Comparing A370 and Vivosport
Garmin Vivosport and Polar A370 are both popular fitness trackers, released in 2017. They offer a range of features to help users track their fitness goals and improve their overall health. Choosing the right smartwatch is important, as these devices can be a great tool in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Garmin brand is known for its dedicated GPS devices, fitness trackers, and sports watches, with a reputation for producing high-quality products. On the other hand, Polar is a Finnish company specializing in heart rate monitors and sports training devices, boasting a long-standing history of technical innovation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare and contrast the Garmin Vivosport and Polar A370 in terms of design, build quality, features, user interface, user experience, price, value, and much more.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin Vivosport features a sleek and slim design, with a flexible silicone band and a durable glass display. The touch-sensitive color screen has a resolution of 72 x 144 pixels, and the device weighs just 24.1 grams.
Polar A370
Similarly, the Polar A370 also sports a slim and modern design. Its color touch display has a slightly higher resolution than the Vivosport, at 160 x 80 pixels. The device comes with interchangeable silicone bands and a stainless-steel buckle for secure wearability.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Garmin Vivosport and the Polar A370 have their own distinct style, but they share similarities in their slim and lightweight constructions. The Vivosport, however, has a marginally smaller display with a lower resolution. When it comes to build quality, both devices show strong craftsmanship and durable components.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin Vivosport operates on Garmin’s proprietary system, offering advanced GPS tracking, a heart rate monitor, stress tracking, and activity profiles for various sports. The device boasts a battery life of up to seven days and is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
Polar A370
Running on its proprietary system, the Polar A370 offers a similar set of features, including GPS tracking, continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity profiles for multiple sports. However, its battery life is shorter than the Vivosport, with an average of three days between charges. The Polar A370 is water-resistant, but only up to 30 meters.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices offer many of the same features, such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity profiles. The Vivosport has a longer battery life and is more water-resistant than the A370, but it lacks the cycling tracking feature present in the A370.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin Vivosport provides an intuitive touch-based user interface, offering menu navigation and various customization options. It is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, although it does not work with Windows and Mac devices.
Polar A370
The Polar A370, likewise, offers a touch-based user interface, complete with customizable watch faces and menu navigation. Unlike the Vivosport, it is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Mac, and Windows devices.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Garmin Vivosport and Polar A370 feature touch-based user interfaces, making them easy to navigate and customize. However, the A370 edges ahead in compatibility, offering support for a broader range of devices.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivosport
With a price of $199, the Garmin Vivosport offers excellent value for money, considering its range of features and long battery life.
Polar A370
At a slightly lower price point of $179.95, the Polar A370 also provides good value for money, offering a large set of fitness tracking features and broad device compatibility.
Comparison of price and value
While the Garmin Vivosport has a longer battery life and is more water-resistant, the Polar A370 offers a slightly better value due to its lower price point and broader device compatibility.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Garmin Vivosport and Polar A370 are strong contenders for anyone seeking a fitness tracker to help them achieve their health goals. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities. The Garmin Vivosport offers a longer battery life and greater water resistance, while the Polar A370 has better device compatibility and the added benefit of cycling tracking. It’s essential to consider which features are most important to you before making a choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Vivosport better for swimmers?
Yes, due to its higher water resistance rating (5 ATM), the Vivosport is better suited for swimmers compared to the Polar A370 (WR30).
Can I connect either fitness tracker with my Windows computer?
You can connect the Polar A370 with both Windows and Mac computers, but the same cannot be said for the Garmin Vivosport, which lacks this compatibility.
Which device has a better display?
The Polar A370 has a sharper display with a higher resolution (160 x 80 pixels) compared to the Garmin Vivosport (72 x 144 pixels).
Are there any differences in heart rate monitoring?
Both the Garmin Vivosport and the Polar A370 offer continuous heart rate monitoring, with no significant differences in performance.
Do both devices track sleep?
Yes, both the Garmin Vivosport and the Polar A370 are equipped with sleep tracking capabilities.
