Forerunner 235

I have the Epix, and am very happy with it. Flashlight gets used every day. It’s just so bloody useful. Battery life is around 2 weeks, and I’m running 5 times a week. Can’t speak for the other device, but slimness would be nice! It’s a thick watch and my wrists aren’t huge, but it can make getting shirts on and off a little annoying. That would be my only real gripe to be honest. It is otherwise comfortable. My only other Garmin comparison is the forerunner 235. That was slim, but had a VERY annoying protrusion where the sensor was. This is not a problem on the Epix. Another pro is the sturdy construction/rugged look; I’ve had it for a good year at least. Watch is near spotless, and I don’t baby it. https://preview.redd.it/fp2lahkizeuf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0c40704bee6cc9825605051bf4495f57e728d78 Given it’s Amoled it isn’t always on to save batteries. I thought this would get annoying, but the tilt sensor if anything errs on the side of over sensitive, so 99% of the time it comes on when I need it to. The only time it struggles is when I’m on the bike, but then just resort to button pressing.

Fenix 8 47mm Sapphire. I've had a range of Garmins (Forerunner range: 35, 235, 935, 945, 955) but the 970 didn't appeal to me (accent colour on side and domed glass) so I got my first Fenix and first AMOLED watch (solar was thicker than my 955 which was already a bit thick under clothing). Love the look of the Fenix a lot more, plus better battery life

I'm on year five with my FR235. No signs of dying at this point, and that's through running in Houston summers. Will run with it until it implodes on itself.

Instinct 2, my old faithful forerunner 235's (i think) battery was starting to last less and less time, so bought the cheapest Garmin that had all the functions I wanted. Battery life is awesome and the screen is easy to read in all conditions.

Get the garmin. I'm a young runner who's come from a long line of runners, and the garmin is my holy grail. I have the forerunner 235 and I've been looking into purchasing a new one myself. I know it's a lot of money, but you don't need one that plays music or has any extra special features, my forerunner 235 is perfect and it has never failed me. If you want a cheaper option, you could look online for a resell or try and find an older version. The only reason I'm looking into getting a newer one is because it's a bit outdated (still works though) If you're a serious runner/athlete, go with the garmin. But if you're someone who enjoys running for the sake of running, go with the apple watch. But who are you to let people on the internet tell you what to do, it's whatever you think would work best for you. Hope this helps :)

I found the same thing on my 235 so I added a chest strap rather than a new watch. A new watch would be nice to have but hard to justify when the 235 gives me 90% of what I need.

Garmin are of course great, but I wouldn't pony up for anything over the instinct. The Fenix series is pretty, but you're spending more than twice as much for features you probably won't use and a worse battery life. Less is more when it comes to GPS watches (or so I keep telling myself for not having replaced my disintegrating forerunner 235).