Two new Forerunner watches have just been introduced by Garmin (2022). Here we compare the Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 255, both of which have some fascinating new features. You may also want to compare the 55 here.
It wasn’t exactly a secret that we’d be seeing the watches at the beginning of this month. They arrived as scheduled on June 1st.
This time around, the corporation has devoted more resources to recovery statistics. Also, the results are promising. Some of the new features will give its competition a serious cause for concern.
The Forerunner 955 is currently the most expensive model. However, Garmin defines it as a “Premium Running Watch,” which is more accurate to imply it’s designed for multi-sport enthusiasts. The 255 isn’t a slouch either, though. This is basically a runner’s watch, and it’s received some additional features, so we don’t expect an upgrade to the 745. We’ll have to wait and see.
Read on if you’re unsure which of these Forerunners is the best fit for you!
Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 255: Design and build
New Forerunners, 945 and 255, look and feel similar to their predecessors. When it comes to aesthetics, there doesn’t appear to be much difference between the two. There are, nevertheless, particular critical distinctions to be made.
The 255 is now available in two different sizes. The big is 45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9 mm, while the smaller is 41 x 41 x 12.4 mm. People with tiny wrists will benefit most from the latter. Weighing in at just 39 grams, this smartwatch is one of the thinnest on the market. The bigger version is 10 grams heavier than the smaller one.
In contrast, there is only one size available for the 955. This one is a tad bigger, thicker, and heavier at 46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4 mm and 52 grams.
There has been no alteration in the watchmaking process. The body is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, while the strap is made of silicone. It’s not the most opulent design, but it works great for sports.
Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 255: Display
Unlike the smaller 255s, the bigger Forerunner 255 has a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen that can be seen in direct sunlight. These can’t be used with your fingers. Because the Forerunner 955’s 1.3-inch touchscreen is touch-enabled, users may interact with it easily.
You may choose when to utilize touch and how much control you have over the application’s features. Other times, you may use the five physical buttons, which are the same as those on all modern Forerunner watches, including the 255.
All of these timepieces are built to last. When it comes to screen protection, the 955 boasts Corning Gorilla Glass DX, while the 255 has Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The material’s resistance to water is excellent. Because these watches have a 5-ATM water-resistant certification, they are safe to wear in and out of the water.
Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 255: Sensors and inside features
The sensors are next on the list of things to do. Both the 955 and 255 come with the same set.
A gyroscope, accelerometer, temperature, and SpO2 sensor are all included. There is now an altimeter and gyroscope on board, which suggests the 255 has undergone an upgrade. The heart rate sensor on these watches is Gen 4 Elevate, which is also worth mentioning. For Garmin’s new recovery metrics, this sensor is required. The 945 LTE, Fenix 7, Epix 2, and Venu 2 all feature it.
Comparing the Garmin Forerunner 955 to the Forerunner 255, both the 955 and 255 are equipped with Garmin’s built-in GPS/Glonass/Galileo. Because it is dual-frequency, you should expect speedier connections and more precise statistics.
NFC for Garmin Pay is also built into the new watches. This means you don’t have to carry a wallet with you when you’re out and about.
Storage
Runners and hikers will find the Forerunner 955 better suited to their needs. You can use topo and trail maps from various sources because of the device’s increased storage capacity. The watch storage capacity of the Forerunner 955 is 32 GB. The device storage capacity of the Forerunner 255 is 4 GB. Forerunner 255’s incremental memory gives you a lot of versatility.
As a bonus, the Forerunner 955 can store up to 2000 songs on its internal memory.
Music
No music is included in the Forerunner 255 regular edition. The Forerunner 255 Music Edition is the only model that may be used to store and play music. The retail price of the Forerunner 255 Music edition is $399.99.
It is possible to play music on the Forerunner 955.
The Forerunner 955 may be used to control the music on your smartphone. The watch and smartphone must be connected through Bluetooth in order for this to work.
Forerunner 955 device storage can be used to store personal audio files.
You may also connect to third-party music streaming services like Spotify using the web interface on your computer.
The Forerunner 955 should be your first choice above the Forerunner 255 if you plan to listen to music while you work out.
Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 255: Battery Comparison
Having a long battery life is essential for a wearable fitness and sports device. New Forerunners are up to the task, according to our findings. When using as a smartwatch, you may expect about two weeks of battery life, depending on the model you pick. In the grand scheme of things, the changes are negligible. There’s a minimum of 12 days on the 255s, while the 955 offers up to 15 days.
