Garmin Fenix 3 vs Forerunner 235 GPS Watches for Cycling


The Garmin Fenix 3 vs Forerunner 235; which one is the best GPS watch? That’s exactly what we set out to find out by reviewing these incredible inventions.

After all, GPS watch popularity is at an all-time high since these smartwatches like hand clocks are versatile and suitable for use in a number of outdoor applications such as cycling.

The great thing about these watches is the fact that they make it that much easier to optimize your performance no matter what kind of physical activity or exercise you enjoy. They even come with unique GPS services and the ability to install and navigate different maps.

Garmin Fenix 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 235

In our Garmin 235 vs Fenix 3 comparison, we have spared no expense to test these smart sports watches and put them through their paces.

We want to make sure that we provide you with a comprehensive review that will enable you to make a truly informed decision.

Without further ado, here’s a detailed Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Fenix 3 HR review.

1. Garmin Watch Fenix 3 Review

First up, we have a Garmin Watch Fenix 3 review, where we look at what this smart sports watch has to offer. Some of its notable features include a chic Chroma gray display which measures a generous 1.2 inches wide.

What makes this display unit so unique is the fact that it allows you to view all of your important stats even in direct sunlight. This might have something to do with the display’s incredible resolution quality which makes for a crisp reading that is easy to comprehend.

This is the type of watch that you can wear even outside of your physical activities as it’s stylish enough to suffice as a daily. You can submerge it underwater without worrying about damage and it can handle up to 100 meters underwater thanks to its fiber-reinforced polymer casing.

This durable GPS watch also comes with a steel Exo antenna which as you can imagine, makes it easier for you to keep track of your GPS location in a way that is accurate and reliable.

Not only that, but this watch guarantees constant connectivity through wireless technology so that you can broadcast your location to your friends whenever you go off the unbeaten path. In fact, it even has the ability to spot Wi-Fi hotspots and will keep your Garmin connect database updated at all times.

Pros
  • Comes with high-resolution chroma display
  • Waterproof enough for use in water-based applications
  • Comes with cutting edge fitness training features
  • It has a decent battery life
  • Comes with great outdoor navigation features
Cons
  • The altimeter is faulty
  • There are multiple bugs in the HR version of this watch

2. Garmin Forerunner 235

Next in our Forerunner 235 vs Fenix 3, we’re taking a look at the former option which comes with smart features that make it one of the most high-tech options available.

It comes with such features as a heart rate monitor which is easy to read and comprehend, as well as a GPS display which is easy to see even in direct sunlight.

Other notable features of this smart sports watch include a pixel trans reflective memory which is large enough to make for comfortable screen resolution. Of course, its large screen means that it’s also bigger than most other smart watches, but it makes up for this with its lightweight construction.

The Forerunner 235 comes highly recommended for its ability to enable the wearer to track different aspects of their exercise regimen. It has a powerful battery that can last for up to 9 days while GPS mode will give you 11 hours of battery life.

The only downside with this smartwatch is the fact that it can be a pain to keep track of your notifications on the go, otherwise, it’s a pretty decent option.

Pros
  • You can use it to track important markers such as daily steps, sleep patterns, and calories
  • Comes with useful audio prompts
  • You can upload data to Garmin connect
  • It’s compatible with most smartphone models
  • Comes with a wrist-based heart rate monitor
Cons
  • It doesn’t offer the most precise tracking capabilities
  • GPS mode makes the battery less powerful and lasts for only 11 hours

How to Pick Between Garmin Fenix 3 vs. Forerunner 235

Reflecting on this Garmin Fenix 3 vs 235, it’s clear that each of these watches has something unique to offer and is useful in its own way. Each watch comes with its own set of features that are appealing to certain cyclists.

That’s why in order to give these watches a fair shake, we’re going to list certain features that’ll help you to understand how they differ so that it’s easier for you to pick one that works for you.

Screen

The Fenix 3 has a screen resolution of 218×218 pixels with 257 PPI, which means it’s large enough for comfortable viewing no matter the conditions.

The Forerunner 235, on the other hand, comes with a resolution of 180×215 pixels, and a pixel density of 234 PPI.

Battery

The Fenix 3 comes with a long-lasting battery that can last for up to 20 hours on GPS mode while the Forerunner 235 batter has an 11-hour lifespan on the same mode, so it’s clear which one has the more powerful battery.

Barometer

A Garmin Fenix 3 vs Forerunner 235 review wouldn’t be enough without considering its ability to provide you with useful and fun features such as a barometer and a compass, both of which are present in the Fenix 3.

The Forerunner 235 doesn’t offer the same features but it’s perfect for daily wearing for those who lead an active lifestyle.

Weight

The Fenix 3 is a great option for avid runners because although it’s very lightweight at 82 grams, it’s also stylish and comes with a lot of useful features.

On the other hand, the Forerunner 235 comes in at 42 grams which means that it’s even lighter and you won’t even feel that you’re wearing it.

Final Thoughts

So, our Garmin Fenix 3 vs Forerunner 235 review comes to an end. If you’re wondering which option we’d recommend, it’s the Garmin Fenix 3 GPS watch.

Why? Because it comes with a lot of useful features that make it that much easier to navigate the outdoors and sports activities, a long-lasting battery and it’s waterproof!

Did we mention that it has a high-resolution screen display that enables you to view all of the important markers on the go, even in glaring sunlight.

Shailen Vandeyar

A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not out doing about every kind of biking and experiencing the occasional tumble. Ready to share the ride with you.

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