Comparing VivoActive 4 and GTR
When it comes to smartwatches, two popular contenders in the market are Amazfit GTR and Garmin VivoActive 4. Both offer a wide range of features and functionalities, aimed at satisfying the needs of fitness enthusiasts and gadget lovers alike. Choosing the right watch is important, as it serves as an extension of oneself, offering valuable insights into personal health, fitness, and daily activities.
Amazfit and Garmin are both renowned brands in the wearable industry. Amazfit is known for providing budget-friendly smartwatches with appealing designs and robust performance, while Garmin, a pioneer in GPS technology, has garnered an impressive reputation for delivering a wide range of wearables focused on fitness tracking and outdoor activities.
In this article, we dive deep into the design, build, features, and performance of both Amazfit GTR and Garmin VivoActive 4 to provide a comprehensive comparison, helping you make an informed decision when selecting your next smartwatch.
Design and Build
Amazfit GTR
The Amazfit GTR features a sleek circular design, constructed with a blend of stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium options. The display comes in at 1.39 inches with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, utilizing an AMOLED touchscreen for vibrant colors and crisp visuals. The watch offers a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for pool swimming and showering.
Garmin VivoActive 4
On the other hand, Garmin VivoActive 4 boasts a premium build with stainless steel bezels and a chemically strengthened glass over the display. It comes with a slightly smaller 1.3-inch display and a lower resolution of 260 x 260 pixels, using transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) technology for better outdoor visibility. Like the GTR, the VivoActive 4 also has a 5 ATM water resistance rating.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both watches have their merits, with the Amazfit GTR showcasing a higher resolution, more colorful display, and the Garmin VivoActive 4 offering better visibility in outdoor conditions. However, the choice boils down to personal preference between the design aesthetics and display types.
Features and Functionality
Amazfit GTR
The Amazfit GTR, running on its proprietary build-in operating system, offers a variety of features such as GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step counting, and notifications for calls, texts, and emails, making it a versatile daily companion. Additionally, it supports 12 sport modes, NFC for payments, and an impressive 24 days of battery life on a single charge.
Garmin VivoActive 4
Garmin VivoActive 4 operates on Wear OS, which brings a host of features to the table. It includes GPS, heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and phone notifications, as well as SpO2 monitoring, 20+ preloaded sports apps, and support for third-party apps via the Garmin Connect IQ Store. The battery life is slightly lower on this model, lasting up to 8 days with normal use.
Comparison of features and performance
While both smartwatches have their unique set of features, the Garmin VivoActive 4 edges out the Amazfit GTR in terms of overall versatility, thanks to its SpO2 monitoring, support for third-party apps, and additional sports modes. However, the GTR excels in battery life, lasting three times longer than its counterpart.
User Interface and User Experience
Amazfit GTR
The user interface on the Amazfit GTR is relatively simple and easy to navigate, with both touchscreen and physical button input options. It offers compatibility with Android and iOS devices, granting users the ability to customize watch faces and manage settings via the Amazfit App. The selection of available apps may be limited in comparison to Wear OS, but it still allows for various essential functionalities.
Garmin VivoActive 4
With its Wear OS platform, the Garmin VivoActive 4 offers a more diverse and customizable user experience. Paired with the touchscreen and physical button input options, the interface features seamless navigation and numerous available apps through the Garmin Connect IQ Store. The watch is also compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and users can enjoy customization options, settings management, and data insights through the Garmin Connect app.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
When comparing the user experience, the Garmin VivoActive 4 clearly shines with its versatile Wear OS platform, more extensive app selection, and better personalization options. However, the Amazfit GTR still provides a straightforward and easy-to-use interface that covers the basic needs of most users.
Price and Value
Amazfit GTR
At a price of $199, the Amazfit GTR offers an impressive array of features and functionalities packaged in an attractive design, making it a value-for-money option for those seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch.
Garmin VivoActive 4
With a price tag of $349, the Garmin VivoActive 4 comes as a more premium option, offering additional features and a more versatile operating system. It serves as an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts who demand advanced metrics and app support in their smartwatch.
Comparison of price and value
The Amazfit GTR offers an excellent value proposition for users on a budget, while the Garmin VivoActive 4 justifies its higher price with its extensive set of features and third-party app compatibility. Ultimately, the decision lies in the user’s unique requirements and budget constraints.
Conclusion
Both the Amazfit GTR and Garmin VivoActive 4 are exceptional smartwatches with distinct sets of features, catering to different user preferences and budgets. The Amazfit GTR is a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option with essential features and excellent battery life, while the Garmin VivoActive 4 stands as a more premium alternative for users requiring advanced tracking, app support, and customization options. The final choice should be based on individual needs, preferences, and available finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smartwatch has better battery life – Amazfit GTR or Garmin VivoActive 4?
Amazfit GTR offers a superior battery life of up to 24 days, while the Garmin VivoActive 4 lasts up to 8 days on a single charge with normal use.
Do both smartwatches support GPS and heart rate monitoring?
Yes, both the Amazfit GTR and Garmin VivoActive 4 come with built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring features.
Can I control music through both smartwatches?
Yes, both the Amazfit GTR and Garmin VivoActive 4 allow users to control music playback on their connected smartphones.
Are both watches compatible with Android and iOS devices?
Yes, both smartwatches support connectivity with Android and iOS devices, allowing for seamless data syncing and customization.
Are the Amazfit GTR and Garmin VivoActive 4 water-resistant?
Yes, both watches have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making them suitable for pool swimming and showering.
