Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ??

Mar 19, 24 7:33

Post #1 of 27 Views: 1746

I have and like my Garmin 945 LTE until recently. There was software update to the watch (17.28) that essentially makes it useless as it reboots 30 seconds into any activity. Apparently it has been going on for at least 2 months. Initially I sent my watch in for replacement due to an altitude issue which was not having the reboot issue. Watch was registering 100K + on runs driving TSS scores through the roof.

I digress, I'm on my third replacement watch from Garmin and I expect the one I'm waiting on will also have the same issues as the last two. Garmin has offered me a 955 or I might just jump to a 965 which as I understand it is a brighter screen version of the 955 for the most part. My eyes aren't what they used to be, so a brighter screen might be nice.

Here's my thing, I bought the Garmin 945 LTE specifically because I really like having LTE on the watch. Not carrying my phone on rides/runs is nice and I've used it once to call for a pick up. I somehow miscalculated an 18 mile run by 2 miles and didn't feel like running 20 to get back to the house... that was nice. During events my family can track me very well with its livetrack... but Garmin doesn't appear to be interested in putting LTE into any of their other new devices.

So is LTE something Garmin is no longer into moving forward with? I've not found anything that speaks to this... and would it be best to just bite the bullet and move on from my somewhat older 945... and start carrying my phone more on rides again.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 19, 24 8:43

Post #2 of 27 Views: 1718

I bought the 945 LTE when it came out for the same reasons you mentioned. My GF has it now and it's been a solid watch for her.

I have the 955 solar now and like it a lot. It's better in every way except it doesn't have LTE connectivity.
I have friends that have the 965 and they like it as well.

I looked for a Garmin LTE watch just a few days ago for a friend and found the 945 was the only one. I thought it was going to be the new standard but apparently not. :(

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 19, 24 8:59

Post #3 of 27 Views: 1711

I too am an LTE holdover and since my 945 LTE is still going strong, I'm willing to wait a bit longer.
For what it's worth, DC Rainmaker has hinted/(believes?) there's a possibility that Garmin isn't done with LTE watches.
I believe one of the recent kids watches has LTE for like parental notifications, and it's possible that they're testing features there before bringing it back to the main watch line.

Fingers crossed.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [jaretj] [ In reply to ]

Mar 21, 24 5:31

Post #4 of 27 Views: 1527

Appreciate the replies, I really do like the LTE functionality but it seems like I might be delaying the inevitable. By that I mean Garmin doesn't appear to be doing anything with LTE on new watches, so do I really want to hang onto an older watch for its LTE capability. It's a small percentage of the watches use to me, but it could be a big one. Maybe I just need to start carrying my phone with me and upgrade to the 955 or 965.

Probably it's best feature was my wife being able to track me during races. Oh well, might be time to move on.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 21, 24 7:54

Post #5 of 27 Views: 1498

Mine went to my GF to track her during races. Just in case something happens with her bike or whatever.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 21, 24 18:06

Post #6 of 27 Views: 1444

FR955 (I own) and FR965 can be used to track position - but you also need to be carrying your phone (no LTE). If you truly value the LTE, I'm sure that eBay or the Garmin refurb store - or the marketplace right here - could provide a functional replacement 945LTE...

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 21, 24 18:19

Post #7 of 27 Views: 1443

I’d wait it out if you like the LTE. The LTE, 955, and 965 largely have the same guts and OS. Garmin sees them as the same-ish generation. I would not rule out another coming someday. But if you need a watch now, the 965 is a no-brainer to me. The screen is spectacular.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Mar 22, 24 9:46

Post #8 of 27 Views: 1346

exxxviii wrote:

I’d wait it out if you like the LTE. The LTE, 955, and 965 largely have the same guts and OS. Garmin sees them as the same-ish generation. I would not rule out another coming someday. But if you need a watch now, the 965 is a no-brainer to me. The screen is spectacular.

Interesting I thought the 955/965 had some improvements with wrist sensors and pace/satellites for running among some changes. I'm really trying to talk myself out of the benefits of LTE and newer/better functionality.

