Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Chronos
The Garmin Chronos and Garmin Vivosmart 4 are two popular wearable devices that offer a range of features to suit fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike. Both devices are designed by leading GPS technology company, Garmin. A renowned player in the wearables market, Garmin is known for its high-quality devices backed by decades of experience, top-notch customer support, and unparalleled innovation.
Choosing the right smartwatch or fitness tracker can greatly enhance one’s daily life, assisting with various fitness goals and serving as a handy companion to smartphones. In this article, you’ll find an in-depth comparison of the Garmin Chronos and Garmin Vivosmart 4—covering design, features, user experience, and value for money—to help you make an informed decision on which device best suits your needs.
Design and Build
Garmin Chronos
The Garmin Chronos is designed with luxury materials such as titanium, sapphire crystal, and stainless steel for a premium, sophisticated look. The device features a 1.2-inch MIP screen with a 218 x 218 pixel resolution, a thickness of 14.8mm, and a weight of 179g.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a slim and lightweight fitness-tracking wristband with a sleek design made of aluminum and plastic. Equipped with a 0.74-inch OLED screen, it features a 48 x 128-pixel resolution, a thickness of 6.6mm, and a weight of 17.1g.
Comparison of design and build quality
The Garmin Chronos boasts a more high-end appearance and heavier weight, while the Vivosmart 4 is more compact and lightweight, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and comfortable fit. Both devices are built using quality materials, though the Chronos focuses more on luxury, whereas the Vivosmart 4 provides a more practical design.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Chronos
The Garmin Chronos runs on Wear OS, includes an extensive range of features, such as GPS, an accelerometer, barometer, and heart rate monitor. It also has a battery life of up to 8 days, making it perfect for extended use. Fitness tracking capabilities include calorie, distance, steps, sleep, cycling and swim tracking, as well as oxygen tracking.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 lacks a full-fledged operating system, focusing primarily on fitness tracking features like calorie, distance, steps, sleep, heart rate, and oxygen tracking. It also includes swim tracking but lacks cycling tracking. Enhance your fitness experience with a battery life of up to 7 days.
Comparison of features and performance
While the Garmin Chronos offers a more comprehensive set of features, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 excels as a dedicated fitness tracker, featuring a nearly equal variety of fitness tracking options at a lower price point. The Chronos is better suited for someone seeking a wider range of capabilities along with luxury design and materials.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Chronos
The Garmin Chronos offers a color display with touch capabilities, easy navigation, and the ability to download apps for customization. Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, you can access phone, email, and music functions.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 features a monochromatic OLED touch display and a straightforward user interface, focusing on providing a seamless fitness tracking experience. While it lacks app functionality, it works with Android and iOS devices and includes phone and music functions.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Garmin Chronos delivers a more feature-rich experience, while the Garmin Vivosmart 4 offers a no-frills, streamlined approach to fitness tracking. Both devices handle the respective user experience well, catering to different needs and preferences.
Price and Value
Garmin Chronos
The Garmin Chronos is priced at around $1500, offering a luxurious smartwatch with a host of features for those willing to invest in a premium device.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Priced at around $130, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 provides excellent value for money as an affordable, dedicated fitness tracker for those on a tighter budget.
Comparison of price and value
While the Garmin Chronos and Vivosmart 4 cater to different user preferences, the latter device offers better value for those focused on fitness tracking without the need for luxury materials or a wider range of functions.
Conclusion
Keeping the information above in mind, your choice between the Garmin Chronos and Garmin Vivosmart 4 will largely depend on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you value luxury materials, a full operating system, and a wider range of features, the Garmin Chronos is the better choice. However, if you’re seeking a dedicated and affordable fitness tracker, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is better for fitness tracking?
While both devices offer a range of fitness tracking capabilities, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 provides a more focused fitness tracking experience at a lower price point.
Is either device compatible with Windows phones or computers?
Neither the Garmin Chronos nor the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is compatible with Windows phones or computers.
Do both devices feature a touch display?
Yes, both the Garmin Chronos and Garmin Vivosmart 4 feature touch-enabled displays.
What is the main difference between the Garmin Chronos and Vivosmart 4 displays?
The Garmin Chronos has a larger 1.2-inch color MIP display, while the Garmin Vivosmart 4 features a smaller 0.74-inch monochromatic OLED screen.
Which device has a longer battery life?
The Garmin Chronos has a battery life of up to 8 days, while the Garmin Vivosmart 4 has a battery life of up to 7 days.
