Ready to elevate your running game but stuck between two top-tier Garmin Forerunner models? The choice between the Forerunner 735XT and the Forerunner 935 can be a tough one, as both offer robust features for dedicated athletes. If you’re a triathlete or a serious runner looking for advanced metrics, understanding the nuances between these two devices is crucial for making the right investment.
The Forerunner 735XT has long been a favorite for its comprehensive multisport tracking and built-in GPS. It delivers essential performance data that helps you push your limits. However, the Forerunner 935 arrived with a promise of even greater insights and a sleeker design, aiming to appeal to those who demand the absolute best in training technology.
This comparison dives deep into what sets the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and the Forerunner 935 apart. We’ll explore their key differences in features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which smartwatch will best support your athletic ambitions and help you smash your personal bests.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | forerunner 735xt | 935 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.2″ | 1.2″ |
| Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective, memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Sunlight-visible, transflective, memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Weight | 40.4g | 49g |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| GLONASS | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | No | Yes |
| Compass | No | Yes |
| Gyroscope | No | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Wrist-based & Chest Strap Compatible | Wrist-based & Chest Strap Compatible |
| Music Control | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
GPS Accuracy
- Forerunner 735xt: Utilizes built-in GPS for accurate tracking of distance, pace, and route. Generally reliable, though can sometimes be affected by dense tree cover or tall buildings.
- 935: Features a highly accurate GPS system, often considered slightly more precise and quicker to acquire a signal than the 735xt. Excellent performance in various conditions.
- Winner: 935
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Forerunner 735xt: Equipped with Elevate wrist-based heart rate sensor. Provides continuous monitoring and HR zones, but can be less accurate during intense activities or when worn loosely.
- 935: Also features the Elevate wrist-based heart rate sensor, generally offering improved accuracy and responsiveness over the 735xt, especially during workouts.
- Winner: 935
Battery Life
- Forerunner 735xt: Offers up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 14 hours in GPS mode. Decent for its time, but may require more frequent charging for heavy users.
- 935: Boasts significantly longer battery life, with up to 12 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. This is a major advantage for long endurance events.
- Winner: 935
Display
- Forerunner 735xt: Features a 1.23-inch transflective color display. Readable in sunlight but can appear a bit dated and less vibrant compared to newer models.
- 935: Utilizes a 1.2-inch transflective color display, offering similar sunlight readability but with a slightly sharper and more refined appearance.
- Winner: 935
Smartwatch Features
- Forerunner 735xt: Offers basic smartwatch features like notifications, music controls, and activity tracking. Lacks some of the more advanced connectivity and app support.
- 935: Provides a more comprehensive suite of smartwatch features, including broader app support via Connect IQ, contactless payments (Garmin Pay), and more robust notification handling.
- Winner: 935
Durability and Build Quality
- Forerunner 735xt: Constructed with a durable plastic casing and a comfortable silicone strap. Water-rated to 5 ATM, suitable for swimming.
- 935: Features a premium, lightweight design with a fiber-reinforced polymer casing and a comfortable silicone band. Water-rated to 5 ATM, offering excellent durability.
- Winner: 935
Advanced Running Dynamics & Training Metrics
- Forerunner 735xt: Supports advanced running dynamics when paired with a compatible accessory (e.g., HRM-Run). Offers metrics like cadence, stride length, and ground contact time.
- 935: Offers a broader range of built-in advanced training metrics and running dynamics without requiring an external sensor for many key metrics. Includes VO2 max, training status, and recovery advisor.
- Winner: 935
Navigation Features
- Forerunner 735xt: Basic navigation capabilities, including breadcrumb trail and backtrack. Limited for complex route planning or exploration.
- 935: Includes more advanced navigation features such as a built-in barometer for elevation data, a compass, and the ability to create and follow routes directly on the watch.
- Winner: 935
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Features | 935 |
| Training Metrics | 935 |
| Navigation | 935 |
| Weight/Comfort | forerunner 735xt |
| Value (forerunner 735xt) | forerunner 735xt |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | 935 |
| Smart Features | 935 |
What They Have in Common
- Advanced Running Dynamics: Both watches offer detailed running metrics like cadence, stride length, and ground contact time when used with a compatible accessory. This helps runners analyze and improve their form.
- Multi-Sport Functionality: They are designed for a wide range of activities beyond running, including swimming, cycling, skiing, and more, with dedicated profiles for each. This makes them versatile for triathletes and multi-sport athletes.
- Wrist-Based Heart Rate: Both devices feature built-in optical heart rate sensors, allowing for continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day and during workouts without the need for a chest strap.