The screen of the 965 definitely might be a nice change as I find myself in that "I suddenly need readers" club. I did a race this past November on an overcast day, tossed on my sunglasses and took off, could barely read my watch. Getting older is an adventure.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 22, 24 9:51

Post #9 of 27 Views: 1345

xeon wrote:

exxxviii wrote:

I’d wait it out if you like the LTE. The LTE, 955, and 965 largely have the same guts and OS. Garmin sees them as the same-ish generation. I would not rule out another coming someday. But if you need a watch now, the 965 is a no-brainer to me. The screen is spectacular.

Interesting I thought the 955/965 had some improvements with wrist sensors and pace/satellites for running among some changes. I'm really trying to talk myself out of the benefits of LTE and newer/better functionality.

The screen of the 965 definitely might be a nice change as I find myself in that "I suddenly need readers" club. I did a race this past November on an overcast day, tossed on my sunglasses and took off, could barely read my watch. Getting older is an adventure.

There are slight improvements, but Garmin still considers them overall same innerds. I specifically asked them about that when I did the 945 LTE, 955, and 965 reviews. The 945 LTE is a generation above the standard 945.

I am deep into the readers category, and the 965 is an absolute game changer for me. It is the best screen on any watch I have ever seen, and my daily wear is the latest Apple Watch.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Mar 23, 24 16:40

Post #10 of 27 Views: 1228

100% agree - I upgraded from a 955 solar, which I wasn't that impressed with, and I absolutely love the 965. Screen is a total game changer. Satellite pickup is instant, great features and battery life. I also found the solar feature from the 955 didn't meaningfully extend the battery life, I don't miss that.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [mjdwyer23] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 0:09

Post #11 of 27 Views: 1164

How is the GPS accuracy on cloudy days since they based dual-band? My 935 can be quite poor in those conditions.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 6:45

Post #12 of 27 Views: 1111

xeon wrote:

exxxviii wrote:

I’d wait it out if you like the LTE. The LTE, 955, and 965 largely have the same guts and OS. Garmin sees them as the same-ish generation. I would not rule out another coming someday. But if you need a watch now, the 965 is a no-brainer to me. The screen is spectacular.

Interesting I thought the 955/965 had some improvements with wrist sensors and pace/satellites for running among some changes. I'm really trying to talk myself out of the benefits of LTE and newer/better functionality.

The screen of the 965 definitely might be a nice change as I find myself in that "I suddenly need readers" club. I did a race this past November on an overcast day, tossed on my sunglasses and took off, could barely read my watch. Getting older is an adventure.

955 vs. 945: Optical HR sensor massively better making it actually usable, battery life better, screen is less bright/readable.
I haven't tried the 965, not sure how the new bright screen impacts battery life.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 8:49

Post #13 of 27 Views: 1091

exxxviii wrote:

xeon wrote:

exxxviii wrote:

I’d wait it out if you like the LTE. The LTE, 955, and 965 largely have the same guts and OS. Garmin sees them as the same-ish generation. I would not rule out another coming someday. But if you need a watch now, the 965 is a no-brainer to me. The screen is spectacular.

Interesting I thought the 955/965 had some improvements with wrist sensors and pace/satellites for running among some changes. I'm really trying to talk myself out of the benefits of LTE and newer/better functionality.

The screen of the 965 definitely might be a nice change as I find myself in that "I suddenly need readers" club. I did a race this past November on an overcast day, tossed on my sunglasses and took off, could barely read my watch. Getting older is an adventure.

There are slight improvements, but Garmin still considers them overall same innerds. I specifically asked them about that when I did the 945 LTE, 955, and 965 reviews. The 945 LTE is a generation above the standard 945.

I am deep into the readers category, and the 965 is an absolute game changer for me. It is the best screen on any watch I have ever seen, and my daily wear is the latest Apple Watch.

