Featured in this comparison, is the newly released Forerunner 945, the older Forerunner 935 and the relatively new Forerunner 645 – Three of the best smartwatches from Garmin, all fitness focused and among the best for comprehensive fitness tracking. These three share a lot of features in common with some few differences. We compare the Forerunner 645 vs 935 vs 945 specs and features so you know what the differences are and which is the best choice for you.
Garmin Forerunner 645 vs 935 vs 945 – Specifications
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music | Garmin Forerunner 935 | Garmin Forerunner 945 | |
---|---|---|---|
ABOUT DEVICE | |||
Device name | Garmin Forerunner 645 Music | Garmin Forerunner 935 | Garmin Forerunner 945 |
Device type | Fitness/GPS smartwatch | Fitness/GPS smartwatch | Fitness/GPS smartwatch |
Predessesor | __ | __ | Garmin Forerunner 935 |
Successor | -- | Garmin Forerunner 945 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
Released date | April, 2018 | March, 2017 | April, 2019 |
Ideal for | Unisex | Men | Men |
DISPLAY | |||
Display type | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) |
Display size | 1.2 inch | 1.2 inch | 1.2 inch |
Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
Pixel density | 282.8 PPI | 282.8 PPI | 282.8 PPI |
Input type | 5 buttons, (Not touchscreen) | 5 buttons (Not touchscreen) | 5 buttons (Not touchscreen) |
Always-on | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BODY | |||
Shape | Circular | Circular | Circular |
Dimension | 42.5 x 42.5 x 13.5 mm | 47 x 47 x 13.9 mm | 47 x 47 x 13.7 mm |
Weight | 42.2 grams | 49 grams | 50 grams |
Casing material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover |
Strap/band material | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone |
Bezel Material | Stainless steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
Strap size | 20mm | 22mm | 22mm |
Interchangeable band | Yes, 20mm | Yes, 22mm | Yes, 22mm |
Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Chemically strengthened glass | Corning Gorilla Glass DX |
Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
Color(s) | Black | Black | Black |
MEMORY | |||
RAM | -- | -- | -- |
Internal storage | 4GB | 64MB | 16GB |
Memory card slot | No | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
Bluetooth | Yes, and ANT+ | Yes, and ANT+ | Yes, and ANT+ |
Bluetooth calling | No | No | No |
Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NFC | Yes | No | Yes |
Payment system | Garmin Pay | No | Garmin pay |
GPS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | 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 | Yes (android only) | No | Yes (android only) |
FITNESS TRACKING | |||
Sleep apnea | No | No | No |
Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Steps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Floors climbed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Calories | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Distance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Stress | Yes | Yes | Yes |
VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Blood oxygen | No | No | Yes |
Blood pressure | No | No | No |
Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Swim tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No | Yes |
Preloaded maps | No | Yes | Yes |
On-screen workout modes | No | No | No |
Triathlon mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ECG Tracking | No | No | No |
Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Safety tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MEDIA | |||
Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
Music streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes | 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 with music: Up to 5 hours GPS mode without music: Up to 14 hours | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS mode with music: Up to 10 hours GPS mode without music: Up to 36 hours | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS mode with music: Up to 10 hours GPS mode without music: Up to 36 hours |
Charging type | USB charging cable | USB charging cable | USB charging cable |
Charging time | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
Battery saver mode | No | No | Yes |
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 | Yes | Yes | 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 645 Music | Garmin Forerunner 935 | Garmin Forerunner 945 | |
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 645 vs 935 vs 945 – The Difference?
- Design
- Connectivity
- Fitness Tracking
- Media
- Battery Life
All three devices look decent and stylish in their respective ways. However, we have a Forerunner 645 with a smaller case size compared to the other two which are quite bulky. The 645 is also a bit slimmer than the 945 and 935 and has a smaller 20mm straps size as compared to 22mm on the 935 and 945 which clearly suggests that the Forerunner 645 as a great choice for women while the 945 and 935 will suit men better.
The stainless steel bezel of the 645 also gives it the classic appearance that makes it a nice fit for official outings, but the finely crafted bezel of the 945 with the stylish markings is quite more commanding and outstanding.
As per durability, the 945 and 645 both have Corning Gorilla glass manning the screens which are more durable than the undisclosed chemical-strengthened glass of the 935 which means the 645 and 945 can well do with some knocks and still work fine (Better choices for adventure).
The Forerunner 645 and 945 joins the list of Garmin’s smartwatches with NFC that supports Garmin Pay – a contactless payment system that allows you to make payment on the go from these two. Unlike the 935 which doesn’t have NFC.
As per fitness tracking, these three remain some of the best choices for fitness tracking. Each is packed with all the standard sensors you’d find in other high-end fitness smartwatches.
However, the new 945 comes with a Pulse Ox sensor that will be able to monitor blood oxygen level which is very insightful during acclimation activity helping you see how your body is adjusting to higher levels.
The Forerunner 945 also features the Garmin Coach which provides guidance and free adaptable training plans that suit your training style. You can as well create your own custom workout modes.
Also lacking on the 645 and 935, but available on the 945 is the full-color topography map feature that’s also available on the Fenix 5X Plus. The full-color map helps you navigate your way through even difficult terrains.
While the Forerunner 645 and 945 allow you to store your music on the watch which you can enjoy on the go, the 935 lacks that feature. Moreover, the Forerunner 945 has a higher onboard storage than the 645 as it can take up to 1000 tracks as against 500 on the 645.
Each of these three has a remarkable battery life that lasts long enough to see you through a couple of days. However, the 935 and 945 have slightly longer battery life than the 645.
While you get about 10 days on regular usage with 935 or 945, you will get less than that with the 645, about 6 days which is still impressive.
Which is the Best?
From the features and design, all three devices are great choices for comprehensive fitness tracking and have decent appearances. However, Forerunner 645 and 945 have more features than the 935 with the 945 having the most features with respect to the presence of Pulse Ox and full-color map which aren’t present on the other two.
Obviously, the Forerunner 945 is the best choice, it’s the most comprehensive with more features, and as well, the spectacular compact design and the long battery life make it such a great bargain even at $600. A great choice for men, professional runners and other athletes alike.
On the other hand, Forerunner 645 also spots a decent appearance with a rich list of features which certainly makes it a better choice over the 935 and going by the sizes, the 645 is a great choice for women.
The Forerunner 935 cost almost about the same price as the 645, although it lacks a few features, but has longer battery life. It’s a nice alternative to the 945 which is somewhat pricey, but that justifies the more features.
Here is a summary;
Garmin Forerunner 945 | The best choice, a more comprehensive fitness tracker with an impressively long battery life. A great choice for men. |
Garmin Forerunner 645 | A comprehensive fitness smartwatch, a great choice for women. |
Garmin Forerunner 935 | A nice alternative to the 945 with long battery life. |
Our Pick
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a more comprehensive choice with more features and an outstanding design that makes it such a great choice in the gym and off the gym. It’s our preferred choice.
Hi! I’m Jude, the chief editor at Smartwatchseries.com
I’m a graduate of biochemistry, a 3D artist and a passionate fitness enthusiast. On here, I and other smartwatch fans work hard to help you find the right smartwatch for you with our guides, reviews, and comparisons.
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