Garmin Forerunner 35 vs Garmin Forerunner 45: A Detailed Comparison of Features and Specs

Differences between Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45

In the world of fitness tracking and running watches, Garmin has been a prominent name, offering a range of options tailored to different needs and preferences. Two popular choices among fitness enthusiasts are the Garmin Forerunner 35 and the Garmin Forerunner 45. Both watches come packed with features designed to enhance your running experience, but understanding the nuances between them can be crucial in making the right choice for your fitness journey.

In this comprehensive comparison, we delve deep into the features and specifications of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45. By exploring their differences and similarities, we aim to provide you with the insights needed to make an informed decision about which watch best suits your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to upgrade or a beginner seeking the perfect companion for your fitness goals, join us as we navigate through the intricacies of these two impressive Garmin offerings.

Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the distinctive features and specifications that set the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45 apart, helping you choose the ideal companion for your fitness endeavors.

Key Features Comparison

In the world of fitness tracking, having the right features can make all the difference in achieving your fitness goals. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the key features of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and the Garmin Forerunner 45. Below, we’ll explore the functionalities that these watches offer, helping you understand how they stack up against each other.

• Design and Build:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 features a lightweight and slim design, making it comfortable to wear during workouts and daily activities. Its rectangular display offers a clear view of your stats, with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: With a more refined design, the Forerunner 45 boasts a round watch face and a slightly larger display compared to its predecessor. It offers a resolution of 208 x 208 pixels, providing crisp visuals even in bright sunlight.
• Activity Tracking:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: This watch offers basic activity tracking features, including step counting, calories burned, distance traveled, and sleep monitoring. It also provides vibration alerts for notifications such as calls, texts, and calendar reminders.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Building upon the features of the Forerunner 35, the Forerunner 45 adds advanced activity tracking metrics such as stress tracking, menstrual cycle tracking (for female users), and Body Battery™ energy monitoring. These additional metrics offer deeper insights into your overall health and well-being.
• GPS and Running Dynamics:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: Equipped with built-in GPS, the Forerunner 35 accurately tracks your outdoor runs, capturing essential metrics such as pace, distance, and routes. However, it lacks advanced running dynamics metrics.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: The Forerunner 45 also features built-in GPS but goes a step further by providing advanced running dynamics metrics such as cadence, stride length, and ground contact time. These metrics can help you improve your running form and efficiency.
• Training Features:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: With basic training features such as interval training and customizable workouts, the Forerunner 35 caters to beginners and casual runners seeking structured training guidance.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Targeted at both beginner and intermediate runners, the Forerunner 45 offers additional training features, including Garmin Coach training plans and race predictor tools. These features provide personalized training insights to help you achieve your running goals more effectively.
• Battery Life:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 offers up to 9 days of battery life in watch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for everyday use and longer workouts.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Despite its added features, the Forerunner 45 maintains impressive battery life, offering up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. This ensures that you can track your activities without worrying about frequent recharging.

Garmin Forerunner 35 vs Garmin Forerunner 45 Feature Comparison

Performance and Tracking Capabilities

In the realm of fitness tracking watches, performance and tracking capabilities play a pivotal role in determining their effectiveness in assisting users with their fitness goals. Let’s delve deeper into the performance and tracking capabilities of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45 to better understand how they perform in various scenarios.

• GPS Accuracy and Reliability:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 utilizes GPS technology to accurately track outdoor activities such as running, cycling, and hiking. While it generally provides reliable GPS tracking, some users may experience occasional signal dropouts in areas with poor satellite reception.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Similarly, the Forerunner 45 leverages GPS for precise tracking of outdoor activities. Thanks to its integrated GPS+GLONASS support, it offers enhanced accuracy and reliability, even in challenging environments with limited sky visibility.
• Heart Rate Monitoring:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: Equipped with Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate technology, the Forerunner 35 monitors your heart rate continuously throughout the day and during workouts. While generally accurate for most users, wrist-based heart rate monitoring may vary in accuracy during high-intensity activities or when worn loosely.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Building upon its predecessor, the Forerunner 45 also features Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate monitoring. With improved algorithms and sensor technology, it delivers more accurate and consistent heart rate data, even during intense workouts or rapid movements.
• Activity Profiles and Sports Modes:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 offers a limited selection of preloaded activity profiles, including running, indoor running, cycling, and cardio workouts. While sufficient for basic tracking needs, it may lack specific activity profiles for niche sports or specialized training.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: In contrast, the Forerunner 45 provides a broader range of preloaded activity profiles, catering to a diverse array of sports and activities. Whether you’re into running, cycling, yoga, or swimming, the Forerunner 45 offers dedicated activity profiles with customizable data fields to suit your preferences.
• Performance Metrics and Analysis:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: With its basic set of performance metrics, the Forerunner 35 provides essential data such as pace, distance, and time for your workouts. However, it may lack more advanced metrics for in-depth performance analysis and training optimization.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Thanks to its advanced performance metrics and analysis tools, the Forerunner 45 offers deeper insights into your workouts and training progress. From advanced running dynamics metrics to VO2 max estimation and recovery advisor, it provides comprehensive data to help you fine-tune your training regimen and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.

