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745 Vs 945

Former Member
Former Member over 4 years ago

Hi all,

I was watching some reviews about FR 745 and 945 and found that 745 offers quite some more smart features compared to a brand new 945. I thought this could be due to the 745 being newer and I guess that through firmware updates the 945 is able to catch-up with the 745.

I am not sure if Topo maps is something I would need and therefore I could consider buying the 745 instead since it is smaller and smarter.

But is this true? Has the 945 all those nice smart features advertised for the 745 model with the latest firmware updates?

If so, now that both models are on the same price, does it make any sense to go for the 745? Is it smaller enough or newer to be considered as an alternative?

Many thanks!!

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    You touched on the size, some prefer the smaller (possibly fractionally lighter size) of the 745. You need to have a good look at the features. Might be some that are of no use on the 945. 

    The 745 is aimed at the tri crowd. The 945 at more who do many sports. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I think the 945 has gotten all the features that 745 has through recent updates.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Normar

    It all boils down to usage and preference, I figure. The weight is almost identical (differs 3 grams). The 745 is smaller, however with the same screen size as the 945, so slimmer bazel. Two major differences are the battery life (945 has much more battery life than the 745) and the maps for navigation. I prefer battery life over a smaller watch and use the navigation function frequently when navigating routes in for me unknown territory. Therefore, the 945 wins for me. If navigation and longer battery life is less or not important for you, than you can save some bucks and choose for the 745.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I am considering both watches as an alternative for my FR645. I have worries about future updates for FR945 if will come newer model. Now I am ok with battery in FR645 but of course it could be better.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I would only buy the 945 again because of the longer battery life and the maps. Otherwise the 745 has everything I need. But longer battery life and maps is a killer feature for me. Also all the new features in the 745 have been implemented in the 945 or are on their way.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Ivan_Toulouse

    I agree that maps and longer battery life are better. And I agree that new features are going to be in FR945. But if Garmin announce soon FR955, then FR945 will be "dead" for future updadtes.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 9366764

    If Garmin sticks to their normal schedule, the 955 will come out summer 2021, and the 655 will come out CES/1Q timeframe (the 645 is totally dead at this point).  

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to rtperna

    I would say that the schedule is 955 spring, Fenix 7 summer.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 9366764

    I understand that it's nice to get new features over time, however I believe the 945 is already packed with more features than I use. For basic smart watch connectivity it's fine and in terms of measurements it take on activities, it more than sufficient to optimise my training and racing needs. I will only swap my current 945 for another watch, when this one breaks down or battery life becomes really bad!

    So, if you want a bargain, it's also an option to wait a bit until the 955 will be announced, because typically retailers will offer good discounts on current models (like the 945).