Another great review. I agree the backlighting on the 6 looks inferior. It reminds me of my 5s plus. If Garmin were to increase the screen size of the 945 to 1.3", they'd have almost the perfect combination.
David Gildernew I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much for saying. It would be my absolute go to if so as well, although I’m testing the 6 Pro sapphire and the digital screen is on par w the color quality of the 945/245. I’ll post a comparison later today hopefully.
@@fitgearhunter I lost my FR245 that had a good backlight and now I just got another, this one has the same problem than the fenix6 you are showing, the backlight makes the black look purpleish
Rodrigo Jara Piccardo that is so interesting that you say that. I was feeling the same with a few I’ve tested, but could never find another one with a clear screen to confirm it. I’ve tested 5 in total, and 3 now to try and see if I could find one similar to one I had, but was honestly not sure I had anything different after I got a 3rd device directly from Garmin last month - the other two were amazon and eBay. None of them seemed different. This is a total manufacturing issue as most of the transflective screens have this black-clarity issue - so frustrating. But still better than all others I’ve tested, even with the issue
@@fitgearhunterMy gf has a Vivoactive 3 and I compared it side by side and her's looks much better.I don't mind the issue in a 300$ watch, but in a 600$ watch this is unacceptable. Cool videos, keep it up.
Rodrigo Jara Piccardo thanks so much. The VA 3 lacks workout evaluation and Load calculations, which takes it off the list for me (as does the Venu unfortunately, which has the superior screen by far). I would definitely lean towards the Forerunner/Fenix series because of that. The Fenix 6 Sapphire or titanium has a superior screen by far. The Pro and standard have the blueish screens - as does the entire 6S line. I would recommend trying to find a Fenix 6 Sapphire or Titanium on eBay, bc of the screen.
Just a remark about the quality of the color and how deep is the dark, some other tester mentionned that this could be due to the lens which is probably a saphire on the fenix 6 pro and a gorilla on the 945. With the saphire you get a much more durable screen but it absorb the light and lessen the contrast.
Hey! Yes I have heard that before but I actually don’t know if I agree. I think that only the solar glass has a slight dulling affect, but the gorilla versus sapphire only differs in the fact that the sapphire is actually more reflective so you get a little bit more glare off of the watch. But I think the main differences are the quality of the screen beneath the glass!
@@fitgearhunter Oh well who knows, the difference on your video is impressive. May be it is like for CPU even with mass/uniform production they get at the end different screen qualities and so they put the A+ ones on high end device, A on the middel range and B on cheap models. I finally took a 945 and i m super happy with the screen., much easier to read than on the coros apex and still not too large.
For me since my eye sight is not the best, the brighter screen/numbers makes a huge difference on 945 so for example those small indicators on the 6 won't make a difference to me, I will stick with my 945. Let's not forget how light is it on your wrist. Thanks for the review Sir!
@@fitgearhunter Originally I had bought the 245 music and it stopped working on certain activities so I upgraded to 945. Let's see how long this will last...On this one I noticed it is slightly faster than the 245 or snazzy I should say, a nice welcomed addition. The barometric altimeter is also welcomed but my main activity is running so almost no difference is stats. 😃
Elias Sarantopoulos yes that’s all so true. I’m sure it will work well for you. Thanks for keeping me posted - hope it continues to be an added support!
Quite a few things were updates on the 945 with updates, including the scrolling GLANCES interface now being used, a redo video would be a good idea. :-) Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the review, let's hope the (apparently) soon to be announced 955 will have a larger screen. I just lost my 935 and was starting to find the characters a bit smallish, so I'll give the 945 a pass.
This is a very useful and relevant video - probably the only one around comparing the sizes of these 2 watches. (there are many great videos but not focused on this) I owe a Polar Vantage M myself and I am totally fine. However I tend to get tempted once upgrading to a Forerunner 945 or a Fenix 6. I was always concerned about the size. I wish that dumb bezel wasn't there on the FR 945. Also, in general I think both are slightly small on a man's wrist, while as the Fenix X (or whatever it is called now) is too bulky and big. One can also tell you know what you're doing when watching this video. You know Garmin watches inside out and you can bring some small nuances (or small stupid bugs) to the surface. If I had to pick, I'd probably go FR945 - the price difference is not worth towards the Fenix.
