Comparing GTR and Vivoactive 3
When it comes to picking the right smartwatch, two popular options are the Amazfit GTR and the Garmin Vivoactive 3. Both of these watches offer a range of features to help track your fitness, stay connected, and even navigate through your day. The Amazfit GTR, released in 2019, comes with a price tag of $199 while the Garmin Vivoactive 3, released in 2017, has a slightly higher price point at $299.
Choosing the right watch is crucial, as it will be your companion for workouts, daily activities, and social events. This is why understanding the capabilities and features of each watch is essential. Both Amazfit and Garmin are well-established brands with strong reputations; Amazfit is known for its stylish and feature-packed smartwatches, while Garmin is renowned for its highly accurate GPS devices and sports watches.
In this article, we will dive deep into the design, features, user interface, price, and value of both the Amazfit GTR and the Garmin Vivoactive 3 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build:
Amazfit GTR:
The Amazfit GTR features a sleek design with a 1.39-inch AMOLED display and a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. The watch is relatively lightweight and uses materials such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and titanium for its body. These materials contribute to the watch’s durability and stylish appearance. Its water resistance rating is 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Garmin Vivoactive 3:
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 sports a 1.2-inch MIP display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The watch is made of stainless steel, which gives it a sturdy and durable build. Its 5 ATM water resistance rating is the same as that of the Amazfit GTR, making it suitable for swimming and water-related activities as well.
Comparison of design and build quality:
Both watches have their own unique designs, with the Amazfit GTR offering a larger, more vibrant AMOLED display, while the Garmin Vivoactive 3 features a smaller MIP display that provides good visibility in sunlight. In terms of build quality and materials, both watches are made of durable materials, ensuring they will withstand daily wear and tear. The main difference lies in their displays, with the GTR’s AMOLED screen outshining the Vivoactive 3's MIP display in terms of resolution and vibrancy.
Features and Functionality:
Amazfit GTR:
The Amazfit GTR runs on a built-in operating system and comes with essential features such as heart rate tracking, calories tracking, sleep tracking, steps tracking, and more. It is also compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. The GTR boasts an impressive battery life of up to 24 days, has GPS functionality, and supports NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, it does not offer cellular connectivity or audio speaker functionality.
Garmin Vivoactive 3:
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is also compatible with both Android and iOS devices and offers similar fitness tracking features as the Amazfit GTR. However, it has a shorter battery life of up to 7 days. The Vivoactive 3 also has GPS capabilities, but it does not have NFC or Wi-Fi support, restricting some contactless payment and connectivity options. Additionally, it lacks cellular connectivity and audio speaker functions.
Comparison of features and performance:
When it comes to features and performance, the Amazfit GTR and Garmin Vivoactive 3 have some similarities, such as compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, GPS functionality, and essential fitness tracking features. However, the GTR has a longer battery life and supports NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it more versatile than the Vivoactive 3. The absence of cellular connectivity and audio speaker functions in both devices limits some of their applications, but their overall functionality remains adequate for most users.
User Interface and User Experience:
Amazfit GTR:
The Amazfit GTR offers a user-friendly interface with its touch display, making navigation and customization quite simple. Users can also access various apps and functions, including phone, email, and text notifications. The watch is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, ensuring seamless integration with your device.
Garmin Vivoactive 3:
Similarly, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 provides a touch display for easy navigation and customization. It also supports apps, phone, email, and text notifications, and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The watch’s user interface is designed to offer a smooth and intuitive experience.
Comparison of user interface and user experience:
In terms of user interface and experience, both Amazfit GTR and Garmin Vivoactive 3 provide touch displays and are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. They also support various apps and functions, ensuring a seamless user experience. The main difference lies in their display technologies, with the GTR’s AMOLED screen offering a more vibrant and visually appealing interface than the Vivoactive 3's MIP display.
Price and Value:
Amazfit GTR:
At $199, the Amazfit GTR offers a range of features, a stylish design, excellent battery life, and good value for money. Its versatile connectivity options and high-resolution display make it an attractive choice for those looking to invest in a reliable smartwatch.
Garmin Vivoactive 3:
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is priced at $299, which is slightly higher than the Amazfit GTR. While it offers similar features and is compatible with Android and iOS devices, its shorter battery life and lack of NFC and Wi-Fi support may reduce its overall value for money.
Comparison of price and value:
When comparing the price and value of the Amazfit GTR and Garmin Vivoactive 3, the GTR stands out as the more affordable option with better connectivity features and battery life. The Garmin Vivoactive 3, while slightly more expensive, still offers a good range of functionalities, but may not be the best option for users looking for maximum value for money.
Conclusion:
When comparing the Amazfit GTR and Garmin Vivoactive 3, the GTR offers a better display, longer battery life, and more connectivity options at a lower price point. Although the Garmin Vivoactive 3 has many similar features, its higher price, shorter battery life, and lack of NFC and Wi-Fi support may reduce its overall appeal. Ultimately, both smartwatches serve their purposes, but the Amazfit GTR emerges as a more practical choice for those looking for an affordable, feature-rich smartwatch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do both watches support music playback?
Yes, both the Amazfit GTR and Garmin Vivoactive 3 support music playback.
Are these watches compatible with all smartphones?
Both watches are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, but not with Windows Phone devices.
Can I use either watch for swimming?
Yes, both the Amazfit GTR and Garmin Vivoactive 3 have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Is there a significant difference in battery life between the two watches?
Yes, the Amazfit GTR has a battery life of up to 24 days, while the Garmin Vivoactive 3's battery life is up to 7 days.
Do either of the watches support contactless payments?
The Amazfit GTR supports NFC for contactless payments, while the Garmin Vivoactive 3 does not.
