Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 245: Why I'm returning the Fenix

Some jumbled thoughts on why I'm sticking with my Forerunner 245M.

The training plan I'm using is from the Boston Athletics Association. They have 4 "levels" available, free on their website.

I'm sure the Fenix 7 is the better choice for a lot of people, these are just my thoughts on why it ain't for me. There's not much out there comparing the two, and it was a comparison I put enough time into that I figured I might as well tell someone.

[ikigaibimyou]

Great video! Good job in brining out small detail that actually matter. And you made it easy now for me to choose the 255 (upgraded model of 245) over the Fenix7 and still save 1/3 of the budget.

[sergiovargas]

Great honest review. last year I had the 245m and gave it to my cousin... so I decided to go for a smart watch Samsung 5, which is beautiful but it's not for sports eventhough it comes with lot of metrics. One problem is that the touch screen is terrible to use when running or biking plus on direct sun, the display is not visible. I decided to sell it and bought a garmin Venu2, thinking it's newer and amoled display. It's a great watch, but had to return it as I didn't realize the issue with the touch screen..my bad!. So now, I bought for CAD $200 an almost new Garmin 245 music, and couldn't be happier... I even whem at some point I thought to upgrade for a Fenix5 or 6, but at the end was not worth it for what I need it. I can say that I'm in love with the 245m, so many features, super light, music, decent battery and great non touch display for any outdoor sports....

[jisshell]

Thanks for the video, I fit the same category as you. Not upgrading, happy with 245.

[Snaerffer]

Great video. I’m in the same situation as you with regard to screen readability. I’m looking at Coros watches instead of Garmin. They seem to have clearer screens, are still very light, and have far superior battery life.

[bioches]

Going through Amazon because of their return policy is smart. I got the garmin epix through basspro and because it's so hard to return I've commited to it over my old 245.

[JosephSanders]

What is the screen size on the Fenix? I currently have the 245 Music and love it. Trying to find a good comparison between the 245 and the 47mm Fenix. After seeing your video here though I may just stick with my 245. Had it since 2019 and still love it!

[rburnsiv]

Couldn't you put the display on black on white background to see it better?

[veggis]

Thanks for the upload! I have a 245 Music and have been interested in picking up a Fenix (6S Pro) mostly for the barometer, improved sleep tracking and Garmin Pay, but it's hard to justify the upgrade just for those features when they otherwise are so similar.

It's interesting to hear about how similar the navigation is - I run quite a bit with routes saved to my watch, but they work perfectly fine without having a map.

[Mfitzy]

Does the forerunner 245 track swimming well?

[charlietaylor]

Cheers for the review. Out of interest what size wrists do you have and did you find the screens size of the 7s alright?

[jdrake]

I’m in the same position, currently have the 245 music and it’s been great , but would like a watch with more cycling dynamics. The fenix 7 sapphire and the forerunner 955 are ones I’m interested in, the low light issue with the sapphire glass does concern me a little plus the size and weight of the fenix . Would like to know what you went for in the end. Thanks for your review.