Garmin Vivofit 3 vs. Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

 
Vivofit 3
Fenix 5x Plus
 GarminVivofit 3Buy NowGarminFenix 5x PlusBuy Now

Basic Info

Suggested Price$100$850
Release20162018

Activity & Fitness

Calories
Cycling (Bicycling)
Distance
Heartn/a
Oxygen
Sleep
Steps
Swim

Battery

Duration1 year20 days
Rechargeable

Compatibility

Android
iOS
Windows Phone
Macn/a
Windowsn/a

Connectivity

Bluetooth
Cellular
GPS
NFC
Wi-Fi

Display

Color
Resolution64 x 64240 x 240
Size0.55 inches1.2 inches
Touch
Typen/aMIP

Functions

Audio Speaker
Clock
Phone
Vibration
Voice

Hardware

Accelerometer
Barometer or Altimeter
Ultraviolet Sensor
Water Resistance5 ATM10 ATM

Notifications

Phone
Emails
Texts

Software

Operating Systemn/aWear OS
Apps
Music

Comparing Fenix 5x Plus and Vivofit 3

When looking at the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and the Garmin Vivofit 3, it is important to consider what each device has to offer in terms of functionality, design, and overall user experience. Both watches are designed to cater to various needs and preferences, so it is essential to understand their differences to make an informed decision.

Choosing the right watch is important for a variety of reasons, including tracking your fitness goals, daily activities, and even getting notifications from your smartphone. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choice to just one device.

Garmin is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality wearables, with a rich history in creating GPS technology and devices. In this article, we will compare the features, design, and performance of the Fenix 5x Plus and Vivofit 3 to help you determine which of these Garmin products is best suited for your needs.

Design and Build

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

The Garmin Fenix 5x Plus is built with durable materials, including a stainless steel or titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens, making it resistant to wear and tear. Weighing in at approximately 96 grams with a 1.2-inch color display, this multisport GPS watch has a screen resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, providing a clear view of the data on the screen.

Garmin Vivofit 3

On the other hand, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is a lightweight, everyday activity tracker with a weight of only 26 grams. It features a monochrome 0.55-inch display with a modest 64 x 64-pixel resolution. The Vivofit 3 is designed using a mix of plastic and silicone material, which still provides a level of durability but lacks the premium build quality of the Fenix 5x Plus.

Comparison of design and build quality

Comparing the design and build quality of the two devices reveals some significant differences. The Fenix 5x Plus offers a more rugged, premium build, with a larger, higher-resolution color display, making it suitable for outdoor adventurers and athletes. The Vivofit 3's lightweight design and smaller, monochrome screen make it more suitable for casual, everyday wear and basic activity tracking. Both devices have their respective pros and cons, ultimately depending on individual preferences and intended use.

Features and Functionality

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

The Fenix 5x Plus runs on Garmin’s proprietary operating system and is packed with numerous features such as GPS, a heart rate monitor, and oxygen tracking. With a battery life of up to 20 days, this smartwatch can track calories, steps, distance, sleep, cycling, and even swimming. It also integrates with smartphones for notifications, offers music streaming capabilities, and is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Garmin Vivofit 3

Unlike the Fenix 5x Plus, the Vivofit 3 is not as feature-rich, lacking advanced functions like heart rate monitoring and GPS. However, it still offers basic fitness tracking such as calories, steps, distance, sleep, and cycling. The Vivofit 3 boasts a remarkable one-year battery life, making it a low-maintenance option. This device is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows smartphones and is also Bluetooth enabled, but it lacks Wi-Fi connectivity.

Comparison of features and performance

Comparing the features and performance of the Fenix 5x Plus and Vivofit 3 reveals a clear difference in their target audience. The Fenix 5x Plus is designed for those who require advanced fitness tracking and multisport capabilities, while the Vivofit 3 is geared toward more casual users who are interested in basic activity monitoring. The choice between the two depends on personal preferences and fitness goals.

User Interface and User Experience

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

The user interface of the Fenix 5x Plus is navigated primarily through five physical buttons on the side of the device. The watch features customizable apps and widgets, which can be downloaded from the Garmin Connect IQ store. Its compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones allows for seamless integration, making it easy for users to keep track of notifications and data on either platform.

Garmin Vivofit 3

The Vivofit 3 has a more straightforward user interface, with a single button to navigate through its various features. It does not have the capabilities to support additional apps or customization. However, the device can still be paired with Android, iOS, and Windows smartphones to sync data and receive basic notifications.

Comparison of user interface and user experience

In terms of user interface and user experience, the Fenix 5x Plus offers a more versatile, customizable experience with greater compatibility options, making it ideal for those who require advanced fitness-tracking features. The Vivofit 3 may be more appealing to users who prefer a simple interface and basic activity tracking without the need for additional apps or customization.

Price and Value

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

With a price tag of $850, the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus is a premium multisport GPS watch, offering a variety of advanced features and a durable build quality. The value for money depends on individual needs and how likely one is to utilize the watch’s full range of capabilities.

Garmin Vivofit 3

At $100, the Garmin Vivofit 3 offers a more affordable option for those seeking basic fitness tracking without investing in advanced features. Its simplicity, combined with its long battery life, makes it a great value for casual fitness enthusiasts or those new to wearables.

Comparison of price and value

The Fenix 5x Plus offers a more comprehensive set of features and a premium build, but it comes at a higher price point. The Vivofit 3 provides basic functionality at a more affordable price. The choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget constraints.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and Vivofit 3 comes down to individual needs and preferences. The Fenix 5x Plus is an excellent choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who require advanced features and a durable build. On the other hand, the Vivofit 3 is an ideal option for those who want basic fitness tracking at a more affordable price point. By considering the information presented here, you should be well-equipped to make an informed decision about which device best meets your specific fitness goals and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus waterproof?

Yes, the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus is water-resistant up to 10 ATM or 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Is the Garmin Vivofit 3 waterproof?

Yes, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM or 50 meters, which means it can be worn during activities such as swimming or showering.

Can I sync the Garmin Vivofit 3 with my iPhone?

Yes, the Garmin Vivofit 3 can be synced with both Android and iOS smartphones, including iPhones.

Can I listen to music on the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus?

Yes, the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus has built-in music storage and playback capabilities, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes during your workout or daily activities.

Is there a monthly fee for using the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus or Vivofit 3?

There are no required monthly fees for using either the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus or Vivofit 3, but some advanced features or apps may require a separate subscription or purchase.

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