Choosing the right GPS running watch can be a game-changer for your training. If you’re eyeing Garmin’s advanced Forerunner series, you’ve likely stumbled upon the Forerunner 935 and its predecessor, the Forerunner 735XT.
Both offer robust features for dedicated athletes, but subtle differences can significantly impact your decision. Are you seeking the absolute latest in performance metrics and battery life, or is a slightly older but still highly capable option more suitable for your budget and needs?
This comparison dives deep into the Garmin 935 vs 735, breaking down what sets them apart. We’ll explore their core functionalities, design, and how each stacks up for runners, triathletes, and multi-sport enthusiasts alike.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | garmin 935 | 735 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.2″ | 1.0″ |
| Display Type | Sunlight-Visible, Transflective, Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) | Sunlight-Visible, Transflective, Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| GLONASS | Yes | Yes |
| Galileo | Yes | No |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes (Wrist-based) | Yes (Wrist-based) |
| Barometric Altimeter | Yes | No |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | No |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Weight | 49g | 40.5g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
GPS Accuracy
- Garmin 935: Utilizes a highly sensitive GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo receiver for superior tracking in challenging environments. This leads to more precise distance, pace, and route mapping. Generally considered top-tier for accuracy.
- 735: Features GPS and GLONASS support, offering good accuracy for most activities. While reliable, it may occasionally show slight deviations compared to the 935 in very dense urban areas or under heavy tree cover.
- Winner: garmin 935
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Garmin 935: Equipped with Garmin Elevate™ wrist heart rate technology, providing continuous heart rate data. It also supports external ANT+ heart rate monitors for enhanced accuracy during intense workouts. Offers advanced heart rate metrics like HRV stress.
- 735: Also features Elevate™ wrist heart rate monitoring, offering real-time heart rate data. It’s compatible with external ANT+ sensors, but the 935’s advanced metrics are more comprehensive.
- Winner: garmin 935
Battery Life
- Garmin 935: Boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode. This allows for extended training sessions and multi-day adventures without frequent charging.
- 735: Offers a respectable battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 14 hours in GPS mode. While good, it falls short of the 935’s longevity, especially for ultra-endurance athletes.
- Winner: garmin 935
On-Wrist Running Dynamics
- Garmin 935: Provides advanced running dynamics such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation directly from the wrist (no pod required if using compatible sensors). This offers valuable insights into running form.
- 735: Requires an external accessory (like the HRM-Run or Running Dynamics Pod) to provide running dynamics data. While it can display this data, it’s not an inherent wrist-based feature like on the 935.
- Winner: garmin 935
Training Load & Status
- Garmin 935: Offers sophisticated training status and training load metrics, helping users understand if they are undertraining, overtraining, or peaking. It provides personalized insights into workout effectiveness and recovery needs.
- 735: Includes basic training status and load features, giving a general overview of training impact. However, it lacks the depth and granular analysis found in the 935’s advanced physiological metrics.
- Winner: garmin 935
Music Control
- Garmin 935: Features on-watch music controls, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume directly from their wrist when connected to a smartphone.
- 735: Does not have built-in music controls. Users will need to rely on their connected smartphone to manage music playback.
- Winner: garmin 935
Display & Build Quality
- Garmin 935: Features a larger, higher-resolution Chroma™ display that is brighter and easier to read in direct sunlight. Its build is more robust with a premium feel, designed for rugged use.
- 735: Has a smaller, more compact display that is still readable but less vibrant than the 935. The build is lighter and more plastic-oriented, prioritizing a smaller form factor.
- Winner: garmin 935
Advanced Physiological Metrics
- Garmin 935: Includes advanced metrics like VO2 Max estimation, lactate threshold, training effect, and recovery advisor. It also offers features like Firstbeat Analytics for deeper physiological insights.
- 735: Offers some physiological metrics like VO2 Max and recovery time, but it doesn’t delve as deep into advanced metrics like lactate threshold or detailed training effect analysis as the 935.
- Winner: garmin 935
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | garmin 935 |
| Battery Life | garmin 935 |
| Advanced Metrics | garmin 935 |
| Weight & Comfort | 735 |
| Value for Money | 735 |
| Durability & Build | garmin 935 |
What They Have in Common
- Gps and Glonass Support: Both devices offer reliable and accurate location tracking through integrated GPS and GLONASS satellites, ensuring precise distance and pace measurements for outdoor activities.
- Wrist-Based Heart Rate: Both the Forerunner 935 and 735XT feature advanced wrist-based heart rate monitoring, allowing users to track their heart rate continuously without the need for a chest strap.
- Multi-Sport Functionality: Designed for athletes, both watches excel in tracking a wide range of sports, including running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon modes, with customizable data screens for each activity.
