Garmin Forerunner 230 vs. 630 – Which One Should I Get?

Fitness trackers are the latest trend in the market. With the demand, many manufacturers are stepping into the market.
And Garmin has an extensive lineup of feature-packed smartwatches to offer.
Among all of them, the two that most tend to fall in a dilemma with are the Forerunner 230 and 630.
Are you in the same dilemma too? Therefore, are you looking for a source that has enough information about the topic? Well, it is your lucky day because you just stumbled upon the perfect one.
We are not only going to provide you an in-depth review of both the devices but will also compare both of the devices. Hopefully, by the end, choosing one will not be an issue for you.
Garmin Forerunner 630 or 230 Smartwatch?
Now that you have gone through the review section of both the devices, you would want to know about the factors that set them apart, right? Well, these are the factors:
Display

The most obvious difference lies in between the devices is the display. Though both have the same technology and the same pixel amount, one has a touchscreen digitizer while the other doesn’t.
This might be a dealbreaker for many of the users. But apart from that, there is simply no other difference between the displays of both devices.
Features
If we are mainly talking about the fitness features of both watches, there are a couple of differences.
First of all, the heart rate sensor is only present on the 230, while the other one does not have one.
However, you will be able to pair up the 630 with an accessory to measure the heart rate but having one built-in is quite convenient.
Both wearables come with a GPS sensor. But, the accuracy is a bit different for each watch.
While you get a precise location tracking on the 230, the location pointer on the 630 will have a hard time figuring out where you are.
However, both of them have Glonass, which will be able to track you when the GPS malfunctions. But it is a bit slower in 630.
Battery
Another significant difference that can be seen in both devices is battery life. While the 230 will be able to function for up to 35 days in standby mode, the 630 can last for about 28 days.
You might wonder why there is a seven days difference between them. Well, we think it is probably because of the touchscreen UI.
As the digitizer mostly has to stay awake, the battery draining is a bit more for the 630.
Garmin Forerunner 230 vs 630 – Comparison in 2021
Garmin Forerunner 230
GPS running watches have been pretty bland for a couple of years. They could only execute some simple functionalities.
The functionality was so rudimentary that using them over the functionalities that smartphones can offer nowadays was not worth it. However, Garmin Forerunner 230 changed that.
Unlike some of the watches that came out earlier, this one has a large number of customizability options.
You will not only be able to customize the interface but also will be able to set up customized training sessions for yourself. All of that is possible for the ConnectIQ that it features.
It also comes with a plethora of sensors. There’re a heart rate sensor, a VO2 max sensor, and many other fitness tracking sensors.
With all of these facilities, the device can precisely track the body perimeters to provide an organized data about trackings. It’s 6 running profiles allow pushing the limit of your stamina gradually.
Apart from that, it also comes with a precise GPS sensor and an ANT+ sensor. That sensor will let it accurately measure steps, location, distance, and every other factor related to them.
You can locate yourself on the map after pairing it up with a smartphone, set a place to navigate, and do many other things that will rely on GPS.
The display that it features on the top is a colored panel. It has a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels, and it is of LCD.
That means it will be able to provide you enough brightness under direct sunlight.
To navigate through the interface, it has four buttons. The navigation process is straightforward, and it is relatively easy to get used.
It is also waterproof to 5 ATM. The battery that it packs will last for up to 35 days in the standby mode.
Product Specifications
PROS
CONS
Latest Guide: Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs. Apple Watch
Garmin Forerunner 630
Ever since the fitness company debuted its first fitness tracking device into the market, they are earning quite an amount of fame over time.
You know why? Because of all the features that they are offering for the pricepoint and how reliable their devices are. And the 630 in that regard is not an exception.
To begin with, it is probably the first feature-packed proper fitness tracker in the market that has a touchscreen display.
Having a touchscreen interface can make the operating of an electronic device intuitive, and the same can be said for this case too.
The display that it sports on the front is an LCD panel with a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels. Because of the integration of memory-in-pixel technology, it will be able to offer readable texts even under direct sunlight.
The display is housed by a chemically-strengthened glass, which will be able to resist minor scratches.
It did not skimp one bit in the fitness tracking factor because, after all, it is a fitness tracking device.
With that being said, there is an extensive amount of fitness features. It will offer you data regarding your running record, stress, calories, heart rate, oxygen rate, and plenty of other body perimeters.
Just like some of the other fitness tracking devices, it also has a large number of customizability options.
From changing the watch face to downloading and setting a customized workout plan, you will be able to do them all. And after connecting with the ConnectIQ, you can adjust the data fields too.
The housing also is waterproof to about 5 ATM. To power the entire device, it comes with a lithium-ion battery that can keep it running for up to 28 days in the standby mode.
Product Specifications
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Vivoactive or Forerunner 230
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of manufacturer is Garmin?
Garmin is basically a fitness company. They are primarily focused on providing devices that will aid in maintaining a fit and healthy body.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eFor that reason, they have extensive types of equipment that are mainly for tracking body perimeters and offer guidance for workout sessions.
How many years do Garmin watches last?
The build quality of Garmin watches is pretty praiseworthy.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou will have difficulty trying to put a visual flaw by typically using one for a while.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHowever, the battery inside will not be able to function optimally after about two years.
Are Garmin watches waterproof?
Most of them are waterproof, while some out there can be splash resistant. Do make sure to check the rating.
Will I be able to control audio tracks through the Garmin 630?
Yes, but as the watch does not come with any built-in speaker, you will not be able to play any audio track directly on the watch.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eInstead, you will be able to control it playing in a connected smartphone or smart device.
Does the Garmin 230 have a touchscreen?
No, the Garmin 230 does not have a touchscreen. You will have to rely on the side buttons for the navigation.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear idea about both watches, we hope that choosing one is an easy task for you.
With that being said, we would like to conclude our take on the topic garmin forerunner 230 and 630, now wishing you good luck and hoping that you can get the most out of the fitness watch that you buy.