Garmin Fenix 5x Plus vs. Garmin Vivofit 4

 
Fenix 5x Plus
Vivofit 4
 GarminFenix 5x PlusBuy NowGarminVivofit 4Buy Now

Basic Info

Suggested Price$850$79.95
Release20182018

Activity & Fitness

Calories
Cycling (Bicycling)
Distance
Heart
Oxygen
Sleep
Steps
Swim

Battery

Duration20 days1 year
Rechargeable

Compatibility

Android
iOS
Windows Phone
Mac
Windows

Connectivity

Bluetooth
Cellular
GPS
NFC
Wi-Fi

Display

Color
Resolution240 x 24088 x 88
Size1.2 inchesNA
Touch
TypeMIPNA

Functions

Audio Speaker
Clock
Phone
Vibration
Voice

Hardware

Accelerometer
Barometer or Altimeter
Ultraviolet Sensor
Water Resistance10 ATM5 ATM

Notifications

Phone
Emails
Texts

Software

Operating SystemWear OS
Apps
Music

Comparing Vivofit 4 and Fenix 5x Plus

Garmin, a widely-recognized brand in the world of wearable technology, offers various models for people with different needs. This article will compare the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and the Vivofit 4 – both released in 2018 – to help users make an informed decision.

Choosing the right watch is essential, as it should fulfill one’s unique requirements, whether it be for daily fitness tracking or advanced outdoor activities. Each model reflects Garmin’s commitment to creating innovative and reliable wearables.

Garmin’s rich product history is a testament to the company’s ongoing dedication to providing a range of options for customers. In the following sections, we will delve into a detailed comparison of the Fenix 5x Plus and Vivofit 4, discussing various aspects such as design, features, performance, user experience, and overall value.

Design and Build

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

The Fenix 5x Plus features a rugged design made from premium materials, including a stainless steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) titanium bezel. It has a 1.2-inch 240x240 pixel color display with a sapphire lens. The watch weighs about 96 grams and has a water resistance rating of 10 ATM.

Garmin Vivofit 4

On the other hand, the Vivofit 4 is a lightweight fitness tracker, weighing just 25 grams. Its design features a coin cell battery that lasts up to one year without needing a recharge. The watch has an 88x88 pixel color display of an unspecified size and a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.

Comparison of Design and Build Quality

While both devices offer durable builds and reliable designs, the Fenix 5x Plus has a more premium feel due to its high-quality material choices. The Vivofit 4, being a basic fitness tracker, sports a minimalistic design with an impressive battery life.

Features and Functionality

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

Fenix 5x Plus runs on Wear OS and is equipped with a plethora of sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo support, heart rate monitor, altimeter, barometer, and compass. This multisport watch offers fitness tracking, music streaming and storage, smart notifications, and compatibility with Android and iOS devices.

Garmin Vivofit 4

The Vivofit 4 tracks daily activities such as step count, distance traveled, and calories burned. It also monitors sleep patterns and offers basic smartphone compatibility for Android and iOS. However, it lacks advanced features like a heart rate monitor, GPS, and music capabilities.

Comparison of Features and Performance

While the Fenix 5x Plus offers a complete suite of functionalities catering to serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, the Vivofit 4 suits those seeking a straightforward fitness tracker. Users will need to consider their specific requirements and preferences when making a choice between the two.

User Interface and User Experience

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

The Fenix 5x Plus offers a customizable user interface with various watch face options and access to Garmin Connect. It features user-friendly navigation, including a touchscreen and physical buttons. The watch is also compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, providing smart notifications, activity data syncing, and customizable app settings.

Garmin Vivofit 4

Vivofit 4's interface is simple and easy to navigate, primarily relying on its touchscreen. It offers limited customization options and syncs with the Garmin Connect app on Android and iOS devices. However, it does not support third-party apps, thus offering a more streamlined experience.

Comparison of User Interface and User Experience

The Fenix 5x Plus undoubtedly offers a more comprehensive user experience with its various features, customizable settings, and app compatibility. However, the Vivofit 4 may appeal more to users seeking a basic, easy-to-use fitness tracker without the need for additional bells and whistles.

Price and Value

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus

At an $850 price point, the Fenix 5x Plus offers an array of advanced functionalities that cater to the needs of serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, justifying its premium cost.

Garmin Vivofit 4

With a price tag of $79.95, the Vivofit 4 is an affordable option for those looking for a simple, reliable fitness tracker that still offers Garmin’s quality and performance.

Comparison of Price and Value

Both devices provide value for their respective target audiences. The Fenix 5x Plus is an excellent investment for those seeking advanced features, while the Vivofit 4 is a budget-friendly choice for users wanting a basic activity tracker.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and the Vivofit 4 comes down to user preferences, needs, and budget. The Fenix 5x Plus is better suited to users who require a wide range of sensors and features for advanced tracking, whereas the Vivofit 4 is an affordable and straightforward option for those seeking basic fitness tracking functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which device has better battery life?

The Vivofit 4 has a significantly longer battery life, lasting up to one year without recharging, whereas the Fenix 5x Plus has a 20-day battery life on a single charge.

Is either device compatible with Windows or Mac computers?

Neither the Fenix 5x Plus nor the Vivofit 4 offer direct compatibility with Windows or Mac computers. However, they do support data syncing via the Garmin Connect app on Android and iOS smartphones.

Do both devices track swimming?

Yes, both the Fenix 5x Plus and the Vivofit 4 feature swim tracking capabilities.

Which device offers heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking?

The Fenix 5x Plus includes built-in heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking, while the Vivofit 4 does not.

Is there a significant difference in screen resolution between the two devices?

The Fenix 5x Plus has a higher 240x240 pixel screen resolution compared to the Vivofit 4's 88x88 pixel resolution.

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