Comparing Forerunner 235 and Bip
When it comes to selecting a smartwatch, the Amazfit Bip and the Garmin Forerunner 235 are two popular choices to consider. These devices offer several features that can greatly benefit fitness enthusiasts and those who want a convenient way to stay connected without constantly checking their phones. Choosing the right smartwatch can be a difficult task with numerous factors to consider, such as the device’s design, build quality, features, and price.
Focusing on Amazfit and Garmin as brands, both have built solid reputations for their respective watches. Amazfit, known for its versatile and affordable wearables, has been a successful brand in the smartwatch market. With the release of the Bip in 2018, Amazfit continued to impress with its high-quality offerings. Garmin, on the other hand, has been a renowned brand for years, producing reliable fitness trackers and GPS devices. The Forerunner 235, released in 2017, is an excellent example of their dedication to producing reliable and feature-packed wearables.
This article will provide a detailed comparison of the Amazfit Bip and Garmin Forerunner 235, discussing their respective design, build, features, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Amazfit Bip
The Amazfit Bip features a rectangular watch face with a durable polycarbonate frame. Its screen size measures 1.28 inches and has a resolution of 176 x 176 pixels. The display is color and supports touch input. The Bip is lightweight, weighing only 31 grams, and offers IP68 water resistance, making it suitable for daily wear and protection against accidental water exposure.
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 has a round watch face with a sturdy and lightweight silicone strap. The screen measures 1.23 inches, with a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels. The display is an MIP (memory-in-pixel) color screen with touch support. The Forerunner 235 weighs 42 grams and has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, ensuring it can handle activities such as swimming and showering.
Comparison of design and build quality
Comparing the two devices, the Amazfit Bip is lighter than the Garmin Forerunner 235. While both smartwatches offer water resistance, the Forerunner 235 is better suited for swimming due to its higher rating. Design choices, such as a rectangular or round watch face, come down to personal preferences, but both provide easy-to-read information and convenient touch capabilities.
Features and Functionality
Amazfit Bip
The Amazfit Bip comes with several features, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step counting, calories burned, and distance tracking. Its battery can last up to 30 days on a single charge. While the Bip supports GPS, it lacks built-in apps and has no music capabilities.
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 comes equipped with similar features as the Amazfit Bip, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and distance tracking. Additional features include oxygen tracking and swim tracking, which are not found in the Bip. Its battery life lasts up to 9 days, and it offers built-in apps, music capabilities, and more customization options.
Comparison of features and performance
When comparing the features and performance of the Amazfit Bip and Garmin Forerunner 235, both devices possess an array of fitness tracking capabilities. The Forerunner 235 offers additional features such as oxygen and swim tracking, which are absent in the Bip. However, the Amazfit Bip stands out for its impressive 30-day battery life.
User Interface and User Experience
Amazfit Bip
The Amazfit Bip offers a user-friendly interface, with easy navigation and compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones. While it lacks a dedicated app store, it can still receive notifications for phone calls, texts, and emails.
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 provides users with a seamless experience, offering compatibility with Android and iOS devices, customizable watch faces, and access to Garmin’s Connect IQ store for downloading additional apps. It also supports notifications for calls, texts, and emails.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both smartwatches offer a pleasant user experience, with compatibility across major smartphone platforms and the ability to receive essential notifications. The Garmin Forerunner 235 offers more customization and app options, providing a more versatile experience for its users.
Price and Value
Amazfit Bip
At a price of $99.99, the Amazfit Bip offers a considerable amount of features and a long-lasting battery life that makes it a great value for money.
Garmin Forerunner 235
Although more expensive at $299.99, the Garmin Forerunner 235 includes additional features, better water resistance, and more customization options, making it an excellent choice for dedicated fitness enthusiasts seeking a feature-packed smartwatch.
Comparison of price and value
While the Amazfit Bip offers a lower price point and a longer battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 235 provides more features and customization options for those who prioritize a more comprehensive fitness experience.
Conclusion
When comparing the Amazfit Bip and Garmin Forerunner 235, both smartwatches offer unique advantages. For those seeking an affordable, lightweight option with long battery life, the Amazfit Bip is a suitable choice. The Garmin Forerunner 235 provides more features, greater water resistance, and the ability to add apps, making it well-suited for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize a more comprehensive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both smartwatches track heart rate?
Yes, both the Amazfit Bip and Garmin Forerunner 235 offer heart rate tracking capabilities.
Which smartwatch has better water resistance?
The Garmin Forerunner 235 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it more suitable for swimming compared to the Amazfit Bip, which has an IP68 rating.
Is the battery life better on the Amazfit Bip or Garmin Forerunner 235?
The Amazfit Bip has a significantly longer battery life, lasting up to 30 days, compared to the Garmin Forerunner 235, which lasts up to 9 days.
Do both watches have GPS capabilities?
Yes, both the Amazfit Bip and Garmin Forerunner 235 are equipped with GPS capabilities for accurate location-based tracking.
Can you receive notifications on both smartwatches?
Both the Amazfit Bip and Garmin Forerunner 235 support notifications for phone calls, texts, and emails from their connected smartphones.
