Garmin Forerunner 55 vs Forerunner 245 – Which Should You Buy?
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Garmin Forerunner 245 and Garmin Forerunner 55 are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, and long-lasting performance. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is the more advanced option with additional training tools and hardware. The Forerunner 55 remains a popular entry-level running watch known for simplicity and long battery life. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
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Processor:
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Display:
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Connectivity:
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Display Resolution:
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GPS Support:
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Battery Life:
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Fitness Features:
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Durability:
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Sport Mode:
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Sport Mode:
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 245 | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
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| Display | 1.2″ Transflective MIP | 1.04″ Transflective MIP |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 208 x 208 pixels |
| Display Brightness | Higher brightness with more detail | Lower brightness, basic readability |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) | Up to 7 days | Up to 14 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS only |
| Sport Modes | Advanced metrics + multiple profiles | Basic profiles, running focused |
| Weight | 38.5g | 37g |
| Music Storage | No (music edition available separately) | No |
| Advanced Training | VO2 Max, Training Status, etc. | Daily Suggested Workouts |
| Incident Detection | Yes | Yes |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Forerunner 245 if you:
Check Garmin Forerunner 245 Best Price Buy the Garmin Forerunner 55 if you:
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Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
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| Processor | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Always-On Display | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Display Size | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Resolution | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Display Brightness | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Battery Life | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Sport Modes | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Health & Fitness | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Connectivity | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Durability | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Design | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
FAQ
Does the Garmin Forerunner 245 have built-in music storage?
The standard Garmin Forerunner 245 does not include built-in music storage, but there is a separate Forerunner 245 Music edition that supports offline music playback.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 suitable for beginner runners?
Yes, the Forerunner 55 is designed with beginner runners in mind and includes features like Daily Suggested Workouts and easy-to-use training tools.
Can both watches track swimming?
Yes, both the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 are water-resistant up to 5 ATM and can track pool swimming sessions.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 245 support advanced running metrics?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 supports advanced running dynamics such as ground contact time, cadence, vertical oscillation, and VO2 Max when paired with compatible accessories.
Do either of the watches support music playback via Bluetooth?
Only the Forerunner 245 Music edition supports Bluetooth music playback. The standard 245 and Forerunner 55 do not have music playback features.
Can I use Garmin Pay on the Forerunner 245 or 55?
No, neither the Forerunner 245 nor the Forerunner 55 supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
Is there a difference in battery life between the two models?
Yes, the Forerunner 55 offers longer battery life, with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, compared to 7 days on the Forerunner 245.
Can both models receive smartphone notifications?
Yes, both watches can receive call, text, and app notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Do the watches support external sensors?
The Forerunner 245 supports Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors, while the Forerunner 55 only supports Bluetooth and lacks ANT+ compatibility.
Is the display on the Forerunner 245 sharper than the 55?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 has a higher resolution display at 240 x 240 pixels compared to the Forerunner 55’s 208 x 208 pixels, resulting in sharper visuals.