Performance and Tracking Capabilities Comparison

Connectivity and Smart Features

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to seamlessly connect with other devices and access smart features enhances the overall user experience of fitness tracking watches. Let’s explore the connectivity options and smart features offered by the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45 to understand how they integrate into your daily life beyond fitness tracking.

• Wireless Connectivity:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly sync your watch with the Garmin Connect mobile app on your smartphone. This enables effortless transfer of activity data, software updates, and notifications between your watch and compatible devices.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Building upon its predecessor, the Forerunner 45 offers both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity options. In addition to syncing with the Garmin Connect app, it supports wireless pairing with external sensors such as heart rate monitors, foot pods, and cycling sensors, expanding its functionality and versatility.
• Smart Notifications:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: With smart notification support, the Forerunner 35 keeps you connected to your digital life on the go. You can receive notifications for incoming calls, text messages, emails, and calendar reminders directly on your wrist, ensuring you stay informed without having to reach for your phone.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Similarly, the Forerunner 45 offers smart notification capabilities, allowing you to stay connected and informed during workouts and daily activities. Whether you’re awaiting an important call or keeping track of your schedule, you can view notifications at a glance without interrupting your workout.
• Music Control:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: While the Forerunner 35 lacks onboard music storage or playback capabilities, it offers basic music control features for compatible smartphone music apps. You can conveniently play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume directly from your wrist during workouts.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Although the Forerunner 45 also does not have onboard music storage, it provides enhanced music control options, including the ability to control music playback and volume on your smartphone. Additionally, with compatible music streaming services, you can download playlists and sync them with your watch for offline listening during workouts.
• Live Tracking and Assistance:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: With live tracking support, the Forerunner 35 allows your friends and family to follow your activities in real-time using the Garmin Connect app. This feature provides added peace of mind and safety during outdoor workouts or races, allowing your loved ones to monitor your progress remotely.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Similarly, the Forerunner 45 offers live tracking functionality, enabling your friends and family to track your activities and location in real-time. Additionally, it features assistance and incident detection capabilities, automatically sending your location to preloaded emergency contacts in the event of an accident or emergency.

Connectivity and Smart Features Comparison

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a fitness tracking watch, especially for users who engage in long workouts or outdoor activities. Let’s delve into the battery life and charging capabilities of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45 to understand how they fare in terms of endurance and convenience.

• Battery Life:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: Known for its impressive battery life, the Forerunner 35 offers extended usage on a single charge. In watch mode, it can last up to 9 days, ensuring long-lasting performance for everyday wear. During GPS tracking activities, such as running or cycling, the battery life extends up to 13 hours, providing sufficient power for most workouts.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Despite its added features and functionalities, the Forerunner 45 maintains commendable battery life, ensuring uninterrupted tracking during extended workouts. In smartwatch mode, it offers up to 7 days of battery life, allowing for continuous usage throughout the week. During GPS tracking activities, it provides up to 13 hours of battery life, ensuring reliable performance during outdoor adventures.
• Charging Options:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: Charging the Forerunner 35 is a straightforward process thanks to its proprietary charging cable. Simply connect the charging cable to the port on the back of the watch and plug it into a USB power source, such as a computer or wall adapter. The watch typically charges fully within a few hours, ensuring minimal downtime between workouts.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Similarly, the Forerunner 45 utilizes a proprietary charging cable for recharging its battery. The charging cable connects to the port on the back of the watch and can be plugged into any USB power source for charging convenience. With rapid charging technology, the Forerunner 45 quickly replenishes its battery, allowing you to get back to your workouts without delay.
• Power-saving Modes:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: While the Forerunner 35 does not offer dedicated power-saving modes, it conserves battery life by automatically entering power-saving mode when inactive for an extended period. This helps prolong battery life during everyday wear and ensures optimal performance during workouts.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Building upon its predecessor, the Forerunner 45 introduces power-saving modes to further extend battery life. With customizable power settings, you can adjust the watch’s performance and battery usage based on your preferences and usage patterns. This allows for greater control over battery optimization, ensuring efficient power management during prolonged activities.