Zotmund Szele hey! Thanks for saying. I totally agree about the 945 bezel. If they had found a way to use the larger 1.3” screen it would be my absolute go-to watch. Using the 6 more day to day now. And I believe I may retest the Vantage M as well. I had a harder time with the screen clarity and lack of customization, but now that they’ve upgraded the sleep metrics it is worth considering all over again. Thanks again!
@@fitgearhunter Consider (and I'd love to see a comparison video between the Polar Vantage V and Vantage M): They both followed the exactly scheduled update cycle and reached Firmware 5.0. (no future updates are scheduled) I love the simplicity of the Vantage series. (they are not poor, they do the job) I am a tech geek myself (and less of sports geek but having progress) but sometimes I find the Garmin over-customizeable. Fact is, that for the price of the Vantage M you don't get a multisport/TRIATHLON watch. On the other hand, if you decide to upgrade to the Vantage V (to have touch screen, barometer, Live Segments, Power measured on the wrist, a big more battery life and track guidance), well, for that price you may get a Forerunner 945. (sort of) I'll subscribe and will eagerly loook forward for such a video. ;)
Zotmund Szele sounds great! I guess I have my next review (after the Fenix 6 Sapphire) cut out for me. Great points all around - the M is def the least expensive triathlon watch on the market. Thanks again.
Isn't there a tempered glass protector installed on your Fenix 6? I could be wrong but, if that is the case, wouldn't this affect the screen visibility?
Hey! Sorry for delay I’ve been on vacation. Yes there’s one on there but it doesn’t affect visibility. It’s completely clear, and used on both. Thanks!
I think the problem is about battery life. They have increased the size of the screen; but on the other hand they try to save on energy consumption. Lighting that's why maybe it is weaker. Moreover; geometry of the cross-section of fenix series makes it not user friendly when it comes to swimming or sleeping with the watch or when when running. It does not fit the wrist perfect, and you have to tighten the band more. I have Fenix 5X Plus, it makes me feel like wearing handcuffs. Maybe I will change to 945 as well.
Ahmet Burak Bali yes that’s a good point. The battery life on the F6 is definitely meant to go the distance even more than the 945. And the size of the F6 is definitely thicker and more robust. Maybe the 945 would work best for you. Thanks for commenting!
@@fitgearhunter You're welcome. Thanks for the comparison. Another think I wonder is the battery performance in terms of modes they've used in the software. For ex. in the Fenix 6 specifications it says for battery life : Smartwatch: Up to 14 days Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 48 days GPS: Up to 36 hours GPS + Music: Up to 10 hours Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 72 hours Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 28 days ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bu for the 945 it says only: Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS mode with music: Up to 10 hours GPS mode without music: Up to 36 hours As I understand there is no expedition mode in 945 like in Fenix 6. In such kind of modes I guess fenix 6 watch uses its gyroscopes and accelerometers to calculate acceleration/velocity/position, and uses very limited GPS to calibrate the calculated values extending the battery life. A practical comparison between 945 and Fenix 6 about those battery functions would also be very useful for the ones that think to try 945 for ultratrail runs or hiking, mountaineering activities etc. , which need extended battery life.
Krzysztof Bukowski hey! Yes you can see a definite difference in the dark colors on the 6 - the black was much more washed out w a blueish tint. I’ve watched other reviews and it seems that some are shipping with a different screen - namely a review I saw from the Sapphire edition that had the same quality black colors as the 945/245, which never had the same problem. Thanks!
1000delight yes sorry - when I say different screen I mean different transflective digital screen underneath the glass. This is the Gorilla Glass DX on the 6 here and Gorilla Glass 3 on the 245, so it’s clearly not related to the glass resolution.
Crossfit Tracking Thanks! After I thought about it, since my need is the sport function, I am getting a 945 to free from the headache. The bigger screen is nice but not needed. To spend 900 to buy a sapphire for a sharper display is not worthies
1000delight 150% agree, on all accounts. That’s the choice to make - you broke it down perfectly. Bigger screen that requires $800 (Sapphire starting price) to get appropriate resolution/clarity, or $600 to have one slightly smaller that already does. Great point.
interesting, the clock feature indeed looks neat. I used to have the timers on hot key positions for start and lap buttons to access quickly on my Fenix 5. Since I just got a used 245 to check out the new interface and body battery, all the apps will now have to launch from the on/off button menu. Or am I missing the programming feature somewhere on the 245? Anyways, nice overview, looking forward to your 245 videos!
