Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. Garmin Instinct

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Garmin Forerunner 235 and Garmin Instinct. Compare design, displays, functions, batteries and other key specifications and features to simplify the choice of your perfect smartwatch. Our goal is to make it easier for you to decide on the watch that will best meet your expectations by revealing the main differences between the products.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. Garmin Instinct Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS - iOS, Android
Activity/Sport Running, cycling Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, eSport, climbing, yoga, workout, snowboarding, cardio training, rower, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, mountain biking
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm 45 mm
Height 45 mm 45 mm
Depth 11.7 mm 15.3 mm
Weight 42 g 53 g
Body Material - Fibre-reinforced polymer
Protection Water-resistant Waterproof
Colours Black, marsala red | Black and grey | Frost blue -
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Sensors Accelerometer, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, heart rate Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration
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 Music remote handling, find phone function, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, Body Battery, Physio TrueUp
Notifications - Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Wireless Interface - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+
DISPLAY Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - colour - transflective Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective
Resolution 215 x 180 pixels 128 x 128 pixels
Screen Size 1.23" -
Dimensions (WxH) - 23 mm x 23 mm
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass Chemically strengthened glass
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Type - Touch buttons
CASE Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Case Shape Round Round
Bezel - Fibre-reinforced polymer
Case Details - Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red
BAND Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Band Type Strap Strap
Band Width - 22 mm
Fits Wrist with Circumference - 132-224 mm
Changeable - Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Grey Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam
BATTERY Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Technology - Lithium Ion
Battery Life - 14 day(s)
Battery Life Details GPS mode - up to 11 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 9 days
Smartwatch mode - up to 14 days
Esports mode - up to 80 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 16 hour(s)
UltraTrac mode - up to 40 hour(s)
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Forerunner 235 Garmin Instinct
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging/data cable
Preloaded Software Calendar, Alarm, Weather, Timer, Find My Phone, Garmion Connect IQ STR3AMUP!
Compliant Standards - MIL-STD 810G
Max Depth of Water Resistance 50 m 100 m
Max Operating Temperature - 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature - -20 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty 1-year warranty
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