Garmin recently announced the Forerunner 45 alongside the 245, while the 45 succeeds the 35, the 245 succeeds the 235. The new models; 45 and 245 come with few additional features, but still share a lot of similarities with the older 35 and 235. However, we compare the Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 235 vs 245 specs and features head-to-head so you know which is the best choice for you among these low priced Garmin fitness smartwatches.
Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 235 vs 245 Specifications Compared
| Garmin Forerunner 45 | Garmin Forerunner 235 | Garmin Forerunner 245 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
ABOUT DEVICE | |||
| Device name | Garmin Forerunner 45 | Garmin Forerunner 235 | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Device type | Sporty/Fitness smartwatch | Sporty/Fitness smartwatch | Fitness/GPS smartwatch |
| Predessesor | Garmin Forerunner 35 | __ | Garmin Forerunner 235 |
| Successor | Garmin Forerunner 55 | Garmin Forerunner 245 | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
| Released date | April, 2019 | December, 2015 | April, 2019 |
| Ideal for | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex |
DISPLAY | |||
| Display type | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) |
| Display size | 1.04 inch | 1.23 inch | 1.2 inch |
| Display resolution | 208 x 208 pixels | 215 x 180 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Pixel density | -- | -- | 282.8 PPI |
| Input type | 5 Physical buttons (Not touchscreen) | 5 Physical buttons (Not touchscreen) | 5 buttons, (Not touchscreen) |
| Always-on | Yes | Yes | |
| Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BODY | |||
| Shape | Circular | Circular | Circular |
| Dimension | 42 x 42 x 11.4 mm | 45 x 45 x 11.7 mm | 42.3 x 42.3 x 12.2 mm |
| Weight | 36 grams | 42 grams | 38.5 grams |
| Casing material | Thermoplastic | Polycarbonate | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Strap/band material | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone |
| Bezel Material | Thermoplastic | Polycarbonate | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Strap size | 22mm | 22mm | 20mm |
| Interchangeable band | Yes, 20mm | Yes, 22mm | Yes, 20mm |
| Screen protection | Chemically strengthened glass | Chemically strengthened glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Black, red | Black, blue, grey | Black Aqua White |
MEMORY | |||
| RAM | -- | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | 200 hours of activity data | 200 hours of activity data | 4GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth smart | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Yes, and ANT+ |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No | No |
| NFC | No | No | No |
| Payment system | No | No | No |
| GPS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo |
CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY | |||
| Technology | No | No | No |
| SIM | No | No | No |
| Band | No | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS | |||
| Email alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Text response | No | No | Yes |
FITNESS TRACKING | |||
| Sleep apnea | No | No | No |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | No | No | No |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | No | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | No | No | Yes |
| Blood pressure | No | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | _ | No | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No | Yes |
| Preloaded maps | No | No | No |
| On-screen workout modes | No | No | No |
| Triathlon mode | _ | No | No |
| ECG Tracking | No | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety tracking | Yes | No | Yes |
MEDIA | |||
| Audio | No | No | mp3/mp4 |
| Music streaming | No | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | No | No | Yes |
| Radio | No | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No | No |
| Camera | No | No | No |
SENSORS | |||
PLATFORM | |||
| Operating system (OS) | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Chipset | -- | -- | -- |
| CPU | -- | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- | -- |
BATTERY | |||
| Type of battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | -- | -- | -- |
| Battery life | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 7 days GPS mode: Up to 13 hours | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 9 days GPS mode: Up to 11 hours | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 7 days GPS mode: Up to 24 hours |
| Charging type | Charging cradle | Charging cradle | USB charging cable |
| Charging time | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
| Battery saver mode | No | No | No |
| Solar power | No | No | No |
| Rapid charging | No | No | No |
CLOCK FEATURES | |||
| Time/Date | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS | |||
| Control camera | No | __ | Yes |
| Music control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Find phone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MISC | |||
| Compatibility | Android and iOS Check if your device is compatible | Android and iOS Check if your device is compatible | Android and iOS Check if your device is compatible |
| Companion app | Garmin connect IQ | Garmin connect IQ | Garmin connect IQ |
| Voice command | No | No | No |
BOX CONTENTS | |||
| Garmin Forerunner 45 | Garmin Forerunner 235 | Garmin Forerunner 245 Music | |
| Straps | Straps | Straps | |
| USB charging cable | USB charging cable | USB charging cable | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
| NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error. | |||
| Official Site | Official Site | Official Site | |
Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 235 vs 245 – The Difference?
- Design
- Battery Life
- Activity Tracking
The newer models; 45 and 245 retain most of the attributes of the 235. For one, all three devices are sporty in appearance. However, the 45 which comes in two models; 45 and 45 Music seems to be the most stylish, while the 245 obviously is now more durable featuring stronger materials.
The reinforced fiber bezel and corning Gorilla glass used on the 245 makes it a more durable device than both the 235 and 45.
There isn’t much difference in the sizes, but it’s clear Garmin wants it smaller, perhaps a way to make a watch that’s a nice fit for more people.
So, from the physical appearance, we’ve three decent looking smartwatches with the 45 looking a bit more stylish, while the 245 is a more durable choice.
Battery life seems to have improved a bit with the newer models. According to Garmin, the 245 will last about 24 hours with GPS active compared to 13 hours for the 45 and 11 hours for the 235. Obviously, the 245 and 45 have slight improvements in battery life that sees these two last a bit longer. A great deal for anyone who engages in extreme workout activities.
While each of these three remains a great choice for fitness tracking, the newer models come with a few additional activities tracking features that certainly makes the 245 and 45 better choices for tracking your active life.
There’s now the Garmin coach available on 45 and 245 which provides coaching from experts with adaptable plans that fit your style. You can set up custom workout modes to complement your training style.
There’s also the incident detection feature that sees the 245 and 45 being able to detect when an incident has occurred, such as a sudden fall. It will then send a message and your location to a designated preset emergency contact. You will have to set this up via the companion app.
The Forerunner 245 also comes with a compass for easier navigation and a pulse oximeter that monitors blood oxygen level. Two features that both the 235 and 45 lacks which no doubt makes the 245 the best choice for comprehensive fitness tracking.
Which is the Best?
In all, these three smartwatches are great choices for fitness tracking just like most Garmin devices. However, if you already own the 235, I honestly don’t see any reason to upgrade.
With the Forerunner 45 being the cheapest and also having a more decent design than both the 245 and 235, it’s a great choice for anyone on a low budget who needs a decent fitness smartwatch that qualifies as an entry-level smartwatch.
The 245 on the hand with more activity tracking features and a bit more durable, although the most expensive is the best choice, especially for serious runners who need those additional features to help manage their fitness goals better.
Here is a summary;
| Garmin Forerunner 245 | The most comprehensive fitness tracker, and slightly more durable device. It’s the best choice. |
| Garmin Forerunner 45 | Stylish and sleek, also an outstanding fitness tracker and offers great value for money. |
| Garmin Forerunner 235 | A nice alternative. |
Our Pick
The Forerunner 45 with a stylish decent appearance, a long battery life, and a lot cheaper is our preferred choice.
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Thanks a lot for this post. It’s very very helpful and helps me to have the right choice with low budget.
Am glad you like it, thank you for visiting.
Thanks for the comparisons on the three watches I was looking at 🙂
You’re always welcome. Thanks for visiting.
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