Comparing Vivosport and Forerunner 225
The Garmin Forerunner 225 and Garmin Vivosport are two popular fitness wearables that cater to different user needs. While both devices come from the same renowned brand, they possess different features and functionalities designed for various types of activities. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of these two devices, helping you make an informed decision when considering which of these fitness wearables suits you best.
Choosing the right fitness tracker or smartwatch is essential for meeting your health and fitness goals. A suitable device can help you monitor your daily activities, track your exercise progress, and provide motivation to accomplish your personal objectives.
Garmin, as a brand, has built a strong reputation for its dedication to creating dependable and feature-rich wearables catering to varied consumer needs. With its long history in the GPS technology market, Garmin is trusted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide for its reliable products and exceptional quality.
In this comparison of the Forerunner 225 and Vivosport, we will delve into each device’s design, build quality, features, performance, user experience, as well as their price and value in the market.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 225
The Garmin Forerunner 225 sports a round watch face design and features a high-resolution color display at 1-inch in size with a 180 x 180-pixel resolution. It lacks a touch-screen interface but has physical buttons for navigation. The build materials used are predominantly plastic and have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM to withstand up to 50 meters deep water. The device weighs 54 grams, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin Vivosport features a slim rectangular design with a smaller memory-in-pixel (MIP) touch-screen display measuring 72 x 144 pixels in resolution. The screen size is not readily available; however, it is noticeably smaller than the Forerunner 225. The exact materials of the Vivosport are unspecified, but the device is also water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it an excellent companion for various activities, including swimming. Furthermore, it has a lightweight design, adding to its overall wearer comfort.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices are made by Garmin, and as such, share similarities in durability and design. However, the Forerunner 225 has a larger round watch face, while the Vivosport has a more compact rectangular design. The display on the Forerunner is slightly larger and easier to read, though it lacks touch-screen capabilities. The devices share similar water resistance ratings, making them suitable for most fitness activities. Personal preference in design elements will guide users to the device best suited for their needs.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 225
The Garmin Forerunner 225 utilizes an unspecified operating system and offers many valuable features like a built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and steps tracking. This fitness watch has no cellular, NFC or Wi-Fi capabilities, but it possesses a 10-hour training mode battery life and 4-week watch mode battery life, extending its longevity for users.
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin Vivosport operates using the Garmin Elevate heart rate technology and offers compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. It features a built-in GPS, touch-screen display, barometer or altimeter, phone notifications, oxygen tracking, and swimming tracking. With a battery life of up to 7 days, this device provides great versatility for users who need a modern fitness tracker despite its compact size.
Comparison of features and performance
Comparing the features and performance of these two devices, the Vivosport appears to outshine the Forerunner 225 with its touch-screen display, additional tracking capabilities, and smartphone compatibility. This does come at a slight expense in battery life, lasting 7 days compared to the 10 hours to 4 weeks of the Forerunner 225. Depending on the needs of the user, the Vivosport may offer more advantages in daily life.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 225
The user interface of the Garmin Forerunner 225 focuses on button-based navigation with no touch-screen functionality. The device offers compatibility with Android and iOS devices, yet it does not feature apps for customization or phone function capabilities like the Vivosport. The absence of smartphone compatibility could be a downside for users seeking more convenience from their fitness wearables.
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin Vivosport provides a touch-based user interface and compatibility with Android and iOS devices. This device does not use a specific operating system, and its supported applications may be limited compared to other wearable devices in the market. However, the inclusion of phone notifications, emails, and text messages allows for a more comprehensive user experience compared to the Forerunner 225.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The user interfaces for these devices vary significantly, with the button-based Forerunner 225 contrasting the touchscreen Vivosport. Smart device compatibility is another crucial difference between the two, with the Vivosport being the only device offering notifications, emails, and text-capabilities. Users who prioritize touchscreen interfaces and enhanced smartphone compatibility may prefer the Vivosport over the more traditional Forerunner 225.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 225
The Garmin Forerunner 225 retails for approximately $300, providing comprehensive fitness tracking and a rugged design suitable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who value long battery life and physical durability.
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin Vivosport price point is around $199, offering a cost-effective solution for consumers who need a sleek fitness tracker with modern features, including touch-screen control, smartphone compatibility, and various activity tracking options.
Comparison of price and value
When evaluating the price and value of the Garmin Forerunner 225 and Garmin Vivosport, the latter offers a more affordable solution for users needing a versatile and modern fitness tracker. While the Forerunner 225 might have a longer battery life and a slightly larger display, the Vivosport edges it out with its sleek design and additional functionalities at a lower price point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision between the Garmin Forerunner 225 and Garmin Vivosport often comes down to personal preference and individual needs. For those seeking a rugged, button-based design with a focus on extended battery life and durability, the Forerunner 225 may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, users requiring a lightweight, touchscreen design that offers smartphone compatibility and modern tracking features will find the Vivosport an ideal option. Regardless of your choice, both devices are testaments to Garmin’s reputation for producing reliable and practical fitness wearables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device has a better battery life: the Garmin Forerunner 225 or the Vivosport?
The Garmin Forerunner 225 features a battery life of 10 hours in training mode and up to 4 weeks in watch mode, while the Vivosport offers up to 7 days of battery life. Due to its longer battery life, the Forerunner 225 may be more suitable for users who prioritize less frequent charging.
Can I swim with both devices?
While both devices have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (up to 50 meters deep), the Vivosport specifically offers swim tracking, making it more likely to perform well in aquatic activities. In contrast, there is no mention of swim tracking for the Forerunner 225.
Are both devices compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows?
Only the Vivosport is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems. The Forerunner 225 can connect to Android phones and iPhones, but no information is available regarding Windows compatibility.
Which device is better for fitness tracking?
Given its more extensive range of tracking features like oxygen tracking, swimming tracking, and barometer or altimeter functions, the Garmin Vivosport may be considered a better overall fitness tracker than the Forerunner 225.
Do either of these devices offer music functionality?
The Garmin Vivosport offers music controls, while the Garmin Forerunner 225 does not feature music functionality.