- Smart Notifications: Stay connected on the go with smart notifications from your paired smartphone, allowing you to receive alerts for calls, texts, and app updates directly on your wrist.
- Vo2 Max Estimation: Both models provide VO2 Max estimations, a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness, helping users gauge their training progress and optimize their performance.
- Activity Tracking: Beyond workouts, both the 935 and 735XT track daily activity metrics such as steps taken, calories burned, and sleep patterns, providing a holistic view of your health.
Garmin 935 Vs 735 Buying Guide
Who is the Forerunner 935 For?
The Forerunner 935 is designed for the serious, data-driven athlete who demands comprehensive metrics and advanced training features. If you’re a triathlete, marathoner, or ultra-runner looking for in-depth performance analysis, recovery insights, and robust GPS tracking, the 935 is your ideal companion. It offers a vast array of sports profiles and advanced running dynamics that go beyond basic tracking. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Who is the Forerunner 735XT For?
The Forerunner 735XT is perfect for the multi-sport enthusiast who wants a versatile and capable watch without the absolute highest tier of advanced features. It excels for swimmers, cyclists, and runners, offering reliable performance tracking and essential training metrics. If you participate in various sports and appreciate a balance of functionality and value, the 735XT is a strong contender.
Key Differentiating Features
The Forerunner 935 boasts a lighter, more premium build with a metal bezel and a wider range of advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical oscillation, accessible directly from the watch. It also offers significantly longer battery life, especially in GPS mode, and a more extensive set of training and recovery analytics, such as training load and status. The 935 also includes features like wrist-based running power (with compatible accessory) and VO2 max estimation for more sports.
Price and Value Proposition
Historically, the Forerunner 735XT was positioned as the more budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for its multi-sport capabilities. The Forerunner 935, being the more advanced model, commanded a higher price point. When comparing current market prices, especially for used or refurbished units, the 735XT often presents a more accessible entry point for multi-sport tracking. However, if you can find the 935 at a comparable price, its advanced features and extended battery life offer superior long-term value for dedicated athletes. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy garmin 935 If…
- You need advanced running dynamics and performance metrics like ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation.
- You want a longer battery life for extended adventures and ultra-endurance events.
- You desire features like music control and a more premium build for everyday wear.
- You are a serious multi-sport athlete who demands the most comprehensive data and features.
Buy 735 If…
- You are a triathlete or runner looking for solid all-around performance tracking without the absolute top-tier features.
- You prioritize a lighter weight and more compact design for comfort during long activities.
- You are on a tighter budget but still want a capable GPS running and multi-sport watch.
- You primarily need core GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and smart notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in GPS accuracy?
Both watches utilize GPS and GLONASS for positioning, offering generally reliable accuracy for most activities. However, the Forerunner 935, with its more advanced chipset and potentially better antenna design, may exhibit slightly superior accuracy in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons where satellite signals can be obstructed. For typical outdoor use, the difference is often negligible for the average user.
Can both track swimming accurately?
Yes, both the Forerunner 935 and 735XT are excellent for tracking swimming. They offer dedicated modes for open water and pool swimming, accurately recording distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF. The 735XT was one of the first Garmin watches to offer robust swim tracking, and the 935 builds upon this with its comprehensive sport profiles. Both provide valuable insights into your swimming performance.
Which watch has better battery life?
The Forerunner 935 significantly outperforms the 735XT in battery life. In smartwatch mode, the 935 can last up to 2 weeks, while the 735XT offers around 11 days. In full GPS mode, the 935 can last up to 24 hours, compared to the 735XT’s 14 hours. This makes the 935 a much better choice for ultra-endurance events or multi-day adventures where charging opportunities are limited. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Are the advanced running dynamics on the 935 worth the upgrade?
For serious runners aiming to optimize their form and prevent injuries, the advanced running dynamics on the Forerunner 935 can be incredibly beneficial. Metrics like ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical oscillation provide deeper insights into running efficiency. If you’re not actively working on improving your running form or don’t have a compatible accessory for these metrics, the 735XT’s core running features might suffice.
Which watch offers better connectivity and smart features?
Both watches offer standard smart notifications from your connected smartphone. However, the Forerunner 935 generally provides a more robust ecosystem and potentially faster software updates. While both are capable, the 935’s more modern platform might offer a slightly smoother user experience for smart features and better integration with newer Garmin Connect features and third-party apps over time.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 935 stands out as the superior watch due to its advanced training metrics, longer battery life, and lighter, more premium build. While the 735XT remains a capable multi-sport watch, the 935 offers a more comprehensive and future-proof experience for dedicated athletes. If your budget allows, the 935 is the clear choice for enhanced performance analysis and endurance capabilities.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 935