Comparing Vivosmart 4 and 645 Music
Garmin has been a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts for years, and their smartwatches and fitness trackers have received rave reviews from both professional athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts. The Garmin 645 Music and Garmin Vivosmart 4 are two of their top offerings, each packed with an array of features that cater to different needs and preferences. Both products were released in 2018, and they have since become popular options for those looking for high-quality wearables.
Choosing the right watch is essential, as it can greatly impact your overall experience and affect how effectively you can track your fitness goals. This article aims to demystify the key differences between the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Vivosmart 4, providing users with an in-depth analysis of each device’s features, design, and performance.
Garmin is a brand synonymous with quality and reliability, thanks to their commitment to continuous innovation in the wearable tech space. With a reputation for providing products that cater to diverse fitness needs, they are a go-to brand for those seeking high-quality wearables.
In this article, we will delve into the design and build, features and functionality, user interface, and user experience of both the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Vivosmart 4. We will also discuss their price points and value for money, helping you make a well-informed decision on which device best suits your unique needs and preferences.
Design and Build
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music boasts a lightweight design, weighing just 42.2 grams. It features a durable stainless steel bezel and a 1.2-inch color MIP display with a 240 x 240-pixel resolution. The watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy water-based activities such as swimming.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 offers a slim and sleek design, weighing a mere 16.5 grams. It comes with a 0.74-inch OLED display, featuring a 48 x 128-pixel resolution. Similar to the 645 Music, the Vivosmart 4 is also water-resistant up to 5 ATM, adding a layer of convenience and protection for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Comparison of design and build quality
Although both devices feature quality construction, the Garmin 645 Music stands out with its larger color display and stainless steel bezel, giving it a more premium feel. The Vivosmart 4, meanwhile, offers a more minimalist design that users seeking a slim, lightweight fitness tracker may prefer. In terms of water resistance, both devices fare equally well at 5 ATM, making them suitable for various water-based activities.
Features and Functionality
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music runs on a custom operating system and offers numerous features such as GPS, NFC for contactless payments, Wi-Fi support, and 7-day battery life. It also incorporates a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, barometer, and heart rate monitor. Fitness tracking capabilities include distance, calories, steps, sleep, and cycling, as well as swimming and music playback.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 relies on the same custom operating system as the 645 Music, but it does not include GPS, NFC, or Wi-Fi support. Despite this, the Vivosmart 4 features several sensors, such as an accelerometer, barometer, and heart rate monitor, and offers the same 7-day battery life. Fitness tracking covers distance, calories, steps, sleep, and swimming, along with blood oxygen tracking and music playback capabilities.
Comparison of features and performance
The Garmin 645 Music offers more advanced features with its GPS support, NFC for contactless payments, Wi-Fi, and a greater variety of fitness tracking options. The Vivosmart 4, while more limited in terms of connectivity and tracking features, benefits from its blood oxygen tracking capabilities. Overall, users seeking more comprehensive features and connectivity may be drawn to the 645 Music, while those who prioritize simplicity and oxygen tracking will appreciate the Vivosmart 4.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music offers a responsive touchscreen display and straightforward navigation. Users can access a variety of apps and customize their watch face, while compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones allows for seamless experience across devices.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Similar to the 645 Music, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 features a touchscreen display and an intuitive navigation system. While it does not support additional apps, it provides compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Garmin 645 Music and Vivosmart 4 offer touchscreens with easy-to-navigate interfaces, as well as compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones. The 645 Music has a slight edge due to app support and customization options. However, users who seek a simpler user experience and don’t require additional apps may find the Vivosmart 4 suitable.
Price and Value
Garmin 645 Music
Priced at $450, the Garmin 645 Music offers an extensive array of features, providing excellent value for those who require advanced connectivity and fitness tracking options.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
With a significantly lower price of $130, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 represents excellent value for those who prioritize simplicity and affordability in a fitness tracker.
Comparison of price and value
While the Garmin 645 Music comes with a steeper price tag, its more extensive feature set and advanced connectivity options justify the investment for those who require a comprehensive fitness tracking solution. The Vivosmart 4 offers an excellent option for budget-conscious users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills wearable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin 645 Music and the Garmin Vivosmart 4 depends on individual needs and preferences. Those who require advanced features, connectivity, and a broader range of fitness tracking options may find the 645 Music a perfect fit. Meanwhile, those seeking a simple, budget-friendly fitness tracker that still provides essential tracking capabilities and basic connectivity will appreciate the Vivosmart 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Garmin 645 Music and Vivosmart 4 for swimming?
Yes, both devices are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Which device is better for cycling tracking?
The Garmin 645 Music includes cycling tracking capabilities, whereas the Vivosmart 4 does not. If you are an avid cyclist, the 645 Music would be a better option for you.
Does either device support contactless payments?
The Garmin 645 Music features NFC support, allowing for contactless payments. The Vivosmart 4 does not offer this functionality.
Can I receive text notifications on the Garmin 645 Music and Vivosmart 4?
Text notifications are supported on the Garmin 645 Music, but not on the Vivosmart 4.
Which device has a longer battery life?
Both the Garmin 645 Music and Vivosmart 4 provide a 7-day battery life, ensuring that users can enjoy their devices without frequently needing to recharge them.