The major difference between Garmin forerunner 45 and 45 plus is the availability of Race Predictor and Recovery Time Advisor. Else, both look similar.
Since the last few years, the notion of being fit and healthy has become quite prominent among the young generation. These days, almost everyone goes to the gyms or on a simple running spree to maintain their calorie count.
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However, if you cannot measure how many calories you have lost, then the whole thing becomes somewhat fruitless for you.
However, like everything else, the advancement of science and technology has come up with a solution to this issue – the GPS-and-tracking watch. With these knotted in your hand, you will be able to measure the number of calories you have burnt, your heart rate, and many more.
If you want more than that, you will have to choose either the Garmin Forerunner 45 or Forerunner 45 Plus. But which one should you opt for among these two, and what is the difference between Garmin Forerunner 45 and 45 plus?
Well, it can be a difficult choice. After all, both of these smartwatches come with a lot of similar features! But there’s no need to worry.
Here, we have discussed the best features of both of these Garmin watches and come with a fully-fledged Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 45 Plus write-up. So, if you are curious about them, then make sure to check them out.
Garmin Forerunner 45 vs Forerunner 45 Plus
See the difference between Garmin 45 and 45 Plus in terms of features and specs in one place.
| Display Spec | Forerunner 45 Plus | Forerunner 45 |
| Display Type | LCD Screen | Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Display size | 1.04″ diameter | 42 x 42 x 11.4 mm |
| Display resolution | 208 x 208 pixels | 208 x 208 pixels |
| Weight | 36g | Large: 36 g |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM (up to 50 meters) |
| Sensors | Forerunner 45 Plus | Forerunner 45 |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| GLONASS | Yes | Yes |
| GALILEO | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Health Tracking Features | Forerunner 45 Plus | Forerunner 45 |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Body Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual Cycle Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Calorie Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Race Predictor | Yes | No |
| Recovery Time Advisor | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Forerunner 35 Plus | Forerunner 35 |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Find my Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Live Track (Android Only) | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 7 Days | 7 Days |
Design & Physical Attributes: Garmin Forerunner 45 Plus vs 45
In essence, both Forerunner 45 and Forerunner 45 Plus are lightweight, and both are the best Garmin smartwatch for women. However, the smallest version of the former weighs around 32g, while the latter’s weight is 30g. So, in a way, it is only a minor change that the new comes with.
Secondly, the Forerunner 45 GPS running watch can fit around the wrists of 125-185mm in the perimeter. However, the change in this aspect is quite prominent in the recent release as well. The brand new 45 Plus is capable of fitting wrists of 129-197mm in circumference.
In terms of the overall design, both of these products do feature a rather minimalistic approach. Each of them has a circular-shaped dial, which looks pretty good, to say the least. Moreover, the details written inside are pretty clear, as well.
Furthermore, the display size and resolution of these two models, too, seem to have some similarities. For example, the watches come with a 1.04-inch display, which has a resolution of 208×208 pixels.
However, the display type of each of these products is different. For instance, the Forerunner 45 comes with a simple LCD screen. Conversely, on the other hand, 45 Plus features an LCD screen with translative MIP technology.
Then again, the glass of the watches is equally durable. Each of those has been manufactured with high-end materials and reinforced with various types of harmless chemicals. Also, both of them feature silicone-made straps.
Winner: Forerunner 45 S(Slightly)
Usability and Exclusive Features: Garmin Forerunner 45 and Forerunner 45 Plus
The Forerunner series of Garmin is known for being very user-friendly and easy to use. Hence, as expected, each of these two products offers the same facilities as well. Both of them have a decent display with everything written on them clearly.
The buttons of the models are pretty ergonomic and durable as well. So, you can navigate through them quite comfortably. So, in a way, there is no winner among Forerunner 45 vs Forerunner 45 Plus in these two aspects.
Let’s move on to features now. The Garmin Forerunner 45 comes with several personalized training schemes, which can be ideal for the beginner. The same is available in 45 Plus as well. However, you can add a lot more plans here than you could in the Forerunner 45.
Both of the watches mainly focus on running (you have probably already guessed from the name). However, each of them does have a lot of other activities recorded in it as well. For example, you can get around 12 different actions in Forerunner 45.
On the other hand, you will get a similar number of activities in 45 Plus as well. However, to uplift it a little bit from the previous model, Garmin has added the swimming feature in it as well. As the model is swim-proof, you won’t have to worry about it!