I may just jump ship if I can swing Garmin letting me pay an upcharge to the 965. An easier to read screen would be nice. Losing the LTE sucks, but sounds like its has some upgrades and a better screen. Maybe Garmin will do a Forerunner with LTE in the future.... maybe?

My third replacement 945 LTE is on my wrist and the first thing I did was go into settings and turn off automatic updates. I should have done the same with Garmin Express as there is a similar setting in there to not download updates. My watch has the update on it after connecting to Garmin Express, I just keep telling it NOT TO INSTALL. I really wanted to get through my long run yesterday with some tunes before it potentially starting rebooting during an activity. I've also noted that everything I've looked at in the IQ stores wants me to update the watch and you don't get a choice on what to install of course. It works but I'm maybe stuck on 13.24 if I want it useable for activities.

The good news is that a Garmin support persn gave me their e-mail to sort this out. The tech hasn't really discussed the 17.28 issue with the watch. Just let's see what happens with your repalcement watch basically. It's very odd that Garmin outside of one tech on chat mentioned it was a known issue.

Last edited by: xeon: Mar 24, 24 8:50

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [BigBoyND] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 13:38

Post #14 of 27 Views: 1063

GPS attenuation seems unaffected by cloud cover on my 965!

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [BigBoyND] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 13:47

Post #15 of 27 Views: 1053

BigBoyND wrote:

How is the GPS accuracy on cloudy days since they based dual-band? My 935 can be quite poor in those conditions.

I have not noticed weather condition GPS accuracy issues on any Garmin watch I have owned. Mine have been highly precise, standard deviation of 0.02 miles over hundreds of runs on the same route.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 15:31

Post #16 of 27 Views: 1042

Maybe consider adding an Apple Watch to the rotation for workouts that require cell connection. I was a Fenix user but switched to an Apple Watch Ultra to have the cell service and not carry my phone. For specific workouts I will add my fenix back to my wrist but otherwise I use my Apple Watch for most runs. Added benefit of better notifications and texting support.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 20:10

Post #17 of 27 Views: 1015

exxxviii wrote:

BigBoyND wrote:

How is the GPS accuracy on cloudy days since they based dual-band? My 935 can be quite poor in those conditions.

I have not noticed weather condition GPS accuracy issues on any Garmin watch I have owned. Mine have been highly precise, standard deviation of 0.02 miles over hundreds of runs on the same route.

Do you have thick cloud cover like northern Europe in the rainy months? My 935 is great on most days, but when cloud cover is especially thick, it'll start giving me splits that are +/-15 sec/km on the same loop

Last edited by: BigBoyND: Mar 26, 24 22:21

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [BigBoyND] [ In reply to ]

Mar 24, 24 20:15

Post #18 of 27 Views: 1013

BigBoyND wrote:

exxxviii wrote:

BigBoyND wrote:

How is the GPS accuracy on cloudy days since they based dual-band? My 935 can be quite poor in those conditions.

I have not noticed weather condition GPS accuracy issues on any Garmin watch I have owned. Mine have been highly precise, standard deviation of 0.02 miles over hundreds of runs on the same route.

Do you have thick cloud cover like northerners Europe in the rainy months? My 935 is great on most days, but when cloud cover is especially thick, it'll start giving me splits that are +/-15 sec/km on the same loop

I mostly run in southeast US. We have 95% humidity soup and clouds about half the year.

That said, I’ve never had a 935.

Last edited by: exxxviii: Mar 24, 24 20:16

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Mar 25, 24 2:54

Post #19 of 27 Views: 970

I've had the 935, 945, 945LTE and the 955. All seem to be equal in any weather condition.

My 310 would take a long time if it was cloudy.

My 920 was almost as good and still works to this day.