Battery Life and Charging Comparison

Price and Value Proposition

When investing in a fitness tracking watch, considering the price alongside its features and capabilities is essential to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Let’s analyze the pricing and value proposition of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45 to determine which watch offers the most bang for your buck.

• Pricing:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: Positioned as an entry-level fitness tracking watch, the Forerunner 35 typically comes at a more budget-friendly price point compared to its successor, the Forerunner 45. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for beginners or casual runners looking to dip their toes into the world of fitness tracking without breaking the bank.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Priced slightly higher than the Forerunner 35, the Forerunner 45 offers additional features and advanced capabilities, making it a more versatile and comprehensive fitness companion. While it may require a higher initial investment, its enhanced functionality and performance justify the higher price tag for users seeking a more advanced tracking experience.
• Value Proposition:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: Despite its lower price point, the Forerunner 35 delivers excellent value for money by providing essential fitness tracking features and reliable performance. With built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking capabilities, it offers everything you need to kickstart your fitness journey without unnecessary frills or complexities.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: Positioned as a mid-range fitness tracking watch, the Forerunner 45 offers a compelling value proposition by combining advanced features with affordability. From enhanced activity tracking metrics and training guidance to smart notifications and safety features, it delivers a comprehensive tracking experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned athletes.
• Target Audience:
  • Garmin Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 appeals to entry-level users and budget-conscious individuals seeking a reliable and straightforward fitness tracking solution. It’s an ideal choice for beginners, casual runners, and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize essential features and ease of use over advanced functionalities.
  • Garmin Forerunner 45: With its more extensive feature set and higher price point, the Forerunner 45 targets a broader audience, including intermediate runners, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals looking for a versatile tracking companion. Its advanced capabilities cater to users seeking more comprehensive training insights and performance optimization.

Price and Value Proposition Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main difference between the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45?

The main difference between the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45 lies in their features and capabilities. While both watches offer essential fitness tracking functionalities such as built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, the Forerunner 45 boasts additional advanced features including stress tracking, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, and more comprehensive activity profiles.

Can I use the Garmin Forerunner 35 or Forerunner 45 for swimming?

While both watches are water-resistant, the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45 are primarily designed for tracking activities such as running, cycling, and indoor workouts. While they can withstand splashes and rain, they may not provide accurate tracking data during swimming due to limitations in their design and sensors.

Does the Garmin Forerunner 45 support music playback?

Neither the Garmin Forerunner 35 nor the Forerunner 45 offer onboard music storage or playback capabilities. However, both watches provide basic music control features, allowing you to control music playback on your smartphone directly from your wrist.

Can I customize the data fields on the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45?

Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45 allow you to customize the data fields displayed during workouts. You can choose which metrics you want to see on the watch screen, such as pace, distance, heart rate, and more, to tailor the display to your preferences and training needs.

How long does the battery of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45 last?

The battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45 varies depending on usage and settings. In general, the Forerunner 35 offers up to 9 days of battery life in watch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. Similarly, the Forerunner 45 provides up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison between the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45 reveals two distinct fitness tracking watches tailored to different user needs and preferences. While both watches offer essential features such as built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking, the Forerunner 45 stands out with its additional advanced capabilities, including stress tracking, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, and more comprehensive training features.

For beginners and budget-conscious individuals, the Garmin Forerunner 35 provides an excellent entry point into the world of fitness tracking with its affordability and straightforward functionality. It offers essential tracking features and reliable performance, making it an ideal companion for casual runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking basic tracking functionalities without the complexity.

On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 45 appeals to intermediate users and fitness enthusiasts looking for a more comprehensive tracking experience. With its enhanced features, advanced metrics, and broader range of activity profiles, it offers a versatile solution for users seeking deeper insights into their workouts and training progress.

Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin Forerunner 45 depends on individual preferences, budget, and intended usage. Whether you prioritize affordability, advanced features, or a balance of both, evaluating the differences between these two watches ensures that you select the right fitness tracking companion to support your fitness journey effectively.

Additional Resources:

• DC Rainmaker – Forerunner 35 Review: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/09/hands-on-garmins-new-forerunner-35-with-optical-hr.html
• DC Rainmaker – Forerunner 45 Review: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/04/garmin-forerunner-45-45s-gps-watch-in-depth-review.html
• Garmin Forerunner 35 Specs: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/552962
• Garmin Forerunner 45 Specs: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/641121
• TechRadar – Forerunner 35 vs Forerunner 45: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/garmin-forerunner-45-india