Mathias Rhein thank you! Yes you have three main areas for access or otherwise - widgets, quick launch, or activities (workouts). The widgets are for stats but will also include entry or control items like hydration and music. The quick launch are for minor features/actions like locking watch, turning on do not disturb, starting stopwatch, etc. And the activities are for workouts. Glad you got one to test out!
Hi, please help! is the push botton of the fr945 solid? Can it feel the click ? also how is the response speed compare between the Fenix 6 and fr945, which is faster? Thanks x100000！
1000delight hey! Great question. The 6 definitely has a stronger ‘click’ to the push buttons than the 945. I believe they use slightly different components w the stainless steel casing on the 6. The 945 had a definite solid button feel as well, just not as strong of a click when pressed. Also - they both seem as fast to toggling between menus, unless you use the Fenix 6 standard non-pro - it has a slightly longer lag-time in operation. Thanks for asking!
Thanks and appreciate ! This is great! This made me think to get the 6x pro. I want a bigger character for easier reading. But if 6x pro is the same burry. Then even no point to upgrade what I have. Thanks again.
Another great review. I agree the backlighting on the 6 looks inferior. It reminds me of my 5s plus. If Garmin were to increase the screen size of the 945 to 1.3", they'd have almost the perfect combination.
David Gildernew I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much for saying. It would be my absolute go to if so as well, although I’m testing the 6 Pro sapphire and the digital screen is on par w the color quality of the 945/245. I’ll post a comparison later today hopefully.
@@fitgearhunter I lost my FR245 that had a good backlight and now I just got another, this one has the same problem than the fenix6 you are showing, the backlight makes the black look purpleish
Rodrigo Jara Piccardo that is so interesting that you say that. I was feeling the same with a few I’ve tested, but could never find another one with a clear screen to confirm it. I’ve tested 5 in total, and 3 now to try and see if I could find one similar to one I had, but was honestly not sure I had anything different after I got a 3rd device directly from Garmin last month - the other two were amazon and eBay. None of them seemed different. This is a total manufacturing issue as most of the transflective screens have this black-clarity issue - so frustrating. But still better than all others I’ve tested, even with the issue
@@fitgearhunterMy gf has a Vivoactive 3 and I compared it side by side and her's looks much better.I don't mind the issue in a 300$ watch, but in a 600$ watch this is unacceptable. Cool videos, keep it up.
Rodrigo Jara Piccardo thanks so much. The VA 3 lacks workout evaluation and Load calculations, which takes it off the list for me (as does the Venu unfortunately, which has the superior screen by far). I would definitely lean towards the Forerunner/Fenix series because of that. The Fenix 6 Sapphire or titanium has a superior screen by far. The Pro and standard have the blueish screens - as does the entire 6S line. I would recommend trying to find a Fenix 6 Sapphire or Titanium on eBay, bc of the screen.
Just a remark about the quality of the color and how deep is the dark, some other tester mentionned that this could be due to the lens which is probably a saphire on the fenix 6 pro and a gorilla on the 945. With the saphire you get a much more durable screen but it absorb the light and lessen the contrast.
Hey! Yes I have heard that before but I actually don’t know if I agree. I think that only the solar glass has a slight dulling affect, but the gorilla versus sapphire only differs in the fact that the sapphire is actually more reflective so you get a little bit more glare off of the watch. But I think the main differences are the quality of the screen beneath the glass!
@@fitgearhunter Oh well who knows, the difference on your video is impressive. May be it is like for CPU even with mass/uniform production they get at the end different screen qualities and so they put the A+ ones on high end device, A on the middel range and B on cheap models. I finally took a 945 and i m super happy with the screen., much easier to read than on the coros apex and still not too large.
For me since my eye sight is not the best, the brighter screen/numbers makes a huge difference on 945 so for example those small indicators on the 6 won't make a difference to me, I will stick with my 945. Let's not forget how light is it on your wrist. Thanks for the review Sir!
