Comparing Vivosmart 3 and Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 and Garmin Vivosmart 3 are two popular fitness wearables that offer a range of features for tracking your health and fitness goals. Both devices are released in 2017 by Garmin, a well-known brand in the wearables market. Garmin has a long history of creating reliable and high-quality products that cater to various needs, from serious athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts.
Choosing the right wearable device can make a significant difference in how motivated and informed you are on your fitness journey. As a potential buyer, it is essential to know the strengths and weaknesses of each device, and how they cater to your specific requirements. In this article, we will discuss the design and build, features and functionality, user interface and user experience, as well as the price and value for money of both these wearables.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a GPS running watch that has been designed for athletes with features that cater specifically to runners. Materials used are a combination of metal and plastic components, which provide durability and a lightweight build. The Forerunner 235 weighs 42 grams and has a 1.23-inch MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) color display with a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels. The MIP technology used in the display conserves battery life while still maintaining readability under various lighting conditions.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Garmin Vivosmart 3, on the other hand, is a sleek fitness tracker suitable for everyday wear. It features a lightweight design, a hidden OLED touch display with a resolution of 64 x 128 pixels, and a waterproof build with a 5 ATM water-resistance rating. Unlike Forerunner 235, Vivosmart 3 does not have a color display. The screen size is not disclosed by the manufacturer but is smaller than that of the Forerunner 235.
Comparison of Design and Build Quality
Both devices exhibit a similar level of build quality and durability, with the Garmin Forerunner 235 leaning towards a more rugged and sporty design, suitable for runners and athletes. The Garmin Vivosmart 3 offers a sleek and fashionable design, ideal for everyday use. The primary differences lie in the display quality and design, with the Forerunner 235 having a larger color display, while the Vivosmart 3 offers a more discreet screen.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Forerunner 235 operates without a specific operating system but offers built-in apps and features catered towards runners. It includes an accelerometer, GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, calories, distance, and step tracking, as well as cycling, and swim tracking. The battery life is estimated to be nine days, and the device is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, allowing users to receive notifications for calls, texts, and emails.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Similar to the Forerunner 235, the Vivosmart 3 does not operate on a specific OS but includes several features for fitness tracking. It has an accelerometer, barometer, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, calories, distance, and step tracking as well, but lacks GPS and cycling tracking. The Vivosmart 3 offers a shorter battery life of five days but is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows smartphones, providing users with notifications for calls, text messages, and emails.
Comparison of Features and Performance
Both devices share multiple features such as heart rate and activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and smartphone notifications. The Garmin Forerunner 235 shines with its GPS capability, bicycle, and swimming tracking, larger color display, and longer battery life, making it a more versatile device for comprehensive fitness tracking. However, its higher cost and lack of compatibility with Windows-operated devices may be a downside for some users. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 offers a few unique features like the barometer, but has shorter battery life and the absence of GPS makes it better suited for casual fitness enthusiasts.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 235
With its color MIP display and a touchscreen interface, the Garmin Forerunner 235 allows for easy navigation through various apps and features. The device can be customized with downloadable watch faces, widgets, and data fields from the Garmin Connect IQ store. In addition, the Forerunner 235 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, providing flexible smartphone integration and syncing capabilities.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
The Vivosmart 3 features a hidden OLED touch display which activates when touched or when a notification is received. The interface is intuitive and responsive, allowing for quick access to the device’s features. Similar to the Forerunner 235, users can customize the Vivosmart 3 through the Garmin Connect app, and the device supports integration and syncing with Android, iOS, and Windows smartphones.
Comparison of User Interface and User Experience
Both Garmin devices offer a user-friendly experience with their touch-enabled displays and compatibility with multiple smartphone platforms. The Forerunner 235 features a larger color display, making it easier to navigate and read, while the Vivosmart 3's hidden display adds a level of discretion to its design. The ability to customize and sync both devices through the Garmin Connect app adds to the overall user experience.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 costs $299.99 and offers a range of features tailored to serious athletes and runners, including GPS, cycling, and swimming tracking, making it a valuable investment for those who require comprehensive fitness monitoring capabilities.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
At $139.99, the Garmin Vivosmart 3 is a more affordable option for casual fitness enthusiasts, featuring core activity tracking capabilities along with unique features such as the barometer. However, the lack of GPS and cycling tracking could be a limitation for those with more advanced fitness needs.
Comparison of Price and Value
Comparing the two devices, the Forerunner 235 offers a more extensive range of features suitable for athletes and dedicated fitness enthusiasts, while the Vivosmart 3 caters to those seeking a discreet and affordable everyday tracker. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual requirements and budget constraints.
Conclusion
While the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Garmin Vivosmart 3 share several similarities in features and functions, the former is better suited for athletes and users with advanced fitness needs due to its GPS capabilities, extended battery life, and additional tracking features. The Vivosmart 3 is perfect for casual fitness enthusiasts who require an affordable and discreet daily fitness tracker. Ultimately, choosing the right device depends on your individual fitness goals and budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is better for runners?
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a better choice for runners as it has GPS, cycling, and swimming tracking, along with a larger color display for easy navigation and readability.
Are both devices waterproof?
Both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart 3 have a 5 ATM water-resistance rating, making them suitable for activities such as swimming and showering.
Can I receive smartphone notifications on both devices?
Yes, both the Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart 3 can display notifications for calls, text messages, and emails when connected to a compatible smartphone.
Which device has a longer battery life?
The Garmin Forerunner 235 has a longer battery life of up to nine days, compared to the Vivosmart 3, which offers a five-day battery life.
Do both devices support GPS tracking?
Only the Garmin Forerunner 235 offers built-in GPS tracking, whereas the Vivosmart 3 does not.
