Comparing Vivosmart 3 and Vivosmart
When it comes to fitness trackers, Garmin has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable devices. Two popular options within their product lineup are the Garmin Vivosmart and Vivosmart 3. These smart bands are designed to help you keep track of your health and fitness goals, but come with a variety of different features and capabilities.
Choosing the right fitness tracker is essential for making the most of your investment in wearable technology. Understanding the differences between the brands, their reputations, and the history of each product will help you make an informed choice.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into a comparison of the Garmin Vivosmart vs Garmin Vivosmart 3, discussing their design, features, user experience, pricing, and more, to help you determine which model best suits your needs.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivosmart is constructed with a sleek and slim design that caters to comfortable, everyday wear. The band is made of a flexible, durable elastomer material that can withstand everyday use. Its OLED display (128 x 16 pixels) ensures clear visibility, while its lightweight design keeps it easy to wear at just 1.41 inches of screen size. However, it is important to note that it does not offer a touch interface.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Vivosmart 3 maintains the same slim design profile as its predecessor, but includes some noticeable upgrades in materials and display. The screen size is unspecified, but it comes with higher resolution at 64 x 128 pixels with an OLED display. One of the key differences compared to the original Vivosmart is the touch-enabled interface, adding a user-friendly dimension to the device.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices showcase minimalist design and lightweight construction, the Vivosmart 3 offers a more advanced touch interface and higher screen resolution. In terms of design similarities, both devices share the same elastomer material and 5 ATM water resistance rating. Each tracker’s pros and cons will vary depending on individual preferences for display and touch capabilities.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivosmart features essential fitness tracking capabilities, such as steps, distance, and calories burned. Notifications for texts, emails, and calls are also available on the device. It does not support GPS or other advanced capabilities such as heart rate and oxygen monitoring. Its battery life is estimated at 7 days, and it is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices via Bluetooth integration.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
In addition to the features present on the original Vivosmart, the Vivosmart 3 also includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. However, it still lacks GPS capabilities. The Vivosmart 3 offers a slightly shorter battery life at 5 days, but maintains connectivity with Android, iOS, and Windows devices over Bluetooth. Additionally, it integrates better with smartphones and offers third-party app support.
Comparison of features and performance
Overall, the Vivosmart 3 offers a more complete feature set compared to the Vivosmart, with the main differences being the heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking capabilities. Both devices have similar compatibility and connectivity options, with the exception of the Vivosmart 3's improved app support. In terms of fitness tracking functionality, the Vivosmart 3 offers a more comprehensive experience.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Vivosmart
The non-touch OLED display of the Garmin Vivosmart allows for basic navigation by tapping and swiping along the band, and the Connect app offers customization options. The tracker offers compatibility with Android and iOS devices, though it lacks support for Windows and Mac computers.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 provides an improved user interface, thanks to its touch-enabled OLED display. This upgrade allows for more intuitive navigation and interaction. While it maintains compatibility with Android and iOS devices, it also includes support for Windows phones. There is no official support for Mac or Windows computers for the Vivosmart 3.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Between the two, the Vivosmart 3 offers a better user interface, thanks to its touch-based display. Both devices lack support for certain platforms, with the Vivosmart 3 being the more versatile option. Ultimately, the Vivosmart 3 provides a more seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivosmart
The original Garmin Vivosmart is priced at $170, offering a moderate cost for a basic fitness tracker without more advanced features such as heart rate monitoring and GPS support.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Vivosmart 3 offers a slightly lower price point at $139.99, while providing a more comprehensive set of features and functionality, such as heart rate monitoring and improved user experience.
Comparison of price and value
When comparing the two models, the Vivosmart 3 stands out as the better value option due to its advanced feature set and more user-friendly design, while still maintaining a lower price point compared to the original Garmin Vivosmart.
Conclusion
Based on the information presented above, it is clear that the Garmin Vivosmart 3 offers a better overall experience, features, and value compared to the original Vivosmart. Key improvements such as heart rate monitoring, a touch-enabled OLED display, and an improved user interface make the Vivosmart 3 a more enticing option for those looking to invest in a fitness tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device has better battery life?
The Garmin Vivosmart has a slightly longer battery life at 7 days, compared to the Vivosmart 3, which lasts for 5 days.
Are both devices water-resistant?
Yes, both the Garmin Vivosmart and Vivosmart 3 have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, meaning they are suitable for use during activities like swimming or showering.
Do either of the devices have GPS functionality?
No, neither the Garmin Vivosmart nor the Vivosmart 3 have built-in GPS capabilities.
Can I get notifications from my smartphone on the devices?
Yes, both the Garmin Vivosmart and Vivosmart 3 are capable of displaying notifications for calls, texts, and emails when connected to a compatible smartphone.
Which device supports heart rate monitoring?
Only the Garmin Vivosmart 3 supports heart rate monitoring, while the original Vivosmart does not include this feature.
