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Garmin 735xt vs Garmin 235

Former Member over 7 years ago

Hello everyone, happy that I can start with a new thread.

Recently I was thinking about a fitness tracker - what for? Counting my heart rate, steps, occasional runs and indoor cycling (a lot). Would love to use it as an everyday watch. Was thinking about the apple watch but the battery life is miserable and I don't need any fancy notifications (but a calendar synched with my phone would be useful).
Was thinking which of the pair (235 vs 735) would better suit me. They look the same, I didn't even notice them on my wrist. Price isn't very different for me. Just would like to know what in your opinion should make me buy the 735xt.
I do indoor cycling at home (about 600-900 km a month), 3-4 runs a month, tennis 3 times a week, maybe will swim more in the summer. I am thinking about buying the cadence sensor for my bike with the heart rate strap. What are the benefits of having the 735 over the 235?
What are your thoughts? Was considering for a while the fenix5 - it feels more solid but not so sporty. Great as an everyday watch but not as comfortable to wear during activity in my opinion.
Thanks for helping.

0 jim_m_58 over 7 years ago

If you can get the 735 for about the same price as a 235, without question, I'd go with the 735. It's got more native apps, and also runs Connect IQ 2.x, which opens up new functionality. For example, with a 735 you can have a watchface that displays data from the internet (like current weather)

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

If you can get the 735 for about the same price as a 235, without question, I'd go with the 735. It's got more native apps, and also runs Connect IQ 2.x, which opens up new functionality. For example, with a 735 you can have a watchface that displays data from the internet (like current weather)

Do you think my indoor cycling would benefit from owning a garmin 735?

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

I can't say speak to indoor cycling on the 235 as I have a 735, but the latter definitely has an app for indoor cycling. The advantage is as jim_m_58 indicated in terms of smart watch features/functionality, and the 735 would be able to track your swims if you do that in summer whereas the 235 does not have that function.

0 peterdedecker over 7 years ago

main differences are:
* 735xt has course functionality
* 735xt has more memory for connect iq apps and supports a newer version of connect iq
* 735xt can record swimming

0 KR17 over 7 years ago

Having had both sounds like there is little point in upgrading to a 735 in your case.
Maybe even look at a vivoactive.
The 735 is subtly smaller though if you have girly wrists like mine.

0 timgrose over 7 years ago

Do you think my indoor cycling would benefit from owning a garmin 735?

Compared to a 235, only really if you have a power meter and/or smart trainer (which would its own power meter).
Indoors you can use apps like Zwift anyway and whether you also use a watch largely is a matter of choice.

0 R_Tellis over 7 years ago

If you're not using a power meter the 235 is just as good as a 735.
The main benefits you'd get in your use case with the 735 is better battery life and being a little more future proof by supporting Connect IQ 2.xx

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

I think I'm justyfing to buy one of those watches. I am very curious whether it will make me move more.

How does the indoor cycling mode work without a strap for my chest?

0 R_Tellis over 7 years ago

it will get your HR through the optical HRM that's built into the watch. Other than that time is the only thing that be recorded unless you have speed, cadence, and power meters on you trainer and paired to the watch.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

Polar m430 looks also nice when viewing its features. But the looks... unatractive...