Comparing Fenix 5s Plus and Vivoactive HR
When it comes to wearable tech, Garmin is a renowned brand with a wide range of high-quality devices. In this article, we will be diving into a detailed comparison of two popular Garmin smartwatches: the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and the Garmin Vivoactive HR. These devices offer various features, catering to different preferences and requirements of fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Choosing the right watch depends on individual preferences, as well as the specific features one is looking for. Both the Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivoactive HR offer a plethora of fitness tracking and smart features that cater to a diverse user base.
Founded in 1989, Garmin has established itself as one of the leading tech companies in GPS navigation and wearable technology. Known for its high-quality products, Garmin has made significant strides in merging cutting-edge technology with stylish designs. So, let’s dive right in and explore the details of these two remarkable models.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus is a premium multisport GPS watch made from high-quality materials. Notable features include:
- Stainless steel bezel and buttons
- Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal rear cover
- Size: 42 x 42 x 15.4 mm
- Weight: 65 g (case only) / 86 g (with silicone strap)
- Display: 1.2-inch sunlight-visible, transreflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen
- Screen Resolution: 240 x 240 pixels
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR features a sleek design and a lightweight build, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a less bulky watch. Key design aspects include:
- Polycarbonate body
- Size: 30.2 x 57 x 11.4 mm
- Weight: 48 g
- Display: 1.38-inch sunlight-readable, colored MIP screen
- Screen Resolution: 148 x 205 pixels
Comparison of design and build quality
While both the Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivoactive HR are built to withstand rigorous activities, there are distinct differences in the design and build quality. The Fenix 5s Plus boasts a more premium feel with its stainless steel bezel and buttons, whereas the Vivoactive HR is more lightweight with its polycarbonate construction. The display on both devices is built for easy readability even under harsh sunlight. However, the Fenix 5s Plus has a higher screen resolution and a slightly larger screen size.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus is packed with advanced features and functionalities that cater to fitness and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Some key features include:
- Operating System: Wear OS
- Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode
- Fitness Tracking: Steps, heart rate, sleep, calories burned, distance, floors climbed, multiple sport modes, and more
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Vivoactive HR comes with a wide variety of features designed for an active lifestyle. Some of its key functionalities include:
- Operating System: Garmin
- Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours in GPS mode, up to 8 days in smartwatch mode
- Fitness Tracking: Steps, heart rate, sleep, calories burned, distance, floors climbed, sport-specific tracking, and more
Comparison of features and performance
Both the Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivoactive HR come packed with features for fitness tracking and outdoor activities. The key differences lie in the additional sensors available on the Fenix 5s Plus, such as support for the Galileo satellite network and a built-in thermometer. The Fenix 5s Plus also runs on Wear OS, offering more customization options and better integration with smartphones, while the Vivoactive HR uses Garmin’s proprietary operating system. Both devices offer impressive battery life, with the Vivoactive HR having slightly longer battery life in smartwatch mode.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus offers an intuitive user interface with customizable watch faces, widgets, and at-a-glance information. Notable features include:
- Display: 1.2-inch MIP screen
- Navigation: Buttons and touchscreen
- Apps: Access to Connect IQ Store for third-party apps and widgets
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Vivoactive HR is designed with a user-friendly interface, providing easy access to essential metrics and smart features, including. Some notable features include:
- Display: 1.38-inch MIP screen
- Navigation: Touchscreen
- Apps: Customizable watch faces, widgets, and data fields
- Compatibility: iOS, Android, and Windows Phone
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivoactive HR offer user-friendly interfaces, with easily accessible information and intuitive navigation. The Fenix 5s Plus has an edge in terms of customization and third-party app support, thanks to its Wear OS platform. However, the Vivoactive HR has broader smartphone compatibility, as it supports Windows Phone in addition to iOS and Android devices.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
With its premium materials and advanced feature set, the Fenix 5s Plus comes with a higher price point of $799. Its comprehensive tracking capabilities, stylish design, and compatibility with Wear OS make it a worthy investment for those seeking a high-end fitness watch.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Vivoactive HR is priced at a more affordable $250. It offers an impressive array of features for fitness and daily activity tracking, making it an excellent value for those seeking a reliable smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Comparison of price and value
When comparing the Fenix 5s Plus and Vivoactive HR in terms of price and value, one must consider personal preferences and individual needs. The Fenix 5s Plus is a higher-end option with more advanced features and a premium design, while the Vivoactive HR offers a more affordable price point with a solid feature set for everyday wear and fitness tracking.
Conclusion
Both the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivoactive HR offer impressive fitness tracking capabilities, stylish designs, and seamless integration with smartphones. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences for features, design, and budget. For those seeking the finest offerings, the Fenix 5s Plus delivers a more premium experience, while the Vivoactive HR offers an excellent balance between features and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus worth the extra cost compared to the Vivoactive HR?
It depends on your personal preferences and requirements. The Fenix 5s Plus offers more advanced features and a premium design, but the Vivoactive HR is a more budget-friendly option with an impressive feature set. Assess your needs and budget constraints to determine which device is the better fit for you.
Is either watch suitable for swimming?
Yes, both the Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivoactive HR are water-resistant (10 ATM and 5 ATM, respectively) and can be used for tracking swimming activities.
Can I take calls or answer messages on these devices?
Both devices have phone and messaging functions, allowing you to receive notifications and respond to messages directly from the watch when connected to a compatible smartphone. However, neither device supports cellular capabilities for standalone calling.
Can I use either watch for music playback?
Yes, both the Fenix 5s Plus and the Vivoactive HR support music playback when connected to a smartphone or paired with Bluetooth headphones.
Are the Fenix 5s Plus and Vivoactive HR compatible with any fitness apps, such as Strava or MyFitnessPal?
Yes, Garmin devices can be linked to various fitness apps for seamless data sharing and tracking. Check the compatibility of specific apps with your chosen device to ensure a smooth integration.
