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Forerunner 255.
Garmin forerunner 255 gps smartwatch
The Perfect Balance of Features and Value
The Garmin Forerunner 255 has cemented its position as one of the best value-for-money GPS smartwatches on the market. While its successor, the Forerunner 265, has introduced a vibrant new AMOLED display, the 255 series still holds its own, offering a powerful and reliable suite of features that will satisfy both dedicated runners and multisport athletes. This in-depth review explores what makes the Forerunner 255 an enduring champion in the mid-range sports watch category.
Design and Display
The Forerunner 255 maintains Garmin’s classic, functional design. It’s available in two sizes—the standard 46mm and the smaller, more compact 41mm Forerunner 255S—making it a great fit for a variety of wrist sizes. The body is made from a lightweight, fiber-reinforced polymer, which is durable and comfortable enough for 24/7 wear.
The watch features a Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display. While it’s not as bright or colourful as the AMOLED screens on newer models, its key advantage is exceptional visibility in direct sunlight and an “always-on” capability that doesn’t drain the battery. The screen is controlled by five physical buttons, a system that many athletes prefer over touchscreens for reliable operation during sweaty or rainy workouts.
Battery Life
This is a major selling point for the Forerunner 255. While the official specs claim up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS-only mode, real-world usage is still remarkably strong. Even with daily GPS-tracked activities, you can expect to get a week or more out of a single charge. The MIP display plays a huge role in this longevity, making it a reliable companion for long training blocks or multi-day adventures without a charger.
Performance and Key Features
The true strength of the Forerunner 255 lies in its robust performance and rich feature set, which borrows heavily from Garmin’s more expensive models.
Multisport Functionality: For the first time in the Forerunner 2xx series, the 255 is a true multisport watch. It includes a dedicated triathlon profile, allowing you to seamlessly transition between swimming, cycling, and running with a single button press. This makes it an excellent, affordable option for triathletes.
Multi-band GPS: This is arguably the most significant upgrade over its predecessor. The Forerunner 255 supports multi-band satellite tracking (L1 and L5 frequencies), offering superior GPS accuracy in challenging environments like dense cityscapes or forested trails. This means your pace and distance data will be incredibly precise.
Advanced Training Metrics: The watch provides a wealth of data to help you train smarter. Key features include:
- Morning Report: A customizable daily summary that gives you an overview of your sleep, HRV status, and a suggested workout for the day.
- HRV Status: This metric tracks your heart rate variability during sleep to give you insight into your recovery, helping you determine if you’re ready for a hard workout or if you need to take it easy.
- Race Widget: Prepare for your next race with personalized training tips, daily suggested workouts, and predictions based on course details and weather.
- Running Power: When paired with a compatible accessory like the HRM-Pro chest strap, the watch can provide real-time running power data, offering another metric to optimize your training intensity.
Health Tracking: Beyond workouts, the Forerunner 255 tracks your all-day health with features like Body Battery, Pulse Ox, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. The heart rate sensor is reliable for both daily and activity tracking.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is more than just a running watch; it’s a complete multisport and lifestyle tracker that offers premium features without the premium price tag. For most users, it provides everything they need and more. While the newer Forerunner 265’s vibrant AMOLED display is a tempting upgrade, the 255’s superior battery life, sunlight readability, and lower price point make it an outstanding choice.
If you’re a serious runner or triathlete who values data and accuracy above all else and wants to save some money, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is an unbeatable option.
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