Comparing Vivoactive 3 and 645 Music
When searching for the perfect smartwatch, two popular options that often come up are the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Vivoactive 3. Choosing the right watch is essential for fitness enthusiasts, as features like accurate tracking, easy navigation, and durability play a significant role in overall satisfaction. Both Garmin smartwatches come from a brand renowned for its GPS technology, reliability, and long-standing history of providing quality devices. This article aims to compare these two smartwatches to help consumers make an informed decision based on their needs and preferences.
Design and Build
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music has a stainless-steel bezel, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for durability. Its weight varies, depending on the strap material with 42.2 grams for silicone and 60.5 grams for the more stylish yet heavier metal band option. The display measures 1.2 inches, with a 240x240 resolution and a sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Similar to the 645 Music, the Vivoactive 3 also has a stainless-steel bezel, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. With a weight of 43 grams, it offers a lighter, more comfortable option for users. The screen size and resolution are the same as the 645 Music, with a 1.2-inch sunlight-visible, transflective MIP display sporting a 240x240-pixel resolution.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices share common attributes like stainless-steel bezels, fiber-reinforced polymer cases, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. However, the Garmin 645 Music is slightly heavier, mostly due to different strap options. The display and screen resolution are identical, ensuring excellent readability in any lighting condition for both smartwatches.
Features and Functionality
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music uses proprietary software and offers various sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, a barometric altimeter, and a wrist-based heart rate monitor. Its battery life lasts up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 5 hours in GPS mode with music. The 645 Music provides a range of fitness tracking options such as distance, steps, calories, sleep, and swimming. Additionally, it includes music storage and playback capabilities, smartphone notifications, and Garmin Pay for contactless transactions.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Like the 645 Music, the Vivoactive 3 relies on proprietary software and features a similar sensor suite. It shares the same battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode. The fitness tracking options are nearly identical to the 645 Music, and it also supports smartphone notifications. However, Garmin Pay is only available in the Vivoactive 3 Music variant, which also adds music storage and playback functionality.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices provide an array of useful features, including accurate fitness tracking, smartphone notifications, and compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones. The Garmin 645 Music, however, edges ahead with its built-in music storage capabilities and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. On the other hand, the Vivoactive 3 has a longer battery life in GPS mode, making it a more compelling choice for individuals who prioritize battery life.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music offers an intuitive user interface, with customizable watch faces and data screens. An easy-to-use five-button navigation system allows quick access to essential features and information. The device is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, enabling smartphone notifications and Connect IQ apps to extend its functionality.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Similar to the 645 Music, the Vivoactive 3 also provides an easy-to-navigate user interface, customizable watch faces, and data screens. It has a reliable touchscreen and features a single side-button for navigation. Like its counterpart, the Vivoactive 3 is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, supports Connect IQ apps, and displays smartphone notifications.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices offer easy-to-navigate interfaces, customizable watch faces and data screens, and compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones. The 645 Music uses a five-button navigation system, while the Vivoactive 3 combines a touchscreen with a single side-button, giving users a choice between two different input methods.
Price and Value
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music retails for $450, offering users a feature-packed smartwatch with built-in music storage, Garmin Pay, and an array of fitness tracking options.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
With a retail price of $299, the Vivoactive 3 delivers outstanding value for individuals who want a capable fitness tracker without breaking the bank. Note that Garmin Pay and music storage are only available in the higher-priced Vivoactive 3 Music variant.
Comparison of price and value
While the Garmin 645 Music offers additional features like integrated music storage and Garmin Pay, its higher price point may deter some users. The Vivoactive 3 presents an affordable alternative that still delivers excellent fitness tracking capabilities, although lacking a few premium features found in the 645 Music.
Conclusion
In comparing the Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive 3, users should consider factors like design, features, user experience, and pricing, to determine which device best suits their needs. The Garmin 645 Music is ideal for those who value additional features like integrated music storage and Garmin Pay, while the Vivoactive 3 offers a more affordable option with an impressive array of fitness tracking capabilities. Ultimately, the decision rests on individual preferences and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store and play music directly from the Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive 3?
Yes, you can store and play music directly from the Garmin 645 Music. The feature is also available on the Vivoactive 3 Music variant, but not on the standard Vivoactive 3 model.
Are both devices compatible with Android and iOS smartphones?
Yes, both the Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive 3 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, allowing users to receive notifications, control music playback, and access Connect IQ apps.
Do these watches support contactless payments?
Garmin Pay is available on the Garmin 645 Music and the Vivoactive 3 Music variant, enabling users to make contactless payments using their smartwatches at supported retailers.
How long do the batteries last on these devices?
Both the Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive 3 offer up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. The 645 Music provides 5 hours of use in GPS mode with music, while the Vivoactive 3 lasts up to 13 hours in GPS mode without music.
Are these watches suitable for swimming?
Yes, both smartwatches are water-resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and support swim tracking, making them suitable for swimming and various water-based activities.