Last edited by: jaretj: Mar 25, 24 2:55

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 26, 24 17:32

Post #20 of 27 Views: 834

as a 935 and 945 user, the 955 wont be much of an upgrade at all,. The 965 however has a great screen and plenty of battery life for me. So I personally would opt for the 965 over the 955 or wait to see what the next iteration holds

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [Jimi Sendrix] [ In reply to ]

Mar 27, 24 5:46

Post #21 of 27 Views: 716

Jimi Sendrix wrote:

as a 935 and 945 user, the 955 wont be much of an upgrade at all,. The 965 however has a great screen and plenty of battery life for me. So I personally would opt for the 965 over the 955 or wait to see what the next iteration holds

Appreciate that. My 4th replacement 945 LTE is working so far, so I guess for now I'm good.

If things change with it, I'm throwing in the towel and will go with a 965.... and hope Garmin does another LTE in the Forerunner line maybe. Something like a 965 with LTE sounds like a home run.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [xeon] [ In reply to ]

Mar 27, 24 7:49

Post #22 of 27 Views: 694

If they did an LTE of the 965 or 975 I'd buy it on it's release date.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Apr 18, 24 6:26

Post #23 of 27 Views: 414

exxxviii wrote:

I’d wait it out if you like the LTE. The LTE, 955, and 965 largely have the same guts and OS. Garmin sees them as the same-ish generation. I would not rule out another coming someday. But if you need a watch now, the 965 is a no-brainer to me. The screen is spectacular.

Serious question - what is "different" on the screen from a 955 to 965? Just fancier or is it easier to read with "old eyes"

I love my 955, but if I can see the numbers better on a 965 - probably worth upgrading from a perfect watch (for my needs)

Thanks

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [B.McMaster] [ In reply to ]

Apr 18, 24 6:31

Post #24 of 27 Views: 411

B.McMaster wrote:

Serious question - what is "different" on the screen from a 955 to 965? Just fancier or is it easier to read with "old eyes"

I love my 955, but if I can see the numbers better on a 965 - probably worth upgrading from a perfect watch (for my needs)

Thanks

The 965 screen is larger, vastly higher resolution, brighter, and higher contrast. They flipped to an OLED with the 965, so the difference is almost literally "night and day."

It is way easier to read with old eyes. My quintagenarian friends with the 965 rave about it.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Apr 18, 24 6:34

Post #25 of 27 Views: 407

exxxviii wrote:

B.McMaster wrote:

Serious question - what is "different" on the screen from a 955 to 965? Just fancier or is it easier to read with "old eyes"

I love my 955, but if I can see the numbers better on a 965 - probably worth upgrading from a perfect watch (for my needs)

Thanks

The 965 screen is larger, vastly higher resolution, brighter, and higher contrast. They flipped to an OLED with the 965, so the difference is almost literally "night and day."

It is way easier to read with old eyes. My quintagenarian friends with the 965 rave about it.

Thank you.

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Apr 18, 24 7:38

Post #26 of 27 Views: 200

exxxviii wrote:

B.McMaster wrote:

Serious question - what is "different" on the screen from a 955 to 965? Just fancier or is it easier to read with "old eyes"

I love my 955, but if I can see the numbers better on a 965 - probably worth upgrading from a perfect watch (for my needs)

Thanks

The 965 screen is larger, vastly higher resolution, brighter, and higher contrast. They flipped to an OLED with the 965, so the difference is almost literally "night and day."

It is way easier to read with old eyes. My quintagenarian friends with the 965 rave about it.

Does the 965 screen allow you to use a protector? I haven't made that jump yet because of the rounded screen where it meets the bezel. Really wish they didn't do that. My OCDness can't handle a scratched screen-I'd have to get a new one. Which, I can't afford. :)

Re: Garmin 945 LTE - upgrade to 955 or 965 ?? [littlefoot] [ In reply to ]

Apr 18, 24 7:50

Post #27 of 27 Views: 194

There are 965 screen protectors on the market, but I am not sure of the fit.

My caveat: I have been wearing smart watches daily since the Apple Watch came out and Garmin devices for activities since the Forerunner 305. Modern glass is ridiculously hard and risk of damage is pretty small these days. I have only damaged one screen in like 10 years, and no protector would have saved it. And I think one screen had a very light, as in almost not detectable, scratch. I do not use screen protectors on modern watches, because they do not seem necessary.

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