Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. Garmin Instinct

 
Forerunner 235
Instinct
 GarminForerunner 235Buy NowGarminInstinctBuy Now

Basic Info

Suggested Price$299.99$300
Release20172018

Activity & Fitness

Calories
Cycling (Bicycling)
Distance
Heart
Oxygen
Sleep
Steps
Swim

Battery

Duration9 days14 days
Rechargeable

Compatibility

Android
iOS
Windows Phone
Mac
Windows

Connectivity

Bluetooth
Cellular
GPS
NFC
Wi-Fi

Display

Color
Resolution215 x 180128 x 128
Size1.23 inches0.9 inches
Touch
TypeMIPOMOLED

Functions

Audio Speaker
Clock
Phone
Vibration
Voice

Hardware

Accelerometer
Barometer or Altimeter
Ultraviolet Sensor
Water Resistance5 ATM10 ATM

Notifications

Phone
Emails
Texts

Software

Operating System
Apps
Music

Comparing Instinct and Forerunner 235

When it comes to wearable technology, Garmin is a market leader in providing fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers with high-performance smartwatches. In this comparison, we will be examining two popular models: the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Instinct. Choosing the right watch is essential for tracking personal fitness goals and staying connected on-the-go.

Founded in 1989, Garmin has established itself as a reputable brand with a long history of innovation in GPS technology. Known for its exceptional quality and precision, Garmin offers an array of watches catering to the specific needs of its diverse clientele.

In the following sections, we will compare and contrast the design, features, and overall performance of the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Instinct to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build

Garmin Forerunner 235

The Garmin Forerunner 235 features:

  • Materials: Plastic case with a silicone strap
  • Size: 45 x 45 x 11.7 mm
  • Weight: 42 grams
  • Display: 1.23-inch MIP color display with 215 x 180 resolution

Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct features:

  • Materials: Fiber-reinforced polymer case with a silicone strap
  • Size: 45 x 45 x 15.3 mm
  • Weight: 52 grams
  • Display: 0.9-inch OMOLED monochrome display with 128 x 128 resolution

Comparison of design and build quality

Comparing the design and build quality of both watches, the Forerunner 235 is lighter and features a color display, while the Instinct is more rugged with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and features a monochrome display. The Forerunner 235 is more suitable for everyday use and casual workouts, whereas the Instinct is geared towards outdoor enthusiasts who require durability and a higher level of water resistance.

Features and Functionality

Garmin Forerunner 235

Key features of the Garmin Forerunner 235 include:

  • Operating system: Proprietary Garmin OS
  • Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer
  • Battery life: Up to 9 days in watch mode
  • Fitness tracking: Steps, sleep, calories, heart rate, oxygen, distance, cycling, swimming
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth

Garmin Instinct

Key features of the Garmin Instinct include:

  • Operating system: Proprietary Garmin OS
  • Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometer, compass, thermometer
  • Battery life: Up to 14 days in watch mode
  • Fitness tracking: Steps, sleep, calories, heart rate, distance, swimming
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth

Comparison of features and performance

While both watches offer similar fitness tracking features, the Instinct stands out with its additional sensors, such as a barometer and thermometer, providing more data for outdoor enthusiasts. The Instinct also boasts a longer battery life of up to 14 days, as compared to the Forerunner 235's 9 days. However, the Forerunner 235 supports cycling tracking while the Instinct does not.

User Interface and User Experience

Garmin Forerunner 235

The Garmin Forerunner 235 offers:

  • Display: Color MIP display with touchscreen
  • Navigation: Five physical buttons
  • Apps and customization: Connect IQ app store
  • Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones

Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct offers:

  • Display: Monochrome OMOLED display with touchscreen
  • Navigation: Five physical buttons
  • Apps and customization: No app store
  • Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones

Comparison of user interface and user experience

Both watches provide easy navigation with physical buttons, but the Forerunner 235 has a color display and access to the Connect IQ app store for custom watch faces, widgets, and applications. On the other hand, the Instinct features a monochrome display and does not have access to these customization options. Both are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones for notifications and wireless syncing.

Price and Value

Garmin Forerunner 235

At a price of $299.99, the Garmin Forerunner 235 offers a good balance of functionality and affordability for those looking for a watch suitable for casual workouts and everyday use.

Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct, priced at $300, provides a great value for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a durable watch with advanced features, such as a barometer and increased water resistance.

Comparison of price and value

The Forerunner 235 and Instinct are similarly priced, but each offers specific advantages depending on the user’s needs. The Forerunner 235 is more suited for casual users, while the Instinct is tailored to the more adventurous.

Conclusion

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Instinct target different types of users with their respective designs, features, and functionalities. For casual fitness tracking and style, the Forerunner 235 is the better option, while the Instinct boasts a rugged build and additional features ideal for outdoor activities. Understanding your personal requirements and preferences will ultimately guide your decision between these two Garmin watches.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which watch has better water resistance?

The Garmin Instinct offers a water resistance rating of 10 ATM, while the Forerunner 235 has a 5 ATM rating, making the Instinct more suitable for activities in aquatic environments.

2. Can I track my cycling workouts with the Garmin Instinct?

No, the Garmin Instinct does not support cycling tracking, whereas the Forerunner 235 does.

3. Can I customize the watch face and download additional apps on the Garmin Instinct?

The Garmin Instinct does not have access to the Connect IQ app store for custom watch faces, widgets, and applications, while the Forerunner 235 does.

4. Which watch has a longer battery life?

The Garmin Instinct has a battery life of up to 14 days in watch mode, while the Forerunner 235 has a battery life of up to 9 days.

5. Are both watches compatible with Android and iOS smartphones?

Yes, both the Forerunner 235 and Instinct are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones for notifications and wireless syncing.

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