Comparing Vivosmart 3 and Fenix 3
Choosing the right smartwatch or fitness tracker can be tough with so many options in the market. This article provides a detailed comparison between two popular Garmin products: the Fenix 3 and the Vivosmart 3. By discussing the design, features, user experience, price, and value, this comparison aims to assist you in making an informed decision on which device best suits your needs.
Garmin is a well-known brand with a strong reputation for its high-quality products since its inception in 1989, focusing mainly on GPS technology for automotive, marine, aviation, and sports uses. The Fenix 3 and Vivosmart 3 are crammed with features and perfect for those with an active lifestyle.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 3
The Garmin Fenix 3 boasts a rugged, sleek design with durable Sapphire glass, a stainless-steel bezel, and reinforced housing. Weighing 3.0 oz (85 g), the Fenix 3 boasts a 1.2-inch sunlight-readable Chroma LED color display with a resolution of 218 x 218 pixels. Not only is it water-resistant up to a depth of 100 meters, but the device also offers a three-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and gyroscope.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 has an elegantly slim design, perfect for daily wear. The device weighs less than the Fenix 3, making it significantly lighter and more comfortable. Its 64 x 128 pixels OLED touch display is conveniently sized and water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters). The Vivosmart 3 features an accelerometer as well as a barometric altimeter for elevation tracking.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both smartwatches are durable and water-resistant, although the Fenix 3 boasts a larger, more rugged design compared to the slim design of the Vivosmart 3. Additionally, the Fenix 3 offers a sunlight-readable color display while the Vivosmart 3 has a black and white OLED touch display.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 3
For multisport enthusiasts, the Garmin Fenix 3 offers features like GPS, full ABC (altimeter, barometer, and compass) navigation, and extensive sports tracking, including running, swimming, cycling, skiing, and more. Users benefit from its rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 50 hours in GPS mode or 6 weeks in watch mode. The Fenix 3 also offers compatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and email/messaging notifications.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Meanwhile, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 focuses on advanced fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, and stress tracking. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 5 days of regular usage. Notably, it lacks GPS functionality but includes Bluetooth smartphone compatibility for Android, iOS, and Windows devices. It also supports music control and text messaging, email, and social media notifications.
Comparison of features and performance
When comparing these two Garmin devices, their areas of focus become apparent: the Fenix 3 is designed for multisport adventures with vast tracking features and a built-in GPS, while the Vivosmart 3 is better suited for daily fitness and health tracking. If the priority is GPS and outdoor adventure, the Fenix 3 is the better option. However, if heart rate monitoring and stress tracking are the top priorities, consider the Vivosmart 3.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 3
The Garmin Fenix 3 offers a customizable watch face and free downloadable apps through the Garmin Connect IQ store. Its user interface is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, with additional smartphone features such as call and text notifications, as well as music controls.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 provides a simple touch display with a swipe-able user interface for easy navigation. This device also has compatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, enabling telephone, email, and social media notifications, as well as music controls.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both Garmin devices offer user-friendly interfaces, easy navigation, and smartphone compatibility. The primary difference lies in the device’s display, with the Fenix 3 featuring a color screen and physical buttons, while the Vivosmart 3 offers a black and white OLED touch screen.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 3
With a price tag of $500, the Garmin Fenix 3 offers versatility and ruggedness suitable for multisport and outdoor enthusiasts. Its wide range of features and GPS functionality justify the higher price.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Garmin Vivosmart 3, retailing for $139.99, provides excellent daily health and fitness tracking. Given the absence of GPS functionality, the Vivosmart 3 delivers great value for users who prioritize heart rate monitoring and stress tracking.
Comparison of price and value
When weighing the cost and value, the ideal choice between these devices depends on the user’s needs. The higher-priced Fenix 3 offers a wide range of features and multisport tracking, while the Vivosmart 3 provides a more affordable option for daily health and fitness tracking without GPS support.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Fenix 3 and Vivosmart 3 depends on personal preferences and priorities. The Fenix 3 is a robust multisport smartwatch, whereas the Vivosmart 3 is a sleek and comfortable everyday fitness tracker. Taking their unique features and functionalities into consideration, assess the importance of GPS, heart rate monitoring, and stress tracking to choose the most suitable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Garmin device is better for outdoor adventures and sports tracking?
The Garmin Fenix 3 is better suited for outdoor adventures, offering GPS functionality, a robust weather-resistant design, and extensive sports tracking capabilities.
Do the Fenix 3 and Vivosmart 3 have built-in GPS?
Only the Garmin Fenix 3 has built-in GPS functionality, enabling users to track their outdoor activities accurately.
Can I receive notifications from my phone on these devices?
Yes, both the Fenix 3 and Vivosmart 3 support notifications such as calls, texts, and emails when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Which device has a touchscreen display?
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 provides a touch-sensitive OLED display, while the Fenix 3 has a Chroma LED color display with physical buttons for navigation.
Are both devices water-resistant?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 3 and Vivosmart 3 offer water resistance depths of 100 meters and 50 meters, respectively, making them suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
