Comparing 645 Music and Vivoactive HR
The Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Vivoactive HR are two popular smartwatches that cater to fitness enthusiasts who demand advanced features and reliable performance. These devices offer a wide range of functionalities and are designed to make tracking fitness-related activities easier and more convenient. With both products coming from Garmin, a reputable brand known for its high-quality wearable technology, choosing the right watch for your needs might be a challenging task. In this guide, we will explore the different aspects of these smartwatches to help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the right smartwatch is crucial, as these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering not only fitness tracking but also smartphone integration, navigation, and many other features. Garmin, founded in 1989, is a well-established brand in the wearable technology industry with a strong reputation for producing durable, high-quality devices.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss design, build quality, features, functionality, user interface, user experience, pricing, and overall value of Garmin 645 Music and Garmin Vivoactive HR. It aims to help you understand the key differences and ultimately choose the best smartwatch to suit your needs.
Design and Build
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music features a stainless steel bezel and a chemically strengthened glass display, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches. It has a 1.2-inch color display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, providing clear, crisp visuals. The device weighs 42.2 grams, making it light and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR is built with a durable plastic case, making it lighter than the 645 Music, weighing 47.6 grams. It comes with a 1.38-inch touchscreen display with a lower resolution of 148 x 205 pixels. This means that while the screen is slightly bigger, the images may not be as sharp as in the 645 Music.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices offer a sleek and modern design, with the 645 Music having a more premium feel due to its stainless steel construction. The Vivoactive HR, on the other hand, is relatively lighter and may be more comfortable to wear during prolonged activities. The higher screen resolution of the 645 Music provides better image quality, but the Vivoactive HR has a slightly larger screen.
Features and Functionality
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music runs on a custom operating system designed by Garmin. It features various sensors such as a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, GPS, altimeter, and compass for accurate tracking of different activities. The device has a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and offers a wide range of fitness tracking options, such as calories, distance, heart rate, sleep, steps, swimming, and cycling. Additionally, it comes with built-in storage for music playback, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes during workouts.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR also operates on Garmin’s custom OS and offers similar sensors such as heart rate monitor, accelerometer, GPS, altimeter, and compass. Its battery life is between 13 hours in GPS mode and up to 8 days in smartwatch mode, providing longer usability between charges. The device provides tracking for similar activities as the 645 Music, though it lacks music playback functionalities.
Comparison of features and performance
Both Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive HR are well-equipped smartwatches with numerous features and extensive activity tracking options. The main difference here is the built-in music storage found in the 645 Music, which the Vivoactive HR lacks. The 645 Music also has slightly better display quality, while the Vivoactive HR offers a longer battery life.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin 645 Music
Garmin 645 Music’s interface is user-friendly, offering smooth navigation through the display, apps, and customization options. It is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, enabling seamless integration with your preferred device.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR’s interface is also intuitive and easy to navigate. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and even Windows smartphones, making it a more versatile option in terms of smartphone integration.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive HR offer user-friendly interfaces and provide a pleasant user experience. While the compatibility with various smartphones is the primary difference, the larger screen of the Vivoactive HR might be more comfortable for some users in terms of navigation.
Price and Value
Garmin 645 Music
The release price of the Garmin 645 Music is around $450. With its premium build, advanced fitness tracking features, and onboard music storage, this device delivers excellent value for money, especially to those who prioritize aesthetics and music functionality.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The release price of the Garmin Vivoactive HR is approximately $250. Due to its wide range of features and improved battery life, this device offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on functionality.
Comparison of price and value
While both devices offer a variety of features, the more affordable price point of the Vivoactive HR makes it a better value proposition for those on a budget. However, for users who are willing to pay extra for better design, display, and music functionalities, the 645 Music may be a better option.
Conclusion
Both the Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive HR are excellent smartwatches, offering similarly extensive feature sets and tracking capabilities. Ultimately, the right choice between these two devices hinges upon an individual’s preferences and budget. If a premium design, better display, and music storage are essential, the 645 Music is worth the higher price. However, the Vivoactive HR offers excellent functionality and compatibility with various smartphones, making it a great value choice as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device has better water resistance?
Both Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive HR are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.
Do both devices track swimming activities?
Yes, both Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive HR offer the ability to track swimming activities, including lap counters and stroke recognition.
Can I receive notifications on both devices?
Yes, both the Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive HR allow you to receive notifications for calls, texts, and emails when connected to a compatible smartphone.
Can I make phone calls using these smartwatches?
While both devices provide phone call notifications, you cannot make phone calls directly through the smartwatches themselves. You can, however, accept or reject calls and control other call functions from the devices.
What is the main difference between the two smartwatches?
The primary distinction between the Garmin 645 Music and Vivoactive HR is the former’s onboard music storage and higher display resolution, whereas the latter has a longer battery life and broader smartphone compatibility.
