Forerunner 245 offer more color options for customization?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 offers more color options compared to the Forerunner 235.
What sports tracking features are available on the Forerunner 245?
The Forerunner 245 offers modes for running, cycling, swimming (pool only), and indoor activities like indoor rowing. It also includes advanced metrics such as running dynamics and pulse ox sensor for sleep and elevated terrain workouts.
What sports tracking features are available on the Forerunner 235?
The Forerunner 235 focuses more on running and cycling tracking and has more limited navigation features.
What smartwatch features do both the Forerunner 235 and 245 have?
Both watches have notifications for emails, texts, calendar appointments, and weather forecasts. They also allow for music control from a connected smartphone and have support for additional apps, widgets, watch faces, and data fields through Garmin Connect IQ.
Does the Forerunner 245 have a built-in music player?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 has a built-in music player, allowing users to load their own music or stream from supported streaming services like Spotify and Deezer.
How long is the battery life for the Forerunner 245 and 235?
The Forerunner 245 has a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. The Forerunner 235 has a battery life of up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and 11 hours in GPS mode.
What is the price difference between the Forerunner 245 and 235?
The Forerunner 245 is priced higher compared to the Forerunner 235.
What are the design and hardware specifications of the Forerunner 235 and 245?
The Forerunner 245 has a sleeker design with a smaller size, lighter weight, Gorilla Glass display, and access to the Galileo satellite network for improved GPS accuracy. The Forerunner 235 has a more basic design and limited navigation features.