Comparing Fenix 5s Plus and Vivosmart HR
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Vivosmart HR are two popular products in the field of smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables. Making the right choice between these two devices can greatly impact one’s health and fitness journey. As industry leaders, Garmin has consistently produced high-quality products that cater to the needs of its diverse user base.
Choosing the right watch is critical for users to fully experience the features, functionalities, and benefits each watch offers. Opting for the right choice depends on various factors such as design, build, operating system, features, performance, and price.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison between the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Vivosmart HR. We will touch upon their design, build, features, and user interfaces, as well as analyze their prices, values, and how they match up against each other.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus boasts a premium, robust design with the use of quality materials such as stainless steel or titanium bezels, a sapphire lens for scratch resistance, and silicone or leather straps depending on the variant purchased. The device measures 47 x 47 x 15.8 mm and weighs 86g (stainless steel) or 76g (titanium). Its display features a sunlight-visible, always-on MIP screen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
On the other hand, the Vivosmart HR sports a sleek, slim design using a durable plastic material for the case and a comfortable elastomer strap. The device measures 21 x 12.3 mm and weighs a mere 31g. The display is a monochrome, always-on LCD screen with a 160 x 68-pixel resolution.
Comparison of design and build quality
The Fenix 5s Plus has a more rugged, premium look while the Vivosmart HR is sleek and minimalist. The Fenix 5s Plus is heavier and larger, offering a more durable build with higher-quality materials. In contrast, the Vivosmart HR is more lightweight and compact, making it more suitable for those who prefer a subtle wrist companion.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
With the Wear OS operating system, the Fenix 5s Plus comes with an array of advanced sensors like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Barometer, Altimeter, Thermometer, and a Pulse Ox Acclimation sensor. The watch offers a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and features comprehensive fitness tracking, activity profiles, and workout analysis. Other features include smartphone notifications, music storage, Garmin Pay, and access to Garmin’s Connect IQ store for apps.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Vivosmart HR operates on the proprietary Garmin platform and includes sensors like an accelerometer and heart rate monitor. The device offers up to 5 days of battery life and tracks basic fitness metrics like steps, calories burned, heart rate, distance traveled, and sleep. The Vivosmart HR also supports smartphone notifications but does not have music storage, Garmin Pay, or access to the Connect IQ store.
Comparison of features and performance
The Fenix 5s Plus offers a more robust feature set compared to the Vivosmart HR, with advanced sensors, diverse activity profiles, and workout analytics. Additionally, it possesses more smartwatch functions in the form of music storage, Garmin Pay, and the Connect IQ store. In contrast, the Vivosmart HR is a more basic fitness tracker that focuses on essential metrics without any additional smartwatch capabilities.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus boasts a rich-color, touch-enabled MIP display, and offers an intuitive user interface that can be navigated easily using the five physical buttons around the bezel. The device supports app customization and is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, allowing seamless connectivity and synchronization between the watch and the Garmin Connect app.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
Featuring a non-touch, monochrome LCD screen, the Vivosmart HR relies on a single physical button for navigation, with up/down swipes to scroll through its menus. The device is also compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and connects to the Garmin Connect app for tracking and data analysis purposes.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
While the Fenix 5s Plus offers a richer user experience with its touch-enabled color display and more intuitive interface, the Vivosmart HR’s simple interface might be appealing to users who value simplicity and a minimalist user experience. Both devices are compatible with popular smartphone platforms and utilize the feature-rich Garmin Connect app.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
With a price tag of $799, the Fenix 5s Plus is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to smartwatches and fitness trackers. Its premium design, advanced features, and comprehensive functionalities justify the higher price point for users who seek an all-in-one device for outdoor adventures, fitness activities, and daily usage.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Vivosmart HR, priced at $170, is a more budget-friendly option for individuals who primarily need a fitness tracker without the need for advanced features or an extensive app ecosystem. It remains a solid value proposition for those seeking a reliable device to monitor their basic fitness activities and provide essential smart notifications.
Comparison of price and value
The main differences between the Fenix 5s Plus and Vivosmart HR lie in their design, build quality, features, and, consequently, price points. The Fenix 5s Plus is more suited for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers who require a versatile, feature-rich device, while the Vivosmart HR is ideal for those looking for a basic, affordable fitness tracker that delivers on essential features without added frills.
Conclusion
When comparing the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Vivosmart HR, the choice largely depends on the user’s requirements, preferences, and budget. If a feature-rich, durable smartwatch is the priority, the Fenix 5s Plus is the clear winner. However, if affordability and basic fitness tracking capabilities are more important, the Vivosmart HR is a sensible choice. Considering the differences in design, build, user interface, features, and value, the decision ultimately rests on individual needs and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can both devices track swimming activities?
The Fenix 5s Plus can track swimming activities while the Vivosmart HR cannot.
2. Are both watches compatible with iOS and Android devices?
Yes, both watches can be connected to iOS and Android smartphones via the Garmin Connect app.
3. Which device provides better battery life?
The Fenix 5s Plus offers up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, compared to the Vivosmart HR’s 5-day battery life.
4. Can I receive smartphone notifications on both watches?
Yes, both devices can display notifications for incoming calls, text messages, and emails when connected to a compatible smartphone.
5. Which device offers GPS functionality?
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus has built-in GPS, while the Vivosmart HR does not support GPS functions.
