Comparing Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart
When it comes to choosing the perfect smartwatch for your needs, Garmin delivers a wide variety of wearables, tailored to various active lifestyles. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Garmin Vivosmart are two popular options, offering solid fitness features, build quality, and brand reputation. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison between these two products, delving into their design, build quality, features, and functionalities as well as user experience and value for money.
Garmin is a company known for its commitment to providing top-quality fitness wearables that cater to a wide range of activities. Established in 1989, Garmin has established itself as a leading brand in the industry. In this comparison, we will discuss the similarities and differences between the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart, highlighting their pros and cons, in order to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 features a 1.2-inch color display with a 240x240 pixel resolution, utilizing a memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen. It boasts a circular design, making it look more like a traditional watch. The device weighs 43 grams and has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM. The build quality of the Vivoactive 3 includes a stainless steel bezel, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and a silicone strap, ensuring durability and comfort.
Garmin Vivosmart
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart features a 1.41-inch OLED screen with a 128x16 pixel resolution. The device weighs 16 grams and also comes with a water resistance rating of 5 ATM. The Vivosmart has a slim and sleek design, perfect for those who prefer a more minimalist look. It is made of a thermoplastic material with a silicone strap, ensuring it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Comparison of design and build quality
When comparing the design and build quality of the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart, the main differences include the display type, screen size, and overall design. The Vivoactive 3 offers a more prominent display with a traditional round design, while the Vivosmart focuses on a slim and minimalistic look. Both devices have the same water resistance rating and are comfortable to wear, catering to various user preferences.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 offers a wide array of features, including GPS, fitness tracking, phone functionality, music playback, and text/email notifications. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, while also offering customizable watch faces and various activity tracking options. The device features an accelerometer, a barometer, and heart rate tracking, as well as a battery life of up to seven days.
Garmin Vivosmart
Similarly, the Garmin Vivosmart offers activity tracking, phone, text/email notifications, and music playback features. The device is compatible with Android and iOS devices, and also features an accelerometer for tracking movement. The Vivosmart, however, does not include GPS or a barometer, making it more suitable for those who do not require these additional features. The battery life of the Vivosmart is also up to seven days.
Comparison of features and performance
In terms of similarities, both the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart offer activity tracking, phone functionality, compatibility with Android and iOS devices, and a battery life of up to seven days. The main differences lie in the inclusion of GPS and a barometer in the Vivoactive 3, as well as the availability of heart rate tracking. These additional features make the Vivoactive 3 more suitable for those who require more comprehensive tracking for their activities.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The user interface of the Garmin Vivoactive 3 focuses on its 1.2-inch MIP touchscreen display, offering easy navigation and app customization. The device is compatible with smartphones and allows for simple customization of the watch face, along with app installation from the Garmin Connect app store. It also offers phone functionality, including call, text, and email notifications, as well as music playback controls.
Garmin Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivosmart features an OLED display, however, it does not have touchscreen capabilities. The device relies on a touch-sensitive area on the screen for navigation, with the smartphone app handling customization and activity tracking. Like the Vivoactive 3, the Vivosmart is compatible with smartphones and offers phone functionality, including call, text, and email notifications, as well as music playback controls.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
When comparing the user interface and user experience of the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart, the main differences include the touchscreen capability and display type. The Vivoactive 3 offers a more interactive and customizable experience, with its MIP touchscreen display, while the Vivosmart relies on smartphone app interaction and a non-touchscreen OLED display. Both devices provide phone functionality and music controls, catering to each user’s preference.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Priced at $299, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 offers comprehensive tracking features, a durable build quality, and an interactive user interface. If you require GPS, a barometer, and heart rate tracking, along with a customizable watch face, the Vivoactive 3 presents a solid value for its price.
Garmin Vivosmart
By comparison, the Garmin Vivosmart is priced at $170, focusing on its minimalist design and essential fitness tracking features. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still provides the necessary activity tracking features and phone functionality, the Vivosmart may be a better fit for your needs.
Comparison of price and value
When comparing the price and value of the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart, it comes down to each user’s needs and budget. The Vivoactive 3 is packed with additional features but comes at a higher price point, while the Vivosmart offers a more budget-friendly option with essential tracking features.
Conclusion
Overall, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Garmin Vivosmart cater to different user preferences in terms of design, build quality, features, and price. The Vivoactive 3 provides a more comprehensive set of features, including GPS, a barometer, and heart rate tracking, while the Vivosmart offers a budget-friendly option with essential activity tracking capabilities. It’s crucial to understand your specific needs and preferences to make an informed decision between these two devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I control music playback on both the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart?
Yes, both the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Garmin Vivosmart offer music control capabilities, allowing you to play, pause, skip tracks, and control volume directly from your device.
2. Are these devices compatible with third-party fitness apps?
Both the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart can sync data with popular third-party fitness apps, such as Strava and MyFitnessPal, through the Garmin Connect app. Additionally, the Vivoactive 3 supports app installation from the Garmin Connect app store for further customization.
3. Can I receive phone notifications on the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart?
Yes, both devices allow for phone notifications, including call, text, and email alerts, when connected to a compatible smartphone.
4. Are these devices suitable for swimming?
With a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, both the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart can be safely used during swimming activities. Only the Vivoactive 3 offers swim tracking, however.
5. Is there a significant difference in battery life between the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart?
No, both devices offer a battery life of up to seven days, depending on usage patterns and settings. This provides a sufficient amount of time between charges for most users.
