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Garmin Forerunner 235 vs 230 : Which one should you pick

Are you looking for an in-depth comparison of Garmin forerunner 235 and 230 models?

This new guide will show you the differences between the two models. We will compare them in terms of functionality & show you the differences. We are sure that you will understand each model well. Later, I also reveal which one I would pick if I was in your shoes.

Forerunner is accessible to the majority of consumers. As a result, you can get superior features at par with other leading brands without emptying your wallet.

Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. 230: Detailed Comparison

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B016YRIA0Y” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016YRIA0Y?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51rtTY9j0yL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Heart Rate Monitor: yes, chest strap sold separately~~~Clock: yes~~~Battery Type: rechargeable lithium-ion~~~Mount Type: wrist~~~Recommended Use: running, cycling” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Garmin Forerunner 230[/amalinkspro]

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B0160BC1FO” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”409:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PYkNWSrAL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”GPS running watch with wrist based heart rate and display type is sunlight visible, transflective memory in pixel (MIP)~~~Customize your watch and your training, larger screen a 44 percentage larger screen than the 225 but the same physical size~~~Audio Prompts: Receive Audio Prompts from your connected smartphone that include laps and lap times. Smartwatch mode: Up to 9 days. Gps mode: Up to 11 hours~~~Smart notifications: See incoming email, text messages, call alerts, calendar reminders and more from your compatible smartphone. Display size: 1.23 inch diameter~~~Battery life 11 hours training, 9 days watch, activity tracking, notifications + heart rate. Refer user manual below” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch[/amalinkspro]

 

With plenty of models from the Forerunner line, the 2XXs fill the role of a fitness tracker for many fitness enthusiasts. But, what are the differences between these two? Find out more from the reference below.

Specifications

 

Forerunner 230

Forerunner 235
Lens materialChemically strengthened glassChemically strengthened glass
Strap materialSiliconeSilicone
Physical size45 x 45 x 11.7 mm45 x 45 x 11.7 mm
Display size1.23 inch (31.1 mm) diameter1.23 inch (31.1 mm) diameter
Display resolution215 x 180 pixels215 x 180 pixels
Display typeSunlight-visible, transflective

 

memory in pixel

Sunlight-visible, transflective

 

memory in pixel

Weight41 g42 g
Battery lifeSmartwatch Mode: Up to 5 weeks

 

GPS mode: Up to 16 hours

Smartwatch Mode: Up to 9 days

 

GPS mode: Up to 11 hours

Water rating5 ATM5 ATM
Color displayYesYes
Memory/history200 hours of activity data200 hours of activity data

Clock Features

 

Forerunner 230

Forerunner 235
Time/DateYesYes
GPS time syncYesYes
Automatic Daylight Saving TimeYesYes
Alarm clockYesYes
StopwatchYesYes

Sensors

 

Forerunner 230

Forerunner 235
GPSYesYes
GLONASSYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
Garmin Elevate Wrist Heart

 

Rate monitor

NoYes

Daily Smart Features

 

Forerunner 230

Forerunner 235

Connect IQYesYes
Smart notificationsYesYes
ConnectivityYesYes
CalendarYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Controls smartphone musicYesYes
Find my phoneYesYes
VIRB remoteYesYes
Smartphone compatibilityiPhone, AndroidiPhone, Android
Compatible with Garmin Connect mobileYesYes

Safety and Activity Tracking Features

 

Forerunner 230

Forerunner 235

Live trackYesYes
Step counterYesYes
Move barYesYes
Auto goalYesYes
Sleep monitoringYesYes
Calories burnedYesYes
Distance traveledYesYes
TrueupYesYes

Other Fitness Features

 

Forerunner 230

Forerunner 235

Training, Planning and Analysis FeaturesYesYes
Heart Rate FeaturesYes (with compatible accessory)Yes
Running FeaturesYesYes (No available run profiles)
Cycling FeaturesYesYes
Outdoor Recreation FeaturesNoYes
Swimming FeaturesYesNo