However, the Forerunner’s solar option is worth mentioning. If you spend a lot of time outside and live in a sunny region, it may be worth the extra $100. In optimal settings, the feature increases battery life by 20-25 percent.
Specifically:
While in smartwatch mode, the 955 battery lasts for about 15 days, while the 257 lasts for about 14 days.
GPS Mode – The battery life of the Forerunner 955 is 42 hours, and the battery life of the Forerunner 255 is 30 hours when using GPS mode.
Both watches support multi-frequency GPS location. Forerunner 955 has a battery life of 25 hours, while Forerunner 255 has a battery life of 20 hours when using multi-point GNSS frequency location.
Functionality: Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 255
As I’ve mentioned, the 955 and 255 are used mainly by athletes. This is how a company’s client base is constructed. They may, however, be used for various sports, making them ideal for cyclists, triathletes, and athletes of different other sports.
Other than that, the Forerunner series is excellent for tracking general health and exercise. The best of Garmin’s technology has been crammed into these new watches. SpO2, stress, and much more are all included in its tracking capabilities.
The Forerunner 955 comes with what?
The two watches diverge in terms of how well they monitor athletic activities. The Recovery-type measures have been introduced by Garmin, as previously indicated. HRV Status is the name of one of these subcategories. Daily, you’ll receive an average of your heart rate variability, which then compares to a short and long-term mean. In addition to the Body Battery status, this is available on the 955 and 255.
Preparation for daily training
However, Daily Training Readiness, an essential recuperation feature, is only available on higher-end models. Zero to 100 is the range here. You can tell just by looking at the data how ready you are to work out on a given day. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Garmin appears to have omitted this sensor from the 255 models on purpose, given that the 955 and 255 share many of the same internal components. It’s all about making the more expensive choice more enticing to the customer. If these and other performance numbers were accessible on the lower-end Forerunner, we believe many customers would choose the 255 over the 955. So, don’t hold your breath if you’re looking for it via a firmware update.
Fitness Tracker Training Readiness
Another difference between the 955 and 255 is that the 955 has head and altitude acclimatization, whereas the 255 does not. Intense heat and high altitude affect your training and performance. VO2Max and Training Status are calculated with this information in mind. Your smartphone’s weather app provides the weather data needed to calculate the results.
The Fenix 7 and Epix 2 were the first devices to include Real-time Stamina when they were unveiled earlier this year. Its purpose is to assist runners and cyclists in better controlling their level of exertion when exercising. The goal is to avoid running out of gas before the race ends. It’s more of a luxury than a need.
Maps
The 955 has a slew of navigation and mapping tools. Preloaded topographical maps, road and trail maps, GPS coordinates, Sight’N Go, and XERO locations are all included in this package.
The 955, on the other hand, has 32GB of memory, which is eight times more than the 4GB on the 255 models. Hikers and anyone who likes outdoor activities would appreciate these features. However, they won’t have any effect on anybody else.
Golf
Finally, the 955 has a slew of golf-related functions. This sport is not supported by the 255. Additionally, it misses some of the 955’s activity profiles and safety features.
In the end, which is better, the Garmin Forerunner 955 or the Garmin 255?
Rest certain that you’ll be getting the best sports technology available today, no matter which of these two watches you pick. The 255’s primary market is runners, the same as its predecessor. In addition to tracking a single sport, it can also keep tabs on various others.
An upgraded version of the 955 is available. It’s one of the finest value-for-money wearable offers out there, starting at $500. If you want to save music, this is probably a better option than the 255.
Compared to the lower-spec Forerunner, the high-end model has many more performance metrics. This consists of three components: Daily Training Readiness, Heat and Altitude Acclimatization, and Real-time Stamina Testing. There are also new sports profiles (including golf), somewhat greater battery life, and compatibility for maps and a touch display.
Unless you plan on employing most of these extra features, the 255 ($350 ordinary, $400 music) is the sensible pick at this price point. For individuals with tiny wrists, this is a good alternative because it comes in several sizes. The Garmin 955 is designed for folks who need all of the amazing features that the company has to offer right now.
Read next: Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 945: Which is best?
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Last Updated on December 11, 2022
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