Comparing Forerunner 935 and Forerunner 735XT
Garmin Forerunner 735XT and Garmin Forerunner 935 are two high-performance multisport watches designed for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Both devices offer a wide range of features aimed at helping users track various activities, from running and swimming to cycling and hiking. The Forerunner series has garnered a stellar reputation for its reliability, accuracy, and durability.
Choosing the right sports watch is essential as it can significantly impact one’s fitness journey, helping set goals, track progress and even provide valuable insights into one’s health. Given the importance of making the right decision, this article serves as a comprehensive guide to comparing the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and Garmin Forerunner 935, offering a detailed analysis of their design, build, features, functionality, user interface, price, and value.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Released in 2016 and priced at $450, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT boasts a sleek and lightweight design. With a 1.23-inch color display and a 215x180-pixel resolution, this watch is both stylish and functional. The Forerunner 735XT is made of durable materials, ensuring it can withstand various conditions encountered during sports and outdoor activities. Its water resistance is rated at 5 ATM for added protection during swimming exercises.
Garmin Forerunner 935
Launched in 2017 with a price tag of $500, the Garmin Forerunner 935 sports a slightly larger 1.2-inch color display and an improved screen resolution of 240x240 pixels. This model also features a robust build made from premium materials. Just like its counterpart, the Forerunner 935 also boasts a 5 ATM water resistance rating, ensuring it can endure swimming workouts and accidental water exposure.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both Garmin models feature durable builds and water resistance, the Forerunner 935 has a slightly larger display and better resolution. The design of both watches is suitable for various sports and outdoor activities. However, the Forerunner 935 has a slight edge in terms of screen size and clarity.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Forerunner 735XT offers a robust set of features, including:
- Operating System: N/A
- Sensors: Accelerometer, GPS
- Battery Life: 14 hours to 11 days (rechargeable)
- Fitness Tracking: Calories, Cycling, Distance, Heart Rate, Sleep, Steps, Swim
- Other Features: Android and iOS compatibility, Bluetooth, clock, phone and text functions, music control, emails, and apps
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 includes an even more extensive array of features such as:
- Operating System: N/A
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer/Altimeter, GPS
- Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks (rechargeable)
- Fitness Tracking: Calories, Cycling, Distance, Heart Rate, Oxygen, Sleep, Steps, Swim
- Other Features: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone compatibility, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, clock, phone and text functions, voice function, music control, emails, and apps
Comparison of features and performance
While both devices offer excellent features, the Forerunner 935 stands out with additional functionality, such as oxygen tracking, NFC, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Forerunner 935 is compatible with Windows Phones, while the 735XT is not. The 935 also includes a barometer/altimeter sensor, which is absent in the 735XT. Overall, the Forerunner 935 provides a richer set of features and improved performance.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Boasting a user-friendly interface, the Forerunner 735XT offers a smooth user experience with its display, navigation, apps, and customization options. Android and iOS compatibility ensures seamless syncing with smartphones, giving users more convenience in accessing their data and using Garmin apps.
Garmin Forerunner 935
Similar to the 735XT, the Forerunner 935 also has an easy-to-navigate interface and allows app customization. Display clarity is better, thanks to its higher screen resolution. Additionally, the Forerunner 935 is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phones, making it even more versatile in terms of connectivity options.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and 935 provide an intuitive interface and pleasant user experience. The Forerunner 935 has a slight advantage due to its higher screen resolution and compatibility with a broader range of smartphones, further enhancing user experience and convenience.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT offers excellent value for its $450 price tag, given its extensive features and durable design. It is a dependable choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to track their progress and improve performance.
Garmin Forerunner 935
At $500, the Forerunner 935 offers even more features and better overall performance than the 735XT. This higher price is justified by advanced functionality and improved compatibility with smartphones, making it a worthy investment for serious athletes and individuals focused on health and fitness.
Comparison of price and value
While both options come with a premium price tag, the Garmin Forerunner 935 offers more value due to its additional features and improvements. However, for users who don’t need oxygen tracking, NFC, and Wi-Fi, the Forerunner 735XT still provides outstanding performance and value at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Comparing the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and Forerunner 935, both devices deliver exceptional quality and value to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, the Forerunner 935 comes out on top with its expanded features, better display clarity, and additional smartphone compatibility. It is a more advanced multisport watch that offers top-notch performance and convenience, ideal for individuals looking to invest in a premium fitness device. On the other hand, the Forerunner 735XT remains a solid choice for those who do not require the extra features of the 935 and prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 935 worth the higher price compared to the 735XT?
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is worth the higher price if you require additional features such as oxygen tracking, NFC, and Wi-Fi. It also offers improved display clarity and extended smartphone compatibility.
Can I use the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and 935 for swimming?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and 935 are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming exercises and tracking aquatic activities.
Do both the Forerunner 735XT and 935 support GPS tracking?
Yes, both models support GPS tracking, allowing you to track your activities with precision and accuracy.
Can I control my music from the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and 935?
Yes, both the Forerunner 735XT and 935 have music control functionality, allowing you to control your music playback directly from your watch.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and 935 sync with smartphones?
Both the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and 935 sync with Android and iOS smartphones. The Forerunner 935 is also compatible with Windows Phones.
