Comparing 645 Music and Vivosmart HR
When looking for a fitness tracker or smartwatch, it is crucial to find a device that works well with your needs and lifestyle. This comparison highlights the Garmin 645 Music and Garmin Vivosmart HR, two popular products from a highly respected and innovative company known for manufacturing reliable GPS navigation and wearable technology devices.
Finding the perfect smartwatch or fitness tracker can make a huge difference in one’s life. These devices help you monitor your physical activities and overall well-being, ensuring that you are continually making progress towards a healthier lifestyle.
Garmin has been a major player in the wearable technology market, providing quality products that cater to various user needs. Established in 1989, the company has gained a solid reputation for its innovation, reliability and quality, making its products a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Garmin 645 Music and Garmin Vivosmart HR to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best device for your preferences and requirements.
Design and Build
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music boasts a premium design with a stainless-steel bezel and sturdy chemically strengthened glass on its 1.2-inch color screen display. The casing is made of a combination of fiber-reinforced polymer and metal, resulting in a light yet durable build. The device weighs 42 grams and has a screen resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
Garmin Vivosmart HR has a more discreet design, featuring a rectangular display and a sleek, rubberized wristband. The screen is a 1.08-inch black and white display with a 160 x 68-pixel resolution. The build is composed of a polymer case and a silicone strap, with a total weight of 29 grams, making it very lightweight and comfortable for everyday use.
Comparison of design and build quality
When comparing the design and build quality of both devices, the Garmin 645 Music has a more premium look and feel with its color display, stainless steel bezel, and sturdy materials. In contrast, the Vivosmart HR has a more minimalist and discreet design, making it better suited for those who prefer a low-profile wearable device. Both devices have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, allowing users to wear them while swimming or showering.
Features and Functionality
Garmin 645 Music
The Garmin 645 Music operates under the Garmin Connect platform, which offers an extensive range of features such as GPS, fitness tracking, music streaming, smartphone notifications, and much more. The device comes equipped with an accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, compass, thermometer, and heart rate monitor. Furthermore, it boasts a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 5 hours in GPS mode with music.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Garmin Vivosmart HR shares a few similar functionalities with the 645 Music, such as heart rate monitoring, step counting, calorie tracking, and sleep analysis. However, it lacks more advanced features such as GPS, music streaming, or barometric readings. The battery life of this device is expected to last up to 5 days, slightly shorter than the 645 Music.
Comparison of features and performance
The Garmin 645 Music offers a wider range of features compared to the Vivosmart HR, essentially making it a more capable device. However, the Vivosmart HR retains a functional set of features that cater to users primarily focused on basic fitness tracking. The more noticeable difference between the two devices is the GPS functionality, which may be essential for users who rely on precise location tracking for their workouts.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin 645 Music
In terms of user interface, the Garmin 645 Music offers a customizable color display navigate through various menus, widgets, and apps. The device is compatible with both iOS and Android and allows users to customize the watch face with a wide selection of options. Furthermore, widgets can be added to provide quick access to essential information, and apps can be installed to enhance the device’s functionality.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
On the other hand, the Vivosmart HR has a black and white display controlled by swiping up or down to navigate through menus and access various data screens. While it lacks the customization options and app support of the 645 Music, the Vivosmart HR provides a simple and user-friendly experience for individuals who do not require an extensive array of features.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Overall, the user experience of the Garmin 645 Music is more versatile, thanks to its customization capabilities and larger color display. Conversely, the Vivosmart HR offers a more straightforward user experience, catering to those who require a more simplistic smartwatch or fitness tracker.
Price and Value
Garmin 645 Music
Given its enriched feature set and more luxurious design, the Garmin 645 Music comes at a higher price point of $450. Considering the functionalities it offers and the materials used, it could be considered a valuable option for those who seek a reliable, versatile, and stylish fitness tracker.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Garmin Vivosmart HR is a more affordable option at $170, effectively providing essential fitness tracking capabilities and a minimalist design. For users who do not require advanced features and prefer a more budget-friendly option, the Vivosmart HR may be their ideal choice.
Comparison of price and value
While the Garmin 645 Music offers more features, customization options, and a premium build, its higher price may not be suited for all budgets. The Vivosmart HR presents itself as an economical yet functional choice, catering to individuals who prioritize essential features and a more discreet design.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin 645 Music and Garmin Vivosmart HR depends on individual preferences, requirements, and budget. The 645 Music provides an extensive feature set, a premium design, and a more comprehensive user experience, making it a great option for users seeking a versatile and stylish companion for their fitness journey.
However, the Garmin Vivosmart HR offers a more simplistic user experience and a minimalist design, catering to users who prioritize essential features and a more budget-friendly price point. Both devices successfully cater to different user segments, amplifying Garmin’s reputation for producing quality, reliable, and capable fitness wearables.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sync my Garmin device with my smartphone?
To sync your Garmin device with your smartphone, you need to download the Garmin Connect app, available for both iOS and Android. Once installed, follow the setup instructions to pair your Garmin device with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Can I use the Garmin 645 Music for swimming?
Yes, the Garmin 645 Music is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, allowing users to record swimming activities and wear the device while swimming, showering, or even snorkeling.
Is the Garmin Vivosmart HR touchscreen?
No, the Garmin Vivosmart HR does not have a touchscreen display. Users navigate the device’s menus and features by swiping up or down on the display and pressing the physical button for certain interactions.
Can I change the watch face on the Garmin 645 Music?
Yes, the Garmin 645 Music allows users to customize the watch face with a wide selection of options, available through the Garmin Connect mobile app or Garmin Connect IQ Store on your computer.
Does the Garmin Vivosmart HR track cycling activities?
While the Garmin Vivosmart HR does not have a dedicated cycling mode, it can still record basic workout data based on your heart rate and estimated calories burned during your cycling activity.
