The latest release of the Garmin Forerunner 955 has many people wondering whether to invest or choose a different option, such as the Forerunner 945. We looked at both devices so you can get a clear idea of what they offer and what they don’t. Take a look below for our thoughts on the Forerunner 955 vs 945.
Which Has the Best Design – Forerunner 955 vs 945?
When it comes to design, you may first notice that the Forerunner 955 is both bigger and thicker than the Forerunner 945. The Forerunner 955 has a thickness of 14.4mm and weighs in at 52g, whereas the 945 is just 13.7mm thick and weighs in at 50g. In reality, the difference is minimal, but it is enough to notice when you look at the devices side by side.
In terms of display, there is just half a millimeter difference! The Forerunner 955 has a 46.5mm display, and the Forerunner 945 offers a 47mm display. This margin difference is not the only one either, with the display on the Forerunner 955 measuring 1.3-inch and the Forerunner 945 at 1.2-inch. Overall, the size differences may be minor, but if you find yourself swayed by lightness or diameter, this may be enough to help you choose.
One of the latest features on the Forerunner 955 is a touchscreen that you can swipe and tap, helping you find everything you need. If you don’t like the idea of trying to use a touchscreen mid-workout, then you will find the traditional five-button navigation is still there too. On the other hand, the Forerunner 945 doesn’t offer a touchscreen but does also offer the five buttons for navigating, making it easy to find what you need.
What Functions Do They Offer?
When using your watch daily, having one with lots of different features can make it more fun and help you get better results.
Both of these watches offer music storage so you can leave your phone at home and still exercise to your favorite hits. The Forerunner 955 has space for up to 2000 songs, and the Forerunner 945 has space for 1000. The reason the Forerunner 955 can store this many is due to its 32Gb memory. However, with 16Gb of memory, the Forerunner 945 should be able to keep you entertained without any problems.
There are a few features on the new Forerunner 955 that help it to stand out from the crowd; these include:
- Multi-point GNSS sensor that gives you greater accuracy when it comes to location and positioning services.
- The fitness age and health snapshot service give you a better understanding of your current fitness status.
- Relaxation reminders that improve your mindfulness practice and promote wellbeing.
- Battery saver mode to help you get the best from your battery when you cannot plug in and top up.
- Over 30 different workout and exercise options to choose from for better tracking, including a range of cycling options, ultra running, bouldering, and more.
- A weather predictor lets you see the potential impact on your local running course.
It’s clear that when it comes to getting access to the best new features, it’s always a good idea to plump for the latest design. However, if these new additions do not interest you, then sticking with the Forerunner 945 is fine.
Which has the better battery life – Forerunner 955 vs 945
There’s no doubt that a device’s battery life can be a make-or-break situation, with many users preferring to spend their cash on the device that offers the least fuss and hassle. That being said, the latest Forerunner 955 only offers marginal gains in the battery department.
The Forerunner 955 comes with up to 15 days of battery life in Smartwatch Mode, whereas the Forerunner 945 offers up to 14 days. In GPS mode, you can expect 42 hours of battery from the Forerunner 955 and 36 hours from the Forerunner 945. Finally, if you want to use music and GPS as you move, you can expect 10.5 hours of battery from the Forerunner 955 and 10 from the Forerunner 945.
Even if the margin of difference is not as big as you’d like, it’s clear that the Forerunner 955 is better, offering the ability to wear and train for longer than before.
Should I Choose the Garmin Forerunner 955 or Forerunner 945
When it comes to making your final choice, it is clear that the Forerunner 955 offers more features and a better, newer design. However, if you already own a Forerunner 945 or want to save money on your purchase, you will probably not be disappointed by passing on the Forerunner 955. The differences are there, but we aren’t sure there is enough of them to justify spending more on the watch unless you are keen on getting the latest model on your wrist.
Read next: The Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Fenix 6
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Last Updated on September 14, 2022
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