Comparing Vivosmart 3 and Fenix 5s Plus
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Vivosmart 3 are two smartwatches from the well-renowned brand, Garmin. Both watches come with different features and functionality, catering to various needs and budgets. When choosing the right watch, it is crucial to understand the differences and similarities between these two devices to make an informed decision.
The right smartwatch can make a significant impact on a user’s daily activities - from tracking fitness goals to accessing notifications from their smartphone. Garmin, as a brand, has made a name for itself by delivering high-quality smartwatches and wearables suitable for various lifestyles and activities. The company has a long history and an excellent reputation for creating devices that cater to specific user needs.
This article will delve into the design, build, features, functionality, user interface, user experience, price, and value of both the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and the Garmin Vivosmart 3. The aim is to provide an in-depth comparison of these two devices to assist potential buyers in making the right choice.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus features a robust design, crafted with high-quality materials such as stainless steel and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens. The Fenix 5s Plus has a weight of 65g and a screen display of 1.2 inches with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, making it easy to read information on the watch face.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 has a sleeker and more straightforward design, with a silicone band and a hidden OLED display of 64 x 128 pixels resolution. The display is only visible when the user interacts with the device. The Vivosmart 3 is lightweight, weighing only 20.4g, making it comfortable to wear throughout the day and during workouts.
Comparison of design and build quality
The Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivosmart 3 cater to different user preferences – the Fenix 5s Plus being targeted at users who prefer a rugged, durable watch, while the Vivosmart 3 is designed to blend seamlessly as a stylish fitness tracker. Both devices showcase Garmin’s expert design, each offering a unique look and feel. They also differ in their water resistance capabilities, with the Fenix 5s Plus having 10 ATM and Vivosmart 3 having 5 ATM water resistance.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
Operating on Wear OS, the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus is packed with features, including:
- Sensors: GPS, accelerometer, barometer, compass, gyroscope, heart rate, thermometer
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode
- Fitness Tracking: Offers various activity tracking, such as running, swimming, and cycling
- Other Features: Music storage and playback, phone notifications, emails, texts, and more
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Garmin Vivosmart 3, even without a dedicated operating system, offers notable features, such as:
- Sensors: Accelerometer, heart rate, barometric altimeter
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days
- Fitness Tracking: Tracks activities like walking, running, sleep, and heart rate, but lacks cycling and GPS support
- Other Features: Music controls, phone notifications, emails, texts, and more
Comparison of features and performance
While both devices provide fitness tracking and smart notifications, the Fenix 5s Plus offers more comprehensive features and functionalities, such as GPS support and a wider range of sports activities. However, it comes at a higher price point. On the other hand, the Vivosmart 3 is more budget-friendly, with essential fitness tracking and basic smart features, suitable for users looking for a modest smartwatch experience.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
With its high-resolution color display, the Fenix 5s Plus offers a crisp and clear user interface, easy navigation through buttons, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. The watch also supports a variety of apps and customizable watch faces through the Connect IQ platform.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Vivosmart 3 offers a simple and straightforward user interface with its hidden OLED touchscreen display. It is also compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows phones, but lacks support for additional apps or customization. Users can navigate through the features using simple swipe and tap gestures.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both watches ensure a smooth user experience with compatibility across various devices. However, the Fenix 5s Plus excels in providing more customization options, additional apps, and a better display. In contrast, the Vivosmart 3 focuses on simplicity and ease of use with a discreetly integrated display hidden within its design.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
At a price point of $799, the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus offers excellent value for those seeking a feature-rich smartwatch with a durable build and a wide range of functionalities. It caters to sports enthusiasts and individuals with active lifestyles.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
With a modest price of $139.99, the Vivosmart 3 offers essential fitness tracking features and basic smartwatch functionalities, making it an affordable option for users seeking a simple, budget-friendly wearable.
Comparison of price and value
While the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus has superior features and a more extensive support system, its higher price may not be suitable for everyone. On the other hand, the Vivosmart 3 is an excellent option for those seeking budget-friendly wearables with essential fitness tracking capabilities and minimal smart features.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and the Garmin Vivosmart 3, the decision comes down to individual preferences, requirements, and budget. The Fenix 5s Plus offers a more extensive set of features and a rugged design ideal for sports enthusiasts or individuals with an active lifestyle. The Vivosmart 3, being a budget-friendly alternative, caters to users seeking essential fitness tracking capabilities and simple smartwatch features without any added complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which device has better battery life?
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus offers better battery life, with up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, compared to the Vivosmart 3's 5-day battery life.
2. Is GPS available on both devices?
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus has built-in GPS, while the Garmin Vivosmart 3 does not support GPS functionality.
3. Are both devices water-resistant?
Yes, both watches are water-resistant. The Fenix 5s Plus has a water resistance of 10 ATM, while the Vivosmart 3 has a water resistance of 5 ATM.
4. Can I control music on both devices?
Yes, both the Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivosmart 3 allow music control from the watch interface.
5. Are both watches compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows phones?
The Fenix 5s Plus is compatible with Android and iOS devices, while the Vivosmart 3 is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows phones.
