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Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 235 vs 245 – What’s the Difference?

garmin forerunner 45 vs 235 vs 245 compared
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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 45Garmin Forerunner 235Garmin Forerunner 245
garmin forerunner 45 specsgarmin forerunner 235 specsgarmin forerunner 245 vs 245 music

EDITOR'S RATING

Design:
4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Battery:
4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)
Fitness tracking:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)
Features:
3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
Price:
3.9 out of 5 stars (3.9 / 5)
Average:
4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Design:
4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Battery:
4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Fitness tracking:
4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Features:
3.6 out of 5 stars (3.6 / 5)
Price:
3.9 out of 5 stars (3.9 / 5)
Average:
4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Design:
4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
Battery:
4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)
Fitness tracking:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)
Features:
4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)
Price:
3.9 out of 5 stars (3.9 / 5)
Average:
4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

ABOUT DEVICE

Device nameGarmin Forerunner 45Garmin Forerunner 235Garmin Forerunner 245
Device typeSporty/Fitness smartwatchSporty/Fitness smartwatchFitness/GPS smartwatch
PredessesorGarmin Forerunner 35__Garmin Forerunner 235
SuccessorGarmin Forerunner 55Garmin Forerunner 245Garmin Forerunner 255
Released dateApril, 2019December, 2015April, 2019
Ideal forUnisexUnisexUnisex

DISPLAY

Display typeTransflective memory-in-display (MIP)Transflective memory-in-display (MIP)Transflective memory-in-display (MIP)
Display size1.04 inch1.23 inch1.2 inch
Display resolution208 x 208 pixels215 x 180 pixels240 x 240 pixels
Pixel density----282.8 PPI
Input type5 Physical buttons (Not touchscreen)5 Physical buttons (Not touchscreen) 5 buttons, (Not touchscreen)
Always-onYesYes
Customizable watch faceYesYesYes

BODY

ShapeCircularCircularCircular
Dimension42 x 42 x 11.4 mm45 x 45 x 11.7 mm42.3 x 42.3 x 12.2 mm
Weight36 grams42 grams38.5 grams
Casing materialThermoplasticPolycarbonateFiber-reinforced polymer
Strap/band materialSiliconeSiliconeSilicone
Bezel MaterialThermoplasticPolycarbonateFiber-reinforced polymer
Strap size22mm22mm20mm
Interchangeable band Yes, 20mmYes, 22mmYes, 20mm
Screen protectionChemically strengthened glassChemically strengthened glassCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Water resistant/ProtectionYes, 5ATMYes, 5ATMYes, 5ATM
Swim-proofYes, recommendedYes, recommendedYes, recommended
Color(s)Black, redBlack, blue, greyBlack
Aqua
White

MEMORY

RAM------
Internal storage200 hours of activity data200 hours of activity data4GB
Memory card slotNoNoNo

CONNECTIVITY

BluetoothBluetooth smartBluetooth and ANT+Yes, and ANT+
Bluetooth callingNoNoNo
Wi-FiNoNoNo
NFCNoNoNo
Payment systemNoNoNo
GPSGPS/GLONASS/GalileoGPS/GLONASSGPS/GLONASS/Galileo

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyNoNoNo
SIMNoNoNo
BandNoNoNo

NOTIFICATIONS

Email alertYesYesYes
SMS alertYesYesYes
Calls alertYesYesYes
Event reminderYesYesYes
WeatherYesYesYes
Third-party appsYesYesYes
Text responseNoNoYes

FITNESS TRACKING

Sleep apneaNoNoNo
Sleep trackingYesYesYes
StepsYesYesYes
Floors climbedNoNoNo
Heart rate monitoringYesYesYes
CaloriesYesYesYes
DistanceYesYesYes
StressYesNoYes
VO2 Max.YesYesYes
Blood oxygenNoNoYes
Blood pressureNoNoNo
Menstrual cycle tracking_NoYes
Swim trackingYesYesYes
Under-water heart rate trackingNoNoYes
Preloaded mapsNoNoNo
On-screen workout modesNoNoNo
Triathlon mode_NoNo
ECG TrackingNoNoNo
Preloaded sport modesYesYesYes
Safety trackingYesNoYes

MEDIA

AudioNoNomp3/mp4
Music streamingNoNoYes
Bluetooth musicNoNoYes
RadioNoNoNo
LoudspeakerNoNoNo
MicrophoneNoNoNo
CameraNoNoNo

SENSORS

PLATFORM

Operating system (OS)Proprietary OSProprietary OSProprietary OS
Chipset------
CPU------
GPU------

BATTERY

Type of batteryNon-removable Li-ion batteryNon-removable Li-ion batteryNon-removable Li-ion battery
Battery capacity ------
Battery lifeSmartwatch 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 typeCharging cradleCharging cradleUSB charging cable
Charging timeAbout 1-2 hoursAbout 1-2 hoursAbout 1-2 hours
Battery saver modeNoNoNo
Solar powerNoNoNo
Rapid chargingNoNoNo

CLOCK FEATURES

Time/DateYesYesYes
StopwatchYesYesYes
AlarmYesYesYes

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Control cameraNo__Yes
Music controlYesYesYes
Find phoneYesYesYes

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 appGarmin connect IQGarmin connect IQGarmin connect IQ
Voice commandNoNoNo

BOX CONTENTS

Garmin Forerunner 45Garmin Forerunner 235Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
StrapsStrapsStraps
USB charging cableUSB charging cableUSB charging cable
Quick start guideQuick start guideQuick 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 SiteOfficial SiteOfficial Site

Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 235 vs 245 – The Difference?

Features compared
  • Design
  • 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
  • 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.

  • Activity Tracking

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 45Stylish and sleek, also an outstanding fitness tracker and offers great value for money.
Garmin Forerunner 235A 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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