Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Fenix 5x Plus
Choosing the right smartwatch or fitness tracker is essential for those who want to optimize their fitness journey and enhance their everyday life. Two noteworthy devices in the market are the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and the Garmin Vivosmart 4. Both released in 2018, these wearable devices offer a plethora of features and benefits that cater to various users with diverse needs.
Finding the ideal choice requires understanding the brands, their reputation, and history. Garmin, a well-known brand in the world of wearables, has gained a solid reputation for developing quality and reliable products such as GPS technology and fitness trackers. In this article, we will explore the similarities, differences, pros, and cons of the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and the Garmin Vivosmart 4 in terms of their design, build, features, functionalities, user interface and experience, and price.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
The Fenix 5x Plus boasts a robust design, featuring:
- Materials: Stainless steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) titanium bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer
- Size and weight: 51 x 51 x 17.5 mm, 96 g (stainless steel version)
- Display: 1.2-inch MIP color display with a screen resolution of 240 x 240 pixels
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Contrastingly, the Vivosmart 4 has a sleeker aesthetic, offering:
- Materials: Aluminum bezel, silicone strap
- Size and weight: 15 x 10.5 x 197 mm, 20.4 g
- Display: 0.74-inch OLED monochrome display with a screen resolution of 48 x 128 pixels
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices share a sleek and stylish design, the Fenix 5x Plus is built for more rugged activities with its durable materials and larger dimensions. On the other hand, the Vivosmart 4 is designed with a minimalist and lightweight approach that is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle device. The colorful display of the Fenix 5x Plus also provides a more vibrant visual experience compared to the monochrome OLED screen of the Vivosmart 4.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
The Fenix 5x Plus is packed with an extensive array of features:
- Operating system: Wear OS
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 20 days
- Fitness tracking: Calories, distance, steps, heart rate, swimming, cycling
- Others: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, color display, phone function, music control
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Meanwhile, the Vivosmart 4 offers the following functionalities:
- Operating system: Proprietary Garmin OS
- Sensors: Heart rate monitor, Pulse Ox sensor, accelerometer
- Battery life: Up to 7 days
- Fitness tracking: Calories, distance, steps, heart rate, sleep, swimming
- Others: Bluetooth, phone function, music control
Comparison of features and performance
The Fenix 5x Plus emerges as a more advanced device with its wearable operating system, GPS tracking, and extended battery life. However, the Vivosmart 4 still provides a decent range of features for daily activity tracking and basic fitness monitoring. Overall, the Fenix 5x Plus may suit users seeking more advanced features for outdoor activities, while the Vivosmart 4 proves sufficient for regular daily usage.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
The Fenix 5x Plus offers a rich user interface and experience:
- Display: 1.2-inch color MIP display
- Navigation: Physical buttons and touchscreen
- Apps and customization: Wear OS app ecosystem, customizable watch faces
- Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4 presents a simpler interface and experience:
- Display: 0.74-inch OLED monochrome display
- Navigation: Touchscreen with swipe gestures
- Apps and customization: Limited to Garmin’s proprietary ecosystem
- Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
Comparison of user interface and user experience
While both devices are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, the Fenix 5x Plus offers a more interactive interface with its Wear OS, providing a wider range of apps and customization options. The Vivosmart 4, on the other hand, delivers a more straightforward and easy-to-use experience with its touch-enabled monochrome display and proprietary OS.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
With a price of $850, the Fenix 5x Plus is a high-end smartwatch packed with advanced features and functionalities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
At $130, the Vivosmart 4 is positioned as a budget-friendly fitness tracker suitable for everyday usage, providing essential tracking and monitoring functions.
Comparison of price and value
While the Fenix 5x Plus offers more features and a better user experience, it comes at a significantly higher price point. The Vivosmart 4, while having fewer capabilities, still provides satisfactory performance at an affordable cost. The choice between the two ultimately boils down to individual preferences, needs, and budget constraints.
Conclusion
In summary, the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus and Vivosmart 4 both cater to different needs and preferences. The Fenix 5x Plus is an ideal choice for those seeking advanced features, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sports, while the Vivosmart 4 provides a simpler and more budget-friendly alternative for everyday usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device has a better battery life?
The Garmin Fenix 5x Plus has a battery life of up to 20 days, whereas the Vivosmart 4 lasts up to 7 days on a full charge.
Are both devices water-resistant?
Yes, the Fenix 5x Plus is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, while the Vivosmart 4 features a water resistance of 5 ATM.
Do both watches support notifications for texts and emails?
While the Fenix 5x Plus supports notifications for texts and emails, the Vivosmart 4 supports only email notifications.
Are both devices compatible with Android and iOS smartphones?
Yes, both the Fenix 5x Plus and Vivosmart 4 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
Does the Garmin Vivosmart 4 have GPS tracking?
No, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 does not have built-in GPS tracking, unlike the Fenix 5x Plus.