Comparing Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart
When searching for the best fitness tracker or smartwatch, it’s common to come across various options from the same brand. In this case, we’ve got the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Garmin Vivosmart, two popular devices that cater to different fitness needs. Buying the perfect watch is essential, as it can help you monitor your workouts, achieve your fitness goals, and provide essential insights into your overall health.
Garmin, the brand behind these two wearables, has built a solid reputation in the field of GPS technology and is renowned for offering innovative products that cater to a wide range of users. They have a rich history in producing high-quality fitness watches and wearables, which continue to evolve and iterate over time.
In this article, we’ll delve into various aspects of these two devices and help you compare the Garmin Forerunner 935 vs Garmin Vivosmart, covering everything from design, build, features, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 comes with a robust aesthetic, featuring a round watch face with a 1.2-inch LCD color display and a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The casing is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, making it lightweight yet durable. It also features a water resistance of 5 ATM, allowing it to withstand the rigors of swimming and other water-based activities.
Garmin Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivosmart, on the other hand, showcases a sleek and slim design, consisting of a 1.41-inch OLED display in a long, rectangular form factor. With a resolution of 128 x 16 pixels, it offers a minimalistic user interface. Despite its slender appearance, the Vivosmart is also water-resistant up to 5 ATM and is suitable for swimming and other water sports.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices showcase durable build qualities and water resistance, the Forerunner 935 boasts a more sophisticated design, catering to those who prefer a traditional watch-like appearance. The Vivosmart, conversely, appeals to users seeking a minimalistic and understated design. Both devices have their unique advantages, depending on individual preferences.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 935
Running on Garmin’s proprietary software, the Forerunner 935 offers numerous fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2, sleep tracking, and distance tracking, among others. With multiple built-in sensors such as GPS, accelerometer, and barometer, the device delivers an extensive spectrum of workout data. Furthermore, the 935 runs for up to 2 weeks on a single charge.
Garmin Vivosmart
As for the Garmin Vivosmart, it doesn’t run on a specific operating system but still manages to pack in essential fitness features like sleep tracking, steps, calories burned, and distance tracking. The Vivosmart’s battery life lasts up to 7 days, which is impressive for a device of its size and comparatively lower price point.
Comparison of features and performance
Comparatively, the Forerunner 935 provides more advanced features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and a wider variety of workout metrics, making it the superior choice for serious athletes or fitness enthusiasts. The Vivosmart, even though limited in some features, provides great value for money and caters to users searching for a more basic fitness tracker experience.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935's user interface benefits from its high-resolution color display, offering easy navigation and access to various apps and customizations. It also connects seamlessly with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, allowing for effortless syncing, notifications, and smartphone integration.
Garmin Vivosmart
With a minimalistic OLED display, the Vivosmart offers a straightforward user experience. It lacks apps and customizable features, focusing solely on fitness tracking essentials. The Vivosmart is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, facilitating easy smartphone integration, albeit without Windows Phone support.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
When comparing the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart, it is evident that the former offers a broader array of customization, app choices, and compatibility, while the latter focuses on delivering a simple and functional tracking experience. It ultimately comes down to whether the user desires a more comprehensive UX or a basic, hassle-free fitness tracker.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 935
With a price tag of $500, the Garmin Forerunner 935 leans towards the higher end of the market, offering exceptional features, advanced tracking capabilities, and greater customization options, justifying its cost for serious fitness enthusiasts looking for a complete workout companion.
Garmin Vivosmart
At $170, the Garmin Vivosmart presents a more budget-friendly option, providing essential tracking functionality and simplicity of use. For individuals seeking an entry-level fitness tracker without the need for advanced features, the Vivosmart is a solid choice.
Comparison of price and value
When comparing the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart in terms of price and value, it’s crucial to consider individual requirements and preferences. The Forerunner 935 offers more extensive features and customization, suited for committed athletes or fitness aficionados, whereas the Vivosmart provides a cost-effective solution for those seeking basic fitness-tracking capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Garmin Forerunner 935 and Garmin Vivosmart possess their unique selling points, catering to different segments of the market. The Forerunner 935 excels in delivering advanced features, customization, and compatibility for serious athletes, while the Vivosmart’s minimalistic design and essential tracking functions make it accessible and affordable for those just embarking on their fitness journey. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual needs, preferences, and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device should I choose if I’m into swimming?
Both Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart are water-resistant up to 5 ATM and can be used during swimming sessions. However, the Forerunner 935 offers swim tracking capabilities, making it a better option for swimming enthusiasts.
Can I receive notifications from my smartphone on these devices?
Yes, both Garmin Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart offer smartphone notifications, including texts, emails, and phone calls.
Are these devices compatible with all major smartphone operating systems?
The Forerunner 935 is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, while the Vivosmart is compatible with Android and iOS only.
Do these devices have music playback functionality?
Yes, both the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart feature music playback functionality when connected to a compatible smartphone.
Which device offers better battery life?
The Garmin Forerunner 935 boasts a superior battery life of up to 2 weeks, while the Vivosmart lasts for up to 7 days on a single charge.
