Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Fenix 5s Plus
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Vivosmart 4 are two popular wearables that cater to different segments of the market. While the Fenix 5s Plus targets the high-end adventurer and outdoor enthusiast seeking a robust feature set, the Vivosmart 4 is aimed at the budget-conscious consumer with basic tracking capabilities.
Selecting the appropriate smartwatch or fitness tracker is crucial, as your device becomes an essential part of your daily activities and exercise routines. It is important to choose a device that is the best fit for your needs and has a reliable performance.
Garmin, a well-known brand in the smartwatch and wearable market, has a solid reputation for producing high-quality products. Founded in 1989, Garmin has consistently maintained its leading position, offering durable and innovative devices covering various niches.
In this detailed comparison, we will delve into various aspects of the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and the Garmin Vivosmart 4, providing comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus boasts a robust design, featuring a stainless steel bezel, buttons, and rear case. It has a 1.2-inch sunlight-visible, always-on, color display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The size and weight of this device are 47 x 47 x 15.8 mm and 86 grams, respectively.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4, on the other hand, sports a sleek and fashionable design with a slim profile. Its 0.74-inch OLED touch display has a resolution of 48 x 128 pixels. The dimensions of this fitness tracker are 15 x 10.5 x 197 mm, and it weighs just 20.4 grams.
Comparison of design and build quality
Comparing the designs and build qualities, the Fenix 5s Plus offers a more rugged and durable construction suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, while the Vivosmart 4 has a sleek and stylish design that is suitable for casual wear. Furthermore, the Fenix 5s Plus has a larger and more colorful display compared to the Vivosmart 4.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus operates on Garmin’s proprietary operating system and offers a wide range of built-in sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, and thermometer. It also supports smartphone notifications, music playback, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. The battery life of the Fenix 5s Plus is up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 11 hours in GPS mode.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4 also has a myriad of sensors, including an accelerometer, heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, and ambient light sensor. However, it lacks GPS support. It offers basic fitness tracking capabilities, such as steps, calories, distance, sleep, and heart rate monitoring. The battery life for the Vivosmart 4 is up to 7 days, but it does not support GPS, apps, or music playback.
Comparison of features and performance
When comparing the feature sets of the Fenix 5s Plus and Vivosmart 4, the differences are quite significant. The Fenix 5s Plus has more advanced functionalities, such as GPS tracking, music playback, and contactless payments, making it a more versatile and feature-rich device. On the other hand, the Vivosmart 4 provides essential fitness tracking capabilities at a significantly lower price point, making it a suitable choice for those who do not require advanced features.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
The Fenix 5s Plus comes with an intuitive interface, easy navigation, and a wide range of compatible apps and watch faces through Garmin’s Connect IQ store. It is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones for easier syncing of data and notifications.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
On the contrary, the Vivosmart 4 offers a simple and straightforward user interface without the support for additional apps or customizations. It also supports syncing with both Android and iOS smartphones for notifications and data tracking.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
In terms of user interface and user experience, the Fenix 5s Plus provides more options for customization and a broader range of compatible apps, while offering a similar level of smartphone compatibility as the Vivosmart 4. The Vivosmart 4 primarily focuses on delivering a simple and uncluttered experience for basic fitness tracking.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
Priced at $799, the high-end Fenix 5s Plus offers a rich set of features and functionalities, making it worth the premium price tag for users who require advanced tracking and outdoor features.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
At just $130, the Vivosmart 4 provides essential fitness tracking capabilities at an affordable cost. It offers a compelling value for those who need a basic fitness tracker without the added complexities and price of advanced features.
Comparison of price and value
In comparing the value propositions of the Fenix 5s Plus and Vivosmart 4, it comes down to the specific needs and preferences of the user. The Fenix 5s Plus is suitable for users who require advanced features and a robust build, while the Vivosmart 4 is ideal for those who need basic fitness tracking without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Vivosmart 4 cater to different user needs and preferences, both offering a unique set of features and performance characteristics. Users seeking advanced tracking capabilities, outdoor features, and customization options may find the Fenix 5s Plus to be the perfect fit. However, for those who need a simple and cost-effective fitness tracking solution without the added complexities, the Vivosmart 4 offers an accessible alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of activities can the Fenix 5s Plus track?
The Fenix 5s Plus can track various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, golfing, skiing, and more.
Can the Vivosmart 4 track swimming activities?
Yes, the Vivosmart 4 provides basic swim tracking, such as laps and distance, although it lacks the advanced tracking features of the Fenix 5s Plus.
Does the Fenix 5s Plus have built-in maps?
Yes, the Fenix 5s Plus comes with full-color TOPO mapping that offers at-a-glance navigation and location tracking during outdoor activities.
Can I control music playback from my smartphone with the Vivosmart 4?
Yes, the Vivosmart 4 allows you to control music playback from your connected smartphone, but it does not have built-in music storage like the Fenix 5s Plus.
Do I need a separate chest strap for heart rate monitoring with the Fenix 5s Plus or Vivosmart 4?
Both the Fenix 5s Plus and Vivosmart 4 have built-in wrist-based heart rate monitors. However, if you require more accurate heart rate data during intense exercises, you can opt for a compatible chest strap heart rate monitor.
