Garmin Forerunner 245 vs Garmin Forerunner 235

Garmin Forerunner 235 (FR235) has been a go-to watch for most amateur runners the world over. And, rightfully so, as FR235 packs nearly everything that its users would need without burning a serious hole in the pocket. So, when Garmin announced an upgrade in the form of Forerunner 245 (FR245), there was anticipation in the running community around two things. What more? And how much?

So when I was offered an early opportunity to sample FR245, I jumped at it. It is only fair that I share my experience for the benefit of the larger running community. So, here I go. 

Slim and Trim

FR245 sits light on the wrist and to my utter surprise it is also smaller in form factor as compared to
FR235. However, there is no compromise on the screen real estate – thanks to improved
bezel design. Overall, FR245 fits snugly on the wrist without any compromise in the screen space
despite overall reduction in the dimensions. Well played Garmin!

Features galore

FR245 pleasantly surprises with several additional workout modes – some notable ones are pool
swimming, treadmill and bike indoor.

Apart from the usual heart rate monitor at the back, there also is a pulse oximeter to measure blood
oxygen saturation level – commonly known as SPO2. This is an important addition and would excite
the trail and high-altitude runners for sure.

It also incorporates training status, training load, and anaerobic training effect making it a much
more activity-aware watch. Serious runners would find this useful to closely monitor workout effort
and also optimize their training loads. It also integrates Garmin Coach which is good for beginners
training for their 5K/10K/HM.

FR245 also supports add-on accessories like running dynamics pod. This can throw in advance
running data like ground contact time, vertical oscillation and much more. These features were
hitherto available only in the advanced series. Add-ons would, however, cost extra and is only for
runners who are serious about analyzing advance run data.

Runners who love music on the move have a reason to rejoice with FR245. Garmin finally caught up
on the music integration front with FR245. This was a much-needed enhancement and Garmin gets
it right with features like 500 songs memory and integration with Spotify.

With breadcrumb maps, runners can now pre-load the course, follow the GPS track, and also find their way
back to the starting point. Trail runners would love this feature.

A looker

FR245 is also quite a looker. The sleek form factor comes with a completely new strap system which
allows runners to change straps easily. And, Garmin has added several cool and stylish color options
for straps. Hope, the same strapping system comes to the advance lines as well – why should
runners continue to struggle with those weird screwdrivers. Garmin – are you listening?

More than just Running

FR245 has enough features to keep cyclists and swimmers and therefore, triathletes happy. It is
good to see such versatility in this series.

Anything else?

If I have to seriously nit-pick about anything, it would be the absence of a barometric altimeter and
gyroscope. However, these are meant for high-end outdoor watches, so no one would complain
anyways.

Verdict?

Garmin has clearly hit a PB with FR245. The upgrade took some time but FR245 packs in a lot as
compared to its predecessor.

FR235 to FR245 is an upgrade worth considering for runners who are looking to go up the ladder in
their running pursuits. It comes with a bit of a price, but I think it is worth the money!