Elias Sarantopoulos yes for sure. It’s a slightly felt difference in weight, and slightly so in thickness on the 945. Thanks for saying!
@@fitgearhunter Originally I had bought the 245 music and it stopped working on certain activities so I upgraded to 945. Let's see how long this will last...On this one I noticed it is slightly faster than the 245 or snazzy I should say, a nice welcomed addition. The barometric altimeter is also welcomed but my main activity is running so almost no difference is stats. 😃
Elias Sarantopoulos yes that’s all so true. I’m sure it will work well for you. Thanks for keeping me posted - hope it continues to be an added support!
Quite a few things were updates on the 945 with updates, including the scrolling GLANCES interface now being used, a redo video would be a good idea. :-) Thanks for the video.
You’re totally right. It’s super old now. Good idea!
Thanks for the review, let's hope the (apparently) soon to be announced 955 will have a larger screen. I just lost my 935 and was starting to find the characters a bit smallish, so I'll give the 945 a pass.
Well that never happened unfortunately...I got an F6 Pro but it's going back, too bulky/heavy and GPS accuracy is very poor.
This is a very useful and relevant video - probably the only one around comparing the sizes of these 2 watches. (there are many great videos but not focused on this)
I owe a Polar Vantage M myself and I am totally fine. However I tend to get tempted once upgrading to a Forerunner 945 or a Fenix 6. I was always concerned about the size. I wish that dumb bezel wasn't there on the FR 945. Also, in general I think both are slightly small on a man's wrist, while as the Fenix X (or whatever it is called now) is too bulky and big.
One can also tell you know what you're doing when watching this video. You know Garmin watches inside out and you can bring some small nuances (or small stupid bugs) to the surface. If I had to pick, I'd probably go FR945 - the price difference is not worth towards the Fenix.
Zotmund Szele hey! Thanks for saying. I totally agree about the 945 bezel. If they had found a way to use the larger 1.3” screen it would be my absolute go-to watch. Using the 6 more day to day now.
And I believe I may retest the Vantage M as well. I had a harder time with the screen clarity and lack of customization, but now that they’ve upgraded the sleep metrics it is worth considering all over again.
Thanks again!
@@fitgearhunter Consider (and I'd love to see a comparison video between the Polar Vantage V and Vantage M):
They both followed the exactly scheduled update cycle and reached Firmware 5.0. (no future updates are scheduled)
I love the simplicity of the Vantage series. (they are not poor, they do the job) I am a tech geek myself (and less of sports geek but having progress) but sometimes I find the Garmin over-customizeable.
Fact is, that for the price of the Vantage M you don't get a multisport/TRIATHLON watch. On the other hand, if you decide to upgrade to the Vantage V (to have touch screen, barometer, Live Segments, Power measured on the wrist, a big more battery life and track guidance), well, for that price you may get a Forerunner 945. (sort of)
I'll subscribe and will eagerly loook forward for such a video. ;)
Zotmund Szele sounds great! I guess I have my next review (after the Fenix 6 Sapphire) cut out for me. Great points all around - the M is def the least expensive triathlon watch on the market. Thanks again.
Hi , what is the level of brightness for both watches and are they have screen protector on?
simple but efficient review. thanks
Thanks!
Isn't there a tempered glass protector installed on your Fenix 6? I could be wrong but, if that is the case, wouldn't this affect the screen visibility?
Hey! Sorry for delay I’ve been on vacation. Yes there’s one on there but it doesn’t affect visibility. It’s completely clear, and used on both. Thanks!
I think the problem is about battery life. They have increased the size of the screen; but on the other hand they try to save on energy consumption. Lighting that's why maybe it is weaker. Moreover; geometry of the cross-section of fenix series makes it not user friendly when it comes to swimming or sleeping with the watch or when when running. It does not fit the wrist perfect, and you have to tighten the band more. I have Fenix 5X Plus, it makes me feel like wearing handcuffs. Maybe I will change to 945 as well.
Ahmet Burak Bali yes that’s a good point. The battery life on the F6 is definitely meant to go the distance even more than the 945. And the size of the F6 is definitely thicker and more robust. Maybe the 945 would work best for you. Thanks for commenting!
