Are you torn between two of Garmin’s popular Forerunner smartwatches? The Forerunner 735XT and the Forerunner 935 have both been favorites among athletes, offering robust tracking and advanced features. Deciding which one is the right fit for your training needs can be a challenge.
This comparison dives deep into what sets the Garmin 735XT and the 935 apart. We’ll explore their key differences, from design and battery life to advanced metrics and connectivity. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or a dedicated runner, understanding these distinctions is crucial for making an informed purchase.
Join us as we break down the Garmin 735XT vs 935 head-to-head. Discover which of these powerful GPS watches truly deserves a spot on your wrist and how each can elevate your performance.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | garmin 735xt | 935 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| GLONASS | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Wrist-based | Wrist-based |
| Barometric Altimeter | No | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Display Size | 0.93″ x 0.93″ | 1.2″ |
| Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective, memory-in-pixel | Sunlight-visible, transflective, memory-in-pixel |
| Weight | 40.4g | 49g |
| Music Control | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display & Design
- Garmin 735xt: Features a 1.23-inch transflective MIP display with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. It’s lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, though the smaller screen can feel a bit cramped for detailed data.
- 935: Boasts a larger 1.2-inch transflective MIP display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The larger screen offers better readability and more data fields per screen, housed in a more premium-feeling, yet still lightweight, design.
- Winner: 935
GPS & Navigation
- Garmin 735xt: Includes GPS and GLONASS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities. While reliable, it lacks advanced navigation features like breadcrumb trails or back-to-start functionality found on higher-end models.
- 935: Features GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for enhanced positioning accuracy. It offers more advanced navigation tools, including breadcrumb trails, back-to-start, and route planning, making it superior for exploration.
- Winner: 935
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Garmin 735xt: Equipped with Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate technology. It provides continuous heart rate data and is compatible with chest straps for even greater accuracy, though wrist-based can sometimes be less precise during intense intervals.
- 935: Also utilizes Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate. It offers similar functionality to the 735xt but benefits from improved algorithms and is generally considered more consistent, especially when paired with a chest strap.
- Winner: 935
Activity Tracking & Sports Profiles
- Garmin 735xt: Offers a wide range of sport profiles including running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon. It’s a capable multisport watch but lacks some of the more specialized profiles and advanced running dynamics.
- 935: Features an extensive array of sport profiles, including all those on the 735xt plus more advanced options like trail running, hiking, and skiing. It also supports advanced running dynamics (with a compatible accessory) and training status metrics.
- Winner: 935
Battery Life
- Garmin 735xt: Provides up to 11 days of battery life in watch mode and up to 14 hours in GPS mode. This is respectable for its time, but can be a limitation for ultra-endurance athletes.
- 935: Offers significantly better battery life, with up to 14 days in watch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode. This extended duration is a major advantage for longer training sessions and races.
- Winner: 935
Smart Features & Connectivity
- Garmin 735xt: Supports smart notifications, music control, and LiveTrack. It connects via Bluetooth and ANT+ for sensor compatibility.
- 935: Offers all the smart features of the 735xt, plus incident detection and group tracking. It boasts broader connectivity options, including Wi-Fi for faster data uploads, making it more integrated.
- Winner: 935
Advanced Training Metrics
- Garmin 735xt: Tracks basic metrics like VO2 Max and recovery time. It provides a good foundation for understanding training load but lacks the depth of newer models.
- 935: Introduces more advanced metrics such as training status, training load, and performance condition. This provides deeper insights into training effectiveness and potential overtraining.
- Winner: 935
Durability & Water Resistance
- Garmin 735xt: Features a 5 ATM water rating, making it suitable for swimming and showering. Its build is robust for its class, though it may not feel as premium as some competitors.
- 935: Also has a 5 ATM water rating and a generally more robust and premium build quality. It’s designed to withstand tougher conditions and daily wear with a sleeker aesthetic.
- Winner: 935
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance & Features | 935 |
| Value for Money (for specific users) | 735xt |
| Design & Comfort | 735xt (for lighter preference) / 935 (for larger display) |
| Advanced Training Metrics | 935 |
| Battery Life | 935 |
| Durability | 935 |
What They Have in Common
- Gps and Glonass: Both watches offer robust satellite tracking capabilities, ensuring accurate location data for your outdoor activities.
- Wrist-Based Heart Rate: Both devices feature integrated optical heart rate sensors, allowing you to monitor your heart rate directly from your wrist during workouts and throughout the day.
- Activity Profiles: A wide array of preloaded activity profiles are present on both the 735xt and 935, catering to various sports like running, cycling, swimming, and more.
- Smart Notifications: Both models can receive smart notifications from your paired smartphone, keeping you connected with calls, texts, and app alerts on the go.
