Comparing Forerunner 235 and Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT are two popular smartwatches focused on fitness tracking and geared towards athletes. These devices share many similarities, but they also have unique features that set them apart. One of the critical decisions for athletes and fitness enthusiasts is choosing the right smartwatch that caters to their needs and preferences.
Garmin, the brand behind both smartwatches, has established itself as a prominent player in the wearables market. Known for its high-quality GPS products and dedication to creating devices to aid athletes, Garmin has built a reputation for durability, accuracy, and user-friendly interfaces. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the characteristics of both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT to help you make a more informed decision.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Forerunner 235 is built with a durable and lightweight material that is comfortable for extended use. The device has dimensions of 45 x 45 x 11.7 mm and weighs a mere 42 grams. The smartwatch features a 1.23-inch color MIP display with a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels, ensuring clear and easy-to-read information.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Similar to the Forerunner 235, the Forerunner 735XT uses sturdy and lightweight materials for its design. Its dimensions are also 45 x 45 x 11.7 mm, and it weighs 40.2 grams. The smartwatch has the same 1.23-inch color MIP display as its counterpart, with a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT share a similar design and build quality. They are lightweight, durable, and comfortable for extended wear. The screen size, display type, and resolution are identical, ensuring that both devices have clear and easy-to-read information.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 235
When it comes to features and functionality, the Garmin Forerunner 235 excels in many areas. Its operating system offers built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with Android and iOS devices. The Forerunner 235 tracks calories burned, distance, steps, and sleep patterns, among other metrics. It also includes cycling and swim tracking capabilities. With a battery life of up to 9 days and a rechargeable battery, users can enjoy the smartwatch for extended periods without constantly worrying about recharging.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT shares many of the same features as the Forerunner 235 but includes some additional benefits. It offers a longer battery life, lasting between 14 hours and 11 days, depending on usage. The Forerunner 735XT also tracks oxygen levels, a feature not found in the Forerunner 235. Similar to its counterpart, the 735XT includes cycling, swim tracking, and standard fitness tracking features such as calories burned, steps, and sleep tracking.
Comparison of features and performance
While both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT have similar fitness tracking features, the Forerunner 735XT boasts a longer battery life and oxygen tracking capabilities. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 235 provides most of the essential fitness tracking functionalities at a lower price point, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious users.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 235
The user interface of the Forerunner 235 is easy to navigate, with a touchscreen display and customizable watch faces, widgets, and apps. It is compatible with Android and iOS, allowing users to connect to their smartphones for notifications, syncing, and app control. The smartwatch features phone, vibration, and music functions but lacks audio speaker and voice features.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Similarly, the Forerunner 735XT features a user-friendly interface, customizable watch faces, widgets, and apps. It also connects to both Android and iOS devices for notifications and smartphone syncing. The 735XT has an audio speaker built-in, providing more ways for users to interact with their device. It also includes phone, vibration, and music functions.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT offer an intuitive and user-friendly interface with the ability to customize watch faces, widgets, and apps. The primary difference between the two devices is that the Forerunner 735XT includes an audio speaker, allowing for a more diverse user experience.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 235
With a price of $299.99, the Garmin Forerunner 235 is an affordable option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch. It provides most of the essential fitness tracking capabilities and a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent value for the cost.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
At a higher price of $450, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT offers additional features such as a longer battery life, oxygen tracking, and an audio speaker. Considering these improvements, the Forerunner 735XT may be worth the extra investment for users looking for a more advanced fitness smartwatch.
Comparison of price and value
While both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT offer excellent value for their respective prices, the choice ultimately comes down to individual needs and preferences. The Forerunner 235 is an excellent option for budget-conscious users seeking essential fitness tracking functions, while the Forerunner 735XT caters to users desiring advanced features and extended battery life.
Conclusion
When deciding between the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT, prospective buyers should consider their budget, fitness tracking requirements, and desired user experience. The Forerunner 235 offers most of the essential features at a lower price, while the Forerunner 735XT provides advanced capabilities and a longer battery life at a higher cost. Ultimately, both devices are reliable and versatile options for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the Garmin Forerunner 235 or 735XT for swimming?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT have swim tracking features and are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming.
2. Can I control music playback on my smartphone using the Garmin Forerunner 235 or 735XT?
Yes, both smartwatches support music controls, allowing users to control their smartphone’s music playback from their wrist.
3. Can I receive smartphone notifications on the Garmin Forerunner 235 or 735XT?
Yes, both devices can display notifications from your smartphone when connected, including texts, emails, and incoming call alerts.
4. Is the battery in the Garmin Forerunner 235 or 735XT user-replaceable?
No, the batteries in both smartwatches are rechargeable and not designed for user replacement. However, with proper care and charging habits, the battery life should remain reliable for an extended period.
5. Can I sync data from the Garmin Forerunner 235 or 735XT to third-party fitness apps?
Yes, both the Forerunner 235 and the Forerunner 735XT can sync data with third-party fitness apps using Garmin Connect, allowing users to monitor their progress and share information across various platforms.
