Garmin Vivofit 3 vs. Garmin Fenix 5

 
Vivofit 3
Fenix 5
 GarminVivofit 3Buy NowGarminFenix 5Buy Now

Basic Info

Suggested Price$100$599.99
Release20162017

Activity & Fitness

Calories
Cycling (Bicycling)
Distance
Heartn/a
Oxygen
Sleep
Steps
Swim

Battery

Duration1 year2 Weeks
Rechargeable

Compatibility

Android
iOS
Windows Phone
Macn/a
Windowsn/a

Connectivity

Bluetooth
Cellular
GPS
NFC
Wi-Fi

Display

Color
Resolution64 x 64240 x 240
Size0.55 inches1.2 inches
Touch
Typen/ana

Functions

Audio Speaker
Clock
Phone
Vibration
Voice

Hardware

Accelerometer
Barometer or Altimeter
Ultraviolet Sensor
Water Resistance5 ATM10 ATM

Notifications

Phone
Emails
Texts

Software

Operating Systemn/a
Apps
Music

Comparing Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3

The Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivofit 3 are two popular fitness wearables that offer a range of features to help users achieve their fitness goals. Both devices come from the renowned brand Garmin, which is known for its high-quality fitness trackers, smartwatches and GPS devices.

Choosing the right wearable is essential to maximizing the benefits they offer. As such, this article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between the Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivofit 3, taking into account design, build, features, functionality, user experience, price, and more.

Garmin has built a reputation for delivering reliable and accurate fitness wearables, continually improving and expanding its product offerings. By discussing key aspects of the Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3, this article aims to help users decide which device best suits their needs and preferences.

Design and Build

Garmin Fenix 5

- Materials: Stainless steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) titanium bezel
- Size: 47 x 47 x 15.5 mm
- Weight: 85 grams (stainless steel) or 67 grams (titanium)
- Display: 1.2-inch color display, 240 x 240 resolution

Garmin Vivofit 3

- Materials: Plastic
- Size: 30.2 x 10.5 mm
- Weight: 26 grams
- Display: 0.55-inch monochrome LCD, 64 x 64 resolution

Comparison of Design and Build Quality

Comparing the Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3, some significant differences arise in terms of design and build quality. The Fenix 5 features a more rugged and premium design, with a stainless steel or DLC titanium bezel, offering added durability. On the other hand, the Vivofit 3 has a simpler and more lightweight plastic construction.

Additionally, the display on the Fenix 5 is larger and offers a higher resolution with vibrant colors, while the Vivofit 3 has a smaller, monochrome display with a lower resolution. These differences impact the user experience, as activities and notifications are easier to see on the Fenix 5's display.

Features and Functionality

Garmin Fenix 5

- Operating System: Garmin OS
- Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer
- Battery life: Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode
- Fitness tracking: Calories, distance, steps, sleep, heart rate, VO2 max, cycling, swimming, and more

Garmin Vivofit 3

- Operating System: N/A
- Sensors: Accelerometer
- Battery life: Up to 1 year (replaceable battery)
- Fitness tracking: Calories, distance, steps, sleep, basic cycling tracking, basic swim tracking

Comparison of Features and Performance

The Garmin Fenix 5 outshines the Vivofit 3 in terms of features and performance, boasting a more comprehensive suite of sensors and functionality. The Fenix 5 includes GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a barometric altimeter, among others, which are absent in the Vivofit 3. Additionally, the Fenix 5 offers a wider array of fitness tracking options, including more advanced cycling and swimming tracking, VO2 max measurement, and recovery time estimation.

However, the Vivofit 3 stands out for its impressive battery life, lasting up to one year before the battery needs to be replaced. While the Fenix 5's battery life is also impressive at up to two weeks in smartwatch mode, frequent GPS use will reduce this significantly.

User Interface and User Experience

Garmin Fenix 5

- Display: Color, high-resolution display
- Navigation: Five-button control
- Apps and customization: Downloadable watch faces, apps, and widgets from the Garmin Connect IQ store
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone

Garmin Vivofit 3

- Display: Monochrome, low-resolution LCD
- Navigation: Single-button control
- Apps and customization: Limited, basic pre-installed features
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone

Comparison of User Interface and User Experience

In terms of user interface and experience, the Garmin Fenix 5 offers a more advanced and customizable environment, while the Vivofit 3 provides a simpler, more basic experience. The Fenix 5's color display and higher resolution contribute to a more visually appealing and easier-to-read interface. Additionally, users can customize the Fenix 5 by downloading watch faces, apps, and widgets from the Garmin Connect IQ store.

Both devices are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phones, but the Fenix 5 offers more smartphone features, such as email, text message notifications, and phone functionality. The Vivofit 3 is limited to basic notification features.

Price and Value

Garmin Fenix 5

Cost: $599.99

Garmin Vivofit 3

Cost: $100

Comparison of Price and Value

There is a significant price difference between the Garmin Fenix 5 and the Vivofit 3, with the Fenix 5 being significantly more expensive. However, the higher cost is justified by the wider range of features, advanced functionality, and premium build quality the Fenix 5 offers. The Vivofit 3 is a great budget option for those seeking basic fitness tracking and a simple, easy-to-use device.

Conclusion

In summary, the Garmin Fenix 5 proves to be the better choice for users looking for a more advanced, feature-rich fitness wearable with a premium design. Its extensive list of sensors, customizable interface, and smartphone functionality cater to serious fitness enthusiasts or outdoor enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is an excellent budget option that offers basic fitness tracking, a long battery life, and a simple user interface that is easy to use for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Garmin Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3 have heart rate monitoring?

The Garmin Fenix 5 has a built-in heart rate monitor, while the Vivofit 3 does not.

Can I wear the Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3 while swimming?

Yes, both the Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3 are water-resistant and capable of tracking swimming activities.

Is the battery life for the Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3 the same?

No, the Fenix 5 has a battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, while the Vivofit 3 has an impressive battery life of up to 1 year.

Do both devices have GPS functionality?

The Garmin Fenix 5 has built-in GPS functionality, while the Vivofit 3 does not.

Can I customize the display and interface on the Fenix 5 and Vivofit 3?

Customization is available for the Fenix 5 through the Garmin Connect IQ store, allowing users to download watch faces, apps, and widgets. However, the Vivofit 3 offers limited customization options and basic, pre-installed features.

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