Comparing 645 Music and Forerunner 735XT
When it comes to Garmin smartwatches, the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT are two popular options for fitness enthusiasts. Both models pack a plethora of features and are available at the same price point of $450. However, their design and functionality differ, which can make the decision-making process a bit challenging.
Choosing the right watch is essential, as it ultimately shapes your fitness tracking experience, enabling you to monitor progress and stay motivated. Garmin is known for its high-quality smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables, with a reputation for reliability, functionality, and durability. This article will go over the differences, similarities, and pros and cons of both the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music sports a sleek and stylish design, with a stainless steel bezel, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and a silicone strap. Weighing approximately 42.2 grams, it features a 1.2-inch sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is lightweight, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case, a silicone strap, and weighs around 40.2 grams. Its 1.23-inch sunlight-visible, transflective display has a lower resolution of 215 x 180 pixels.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both watches have similar build materials and water resistance (5 ATM), the Garmin 645 Music boasts a more premium look with its stainless steel bezel and a higher-resolution display. The Forerunner 735XT is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use.
Features and Functionality
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music offers comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including calories, distance, heart rate, sleep, steps, swimming, and cycling. It has a battery life of up to 7 days, and connectivity options like GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. It features a full-color display, touchscreen capability, phone functionality, and text/email notifications.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Similarly, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT tracks calories, distance, heart rate, sleep, steps, swimming, and cycling. Its battery life can last from 14 hours to 11 days, depending on usage. It connects via GPS and Bluetooth; however, it does not have NFC or Wi-Fi. It has a color display, phone functionality, email/text notifications, and an audio speaker. It lacks touchscreen capabilities, but offers buttons for navigation instead.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices offer comprehensive tracking features, but the Garmin 645 Music has an edge in terms of connectivity, with NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities. The Forerunner 735XT has a longer battery life, an audio speaker, and button navigation, which might be preferable for users who enjoy dedicated controls.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music offers a user-friendly interface, customizable watch faces, and compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones. It also has access to various apps via the Garmin Connect IQ platform.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Similarly, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, is customizable, and supports apps through the Garmin Connect IQ platform. Its interface is also user-friendly and straightforward for navigation.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Garmin 645 Music and the Forerunner 735XT provide a pleasant user experience, with intuitive interfaces and compatibility with various smartphones. The touchscreen on the 645 Music and the button navigation on the Forerunner 735XT cater to different user preferences.
Price and Value
Garmin 645 Music
At $450, the Garmin 645 Music offers great value, with its premium design, advanced features, and wide range of connectivity options.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Similarly priced, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a solid choice for those who prefer a longer battery life, button navigation, and a lightweight design.
Comparison of price and value
Both smartwatches provide excellent value at $450. The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences, such as design, battery life, and touchscreen capabilities.
Conclusion
Overall, the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT are both solid choices for fitness enthusiasts seeking comprehensive tracking features and user-friendly interfaces. Those who favor premium design, improved connectivity options, and touchscreen capabilities may opt for the Garmin 645 Music, while users who appreciate lightweight design, longer battery life, and button navigation may lean towards the Forerunner 735XT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT?
The Garmin 645 Music features touchscreen capabilities, a stainless steel bezel, NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity, and a higher-resolution display. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT boasts a longer battery life, button navigation, and an audio speaker.
Is the Garmin 645 Music better than the Garmin Forerunner 735XT?
It depends on personal preferences. If touchscreen functionality, a premium design, and advanced connectivity options are important, the Garmin 645 Music might be more suitable. However, if a lightweight design, longer battery life, and button navigation are preferred, the Forerunner 735XT is the better option.
Do both watches have music capabilities?
While both watches can display notifications and control the music playback on your smartphone, the Garmin 645 Music can also store music directly on its 4GB internal storage, allowing you to listen to tunes on the go without needing your phone.
Are both the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT water-resistant?
Yes, both smartwatches are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming, showering, and other water-based activities.
Do both smartwatches support third-party apps?
Both the Garmin 645 Music and the Forerunner 735XT support apps through the Garmin Connect IQ platform, providing access to various applications, watch faces, data fields, and widgets.