Both 45 Plus and Forerunner 45 have a decent memory status and, thus, can store around 200-hour of data. You can sync each of them through your smartphone by using the Garmin Connect app quite comfortably.
However, even though there are many similarities in both of these watches, the newly-released model wins the Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 45 Plus quite comfortably. For starters, the latter comes with the coveted Race Predictor feature.
As the name suggests, it can predict the time that you would take to complete your target. For example, if you aim to run for 10,000 steps, the model will show the time limit after completing 500 steps.
Once you are done with your exercising, it will let you know about the recovery time. It can do so by using its Recovery Time Advisor feature. Unfortunately, both of these facilities are not available in Forerunner 45, which is the main difference between Garmin Forerunner 45 and Forerunner 45 Plus.
Winner: Forerunner 45 Plus
Tracking and Health Monitoring: Forerunner 45 Plus and 45
Both Forerunner 45 and 45 Plus are quite efficient in this aspect. For starters, they do feature a GPS tracking system, which offers decent and accurate tracking for most of the time. Each of them comes with the GLONASS feature that real-time position with 100% accuracy.
Also, there is a Galileo Navigation System available in them, which can navigate you through unknown territories. In addition, there is an Accelerometer available in the models as well. With it, you will be able to know about your current running speed.
However, the main talking point in these products is definitely the availability of the Heart Rate Monitor system. With it, you can keep track of your real-time heart rate. Moreover, you can also oversee the resting rate of your heart for seven days.
Also, an alarm system is available in both of these models that alerts when your heartbeat rate hits an abnormal speed. However, in the former variant, this feature used to work a little bit slower.
Nonetheless, it does not happen in the aspect of the new one, as it has been made by implementing the exclusive Garmin Firstbeat Analytics.
With it, the Garmin has boosted the accuracy in fitness, health, and other aspects of the device.
So, even in the future versions, Garmin will keep using this Firstbeat technology to provide its users with better updates. So, in a way, you can consider the Forerunner 45 Plus to be the best Garmin Smartwatch.
Winner: Forerunner 45 Plus (Due to FirstBeat Technology)
Music Controlling and Call Notifications: Forerunner 45 Plus or Forerunner 45
As mentioned before, you can sync both of these devices with your smartphone through the Garmin app. It, in turn, will enable you to change the song, which you are currently listening to, more proficiently.
Furthermore, you will also be able to take your calls from either home or office with a single click on the watch. However, as each model does not come with the touch screen feature, you may have some issues with checking these things.
Anyways, moving on, with both the watches, you will also be able to obtain your Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram-based notifications pretty conveniently. Also, a ‘Do Not Disturb’ option is available to help you stay away from earthly materialisms.
Lastly, if you want to, then you can also customize the options in your own way. Sounds great, right? So, unfortunately, no one will win the battle between Garmin Forerunner 45 and 45 Plus in this aspect.
Winner: Draw
Battery Life: Garmin Forerunner 45 or Garmin Forerunner 45 Plus
Unlike a few other things, the battery life of both models remains unchanged. To make it simple, if you own either of these products and are using it in the smartwatch mode, then their battery would last for seven days.
Conversely, if you have activated the GPS mode in it, both of them would work for around 14 hours. Also, it takes the watch only around two hours to replenish its battery entirely.
Winner: Draw
Extras: Forerunner 45 Plus and 45
The extras of the models are quite the same as well. For example, both of them are water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and have a sleep tracker in them. Moreover, they also display the current weather condition and feature an in-built pedometer in them. Also, the straps of the devices are removable and replaceable.
However, if you are thinking about buying a cheap Garmin smartwatch, we suggest you opt for 45 Plus. It comes in a price range of under £140. However, even though being a former variant of the same, the Forerunner 45 is priced at approximately £160. So, if you do compare the features, then 45 Plus would be the ideal budget watch for you.
As of now, Garmin Forerunner 45 Plus is available in the UK market only, and you can buy Garmin Forerunner 45 Plus at Garmin Store and Agros.com.
Winner: Forerunner 45 Plus
The Bottom Line
So, as you can see, the 45 Plus defeats the Forerunner 45 in most cases. If you already own a Garmin Forerunner 45, it is not worth updating to the Forerunner 45 Plus as there is much difference between them.
However, if you plan to buy an entry-level sports watch with GPS, then Garmin Forerunner 45 Plus is the right choice for you.
I hope this article on Garmin Forerunner 45 vs Forerunner 45 Plus helps you understand the difference between the Forerunner 45 and 45 Plus. If you have any further queries, please feel to comment below.
