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Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 245 Music – What’s the Difference?

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Garmin recently announced the Forerunner 245 alongside the 245 Music – two great choices for runners and fitness enthusiasts alike.

These two share a lot in common, but differ in the additional onboard storage feature on the 245 Music and for that additional feature you will spend $50 more. In this comparison, we compare the Forerunner 245 vs 245 Music specs and as well features so you know the difference.

Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 245 Music Specifications Compared

Garmin Forerunner 245Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
garmin forerunner 245 vs 245 musicgarmin forerunner 245 music specs

ABOUT DEVICE

Device nameGarmin Forerunner 245Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Device typeFitness/GPS smartwatchFitness/GPS smartwatch
PredessesorGarmin Forerunner 235Garmin Forerunner 235
SuccessorGarmin Forerunner 255Garmin Forerunner 255
Released dateApril, 2019April, 2019
Ideal forUnisexUnisex

DISPLAY

Display typeTransflective memory-in-display (MIP)Transflective memory-in-display (MIP)
Display size1.2 inch1.2 inch
Display resolution240 x 240 pixels240 x 240 pixels
Pixel density282.8 PPI282.8 PPI
Input type 5 buttons, (Not touchscreen) 5 buttons, (Not touchscreen)
Always-onYesYes
Customizable watch faceYesYes

BODY

ShapeCircularCircular
Dimension42.3 x 42.3 x 12.2 mm42.3 x 42.3 x 12.2 mm
Weight38.5 grams38.5 grams
Casing materialFiber-reinforced polymerFiber-reinforced polymer
Strap/band materialSiliconeSilicone
Bezel MaterialFiber-reinforced polymerFiber-reinforced polymer
Strap size20mm20mm
Interchangeable band Yes, 20mmYes, 20mm
Screen protectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Water resistant/ProtectionYes, 5ATMYes, 5ATM
Swim-proofYes, recommendedYes, recommended
Color(s)Black
Aqua
White
Black
Aqua
White

MEMORY

RAM----
Internal storage4GB4GB
Memory card slotNoNo

CONNECTIVITY

BluetoothYes, and ANT+Yes, and ANT+
Bluetooth callingNoNo
Wi-FiNoYes
NFCNoNo
Payment systemNoNo
GPSGPS/GLONASS/GalileoGPS/GLONASS/Galileo

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyNoNo
SIMNoNo
BandNoNo

NOTIFICATIONS

Email alertYesYes
SMS alertYesYes
Calls alertYesYes
Event reminderYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Third-party appsYesYes
Text responseYesYes

FITNESS TRACKING

Sleep apneaNoNo
Sleep trackingYesYes
StepsYesYes
Floors climbedNoNo
Heart rate monitoringYesYes
CaloriesYesYes
DistanceYesYes
StressYesYes
VO2 Max.YesYes
Blood oxygenYesYes
Blood pressureNoNo
Menstrual cycle trackingYesYes
Swim trackingYesYes
Under-water heart rate trackingYesYes
Preloaded mapsNoNo
On-screen workout modesNoNo
Triathlon modeNoNo
ECG TrackingNoNo
Preloaded sport modesYesYes
Safety trackingYesYes

MEDIA

Audiomp3/mp4mp3/mp4
Music streamingYesYes
Bluetooth musicYesYes
RadioNoNo
LoudspeakerNoNo
MicrophoneNoNo
CameraNoNo

SENSORS

PLATFORM

Operating system (OS)Proprietary OSProprietary OS
Chipset----
CPU----
GPU----

BATTERY

Type of batteryNon-removable Li-ion batteryNon-removable Li-ion battery
Battery capacity ----
Battery lifeSmartwatch Mode: Up to 7 days
GPS mode: Up to 24 hours
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 7 days
GPS mode with music: Up to 6 hours
GPS mode without music: Up to 24 hours
Charging typeUSB charging cableUSB charging cable
Charging timeAbout 1-2 hoursAbout 1-2 hours
Battery saver modeNoNo
Solar powerNoNo
Rapid chargingNoNo

CLOCK FEATURES

Time/DateYesYes
StopwatchYesYes
AlarmYesYes

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Control cameraYesYes
Music controlYesYes
Find phoneYesYes

MISC

Compatibility Android and iOS
Check if your device is compatible
Android and iOS
Check if your device is compatible
Companion appGarmin connect IQGarmin connect IQ
Voice commandNoNo

BOX CONTENTS

Garmin Forerunner 245 MusicGarmin Forerunner 245
StrapsStraps
USB charging cableUSB charging cable
Quick start guideQuick start guide
NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error.
Official SiteOfficial Site

Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 245 Music Features compared

What’s the Difference?
Basically, the difference between the Forunner 245 and 245 Music is that the later has onboard storage facility that allows you store over 500 of your favorite tracks which the 245 lacks.

You can as well stream music from streaming services such as Spotify which you can listen to later.
The additional feature can be very useful for runners who like to listen to their favorite tracks on the go.

Which is Better?

Obviously the Forerunner 245 Music is a better choice, it gives more value for money.