Comparing Fenix 5s Plus and Vivomove
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Vivomove are two smartwatches offering different sets of features for various needs. The Fenix 5s Plus, released in 2018 at $799, is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch. On the other hand, the Vivomove, released in 2016 at $250, is a hybrid smartwatch with a more basic feature set. Both brands have solid reputations, with Garmin being a leader in GPS technology and wearable devices.
Choosing the right watch is essential as it can help you achieve your fitness goals, improve productivity, and make daily life more convenient. To assist you in making the best decision, this article will provide an in-depth comparison of the two watches in terms of design and build quality, features and functionality, user interface and experience, and price and value.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus sports a rugged design suitable for outdoor adventures. It features a stainless steel or diamond-like carbon-coated titanium bezel and a sapphire crystal glass display that measures 1.2 inches with a 240x240 pixel resolution. The watch weighs around 65 grams, depending on the strap and housing material. It also has a sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display for excellent readability under direct sunlight.
Garmin Vivomove
Garmin Vivomove is a hybrid watch with a classic design, aiming at those who prefer a more traditional watch. It has a stainless steel case and an analog watch face to indicate the time, with invisible OLED displays to show relevant information like notifications, steps, and other data. The watch weight varies depending on the model, with the sport version being lighter than the premium version. While it does not have a digital screen, Vivomove can handle its primary functions with its hidden display and side buttons.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices have their own design strengths. The Fenix 5s Plus is better suited for outdoor activities due to its rugged build and durable materials, while the Vivomove caters to users looking for a more traditional, elegant design. The biggest difference lies in their displays, with the Fenix 5s Plus offering a full-color digital screen while the Vivomove provides a hidden OLED display within an analog watch face.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
Operating on the Wear OS, the Fenix 5s Plus is packed with features for fitness enthusiasts, such as GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, calories burnt, and distance traveled. It also offers advanced sporting features like VO2 max, recovery advisor, and training status. The watch supports various sports profiles such as swimming, cycling, and hiking. Its battery life is estimated at seven days for regular usage and has a rechargeable battery.
Garmin Vivomove
Garmin Vivomove focuses on basic functionality, lacking GPS support, heart rate monitoring, and sports-specific tracking features found in the Fenix 5s Plus. It does, however, offer essential features such as sleep tracking, steps, calories burnt, and distance traveled. One remarkable aspect of Vivomove is its extended battery life of approximately one year, thanks to its lower energy-consuming design.
Comparison of features and performance
The Fenix 5s Plus packs more features and is suitable for users seeking high-end fitness tracking capabilities, while the Vivomove targets users who want essential fitness tracking features in a traditional watch design. The Fenix 5s Plus offers a broader range of functionalities but requires regular charging compared to the battery-efficient Vivomove.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus has a digital touch screen with customizable widgets, data fields, and layouts. It is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones for notifications, music control, and other features. The watch also offers third-party app support through the Garmin Connect app store, allowing users to expand its functionalities.
Garmin Vivomove
Vivomove relies on its hidden OLED display for notifications and other relevant data. It is also both Android and iOS-compatible. While it lacks the customization options and third-party app support of the Fenix 5s Plus, its interface is more straightforward, suitable for users who prefer a minimalist approach.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Fenix 5s Plus offers a versatile and customizable user experience with its digital touch screen and third-party app support, while the Vivomove provides a simpler interface with an analog watchface and hidden digital display catering to a more traditional user experience.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
At $799, the Fenix 5s Plus is a premium smartwatch with extensive features and a rugged design that cater to serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Garmin Vivomove
At a more affordable $250, the Garmin Vivomove is geared towards users who want essential fitness tracking features in a traditional watch design.
Comparison of price and value
The Fenix 5s Plus and Vivomove cater to different segments of the market, with the former offering a premium experience for hardcore fitness enthusiasts and the latter targeting users looking for essential fitness tracking with a blend of traditional design.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Vivomove comes down to individual preferences, requirements, and budget. The Fenix 5s Plus provides a feature-rich experience for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts at a premium price, while the Vivomove is ideal for users who prefer a traditional watch with basic fitness tracking capabilities at a more budget-friendly cost. Assess your own needs and preferences and decide which watch aligns best with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Vivomove connect with smartphones?
Both watches connect to smartphones via Bluetooth for notifications, alerts, and syncing features.
Can I receive notifications for texts, calls, and emails on both watches?
While the Fenix 5s Plus provides full support for notifications, the Vivomove has a more limited notification system due to its hidden OLED display.
Which watch is better for swimming?
The Fenix 5s Plus is the better option for swimming due to its dedicated swim tracking features and higher water resistance rating of 10 ATM, compared to the Vivomove’s 5 ATM rating.
Can I control music from either watch?
Music controls are supported on the Fenix 5s Plus, while the Vivomove lacks this feature.
Can I use either watch for outdoor navigation?
The Fenix 5s Plus can be utilized for outdoor navigation with its built-in GPS, while the Vivomove does not have GPS capabilities.
