Comparing Vivosmart 3 and Pulse Ox
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 and Withings Pulse Ox are two popular fitness trackers designed to keep users active and informed about their health. Choosing the right device is essential for those who want to track their fitness progress and set goals for themselves. Both Garmin and Withings are well-established brands with strong reputations in the fitness tracker market.
Garmin, a brand known for its GPS technology, launched the Vivosmart 3 in 2017. This versatile fitness tracker offers features such as heart rate monitoring and oxygen level tracking. On the other hand, the Withings Pulse Ox, released in 2014, also offers a range of attractive features, including oxygen level monitoring and sleep tracking. In this article, we will discuss the design, features, user interface, and pricing of both devices.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 is a sleek and lightweight fitness tracker, featuring the following materials and specifications:
- Material: Silicone band
- Size: Small/medium and large sizes available
- Weight: 20.4 grams (small/medium) or 22.5 grams (large)
- Display: OLED with 64 x 128-pixel resolution
Withings Pulse Ox
Similarly, the Withings Pulse Ox has a compact design with the following materials and specifications:
- Material: Silicone and metal casing
- Size: One size fits all
- Weight: 29 grams
- Display: OLED with 128 x 32-pixel resolution
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices have a similar design with silicone straps and OLED displays, the Vivosmart 3 is notably lighter than the Pulse Ox. The Vivosmart 3 offers a more customizable fit with two size options while the Pulse Ox only offers one size. The Vivosmart 3 has a higher display resolution, which may result in better screen clarity.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 operates without a specific operating system and offers features such as:
- Sensors: Heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor
- Battery life: 5 days
- Fitness tracking: Calories, distance, heart rate, oxygen, sleep, steps, and swim tracking
Withings Pulse Ox
The Withings Pulse Ox also lacks a designated operating system but has features like:
- Sensors: Heart rate monitor and accelerometer
- Battery life: 2 weeks
- Fitness tracking: Calories, distance, oxygen, sleep, and steps
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices offer a variety of fitness tracking features, such as calories, distance, sleep, and steps. While the Pulse Ox has a superior battery life, the Vivosmart 3 offers more fitness tracking options with heart rate and swim tracking. Additionally, the Vivosmart 3 has more sensors, providing more accurate data for users.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 offers a user experience that includes:
- Display: OLED touch-screen display
- Navigation: Touch and swipe gestures
- Apps and customization: Limited app ecosystem with some customization options
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices
Withings Pulse Ox
The Withings Pulse Ox also provides a smooth user experience with:
- Display: OLED swipe display
- Navigation: Touch and swipe gestures
- Apps and customization: Limited app ecosystem with some customization options
- Compatibility: Android and iOS devices
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices have touchscreen OLED displays and support touch and swipe navigation. The differences in UI/UX are minimal, with both offering limited app ecosystems and customization options. However, the Vivosmart 3 is compatible with Windows Phone, providing additional versatility.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivosmart 3
At $139.99, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 offers a variety of features and a well-rounded fitness tracking experience.
Withings Pulse Ox
With a $120 price tag, the Withings Pulse Ox provides a more budget-friendly option with satisfactory features and performance.
Comparison of price and value
While the Vivosmart 3 is slightly more expensive than the Pulse Ox, it offers a greater selection of features and better compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on the user’s preferences and priority of features.
Conclusion
In comparing the Garmin Vivosmart 3 and Withings Pulse Ox, both devices have their strengths and weaknesses. While the Vivosmart 3 offers more features, the Pulse Ox has better battery life and a lower price point. Users should consider their fitness goals, device compatibility, and budget when making a decision between these two fitness trackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim with Garmin Vivosmart 3 and Withings Pulse Ox?
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 is water-resistant and suitable for swimming, while the Withings Pulse Ox is not water-resistant and not recommended for use while swimming.
Which device offers better screen clarity?
With a resolution of 64 x 128 pixels, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 has a higher display resolution compared to the 128 x 32 pixels of the Withings Pulse Ox, which may result in better screen clarity.
Are these fitness trackers compatible with Windows devices?
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 is compatible with Windows Phone devices, while the Withings Pulse Ox does not offer Windows compatibility.
How long is the battery life for each device?
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 offers a battery life of up to 5 days, while the Withings Pulse Ox has a battery life of up to 2 weeks.
Do both devices have a heart rate monitor?
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 features a heart rate monitor, while the Withings Pulse Ox does not have this capability.
