Garmin Fenix 5 vs. Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus

 
Fenix 5
Vivosmart HR Plus
 GarminFenix 5Buy NowGarminVivosmart HR PlusBuy Now

Basic Info

Suggested Price$599.99$179
Release20172017

Activity & Fitness

Calories
Cycling (Bicycling)
Distance
Heart
Oxygen
Sleep
Steps
Swim

Battery

Duration2 Weeks5 days
Rechargeable

Compatibility

Android
iOS
Windows Phone
Mac
Windows

Connectivity

Bluetooth
Cellular
GPS
NFC
Wi-Fi

Display

Color
Resolution240 x 240160 x 68
Size1.2 inches0.5 inches x 0.8 inches
Touch
TypenaLCD

Functions

Audio Speaker
Clock
Phone
Vibration
Voice

Hardware

Accelerometer
Barometer or Altimeter
Ultraviolet Sensor
Water Resistance10 ATM5 ATM

Notifications

Phone
Emails
Texts

Software

Operating SystemNA
Apps
Music

Comparing Vivosmart HR Plus and Fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus are two leading fitness trackers in today’s market. Both devices offer a wide range of features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS functionality, to help users stay on top of their fitness goals. With both devices released in 2017 by Garmin, a reputable and reliable brand, it’s crucial to consider their differences and similarities to make the right choice for your needs.

Choosing the right fitness tracker or smartwatch can be challenging due to the numerous options available. It’s essential to consider the brands' reputations and histories, as well as their specific product features, before making a selection. Garmin has a long history of producing high-quality and advanced wearable devices that cater to various needs and preferences.

In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will discuss the design aspects, build quality, features, user experience, pricing, and overall value of both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. By examining the pros and cons of each device, this article aims to help those interested in purchasing a fitness tracker make an informed decision.

Design and Build

Garmin Fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 sports a sophisticated design that utilizes premium-grade materials. The device features a stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer casing, and a silicone strap. Its dimensions are 47 x 47 x 15.5 mm, weighing 85 grams. The Garmin Fenix 5 comes equipped with a 1.2-inch color display, having a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.

Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus

The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus showcases a slim and sleek design, making it a comfortable everyday wearable. It employs a plastic bezel, a silicone strap, and a sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) LCD screen that measures 0.5 by 0.8 inches with a resolution of 160 x 68 pixels. The lightweight construction of the Vivosmart HR Plus ensures day-long comfort.

Comparison of design and build quality

When comparing the two devices, the Garmin Fenix 5 is a more rugged and durable option, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, while the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus offers a slim and lightweight design better suited for daily wear and casual users. Both devices have their unique strengths and weaknesses, depending on an individual’s preferences and lifestyle requirements.

Features and Functionality

Garmin Fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 operates using the Garmin proprietary operating system and includes features such as multisport tracking, GPS functionality, heart rate monitoring, and daily activity tracking. The device boasts several sensors, including an accelerometer, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, and a thermometer. The battery life of the Fenix 5 is an impressive two weeks under normal use.

Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus

Despite not having a fully functioning operating system like the Fenix 5, the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus is packed with features such as daily activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS for increased tracking accuracy. The device includes an accelerometer and a barometric altimeter for elevation data. With a battery life of five days, the Vivosmart HR Plus offers reasonable longevity for daily use.

Comparison of features and performance

The Garmin Fenix 5 offers a broader range of fitness tracking features and a more extended battery life compared to the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. However, the Vivosmart HR Plus provides excellent value with its essential tracking features and compact design. Users who require advanced tracking options and a rugged design are more likely to benefit from the Fenix 5, while casual fitness enthusiasts may prefer the Vivosmart HR Plus.

User Interface and User Experience

Garmin Fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 offers a user-friendly interface with easy navigation through the use of buttons located around the watch bezel. The device supports downloadable apps and allows for customization through various watch faces and widgets. The Fenix 5 is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices, allowing for seamless integration with your smartphone.

Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus

The user experience on the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus focuses on simplicity and ease of use. With a touch-sensitive screen, users can quickly access their fitness data and notifications. Although the device does not support third-party apps, it offers compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac platforms for easy synchronization of data and settings.

Comparison of user interface and user experience

The Garmin Fenix 5 provides a more advanced and customizable user experience, while the Vivosmart HR Plus delivers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface. The choice between the two devices depends on personal preferences for customization options and desired device interaction features.

Price and Value

Garmin Fenix 5

With a price tag of $599.99, the Garmin Fenix 5 is a premium device that offers a wide range of advanced features and a high level of durability. The value for money is significant for fitness enthusiasts and athletes who require in-depth tracking and robust build quality.

Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus

At a more affordable price of $179, the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus is an excellent value option for casual fitness enthusiasts and everyday users seeking essential fitness tracking features in a slim and lightweight design.

Comparison of price and value

While the Garmin Fenix 5 offers a more extensive range of features and robust construction, its price point may not be feasible for every user. The Vivosmart HR Plus, on the other hand, provides an excellent set of features for its price, catering to those with budget constraints or seeking a more casual fitness tracking option.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus relies on individual preferences, activity levels, and budget. The Fenix 5 is suitable for athletes or fitness enthusiasts seeking a high level of performance and durability, while the Vivosmart HR Plus is more suitable for casual users in search of a slim and user-friendly device with basic fitness tracking features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which device is more suitable for swimming?

The Garmin Fenix 5 is capable of tracking swimming activities and has a water resistance rating of 10 ATM. In contrast, the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus is not specifically designed for swim tracking and has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.

Can I control music on both devices?

Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus support music control functionality, allowing users to control the music playback on their compatible smartphones.

Do both devices have sleep tracking features?

Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus offer sleep tracking features that provide insights on your sleep patterns and quality.

Which device has a longer battery life?

The Garmin Fenix 5 has a longer battery life, lasting up to two weeks under normal usage. The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus, on the other hand, has a battery life of up to five days.

Are there any additional accessories available for the Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus?

Both devices have a range of optional accessories, such as replacement straps, available for purchase. Users can select from various colors and materials to personalize their devices to their preferences.

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