Comparing Vivoactive 3 and Fenix 5x Plus
The Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and Garmin Vivoactive 3 are both popular choices for fitness enthusiasts and smartwatch fans alike. With both watches coming from the respected Garmin brand, known for their GPS technology, fitness wearables, and outdoor electronics, it is essential to analyze these two watches side by side to get the best understanding of their differences and similarities, helping the consumer make the most informed decision possible.
Selecting the right smartwatch involves considering brand reputation and history by examining the functionality, design, and overall performance, as both watches offer a range of features tailored to a variety of individuals, depending on their preferences and needs.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
The Fenix 5x Plus is known for its rugged design that is tailored for outdoor adventurers. It features a stainless steel or titanium bezel, reinforced housing, and a sapphire lens for added durability. With a weight of 96 grams and a screen size of 1.2 inches, it is designed to withstand extreme environments while providing superb functionality.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
In contrast, the Vivoactive 3 has a sleeker and more lightweight design, making it a great choice for daily wear and fitness enthusiasts with an active lifestyle. Its stainless steel bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer housing provide durability, while the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens protects the display from scratches. The watch has a weight of 43 grams and a screen size of 1.2 inches, offering comfort without compromising on durability or essential features.
Comparison of design and build quality
The main difference between the two devices is their intended audience and respective designs. The Fenix 5x Plus is built with a focus on outdoor adventures, offering a rugged design and advanced materials for enhanced durability, making it suitable for extreme sports enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Vivoactive 3 is designed with a sleeker and more lightweight build, making it more suitable for everyday use and fitness-focused individuals.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
The Fenix 5x Plus sports a range of operating systems and sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems, a heart rate monitor, altimeter, barometer, compass, gyroscope, and thermometer. This watch also boasts a Pulse Ox sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation, making it ideal for high-altitude adventurers. With a battery life of up to 20 days, the Fenix 5x Plus is an excellent choice for those seeking an extensive suite of features.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
While the Vivoactive 3 shares many of the same sensors, such as GPS, GLONASS, heart rate monitor, altimeter, barometer, and compass, it lacks the additional features of the Fenix 5x Plus, such as the Pulse Ox sensor and the more extensive battery life. The Vivoactive 3 has a respectable battery life of up to 7 days and provides excellent fitness tracking features for a more affordable price.
Comparison of features and performance
Overall, both watches offer a generous range of features, with the Fenix 5x Plus catering to a more extreme outdoor audience with its more rugged build and additional sensors. The Vivoactive 3 is best suited for fitness enthusiasts seeking solid functionality with a sleeker design and a more affordable price tag.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
The Garmin Fenix 5x Plus has a clear and crisp transflective MIP display, which is highly visible in bright sunlight. With a resolution of 240x240 pixels and touchscreen capabilities, navigation is seamless and easy to use. Customizable watch faces, downloadable apps, widgets, and smartphone compatibility ensure an enjoyable user experience.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Similarly, the Vivoactive 3 features a sharp transflective MIP display with a resolution of 240x240 pixels and touchscreen functionality. This watch also offers customizable watch faces, downloadable apps, and widgets. With compatibility for both Android and iOS smartphones, the Vivoactive 3 is an excellent choice for those seeking a user-friendly interface without sacrificing essential features.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Fenix 5x Plus and Vivoactive 3 provide similar user interfaces and experiences, utilizing transflective MIP displays, touchscreen navigation, and extensive personalization options. The main difference between the two watches lies in their design, with the Fenix 5x Plus catering to adventurers, while the Vivoactive 3 leans towards the fitness demographic.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
With a price tag of $850, the Fenix 5x Plus is an investment for those who are looking for a top-of-the-line watch with advanced features and a rugged build.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
At a more affordable price of $299, the Vivoactive 3 provides excellent value for money, catering to fitness enthusiasts seeking a range of features without breaking the bank.
Comparison of price and value
While the Fenix 5x Plus offers a more robust suite of features and a sturdier build, it comes at a significantly higher price. The Vivoactive 3 is a more cost-effective option for those who are more focused on fitness tracking and a sleek design, without sacrificing essential features.
Conclusion
When comparing the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and Garmin Vivoactive 3, both watches offer a comprehensive suite of features and functionalities tailored to different individual preferences and needs. With the rugged build, additional sensors, and higher price tag, the Fenix 5x Plus is an ideal choice for extreme adventurers or those willing to invest in more advanced features. The Vivoactive 3 offers a sleek design, fitness-focused features, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear and fitness enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which watch is better for outdoor adventures?
The Garmin Fenix 5x Plus is better suited for outdoor adventures due to its rugged build, additional sensors, and longer battery life.
Which watch is more affordable?
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is the more affordable option, priced at $299 compared to the $850 price tag of the Fenix 5x Plus.
Do both watches have GPS capabilities?
Yes, both the Fenix 5x Plus and Vivoactive 3 have GPS capabilities, with the Fenix 5x Plus offering support for additional satellite systems - GLONASS and Galileo.
Which watch has a better battery life?
The Fenix 5x Plus has a longer battery life, lasting up to 20 days, compared to the 7 days of the Vivoactive 3.
Are both watches compatible with Android and iOS smartphones?
Yes, both the Fenix 5x Plus and Vivoactive 3 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, offering seamless integration with your device for notifications and customization.