Other Details:

Forerunner 230

-> GPS Running Watch with Smart Features-> Tracks distance, pace, time, heart rate¹, and VO2 Max¹-> Connected features²: automatic uploads to Garmin Connect™, live tracking, audio prompts, ->music controls, smart notifications, and social media sharing-> Activity tracking³ counts daily steps, distance, calories, and sleep-> Download data fields, watch faces, widgets, and applications from Connect IQ™

Forerunner 235

-> GPS Running Watch with Wrist-based Heart Rate-> Tracks distance, pace, time, heart rate, and more-> Connected features¹: automatic uploads to Garmin Connect™, live tracking, audio prompts, smart notifications, and social media sharing->Activity tracking² counts daily steps, distance, calories, and sleep-> Download data fields, watch faces, widgets, and applications from Connect IQ™

Customizing your watch and your training

Forerunner 230

Download advanced workouts and training plans to check on your watch from Garmin Connect. This is to help with setting yourself up to reach your goals.

Forerunner 235

Customize your data fields and download Watch Faces, widgets, and applications at Connect IQ for free. This will also allow you to download workout and training plans you can play from Garmin Connect.

On and Off the Road running

Forerunner 230

Forerunner 230 has an integrated accelerometer that tracks distance and pace data both when running on an indoor track or outdoors in the woods. No need for a separate foot pod accessory. After running, it also serves as a step counter, counting how many steps you did and calories burned. In addition, it is compatible with GPS and GLONASS satellites to locate positions precisely.

Forerunner 235

The built-in accelerometer captures distance and pace data when running on a treadmill or a trail outdoors. Aside from tracking your running activities, it also tracks the calories you burned from your steps. Compatible with GPS and GLONASS, it sets off your location quickly and precisely.

Simplicity

Forerunner 230

The data are presented in concise, easy-to-understand charts, graphs, maps, and more to let you track your progress towards your goals. In addition, these data can be wirelessly uploaded online to the Garmin Connect network.

Forerunner 235

Compete with your friends and family members of the Garmin Community Network and compare results in real-time. The same technology applied in Forerunner® 230 allows for such features to run.

Forerunner® 230 is sold in different packages; the watch only and the bundle with included heart rate monitor. The 235 comes in Watch Only package. Both can work a lot better with the following accessories;

  • Apps
  • Bands
  • Cases, Covers & Clips
  • Cables & Chargers
  • Heart Rate Monitors
  • Cycling Accessories
  • Sensors
  • Replacement Parts

Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. 230: Which is better?

The two smartwatches are equipped with the same advanced technology and features. The tracking abilities, design, and visual appearances are superior.

The big difference for Garmin FR 230 vs. 235 lies in the heart rate features. This point made the Garmin Forerunner 235 win. 

Of course, it goes without saying that having an integrated heart rate monitor is worth it. It reports your heart condition, which will help you set your goals better.

Even with 230’s battery lasting longer than 235, such endurance wouldn’t be necessary if the features such as heart rate monitoring are lacking. Always better to focus on more deserving and significant features.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B0160BC1FO” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uYFRd3W-L._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”400″]Garmin Forerunner 235[/amalinkspro]

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B016YRIA0Y” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016YRIA0Y?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51rtTY9j0yL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”400″]Garmin Forerunner 230[/amalinkspro]

Read also: Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Race

Read also: Best Virtual Race for Your New Year Resolution

Conclusion

There you have it. Our detailed Garmin Forerunner 230 vs. 235 comparison. Both are very strong and are well-equipped for all your running needs. They don’t just track physical activities but also your lifestyle, like steps and sleep.

Think hard about achieving your long-term fitness goals as you pick between the two. Know that heart rate monitoring is essential to keeping and hitting that goal. We hope that gives you a hint of what you should pick.

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