Comparing Forerunner 45 and 645 Music
When searching for a smartwatch or fitness tracker, it’s important to find the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Two popular options from Garmin are the 645 Music and the Forerunner 45. Both devices provide a host of features that cater to different preferences and requirements.
Choosing the right wearable device is crucial, as these gadgets not only monitor your physical activities but also serve as an extension of your smartphone. Garmin, a well-established brand with a solid reputation, has been producing quality GPS technology and wearables for years. In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between the Garmin 645 Music and the Forerunner 45, to help you decide which one meets your requirements.
Design and Build
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music boasts a sleek design with a stainless-steel bezel and a fiber-reinforced polymer casing. Its dimensions are 42.5 x 42.5 x 13.5 mm and it weighs 42.2 grams. The watch has a 1.2-inch color screen display with 240 x 240-pixel resolution and is built with transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) technology for easier readability in sunlight.
Garmin Forerunner 45
The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a simpler design that features a fiber-reinforced polymer casing and a chemically strengthened glass lens. It measures 42 x 42 x 11.4 mm and weighs 36 grams. The device has a slightly smaller 1.04-inch color display with a 208 x 208-pixel resolution, using a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.
Comparison of Design and Build Quality
Both devices have durable builds, though the 645 Music has a more premium appearance with its stainless-steel bezel. The Forerunner 45 is lighter and more compact, making it suitable for those who prefer a more minimal design. However, the 645 Music offers a higher screen resolution and sunlight-readable display with MIP technology, giving it an edge in terms of display quality.
Features and Functionality
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music runs on a built-in operating system and offers an impressive array of sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, heart rate, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, and ambient light sensor. The watch has a battery life of 7 days and features fitness tracking for various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more. Furthermore, the 645 Music also supports music storage and playback, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes while exercising.
Garmin Forerunner 45
Like the 645 Music, the Garmin Forerunner 45 also runs on a built-in operating system and comes with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, heart rate, compass, and accelerometer sensors but lacks some advanced sensors like the gyroscope, altimeter, thermometer, and ambient light sensor found in its counterpart. Its battery life is also 7 days, matching that of the 645 Music.
Comparison of Features and Performance
When comparing features and performance, the 645 Music clearly has the upper hand with its additional sensors and music-playing capabilities. However, the Forerunner 45 still offers the core fitness tracking options that many users need. If advanced sensors and music features are important to you, then the 645 Music will be the better choice.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music offers a customizable interface, with a good range of downloadable apps and watch faces, compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Navigation on this watch is intuitive, using five buttons located around the bezel.
Garmin Forerunner 45
The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a similar interface and app compatibility as the 645 Music but lacks Near Field Communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi features. The device also relies on a five-button navigation system and is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones.
Comparison of User Interface and User Experience
The user interface and user experience of both devices are quite similar, with the main difference being the 645 Music’s additional connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi and NFC. Both have customizable interfaces and offer a wide range of downloadable apps and watch faces.
Price and Value
Garmin 645 Music
With a price tag of $450, the Garmin 645 Music is positioned as a more premium option, offering a wealth of features and advanced sensors that cater to the needs of serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Garmin Forerunner 45
As a more affordable alternative at $199, the Garmin Forerunner 45 still provides essential fitness tracking capabilities and a user-friendly experience, making it an excellent value for those with simpler needs.
Comparison of Price and Value
When considering price and value, the 645 Music offers more features and advanced sensors, but at a higher cost. The Forerunner 45 is a more budget-friendly option, with most of the necessary fitness tracking features at a lower price point.
Conclusion
In summary, the Garmin 645 Music is ideal for those looking for a premium fitness tracker with advanced sensors, music playback capabilities, and enhanced connectivity options. The Garmin Forerunner 45, on the other hand, is a great value option for users who prefer a simpler yet functional activity tracker without the need for extra bells and whistles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device has better battery life - the Garmin 645 Music or the Forerunner 45?
Both the Garmin 645 Music and the Forerunner 45 have a battery life of up to 7 days, making them equal in this aspect.
Is the Garmin 645 Music or the Forerunner 45 more suitable for swimming?
Both devices have 5 ATM water resistance, making them suitable for swimming. However, the 645 Music offers more advanced features and sensors, potentially providing a better experience for swimmers.
Do both devices have built-in GPS?
Yes, both the Garmin 645 Music and the Forerunner 45 have built-in GPS, along with GLONASS and Galileo support, for accurate location tracking.
Can I store and play music on both devices?
Only the Garmin 645 Music offers music storage and playback capabilities, allowing users to listen to their favorite tunes while exercising.
Are both devices compatible with Android and iOS smartphones?
Yes, both the Garmin 645 Music and the Forerunner 45 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, providing seamless connectivity and synchronization with your mobile device.
