Comparing Vivosmart 3 and Fenix 5
Garmin is a well-known brand in the world of wearables, offering a wide range of smartwatches and fitness trackers designed to cater to various needs and preferences. Today we will be comparing two popular Garmin smartwatches: the Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3, and discussing their design, features, user interface, and price to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right watch for you.
Choosing the right watch is crucial for those who wish to track their everyday physical activities, monitor their health, and stay updated on notifications without constantly checking their smartphones. Garmin is a reputable brand with a history of delivering high-quality and durable products for both casual users and athletes, assuring that their smartwatches cater to a wide range of preferences and requirements.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5
The Fenix 5 is crafted with premium materials like stainless steel, weighs 85 grams, and measures 47 x 47 x 15.5 mm, offering a solid and rugged build. The watch has a 1.2-inch color display with a 240 x 240 resolution, protected by sapphire glass for excellent durability.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Contrasting with the Fenix 5, the Vivosmart 3 has a sleek design tailored more towards everyday wear. It weighs just 21 grams and measures 18.5 x 9.5 mm, making it an unobtrusive option for those looking for a lightweight and unobtrusive fitness tracker. The Vivosmart 3 features a hidden OLED monochrome display with a resolution of 64 x 128, making it less noticeable when not in use.
Comparison of design and build quality
When comparing the designs of the Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3, the most striking difference is their intended use—with the Fenix 5 catering to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a durable and rugged smartwatch, and the Vivosmart 3 being more suited for everyday fitness tracking. Both devices offer different weight, size, and display specifications for their respective target markets. While the Fenix 5 features a more durable design with a higher resolution display, the Vivosmart 3 has a minimalist look and lighter weight.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5
The Fenix 5 operates on Garmin’s proprietary operating system, with a battery life of up to 2 weeks. Notable features include GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step counting, oxygen tracking, and support for numerous sports modes, such as cycling and swimming. The Fenix 5 also offers smartphone notifications, music control, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Like the Fenix 5, the Vivosmart 3 runs on Garmin’s proprietary operating system and has a battery life of up to 5 days. While it lacks some of the more advanced features of the Fenix 5, such as GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Vivosmart 3 does offer sleep and fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, steps counting, and swim tracking. It is also compatible with both Android and iOS devices and provides smart notifications, such as emails and texts.
Comparison of features and performance
Comparing features between the Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3 shows that the Fenix 5 is more feature-rich, offering GPS, Wi-Fi, and a host of sports tracking capabilities not present in the Vivosmart 3. However, the Vivosmart 3 still offers comprehensive fitness tracking and smart notification features, making it a suitable option for those who prioritize a sleek design and affordability over advanced features.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5
The Fenix 5 has a user-friendly interface with a combination of touch and physical button navigation. The watch supports downloadable apps and customizable watch faces, providing users with a personalized experience. It is also compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices, allowing for seamless communication with smartphones.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Similarly, the Vivosmart 3 employs a straightforward touch-based interface, making it easy to navigate through menus and access features. Although it does not offer app support, it is also compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices for smart notifications and syncing data.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
In terms of user interface and experience, both the Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3 offer easy-to-use interfaces that cater to their target audiences. While the more advanced features and customization options of the Fenix 5 may be appealing to some, the simplicity of the Vivosmart 3 may be more preferable to others.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5
The Garmin Fenix 5 carries a price tag of $599.99, providing a range of advanced features and a durable build. Due to its rugged design and comprehensive list of features, this watch offers good value for those seeking a versatile, outdoor-oriented smartwatch.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
At a more budget-friendly price of $139.99, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 is a minimalist fitness tracker that still provides essential features for daily activity monitoring. This makes it a great value option for those looking for a sleek and unobtrusive fitness tracker.
Comparison of price and value
When comparing the price and value of the Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3, it’s clear that they cater to different markets. The Fenix 5 targets those who need a durable smartwatch with advanced features, while the Vivosmart 3 appeals to individuals wanting a minimalist and affordable fitness tracker.
Conclusion
After examining the design, features, user interface, and price of both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3, it is evident that each device offers distinct benefits to cater to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the features you prioritize and your budget, as well as the design and form factor that best suit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Garmin smartwatch is better for outdoor activities?
The Garmin Fenix 5, with its rugged design and advanced features, including GPS, is better suited for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
Are both the Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3 water-resistant?
Yes, both devices are water-resistant. The Fenix 5 is rated at 10 ATM, while Vivosmart 3 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.
Can I receive notifications from my smartphone on both these devices?
Yes, both Fenix 5 and Vivosmart 3 support smart notifications and are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.
Which device has a longer battery life?
The Garmin Fenix 5 has a longer battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks, whereas Vivosmart 3's battery life extends to 5 days.
Who is the Vivosmart 3 best suited for?
The Vivosmart 3 is best suited for those who want a sleek, budget-friendly fitness tracker for everyday use, without the need for advanced features such as GPS and Wi-Fi.
