Comparing Vivosmart 3 and Forerunner 225
Garmin Forerunner 225 and Garmin Vivosmart 3 are two popular wearable fitness devices designed to help individuals track their activities, stay connected, and enhance their overall fitness experience. The right smartwatch or tracker can significantly improve one’s lifestyle and contribute to staying on top of health goals. Both devices appear to be promising choices, but each caters to different user needs.
Garmin is a globally recognized brand known for its innovative GPS technology integrated into various devices, including fitness wearables. The company has a solid reputation for creating high-quality products with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. In this article, we will compare these two Garmin devices to help determine which one suits individual fitness needs and preferences.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 225
The Garmin Forerunner 225 has a sleek design with a 1-inch color display (180 x 180 pixels) that is encased in a durable resin material. The device weighs 54 grams, and with a 5 ATM water resistance rating, it can withstand activities like showering or swimming in shallow water.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 features a slim and discreet design with a hidden OLED display (64 x 128 pixels) that becomes visible when activated. With a weight of only 21 grams, it is significantly lighter than the Forerunner 225. It also boasts a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for various water activities.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices are made with durability in mind and share a similar water resistance rating. However, the Forerunner 225 offers a more sizable color display, while users seeking a minimalist and lightweight option might lean towards the Vivosmart 3.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 225
The Forerunner 225 comes with various features, encompassing an accelerometer, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity sensors. It offers 10 hours of GPS tracking for workouts and can last up to 4 weeks in watch mode. The device is compatible with both Android and iOS, allowing for seamless connectivity with your smartphone.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
On the other hand, the Vivosmart 3 provides distinct features such as an altimeter, VO2 max estimation, stress monitoring, and swim tracking. It possesses a 5-day battery life, which proves beneficial for users who prefer not to charge their device regularly. Additionally, the Vivosmart 3 is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows phones, ensuring broader compatibility than its counterpart.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices cater to users looking for robust fitness tracking, but the Garmin Forerunner 225 includes GPS capabilities, making it more suitable for outdoor workouts. The Vivosmart 3 appeals to those seeking extensive health insights, such as stress monitoring and VO2 max estimation, enabled by its diverse sensor suite.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 225
The Garmin Forerunner 225 offers a user-friendly interface with button navigation, allowing for quick and easy interactions. While it does not feature a touchscreen display, it provides compatibility with mobile applications for enhanced customization and data tracking.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
In comparison, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 boasts a touch-activated OLED display that enables users to swipe through various metrics and features. The device pairs with the Garmin Connect app, allowing users to access personalized insights and additional options for customization.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Forerunner 225 provides a more traditional interface with button navigation, whereas the Vivosmart 3 offers a modern touch interface. Both options allow for easy data tracking through their respective mobile applications, so the ideal choice depends on personal preference.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 225
With a price tag of $300, the Garmin Forerunner 225 might seem like an expensive choice for casual users. However, it is worth considering the extensive fitness features and GPS capabilities provided by this device.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
At $139.99, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 proves to be a more affordable option with an impressive array of health and fitness-specific features for the price point.
Comparison of price and value
Ultimately, the choice between the Forerunner 225 and the Vivosmart 3 will depend on individual needs. If GPS capability is paramount, the Forerunner 225 serves as a good investment. For those seeking extensive health insights at a lower price, the Vivosmart 3 is a favorable choice.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the ideal fitness wearable, it is essential to consider individual fitness goals and preferences to determine the best option between different models. The Garmin Forerunner 225 and Vivosmart 3 both offer their unique features, with the Forerunner 225 catering to outdoor athletes and the Vivosmart 3 providing diverse health insights at a more affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 225 suitable for swimming?
While the Garmin Forerunner 225 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for shallow water activities, it does not feature swim tracking functionality.
Does the Garmin Vivosmart 3 have GPS tracking capabilities?
No, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 does not include GPS features in its tracking capabilities. If GPS is essential for your fitness tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 225 is recommended.
Can I receive notifications on the Garmin Forerunner 225 and Vivosmart 3?
Both the Garmin Forerunner 225 and Vivosmart 3 can receive smartphone notifications when paired with a compatible device through Garmin Connect Mobile.
Are third-party apps supported on these devices?
Neither the Garmin Forerunner 225 nor the Vivosmart 3 supports third-party applications. However, both devices can be synced with Garmin Connect Mobile, providing an extensive array of fitness and health insights.
Which device is more suitable for cycling?
While both wearables provide some cycling tracking features, the Garmin Forerunner 225 stands out with its GPS capabilities, making it more suitable for tracking cycling activities and outdoor workouts in general.
