We begin with a Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct comparison table. This table aims at helping you compare the two watches and lastly get you what is outstanding.
Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct Comparison Table
| SPECIFICATIONS | GARMIN FORERUNNER 235 | INSTINCTS |
| Display | 1.23″ | 0.9″ |
| Resolution | 215 x 180 pixels | 128 x 128 pixels |
| Connectivity | Compatible With Android, Syncs Wirelessly, Don’t Support Wi-Fi, Syncs Automatically | Syncs Wirelessly, Compatible With Android, Syncs Automatically, Don’t Support Wi-Fi |
| Added Features | Barometer, Tracks Distance, Tracks Sleep, Measures Pace, Goal Settings, Weight Tracking, Tracks Water Intake, Heart Rate Monitor | Compass, Barometer, Cadence Sensor, Tracks Sleep, Tracks Distance, HR monitor, Measures Pace, Detects Activity Automatically, Goal Settings, Multiple Sports modes, Stroke Counter For Swimming |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 days | Up to 14 days |
| Battery Life on GPS | About 11 hours | About 16 hours |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters | Up to 100 meters |
| Pixel Density | 227ppi | 201ppi |
Design and Display – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
Forerunner 235 and Instinct are both Garmin watches that come with screen displays that are non-touchscreen.
Unlike other Garmin watches differentiating between Instinct and Forerunner 235 is easy because their sizes differ with Garmin Forerunner 235 at 1.23 inches and Garmin Instinct at 0.9 inches.
What displays on either of the watches is good to the eye. And that is because Garmin Forerunner 235 and Instinct have resolutions of 215 x 180 and 128 x 128 pixels respectively.
That said, Garmin Forerunner 235 provides a little crispier graphics than Garmin Instinct.
Forerunner 235 turns out to be bigger than instinct, 1.23 inches, and 0.9 inches respectively.
We also have a difference in weight, Forerunner 235 weighs slightly less (52g) than Instinct (42g).
Garmin Forerunner 235 and Instinct is not for you in case you are in search of a watch that is touchscreen.
Both watches operate using side buttons. Users with these watches spend more time operating.
Those with smartwatches from brands like Fitbit, Amazfit, Xiaomi, Samsung watch, Apple watches, and Oppo among others use the sense of touch to operate.
Features – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
Unlike Garmin Forerunner 235, Instinct can automatically start detecting your activities.
The Garmin Instinct comes with a compass to help you find directions while Garmin Forerunner 235 has got no such feature.
Something Forerunner 235 can do well and Instinct can’t keep track of how much water you take to keep the body hydrated.
Instinct goes ahead and provides its user with multiple sporting modes. If you want a smartwatch that will keep track of your swimming then consider Garmin Instinct.
Garmin Instinct can detect your strokes while swimming in the pool or beach. In case you are a biker or cyclist you will love the Instinct.
And that is because it comes with a cadence sensor which is responsible for measuring energy output inform of Rotation per Minute (RPM).
Garmin Instinct is a smartwatch for any biker or cyclist who wants to maximize workout results.
Both Garmin outdoor watches can track your sleep, and have barometers to determine the changes in pressure resulting from weather patterns.
Users can manually calibrate the watches manually giving an accuracy within +/- 50 feet.
They all can measure pace and track distance, and monitor the heart with the help of a heart rate detector. Both watches come with Goal settings.
Location Tracking – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
Each Garmin watch has a GPS monitor. The GPS monitor is yet another important smartwatch feature that will keep track of your routes and paces.
GPS is more detailed than a compass although they all aim at giving you directions so that you aren’t lost.
The GPS is a great feature for users who love jogging, running, and cycling, it keeps them on track no matter where they run or cycle to.
Connectivity – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
Talking of connectivity, both Garmin Forerunner 235 and Instinct connect automatically and wirelessly but not over Wi-Fi. The rugged Garmin Instinct and Forerunner 235 are compatible with Android devices.
Water Resistance – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
In case you are a swimmer or just spend much of your time around water you may love these Garmin watches.
Apart from tracking your swimming, Garmin Instinct is able to resist water pressure of up to 100 meters.
Garmin Instinct is waterproof 2X Forerunner 235 as Forerunner 235 can only resist water pressures of up to 50 meters anything past that will result in leaking hence being water damaged. Both Garmin watches can be worn while in the shower or clean at the sink.
Price – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
Garmin Instinct slightly costs more than the Forerunner 235. Garmin Instinct goes for $299.99 while Garmin Forerunner 235 goes for $249.99.
Although the watches come at such prices they are durable and will serve for a long time.
Battery Life – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
Although they differ each of these fitness trackers comes with good battery life. Garmin Instinct is able to keep a charge for up to 14 days while on smartwatch mode.
When GPS is active on UltraTrac power management mode the charge goes for about 16 hours.
Garmin Forerunner 235 on the other can keep a complete charge for 9 days while on smartwatch mode and when the GPS mode is active it may last for about 11 hours.
The newer Garmin Instinct Solar on the other hand will be able to charge using the energy from the sun.
Both battery lives are good but Garmin Instinct is the smartwatch to go for when looking for a watch with the best battery life.
Pros and Cons – Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Instinct
Pros for Garmin Forerunner 235
- A bit cheaper than the Instinct.
- Waterproof.
Cons for Garmin Forerunner 235
- Lack the cadence sensor which is important for cyclists.
Pros for Garmin Instinct
- Come with a Cadence sensor to monitor energy input while cycling.
- The watch is more water-resistant than the Forerunner 235.
- Has a power manager to help conserve charge.
- Its battery life is better than that of the Forerunner smartwatch.
Cons for Garmin Instinct
- Although it is worth the money, it is priced a bit high.
