Comparing Vivoactive 3 and Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s and the Garmin Vivoactive 3 are both sports watches that offer numerous features, making them ideal partners for tracking your fitness journey. A smartwatch is an indispensable tool for individuals looking to accomplish their fitness goals, providing them with detailed insights into their workouts, sleep patterns, and overall health.
Garmin, a reputable and reliable brand, is known for producing high-quality and technologically advanced wearable devices. These watches not only boast state-of-the-art fitness tracking capabilities, but they also have features that suit an active lifestyle, making them versatile tools for a range of sports and everyday activities.
This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of the Garmin Fenix 5s and Garmin Vivoactive 3, examining their design, build quality, features, performance, user interface, and pricing, ensuring that you can make an informed decision on which watch is best suited to your needs and preferences.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s
With its durable stainless-steel bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer casing, the Garmin Fenix 5s offers a rugged yet stylish design. The watch has a comfortable silicone strap, and it is lightweight, weighing 67 grams. The Fenix 5s features a high-resolution, 1.1-inch sunlight-visible color display with a 218x218 resolution.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a sleek design, featuring a stainless-steel bezel and a fiber-reinforced polymer casing. The watch also has a comfortable silicone strap and weighs 43 grams. It has a larger 1.2-inch sunlight-visible color display with a higher 240x240 resolution.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both watches have a durable build and come in aesthetically pleasing designs. The Fenix 5s has a heavier and more robust appearance, while the Vivoactive 3 offers a more streamlined and lightweight look. The main difference between the two devices is their display size and resolution, with Vivoactive 3 having a larger screen and higher resolution than the Fenix 5s.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s operates on a proprietary software and comes packed with various sensors, such as GPS, GLONASS, a heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, and thermometer. The watch boasts an impressive battery life of up to 9 days in smartwatch mode, and it can track a multitude of sports and fitness activities. It also has additional features like stress tracking, oxygen tracking, sleep tracking, and smart notifications.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Operating on the same proprietary software as the Fenix 5s, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 features GPS, GLONASS, a heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, and accelerometer. The Vivoactive 3 has a slightly shorter battery life, lasting up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. It shares many of the same tracking features as the Fenix 5s, with the exception being the absence of oxygen tracking. The watch also has additional features like stress tracking, sleep tracking, and smart notifications.
Comparison of features and performance
Both the Fenix 5s and Vivoactive 3 offer a plethora of features and functionalities. They have similar sensors and tracking capabilities, with the only notable difference being the Fenix 5s’s oxygen tracking feature. The Fenix 5s has a slightly longer battery life compared to the Vivoactive 3. Overall, there are more similarities than differences between these two watches when it comes to features and performance.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s boasts a crisp and clear display that allows for easy navigation through its various functions. The watch supports a variety of apps and customization options, including watch faces, data fields, and widgets. It also offers compatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows smartphones, enabling users to sync their data effortlessly.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Similarly, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 features a vibrant display with a responsive and user-friendly interface. The watch supports numerous apps and customization options, giving users the flexibility to personalize their device. The Vivoactive 3 is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, though it does not offer support for Windows smartphones.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Fenix 5s and Vivoactive 3 provide users with a pleasant and intuitive user experience. They both have a clear and easy-to-read display and offer a variety of personalization options. The main difference between these devices in this regard is their compatibility with smartphones, as the Fenix 5s can connect with Windows smartphones, while the Vivoactive 3 cannot.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s
With a price tag of $599.99, the Garmin Fenix 5s is a premium watch that offers a wealth of features and an exceptional build quality. The watch is a durable and reliable option for fitness enthusiasts looking to invest in a versatile and high-end sports watch.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
At $299, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a more affordable option compared to the Fenix 5s, while still offering a variety of features and a sleek design. This makes the Vivoactive 3 an attractive option for those looking to invest in a reliable sports watch without breaking the bank.
Comparison of price and value
While the Fenix 5s is the more expensive of the two watches, this is justified by the host of additional features and superior build quality. The Vivoactive 3, however, is still an excellent watch that offers good value for money. The choice between the two watches is primarily a matter of individual preference and budget.
Conclusion
Both the Garmin Fenix 5s and the Garmin Vivoactive 3 are exceptional sports watches, catering to a variety of needs and preferences. The Fenix 5s has a more robust design, additional features, and a longer battery life, while the Vivoactive 3 offers a sleeker design, a larger display, and a more affordable price without compromising on performance. The final decision will depend on your personal preferences and budget, but rest assured, both watches are viable options for your fitness tracking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which watch is better for outdoors, the Garmin Fenix 5s, or the Garmin Vivoactive 3?
The Garmin Fenix 5s, with its rugged design, oxygen tracking, and extended battery life, is more suitable for outdoor activities and challenging conditions compared to the Garmin Vivoactive 3.
Are both the Garmin Fenix 5s and Vivoactive 3 waterproof?
Yes, both watches offer water resistance. The Fenix 5s is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, while the Vivoactive 3 offers water resistance up to 5 ATM.
Which watch has a longer battery life, the Garmin Fenix 5s or Vivoactive 3?
The Garmin Fenix 5s has a longer battery life, lasting up to 9 days in smartwatch mode, compared to the Vivoactive 3's battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode.
Do both watches offer smartphone compatibility?
Yes, both watches are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. However, only the Fenix 5s is compatible with Windows smartphones.
Are these watches suitable for tracking swimming activities?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 5s and Vivoactive 3 can be used to track swimming activities, offering users the ability to monitor their performance in the water.