- Water Resistance: With a 5 ATM water rating, both the 735xt and 935 are suitable for swimming and can withstand splashes and rain.
- Garmin Connect Compatibility: Both watches seamlessly sync with Garmin Connect, allowing for detailed analysis of your activities, sleep patterns, and overall health data.
Garmin 735XT vs 935 Buying Guide
Who is the Forerunner 735XT best for?
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is an excellent choice for runners, triathletes, and general fitness enthusiasts who prioritize a lightweight, comfortable design and robust multisport tracking. It offers comprehensive metrics for running, cycling, swimming, and more, making it a versatile companion for various training regimens. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich GPS watch without the advanced performance analytics of higher-end models, the 735XT is a strong contender. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Who is the Forerunner 935 best for?
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is designed for the serious athlete and data-driven individual. It caters to triathletes, runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes who demand in-depth performance analysis, advanced training metrics, and extended battery life. If you’re looking to optimize your training, understand your recovery, and gain insights into your physiological state, the 935’s advanced features like Training Status, Training Load, and VO2 Max are invaluable. Its premium build also appeals to those who want a watch suitable for both intense workouts and everyday wear.
Key Differences to Consider
When comparing the 735XT and 935, several key differences emerge. The 935 boasts a more advanced set of performance metrics, including Training Status, Training Load, and Recovery Advisor, which offer deeper insights into your training effectiveness and readiness. The 935 also generally offers longer battery life, especially in GPS mode, making it more suitable for ultra-endurance events. Furthermore, the 935 has a slightly more premium build quality and a wider array of customizable data fields and watch faces.
Price and Value Proposition
Historically, the Forerunner 735XT has been positioned as a more budget-friendly option, offering a great balance of features for its price point. The Forerunner 935, being the more advanced model, typically comes with a higher price tag. However, considering the enhanced performance analytics, longer battery life, and premium features, the 935 often presents a superior value proposition for dedicated athletes who will fully utilize its capabilities. For casual users or those new to advanced GPS watches, the 735XT might offer better immediate value. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy garmin 735xt If…
- You are primarily a runner or triathlete looking for a dedicated multisport watch.
- You prioritize a lighter and more compact design on your wrist.
- You don’t need advanced metrics like a barometric altimeter or music control.
- You are looking for a capable multisport watch at a potentially more budget-friendly price point.
Buy 935 If…
- You are a serious athlete across multiple disciplines and need comprehensive data.
- You value advanced training metrics and recovery insights provided by the 935.
- You desire features like a barometric altimeter for more accurate elevation data and music control.
- You want a larger, more vibrant display for easier readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Forerunner 735XT support advanced running dynamics?
Yes, the Forerunner 735XT supports advanced running dynamics when paired with a compatible accessory, such as the HRM-Run or HRM-Tri monitor. These dynamics include cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. These metrics can provide valuable insights for runners looking to improve their running form and efficiency, helping to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
What is the battery life difference between the 735XT and 935?
The Forerunner 935 generally offers significantly better battery life than the 735XT. In smartwatch mode, the 935 can last up to 24 days, while the 735XT typically lasts around 11 days. In GPS mode, the 935 can last up to 50 hours with continuous tracking, whereas the 735XT offers up to 14 hours. This difference is crucial for ultra-marathoners or those who prefer longer periods between charges.
Does the 935 have more sports profiles than the 735XT?
While both watches offer a wide range of sports profiles, the Forerunner 935 does have a slightly more extensive selection and often more advanced customization options within those profiles. The 935 is designed for a broader spectrum of athletes, including trail runners, hikers, and skiers, with more specialized metrics available. However, the 735XT covers all the essential multisport activities like running, cycling, and swimming very well. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Can I use the 935 for everyday smartwatch functions?
Absolutely. The Forerunner 935 excels as an everyday smartwatch. It provides notifications from your smartphone, allows for music control, offers a calendar, and can track daily activity like steps, calories burned, and sleep. Its sleek design also makes it suitable for wear in professional or casual settings, blending its advanced athletic capabilities with everyday utility seamlessly.
Which watch is better for triathletes?
Both watches are excellent for triathletes, but the Forerunner 935 offers a more comprehensive suite of training and recovery tools. Its advanced performance metrics and longer battery life are particularly beneficial for serious triathletes training for longer distances or multiple events. The 735XT remains a very capable option for triathletes who don’t require the deepest level of performance analytics and are looking for a more budget-friendly choice.
Final Verdict
While the Garmin Forerunner 735XT remains a capable multisport watch, the Forerunner 935 stands out as the superior option for serious athletes. Its advanced performance metrics, longer battery life, and broader sport profile support make it a more comprehensive training tool. For those looking to truly optimize their performance and gain deeper insights into their fitness, the 935 offers a significant advantage, justifying its higher price point.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 935