@@fitgearhunter You're welcome. Thanks for the comparison. Another think I wonder is the battery performance in terms of modes they've used in the software. For ex. in the Fenix 6 specifications it says for battery life :
Smartwatch: Up to 14 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 48 days
GPS: Up to 36 hours
GPS + Music: Up to 10 hours
Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 72 hours
Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 28 days
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bu for the 945 it says only:
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks
GPS mode with music: Up to 10 hours
GPS mode without music: Up to 36 hours
As I understand there is no expedition mode in 945 like in Fenix 6. In such kind of modes I guess fenix 6 watch uses its gyroscopes and accelerometers to calculate acceleration/velocity/position, and uses very limited GPS to calibrate the calculated values extending the battery life. A practical comparison between 945 and Fenix 6 about those battery functions would also be very useful for the ones that think to try 945 for ultratrail runs or hiking, mountaineering activities etc. , which need extended battery life.
What abaut night backlight. It is tru fenix 6 have problem with blue color?
Krzysztof Bukowski hey! Yes you can see a definite difference in the dark colors on the 6 - the black was much more washed out w a blueish tint. I’ve watched other reviews and it seems that some are shipping with a different screen - namely a review I saw from the Sapphire edition that had the same quality black colors as the 945/245, which never had the same problem. Thanks!
Crossfit Tracking but this doesn’t seem to make sense because the 245 is not sapphire
1000delight yes sorry - when I say different screen I mean different transflective digital screen underneath the glass. This is the Gorilla Glass DX on the 6 here and Gorilla Glass 3 on the 245, so it’s clearly not related to the glass resolution.
Crossfit Tracking Thanks! After I thought about it, since my need is the sport function, I am getting a 945 to free from the headache. The bigger screen is nice but not needed. To spend 900 to buy a sapphire for a sharper display is not worthies
1000delight 150% agree, on all accounts. That’s the choice to make - you broke it down perfectly. Bigger screen that requires $800 (Sapphire starting price) to get appropriate resolution/clarity, or $600 to have one slightly smaller that already does. Great point.
interesting, the clock feature indeed looks neat. I used to have the timers on hot key positions for start and lap buttons to access quickly on my Fenix 5. Since I just got a used 245 to check out the new interface and body battery, all the apps will now have to launch from the on/off button menu. Or am I missing the programming feature somewhere on the 245? Anyways, nice overview, looking forward to your 245 videos!
Mathias Rhein thank you! Yes you have three main areas for access or otherwise - widgets, quick launch, or activities (workouts). The widgets are for stats but will also include entry or control items like hydration and music. The quick launch are for minor features/actions like locking watch, turning on do not disturb, starting stopwatch, etc. And the activities are for workouts. Glad you got one to test out!
I liked the review! I would suggest maybe using a jig that holds the watches down so you can operate them more easily with your hand? Thank you.
Hi, please help!
is the push botton of the fr945 solid? Can it feel the click ? also how is the response speed compare between the Fenix 6 and fr945, which is faster?
Thanks x100000！
1000delight hey! Great question. The 6 definitely has a stronger ‘click’ to the push buttons than the 945. I believe they use slightly different components w the stainless steel casing on the 6. The 945 had a definite solid button feel as well, just not as strong of a click when pressed.
Also - they both seem as fast to toggling between menus, unless you use the Fenix 6 standard non-pro - it has a slightly longer lag-time in operation.
Thanks for asking!
Crossfit Tracking Thanks! My 245 botton kind of “die off”. I am very concerned if 945 do that. I heard the tactix delta has better push botton.
I seem to have a small white dot around my 945 dial, could this be chipped paint? I only see one so far
Thanks
Good question! I believe it could be, but it may be a minute or time marker. Do you have more than one?
Crossfit Tracking I actually have since gotten it off! However I keep managing to scratch the border around the watch face ! Very frustrating !!
Thanks and appreciate ! This is great! This made me think to get the 6x pro. I want a bigger character for easier reading. But if 6x pro is the same burry. Then even no point to upgrade what I have. Thanks again.
1000delight sure! Happy to help - glad it provided some assistance.
Very big bazels in 945 compare to fenix 6
Too long... jeez