Comparing Vivofit 4 and Fenix 5s Plus
When searching for the perfect wearable device, you may have come across the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and the Garmin Vivofit 4. Both Garmin watches have a range of features designed to help users achieve their fitness goals and stay connected. Throughout this article, we will dive into the differences and similarities between these two devices while providing comprehensive information on each watch.
Choosing the right watch can make a significant impact on your fitness routine and daily life. A well-suited device should cater to your specific needs and preferences, helping you stay on track with your goals. With a remarkable reputation and extensive history in the industry, Garmin is a trusted brand in the world of wearables, offering an impressive lineup of smartwatches and fitness trackers.
In this detailed comparison, we will cover various aspects such as design and build, features, user interface and experience, and price and value. Continue reading to learn more about these two popular Garmin devices, and discover which one may be the best fit for you.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus features a robust and rugged design suitable for outdoor activities. Key properties include:
- Materials: Stainless steel bezel, buttons, and rear case
- Size and Weight: 42 x 42 x 15.4 mm, 65 grams
- Display/Screen: 1.2-inch color MIP display, 240 x 240 pixels resolution, touch-enabled
Garmin Vivofit 4
The Vivofit 4 has a slim and lightweight design perfect for daily wear. Here are its main features:
- Materials: Polymer
- Size and Weight: 19 x 9.4 mm (width x thickness), 25 grams
- Display/Screen: 0.43 x 0.43-inch color display, 88 x 88 pixels resolution
Comparison of Design and Build Quality
The Fenix 5s Plus has a more rugged and heavy-duty design compared to the slim and lightweight Vivofit 4. Featuring a stainless-steel construction, the Fenix 5s Plus is designed for more extreme activities and outdoor enthusiasts, whereas the Vivofit 4 is a comfortable everyday fitness tracker. Both devices have a color display, but with differing sizes and resolutions.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
Equipped with advanced features and robust tracking options, the Fenix 5s Plus offers:
- Operating System: Wear OS
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometric altimeter
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode
- Fitness Tracking: Distance, steps, calories, sleep, cycling, swimming, heart rate, oxygen
- Other Features: Smartphone notifications, music, email, texting, phone functions
Garmin Vivofit 4
Focusing on simplicity and ease-of-use, the Vivofit 4 includes:
- Operating System: N/A
- Sensors: Accelerometer
- Battery Life: Up to 1 year (non-rechargeable)
- Fitness Tracking: Distance, steps, calories, sleep, water-resistant for swimming
- Other Features: Clock, timer, stopwatch, smartphone compatibility (Android and iOS)
Comparison of Features and Performance
The Fenix 5s Plus offers a more advanced and comprehensive feature set than the Vivofit 4. While both devices track basic fitness metrics, the Fenix 5s Plus also offers GPS, heart rate and oxygen tracking, cycling, and more smartwatch features such as notifications and music playback. On the other hand, the Vivofit 4 focuses on simplicity, with only essential fitness tracking and a remarkable one-year battery life, designed for those who prefer a straightforward approach to their fitness tracker.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
Featuring a versatile and customizable interface, the Fenix 5s Plus has the following elements:
- Display: 1.2-inch color MIP display with touch capabilities
- Navigation: Physical buttons and touch screen
- Apps and Customization: Access to downloadable apps, watch faces, and widgets
- Compatibility: Android and iOS
Garmin Vivofit 4
With an emphasis on simplicity, the Vivofit 4 presents a user-friendly interface:
- Display: 0.43 x 0.43-inch color display
- Navigation: Single physical button
- Apps and Customization: None
- Compatibility: Android and iOS
Comparison of User Interface and User Experience
While the Fenix 5s Plus boasts a feature-rich and customizable interface, the Vivofit 4 focuses on basic functionality and simplicity. This makes the Fenix 5s Plus suitable for users who desire more options and connectivity, whereas the Vivofit 4 caters to those who appreciate a straightforward and minimalist approach to tracking their fitness.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
With a retail price of $799, the Fenix 5s Plus offers numerous features and capabilities, making it a high-value purchase for those seeking a top-tier smartwatch.
Garmin Vivofit 4
At a retail price of $79.95, the Vivofit 4 provides a budget-friendly option for those looking to track basic fitness metrics without added complexities.
Comparison of Price and Value
While both devices offer valuable features, the Fenix 5s Plus comes at a higher price point due to its advanced capabilities and design. However, the Vivofit 4 fills a niche for users seeking a more affordable and simple fitness tracker.
Conclusion
When reviewing the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivofit 4, it’s clear that each device serves a different purpose. The Fenix 5s Plus, with its rugged design, extensive feature set, and customizable interface, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or users who want a top-of-the-line smartwatch. In contrast, the Vivofit 4 offers a budget-friendly option for those who need a simple fitness tracker with essential features and an impressive battery life. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences and priorities when it comes to fitness tracking and wearable technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which device is better for outdoor activities, Garmin Fenix 5s Plus or Vivofit 4?
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus is better suited for outdoor activities due to its rugged design and advanced tracking features.
2. How long do the batteries last on the Fenix 5s Plus and Vivofit 4?
The Fenix 5s Plus has a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, while the Vivofit 4's non-rechargeable battery can last up to 1 year.
3. Are both devices compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Vivofit 4 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
4. Is either the Fenix 5s Plus or Vivofit 4 suitable for swimming?
Yes, both devices are water-resistant and can track swimming metrics. The Fenix 5s Plus has a water resistance of 10 ATM, while the Vivofit 4 has a water resistance of 5 ATM.
5. Can I receive notifications and sync the devices with my smartphone?
The Fenix 5s Plus allows you to receive notifications and sync with your smartphone, while the Vivofit 4 only provides basic fitness tracking without smartwatch capabilities.
