Garmin Forerunner 945 vs Fenix 5 Plus - What are the differences?

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is in short like the Fenix 5 Plus, only with a few more features. Nevertheless, the Fenix 5 Plus also offers a few advantages. Let's take a closer look at the two Molle and look at the differences.

Comparison table

Differences - Garmin Forerunner 945 and Fenix 5 Plus

As I said before, the Garmin Forerunner 945 gives you all the features of the Fenix 5 Plus. But you'll also get a little more.

Sensors

The Forerunner 945 is equipped with a newer HR sensor. The Garmin Elevate V3 is installed here, so the recording is somewhat accurate. However, this is not a huge difference. Also the HR sensor of the Fenix 5 Plus is definitely reliable.

In contrast to the Fenix 5 Plus, the Forerunner 945 has a pulse oximeter. This measures the oxygen content in the blood. Although the Fenix 5 Plus has such a sensor built in, it is not used in the same way there.

Functions

Compared to Fenix 5 Plus, the Forerunner 945 offers a few more functions for tracking and analysis:
 

• Heat and altitude acclimatization
• Training load focus
• RoundTrip routing creator
• Trendline routing by popularity
• Breathing rate (with accessories)
• Around Me Mode
• ClimbPro Career Planner
• Future elevation profile
• Pre-installed topographic maps
• Support for downloadable maps
• XERO Locations

The additional functions are quite special, but this is the reason for a Garmin Smartwatch.

Battery life

The battery life is clearly shorter with use of GPS than without. Without GPS both clocks last about 2 weeks. But of course the battery life with GPS on is especially interesting.
 

• Forerunner 945 with GPS: 36 hours
• Fenix 5 Plus with GPS: 24 hours

Here the Garmin Forerunner 945 is slightly ahead. The 945 lasts about 36 hours with GPS. When listening to music at the same time, the battery life drops to 10 hours.

The Fenix 5 Plus has a battery life of 24 hours with GPS. However, the Fenix still has an UltraTrack mode. The HR function is switched off and the battery life increases to 60 hours. In practice, however, this mode is not really useful in most cases.

Overall, the Forerunner 945 is ahead in battery life. The reason for this, by the way, are new chips that can be operated more energy-efficiently.

Waterproof and swimming

Both watches are waterproof and of course suitable for swimming. However, there is a difference in the degree of certification.
 

• Forerunner 945: Up to 5 ATM
• Fenix 5 Plus: Up to 10 ATM

At first glance, the Fenix 5 seems to be able to do much more here. But the appearance is deceptive. If we look at the meaning of the classifications, this becomes clear:
 

Waterproof - Fenix 5 Plus and Forerunner 945

Model	Forerunner 945 / 5 ATM	Fenix 5 Plus / 10 ATM
Allowed	Splashing water Rain and snow swimming Submerge (Do not dive!) Snorkeling	Splashing water Rain and snow swimming Submerge (Do not dive!) Snorkeling High-Speed Water Sports
Not allowed	High-Speed Water Sports Diving	Diving

This means that the Fenix 5 Plus can basically only be used in addition to extreme sports in water. A very small added value. If you have nothing to do with water sports anyway, it doesn't matter to you.

Display

The display size of Fenix 5 Plus and Forerunner 945 is identical. Both have a diameter of 30.4 mm. This corresponds to 1.2 inches. In the resolution both offer 240x240 pixels.

The Forerunner 945 makes a slightly better picture in the display material. It has a Corning Gorilla Glass DX. The Fenix 5 Plus has either glass or sapphire glass, depending on your choice.

Size and weight

We hardly have a significant difference in size. The Forerunner 945 with 13.7 millimeters is slightly thinner than the Fenix 5 Plus with 15.5 millimeters. Otherwise, both models measure 47 x 47 millimetres.

In terms of weight, the Forerunner comes off somewhat better. The weight here is 50 grams. The Forerunner weighs between 85 and 156 grams, depending on the variant. Reason for this is also the material. The Forerunner is made of silicone. The Fenix 5 Plus is also available in stainless steel.

Which Garmin is better?

Let's come to the interesting question which of the two Garmin watches is better. In comparison, you can clearly see that the Garmin Forerunner 945* more. You have newer sensors and a pulse oximeter.

The added value in the functions is even quite large. However, the other tracking and analysis functions are already very detailed and are not necessarily relevant for everyone.

Although the Fenix 5 Plus is classified as waterproof with 10 ATM, the difference to 5 ATM is only in extreme water sports. Therefore, the models are almost the same here.

Optically the two watches are quite similar. If you put a little more money on the table, you have a little more choice with the Fenix 5 Plus series. Here you can choose models made of metal which look very similar to a classic watch. The Forerunner 945, on the other hand, is made of silicone and makes a more sporty impression.

The bracelets can be changed on both Smartwaches. Here you can even reach for any 22 millimeter bracelet. This can have a strong effect on the look.

Basically, I recommend the Forerunner 945*. With the new Garmin you get more and the better watch for sports. If you're not the extreme athlete, the Fenix 5* will do. The advantage here is definitely in the design.

At the end of the day, of course, the choice is also a question of price. With both devices you are well served. So if there is a watch on offer, you can access it.