Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Garmin Forerunner 235 and Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS). With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare size, design, functions, battery capacities, but also other key features of both smartwatches and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the watch that best fits your needs and expectations.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS) Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Product Type Sport watch Smart watch
Operating System - WatchOS 10
Supported Host Device OS - iOS 17 or later
Activity/Sport Running, cycling -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Audio Input - Microphone
Audio Output - Speaker
Width 45 mm -
Height 45 mm -
Depth 11.7 mm -
Weight 42 g -
Body Details - Case only: 31.9 g
Body Material - 100% recycled aluminium
Protection Water-resistant Water-resistant, dust-resistant, crack-resistant
Colours Black, marsala red | Black and grey | Frost blue -
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Sensors Accelerometer, optical heart sensor Digital compass, electrical heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, optical heart sensor (3d gen), always-on altimeter, temperature sensor, high-g accelerometer, gyroscope with high dynamic range
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, heart rate Distance, time, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep stages, menstrual cycle, ECG, ovulation phase, mental wellbeing
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Find phone function, VO2 max, idle alert, HR zones, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, auto pause, auto lap, music playback control, voice instructions Fall detection, Emergency SOS, brightness: 2000 nits, Family Setup support, International Emergency Calling, Crash Detection, noise monitoring, Compass Waypoint, fast charge, precision finding for iPhone, elevation view
Notifications - Calendar, SMS, Email, applications, high and low heart rate, irregular rhythm, cardio fitness
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Audio alert, vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou/QZSS receiver
Payment Technology - Apple Pay
Internet of Things (IoT) Compatible - Yes
IoT Intelligent Assistant - Siri
IoT Voice Controlled - Direct
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Wireless Interface - IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth 5.3
DISPLAY Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - colour - transflective Retina LTPO OLED - colour
Resolution 215 x 180 pixels 352 x 430 pixels
Screen Size 1.23" -
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass Ion-X glass
Always On Display (AOD) - Yes
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Type - Touch sensitive screen, side button, double tap gesture
CASE Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Case Size - 41 mm
Case Shape Round Rectangular
Case Back - Sapphire crystal and ceramic back
Case Details - Starlight aluminium | Red aluminium | Midnight aluminium | Pink aluminum | Silver aluminium
Crown Type - Digital with haptic feedback
BAND Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Band Type Strap Sport band
Band Size - M/L
Fits Wrist with Circumference - 150-200 mm
Changeable - Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Pin-and-tuck
Band Material Silicone Fluoroelastomer
Band Colour Grey Starlight | Red | Midnight | Light pink | Storm blue | Winter blue
STORAGE Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Storage Capacity - 64 GB
CPU Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Manufacturer - Apple
CPU Type - S9 SiP
Features - W3 Apple wireless chip, second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, 4-core Neural Engine
BATTERY Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Technology - Lithium Ion
Battery Life - 18 hours
Battery Life Details GPS mode - up to 11 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 9 days
Typical usage - up to 18 hour(s)
Low power mode - up to 36 hour(s)
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
Wireless Charging - Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Forerunner 235 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Magnetic fast charger to USB-C cable (1 m)
Preloaded Software Calendar, Alarm, Weather, Timer, Find My Phone, Garmion Connect IQ GymKit
Compliant Standards - IP6X, BFR-free, PVC-free, Beryllium-free, Mercury-free, Arsenic-free
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - 0.12 W/kg (head)
0.29 W/kg (limb)
Carbon Footprint - 0 kg carbon emissions
Max Depth of Water Resistance 50 m 50 m
Manufacturer Model Number - A2978
Warranty 1-year warranty -
Other projects: