Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. Polar M430

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Forerunner 235 and Polar M430. Compare sizes, functions, displays, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right smartwatch for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the watch that will best fit your needs.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Forerunner 235 vs. Polar M430 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS - iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS
Activity/Sport Running, cycling -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm -
Height 45 mm -
Depth 11.7 mm 12 mm
Weight 42 g 51 g
Protection Water-resistant Water-resistant
Colours Black, marsala red | Black and grey | Frost blue White | Orange | Black | Blue | Grey
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Sensors Accelerometer, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, optical heart sensor
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, heart rate Distance, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken
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 Fitness test
Notifications - Calendar, SMS, social apps, incoming calls
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS receiver GPS/A-GPS receiver
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Wireless Interface - Bluetooth
Connectors - USB
DISPLAY Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - colour - transflective LCD - monochrome
Resolution 215 x 180 pixels 128 x 128 pixels
Screen Size 1.23" -
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Type - Push buttons
CASE Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Case Shape Round -
BAND Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Band Type Strap -
Band Size - S
Clasp Type Buckle -
Band Material Silicone -
Band Colour Grey -
BATTERY Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Technology - Lithium polymer
Capacity - 240 mAh
Battery Life - 8 hours
Battery Life Details GPS mode - up to 11 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 9 days
Watch mode - up to 14 days
Training mode - up to 5 days
Training mode (GPS and wrist-based heart rate) - up to 8 hour(s)
Standby Time - 14 days
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Forerunner 235 Polar M430
Included Accessories Charging/data cable USB charging cable
Preloaded Software Calendar, Alarm, Weather, Timer, Find My Phone, Garmion Connect IQ -
Max Depth of Water Resistance 50 m 30 m
Max Operating Temperature - 50 °C
Min Operating Temperature - -10 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty 2-year warranty
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