Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Flex 2
Choosing the right wearable device is essential for those interested in a convenient and effective way to track fitness goals, and two popular options on the market are the Fitbit Flex 2 and the Garmin Vivosmart 4. Both devices offer a unique set of features and benefits to cater to the varying needs of consumers. As global leaders in fitness trackers and smartwatches, Fitbit and Garmin have built strong reputations and have demonstrated their commitment to creating high-quality wearables designed to match the diverse needs of active individuals.
Understanding the importance of design, build quality, features, and overall value for money is essential when selecting the best wearable for your needs. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore every aspect of both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivosmart 4, comparing and contrasting their differences and similarities to help make an informed purchase decision.
Design and Build
Fitbit Flex 2
The Fitbit Flex 2 is designed with a minimalist yet functional approach. It features an ultra-slim, removable tracking module housed in a flexible, comfortable wristband. The band is made of durable elastomer, and the screen utilizes a series of LED indicator lights to display progress and notifications. It is both lightweight and water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for activities such as swimming.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Garmin’s Vivosmart 4, on the other hand, boasts a sleek design with a slim profile, suitable for daily wear. Its band is made from a combination of silicone and metal materials, contributing to a lightweight yet durable build. The tracker is water-resistant up to 5 ATM and features a 0.74-inch OLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 48 x 128 pixels, allowing for easy navigation and visibility of the data collected.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 offer slim, lightweight designs focused on comfort and durability. The key differences lie in their displays: Fitbit Flex 2's LED system versus Garmin’s OLED touchscreen. This distinction impacts how information is presented and navigated, user experience, and personal preferences of potential customers.
Features and Functionality
Fitbit Flex 2
Fitbit Flex 2 operates independently of a specific operating system and offers fitness tracking as well as calories, distance, sleep, steps, and swim monitoring. It has a 5-day battery life, is rechargeable, and compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. Flex 2 also includes Bluetooth connectivity, an accelerometer, and barometer/altimeter to measure elevation changes.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Garmin’s Vivosmart 4 includes various tracking features such as calories, distance, heart rate, oxygen, sleep, steps, and swim monitoring. With a 7-day battery life and compatibility limited to Android and iOS, the Vivosmart 4 also provides Bluetooth functionality but does not have a dedicated operating system. Additional features include an accelerometer, barometer/altimeter, music function, and more.
Comparison of features and performance
While both wearables offer reliable fitness tracking, the Vivosmart 4 includes heart rate and oxygen monitoring, setting it apart from the Flex 2. Additionally, Garmin’s tracker boasts a longer battery life; however, the Flex 2's compatibility extends to multiple platforms, providing versatility in syncing data across devices.
User Interface and User Experience
Fitbit Flex 2
The user interface on the Fitbit Flex 2 relies on LED indicator lights to represent goal progress and notifications. Fitbit’s mobile app enables customization, goal setting, and data collection. It is compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows platforms, allowing for a more extensive range of users to enjoy the Flex 2 experience.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Garmin Vivosmart 4 boasts a 0.74-inch OLED touchscreen display, making navigation a more seamless experience. The Vivosmart 4 is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems and offers access to Garmin Connect, an app enabling customization, goal setting, and insight into collected data.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The primary difference between the two devices is the user interface, with Vivosmart 4 having a fully featured touchscreen versus the indicator lights on the Fitbit Flex 2. This difference in user experience will depend on personal preferences and ease of information and feature access, with a specific focus on display and compatibility.
Price and Value
Fitbit Flex 2
Fitbit Flex 2 is available at a price of approximately $100. Its minimalist design, compatibility across multiple platforms, and versatile tracking functionality cater well to the needs of fitness enthusiasts who require a straightforward and reliable wearable at an affordable cost.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Priced at approximately $130, Garmin Vivosmart 4 offers a sleek design and additional features such as heart rate, oxygen tracking, and music function. The Vivosmart 4's compatibility is limited to Android and iOS, but it provides valuable insights and a more interactive user experience through its OLED touchscreen display.
Comparison of price and value
Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 cater to different target consumers, but both provide value relative to their respective price points. The decision rests on the user’s preferences, budget, and desired features when selecting a suitable fitness tracker.
Conclusion
Both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 showcase unique features, design elements, and functionality that differentiate them in the competitive fitness tracker market. The choice between these devices depends on individual requirements and preferences. Factors such as budget, compatibility, display type, and additional features play a crucial role in this decision. Understanding these factors and evaluating which aspects are most important to your daily routine and fitness goals will ensure a highly personalized and satisfactory wearable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Fitbit Flex 2 track heart rate and blood oxygen levels?
No, the Fitbit Flex 2 does not include heart rate or blood oxygen tracking. The Garmin Vivosmart 4, however, offers both heart rate and oxygen tracking capabilities.
Do both devices support app notifications and smartphone connectivity?
Yes, both the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 can connect to compatible smartphones, allowing for notification alerts, goal setting, and data analysis through their respective applications.
Are the Fitbit Flex 2 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 suitable for swimming?
Yes, both devices are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swim tracking and water-based activities.
Do both fitness trackers have a touchscreen display?
No, only the Garmin Vivosmart 4 has a touchscreen display. The Fitbit Flex 2 utilizes LED indicator lights as its display method.
Is the battery life the same for both devices?
No, the Fitbit Flex 2 has a battery life of up to 5 days, while the Garmin Vivosmart 4 can last up to 7 days on a single charge.
