Comparing Vivosmart HR Plus and Vivoactive
When it comes to choosing a fitness tracker or smartwatch, two popular options are the Garmin Vivoactive and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. These two devices have earned strong reputations for their combination of stylish design and advanced features, making them top choices for individuals looking to improve their overall fitness and health. Both devices come from Garmin, a renowned brand in the world of fitness technology, known for delivering high-quality and reliable products.
It’s crucial to select the right product to suit one’s needs, and this article will help make that decision by providing a comprehensive comparison between the Garmin Vivoactive and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. The content will cover design and build, features and functionality, user interface and user experience, price and value, and frequently asked questions.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivoactive
The Garmin Vivoactive is made of high-quality materials, including a durable polymer case and a silicone strap. It’s lightweight at just 38 grams and features a 1.38-inch LCD color touchscreen display with a 205 x 148-pixel resolution. The device is 5 ATM water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus also boasts a durable polymer case with a silicone strap. It weighs slightly less than the Vivoactive at 31 grams and features a smaller LCD monochrome touchscreen display, measuring 0.5 inches x 0.8 inches with a 160 x 68-pixel resolution. Like the Vivoactive, the Vivosmart HR Plus is 5 ATM water-resistant, allowing for participation in water sports and activities.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices have similarities in their materials, lightweight design, and water resistance. However, the Vivoactive features a larger color display, while the Vivosmart HR Plus has a smaller and simpler monochrome screen. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for display type and screen size.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivoactive
In addition to its design, the Garmin Vivoactive offers several core features, including an accelerometer, GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and water resistance. It supports fitness tracking functions such as calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken, sleep monitoring, heart rate, and swim tracking. The device has a rechargeable battery that lasts between 14 hours and 11 days, depending on usage, and is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus shares many features with the Vivoactive, such as an accelerometer, GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and water resistance. It covers most fitness tracking functions like calories, distance, steps, sleep, and heart rate, but lacks cycling and swim tracking. The Vivosmart HR Plus supports a rechargeable battery with a five-day lifespan and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Mac, and Windows devices.
Comparison of features and performance
While both devices offer similar functionalities, the Vivoactive stands out with its additional cycling and swim tracking features, as well as its longer battery life. The Vivosmart HR Plus, on the other hand, has broader compatibility across different operating systems.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Vivoactive
The Garmin Vivoactive offers a customizable user interface with various apps, providing users with personalized experience. The device supports email, text, and phone functions through its Bluetooth connectivity, and offers music control through its interface. It also features a touch screen and vibration alerts.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
Similar to the Vivoactive, the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus offers a customizable user interface through the Garmin Connect app, as well as email, text, and phone functions. It also provides music control and features a touch screen and vibration alerts. Despite the smaller screen size, the Vivosmart HR Plus offers a comparable user experience to the Vivoactive.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices provide similar user experiences, with customization options, Bluetooth functionality, and smart features. However, the Vivoactive has a larger color display that is likely to provide a more enjoyable user experience, while the Vivosmart HR Plus’s simplicity may appeal to users seeking a more straightforward and minimalistic design.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivoactive
The Garmin Vivoactive is priced at $250, offering a reasonable value given its advanced features and high-quality design.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
At a lower price point of $179, the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus is a more affordable option that still provides a solid range of features suitable for users looking for a basic fitness tracker.
Comparison of price and value
While the Vivoactive may offer additional features and a more visually appealing display, the Vivosmart HR Plus delivers a lower cost option with a decent set of features. Deciding between the two will ultimately come down to one’s budget and the importance of the extra features offered by the Vivoactive.
Conclusion
In comparing the Garmin Vivoactive and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus, both devices provide reliable fitness and activity tracking, along with smart features and customization options. The Vivoactive stands out with its additional features and more attractive display, while the Vivosmart HR Plus offers broader compatibility and a lower price point. When making a decision between these two devices, it is essential to consider which factors matter most, whether it be cost, the range of features, or aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Vivoactive suitable for swimmers?
Yes, the Garmin Vivoactive features swim tracking and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimmers and other water-based activities.
Does the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus support cycling tracking?
No, the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus does not support cycling tracking.
How long does the battery last on each device?
The Garmin Vivoactive has a battery life of 14 hours to 11 days, while the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus lasts for up to 5 days.
Are both devices compatible with Android and iOS smartphones?
Yes, both the Garmin Vivoactive and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
Which device has a better display?
The Garmin Vivoactive offers a larger 1.38-inch color touchscreen display with a 205 x 148-pixel resolution, while the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus has a smaller 0.5 inches x 0.8 inches monochrome touchscreen display with a 160 x 68-pixel resolution. The choice of display will depend on personal preference.