- Smart Notifications: Users can receive alerts for calls, texts, and app notifications directly on their wrist, keeping them connected without needing to constantly check their phone.
- Activity Tracking: Comprehensive daily activity tracking is included, monitoring steps, calories burned, distance covered, and sleep patterns, providing insights into overall health and fitness.
- Connect Iq Platform: Both watches support Garmin’s Connect IQ store, allowing users to customize their devices with watch faces, data fields, widgets, and apps.
Forerunner 735Xt Vs 935 Buying Guide
For the Budget-Conscious Athlete
If your primary concern is getting a capable multisport watch without breaking the bank, the Forerunner 735XT often presents a more attractive price point. It still offers robust GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a good range of sport profiles, making it an excellent choice for triathletes and runners who don’t need every single cutting-edge feature. You’ll get a reliable training partner that won’t empty your wallet. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
For the Serious Triathlete & Data Enthusiast
The Forerunner 935 is engineered for those who demand the most from their training data and require advanced metrics. Its inclusion of features like running dynamics (with compatible accessories), VO2 Max estimation, and recovery advisor provides deeper insights into your performance and preparedness. If you’re aiming for peak performance and want every advantage in your training and race strategy, the 935 is the more sophisticated option.
For Enhanced Navigation & Connectivity
While both devices offer GPS, the Forerunner 935 typically boasts more advanced navigation features, including breadcrumb trails and the ability to create and follow courses directly on the watch. This can be invaluable for ultra-runners or explorers venturing into new terrain. Additionally, the 935 often has broader smart notification capabilities and may offer features like music control, enhancing its utility as a daily companion.
For Long-Distance Endurance & Durability
When it comes to battery life for extended events, the Forerunner 935 generally outperforms the 735XT, especially in GPS mode. This is crucial for ultra-marathoners, long-distance triathletes, or anyone participating in events that push the limits of battery power. The build quality of the 935 is also often perceived as more premium, designed for greater resilience in demanding conditions. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy forerunner 735xt If…
- You are a runner or triathlete looking for a capable multisport watch without all the advanced training features of higher-end models.
- You prioritize a lighter weight and more compact design for comfort during long activities.
- Your budget is a primary concern, and you don’t need the very latest in sensor technology.
Buy 935 If…
- You are a serious athlete who demands the most comprehensive training metrics, recovery advisor, and performance analytics available.
- You appreciate the added navigation capabilities provided by the built-in compass and barometric altimeter.
- You want a watch that can seamlessly transition from intense training sessions to everyday wear with its sleek design and advanced smart features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in heart rate monitoring?
Both the Forerunner 735XT and 935 feature wrist-based heart rate monitoring. However, the 935 often incorporates more advanced algorithms and may offer more accurate readings during intense activities. For the most precise heart rate data, both watches support external ANT+ and Bluetooth heart rate monitors, but the 935’s integrated sensor is generally considered an improvement over the 735XT’s.
Which watch offers better training metrics?
The Forerunner 935 significantly leads in advanced training metrics. It includes features like VO2 Max estimation, Lactate Threshold, Race Predictor, and Recovery Advisor, which are crucial for serious athletes looking to optimize their training. The 735XT offers a good range of metrics, but it lacks the depth and sophistication found in the 935, making the latter superior for detailed performance analysis.
How do the GPS capabilities compare?
Both watches utilize GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate location tracking. The 935, however, often provides more refined GPS performance and may offer more advanced navigation features such as breadcrumb trails and the ability to follow courses directly on the watch. This makes the 935 a more capable device for exploring new routes or for ultra-distance events where reliable navigation is paramount. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Is battery life a significant differentiator?
Yes, battery life is a notable difference. The Forerunner 935 generally offers considerably longer battery life, especially in GPS mode, making it more suitable for ultra-endurance athletes and multi-day events. While the 735XT has respectable battery life for most triathlons and standard runs, the 935 provides a significant advantage for those who frequently engage in very long activities without access to charging.
Which watch is better for swimming and cycling?
Both watches are excellent for swimming and cycling, offering dedicated sport profiles and metrics. The 935, with its more advanced training metrics and potentially better GPS accuracy for open water swimming, gives it a slight edge for serious triathletes. However, the 735XT is still a highly capable device for all three disciplines of a triathlon and is a very strong contender in this regard.
Final Verdict
The Forerunner 935 stands out as the superior multisport watch due to its advanced training metrics, superior battery life, enhanced navigation, and more robust feature set. While the 735XT remains a capable option for budget-conscious athletes, the 935 offers a more comprehensive and insightful experience for serious triathletes and endurance athletes who demand the best. The 935 is the clear winner for those who want to push their limits and analyze every aspect of their performance.
Winner: Forerunner 935