Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Fenix 5s
When considering the Garmin Fenix 5s and Garmin Vivosmart 4, it becomes apparent that each device offers unique features tailored to specific users. Choosing the right smartwatch or fitness tracker can greatly enhance one’s fitness journey and overall wearable experience. Both devices stem from Garmin, a highly reputable company in the GPS and wearable technology industry. In this comprehensive comparison, we will discuss each device’s design, features, user interface and experience, price and value, and frequently asked questions.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s has the following design features:
- Materials: Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case, and silicone strap
- Size: 42 x 42 x 15 mm
- Weight: 67g
- Display: 218 x 218 pixels, 1.1-inch color touch display
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 has the following design features:
- Materials: Aluminum bezel, polycarbonate case, and silicone strap
- Size: 15 x 10.5 x 197 mm
- Weight: 27g
- Display: 48 x 128 pixels, 0.74-inch OLED touch display
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices offer lightweight and durable construction with a focus on different form factors. The Fenix 5s has a more rugged, sporty design while the Vivosmart 4 leans toward a slim, sleek aesthetic. The screen resolution and size differentiate significantly, with Fenix 5s being better suited for outdoor visibility and Vivosmart 4 aiming for minimalism.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Fenix 5s offers the following features:
- Operating system: Proprietary Garmin OS
- Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, and thermometer
- Battery life: Up to 9 days (smartwatch mode), 14 hours (GPS mode)
- Fitness tracking: Running, cycling, swimming, golfing, skiing, and more
- Other features: Email, text, and phone notifications; music control and storage
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4 offers the following features:
- Operating system: Proprietary Garmin OS
- Sensors: Heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, and Pulse Ox sensor (SpO2)
- Battery life: Up to 7 days
- Fitness tracking: Running, swimming, walking, gym workouts, and more
- Other features: Email and phone notifications; music control
Comparison of features and performance
While both devices share similarities in terms of fitness tracking and sensors, the Fenix 5s emerges as the more feature-rich device, thanks to its built-in GPS capabilities and additional sensor types. The Vivosmart 4, however, boasts the impressive Pulse Ox sensor, providing blood oxygen saturation measurements. Both devices cater to different preferences, but ultimately the Fenix 5s offers more functionality for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s
For the Fenix 5s, user experience elements include:
- Display: 1.1-inch color touch display
- Navigation: Physical buttons and touch
- Apps and customization: Garmin Connect, watch face customization
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4 user experience elements are:
- Display: 0.74-inch OLED touch display
- Navigation: Touch
- Apps and customization: Garmin Connect
- Compatibility: Android and iOS
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The user interface and experience differ in terms of screen technology and navigation. While the Fenix 5s relies on a combination of touch and physical buttons, the Vivosmart 4 relies solely on touch input. Both devices utilize Garmin Connect for app and customization support, but the Fenix 5s offers added watch face customization options. In terms of compatibility, the Fenix 5s supports more platforms, including Windows Phone.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Fenix 5s' price is $599.99, aimed at individuals seeking a feature-rich and durable smartwatch tailored for outdoor activities and serious athletes.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
At a more budget-friendly $130, the Vivosmart 4 is suitable for users seeking essential fitness tracking and notification features in a slim design, prioritizing simplicity over extensive functionalities.
Comparison of price and value
Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Fenix 5s and Vivosmart 4 comes down to individual preferences and budgets. The Fenix 5s offers greater features, performance, and device compatibility, making it an excellent choice for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts willing to invest in a premium device. The Vivosmart 4, on the other hand, suits users seeking essential features and affordability in a minimalistic form factor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Fenix 5s and Vivosmart 4 offer differing experiences in design, features, user experience, and value. While the Fenix 5s caters to outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes with its additional features and rugged design, the Vivosmart 4 satisfies users who value simplicity and slim design at a more affordable price point. No matter their specific preferences, both devices embody Garmin’s tradition of quality and reliable performance within the wearable technology industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device should I choose if I participate in outdoor activities like trail running or hiking?
If you are into outdoor activities like trail running or hiking, the Garmin Fenix 5s is better suited for your needs, as it includes built-in GPS, a compass, and barometric altimeter. These features are lacking in the Vivosmart 4.
Does the Garmin Fenix 5s support music playback?
Yes, the Garmin Fenix 5s has music control and storage capabilities, allows users to store up to 500 songs directly on the device.
Is the Garmin Vivosmart 4 suitable for swimming?
The Vivosmart 4 is rated 5 ATM (50 meters) for water resistance, meaning it is suitable for shallow water activities such as swimming or showering.
Which device has the most accurate heart rate monitoring?
Both the Garmin Fenix 5s and Vivosmart 4 use Garmin’s Elevate wrist heart rate technology for accurate and reliable heart rate monitoring. However, keep in mind that wrist-based heart rate readings may have slight limitations compared to chest strap monitors.
Can I use the Garmin Fenix 5s and Vivosmart 4 for tracking daily activities such as steps, calories burned, and sleep?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 5s and Vivosmart 4 can track daily activities like steps, calories burned, distance traveled, and sleep, making them useful companions for monitoring your daily health and fitness goals.
