Comparing Vivosmart HR Plus and Forerunner 235
When it comes to smartwatches, the Garmin brand has made a significant impact in the wearables market. The Garmin Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR Plus are two popular models that cater to fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals. Making the right choice between these two devices can have a lasting impact on one’s fitness tracking experience.
Garmin is a renowned brand, known for its reliable, high-quality wearables with a strong focus on fitness and health tracking. Having a solid reputation for innovation and durability, Garmin has consistently delivered products that cater to the diverse needs of its users.
In this informative comparison, we will delve deep into the design, build, features, UI, price, value, and other aspects of the Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR Plus, enabling you to make an informed decision when choosing between these two devices.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 235
Materials used: Plastic, Silicone, Glass
Size: 1.77 x 1.77 x 0.46 inches
Weight: 1.5 ounces
Display: 1.23 inch MIP, 215 x 180 resolution, color touchscreen
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
Materials used: Plastic, Silicone, Glass
Size: 0.93 x 1.74 x 0.48 inches
Weight: 1.05 ounces
Display: 0.5 x 0.8 inch LCD, 160 x 68 resolution, touch-enabled screen
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR Plus share similarities when it comes to materials used, featuring a blend of silicone, plastic, and glass components. The Forerunner 235, being a dedicated running watch, is slightly larger and heavier than the Vivosmart HR Plus, mainly designed as a versatile fitness tracker.
When comparing the display and screen quality of both devices, the Forerunner 235 is the clear winner with a larger, color touchscreen, while the Vivosmart HR Plus features a smaller, monochrome LCD. However, both screens are touch-enabled for easy navigation.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 235
Operating system: Garmin OS
Sensors: GPS, Heart Rate, Accelerometer
Battery life: 9 days
Key features: Fitness tracking for activities such as running, cycling, swimming, steps, distance, calories, sleep, and heart rate monitoring
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
Operating system: NA
Sensors: GPS, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Barometric Altimeter
Battery life: 5 days
Key features: Fitness tracking for activities such as steps, distance, calories, sleep, heart rate monitoring, and floors climbed
Comparison of features and performance
Featuring their respective operating systems, both the Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR Plus offer unique characteristics catering to different user needs. The Forerunner 235 focuses on dedicated fitness activities such as running, cycling, and swimming, with superior battery life than the Vivosmart HR Plus. The latter, however, tracks a majority of everyday activities while also providing barometric altimeter data for climbing stairs or outdoor activities such as hiking.
When it comes to performance, both devices strive to cater to their target audience. The Forerunner 235 is designed for exercise enthusiasts seeking detailed tracking of their workouts, while the Vivosmart HR Plus is better suited as a versatile all-rounder for daily activities with broader fitness tracking capabilities.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 235
Display: 1.23 inch color touchscreen
Navigation: Touch and button-based interface
Apps and customization: Garmin Connect and ConnectIQ
Compatibility: Android, iOS
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
Display: 0.5 x 0.8 inch monochrome LCD touchscreen
Navigation: Touch and button-based interface
Apps and customization: Garmin Connect
Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Mac, Windows
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices feature touchscreen displays combined with button-based navigation, making operation intuitive and easy. While the Forerunner 235 boasts a color display, the Vivosmart HR Plus has a monochrome LCD, which may lack visual appeal by comparison.
App-wise, the Forerunner 235 gets the edge with its added support for ConnectIQ, Garmin’s app platform, enabling customization of watch faces and additional functionality. Nevertheless, both devices sync smoothly with Garmin Connect, the brand’s proprietary app, allowing comprehensive data analysis and tracking.
The Vivosmart HR Plus comes out ahead in terms of compatibility, supporting a wide array of devices and platforms including Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Mac, and Windows. The Forerunner 235 is strictly limited to Android and iOS.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 235
Cost: $299.99
Value: Offers an extensive range of features and a dedicated fitness tracking experience, justifying the higher price tag for fitness enthusiasts.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
Cost: $179
Value: Suitable for users who prefer an all-around fitness tracker combining multiple everyday features with a budget-friendly price.
Comparison of price and value
As the prices indicate, the Forerunner 235 stands out as a premium device best suited for fitness enthusiasts who demand comprehensive and detailed workout tracking. The Vivosmart HR Plus, on the other hand, makes an ideal choice for users who prefer an all-rounder wearable that provides a variety of everyday tracking features at a more budget-friendly price.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR Plus boils down to personal preferences and requirements. For dedicated fitness enthusiasts, the Forerunner 235 provides superior exercise tracking capabilities and customization, while the Vivosmart HR Plus is an excellent all-rounder for individuals who wish to monitor their everyday activities without emptying their wallets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 235 suitable for a casual fitness user?
Yes, the Forerunner 235 is suitable for casual users as it offers extensive fitness tracking capabilities that can benefit individuals with varying fitness levels.
Can I use the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus for swimming?
While the Vivosmart HR Plus is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, it does not feature swim tracking like the Forerunner 235.
Which device has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 235 or Vivosmart HR Plus?
The Garmin Forerunner 235 has a superior battery life of 9 days, as compared to the 5-day battery life of the Vivosmart HR Plus.
Can I control music on my smartphone using the Garmin Forerunner 235 or Vivosmart HR Plus?
Yes, both devices support music control functionality when connected to a smartphone.
Can I receive notifications on the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR Plus?
Both the Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR Plus support phone, email, and text notifications when connected to a compatible smartphone.
