Comparing Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR
When it comes to choosing the right fitness tracker, Garmin offers some great choices to fit your needs. Two popular options are the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Vivosmart HR. These devices have been designed to help you monitor your health, reach your fitness goals, and stay connected. The Garmin brand has built a reputation for creating high-quality, reliable and feature-packed devices. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two trackers to help you make a decision on which one best suits your needs.
Selecting the right fitness tracker will ultimately depend on personal preferences and requirements. Both the Garmin Vivosmart HR and Garmin Forerunner 235 come with a range of features to help you stay on top of your fitness journey. In this article, we will discuss their design and build, features and functionalities, user interface and experience, price and value, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort during your workouts. It has a sleek design with a color display and a screen size of 1.23 inches. The screen resolution is 215 x 180 pixels, while the display is made from MIP technology. The device is light in weight and water-resistant up to 5 ATM.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart HR features a slim design with a black-and-white display and a screen size of 1.08 inches. The screen resolution is 160 x 68 pixels. Like the Forerunner 235, the Vivosmart HR is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for swim tracking.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices are lightweight and comfortable to wear during various activities. While the Forerunner 235 boasts a color display, the Vivosmart HR has a more compact design. The key differences between the two devices lie in the screen size, screen resolution, and display technology.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 offers an array of features such as an operating system, built-in GPS, and compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones. This fitness tracker comes with numerous sensors like an accelerometer and offers fitness tracking features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step counting. It also offers music and phone functions, including email and text notifications. The Forerunner 235 has a battery life of up to 9 days and uses Bluetooth connectivity to sync with compatible devices.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Garmin Vivosmart HR, while lacking the GPS capability of the Forerunner 235, includes similar features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step counting. It also offers phone, email, and text functions, and is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. While it does not have an operating system, the Vivosmart HR connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and has a battery life of up to 5 days.
Comparison of features and performance
While both devices offer a myriad of features, the Forerunner 235 has a few advantages over the Vivosmart HR in terms of additional features like GPS and screen display. However, the Vivosmart HR is still a solid option for those who do not require GPS tracking and prefer a more compact design.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 235
With a color display, touchscreen functionality, and customizable apps, the Forerunner 235 offers a seamless user experience. The device pairs easily with smartphones, allowing you to take advantage of features such as notifications, music control, and weather updates. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart HR has a black-and-white display and does not have touchscreen capabilities. However, it does pair with smartphones and offers similar functionality in terms of notifications and app integration.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The user interface of the Garmin Vivosmart HR is more straightforward, with a black-and-white display and physical buttons for navigation. The device connects to smartphones via Bluetooth and offers app integration and notifications.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Forerunner 235 has a more advanced user interface compared to the Vivosmart HR, with a color display and touch functionality. Despite this, the Vivosmart HR still provides a decent user experience, especially for those who prefer a simpler design.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is priced at $299.99, offering a range of advanced features such as GPS, a color display, and a longer battery life compared to the Vivosmart HR.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Vivosmart HR is priced at $170, making it a more affordable option for those who do not require GPS capabilities and would prefer a more compact design.
Comparison of price and value
Although the Forerunner 235 comes at a higher price, it offers more advanced features and a better user interface than the Vivosmart HR. Conversely, the Vivosmart HR is still a good value for those who do not need GPS and prefer a simpler and more compact design.
Conclusion
In this comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Garmin Vivosmart HR, we have discussed their design, features, user interface and experience, and price. Overall, the Forerunner 235 is the better choice for those who require GPS capabilities, a color display, and longer battery life. However, the Vivosmart HR is still a worthy contender if you prefer a simple design, lower price, and do not need GPS functionality. Ultimately, the choice between these two devices comes down to personal preferences and desired features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GPS feature essential for fitness tracking?
GPS is not necessary for basic fitness tracking but is highly beneficial for tracking activities like running and cycling, providing accurate distance and speed measurements. If you regularly participate in these activities, the GPS functionality in the Forerunner 235 might be the better choice.
Do both devices offer sleep tracking and heart monitoring?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR offer sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring features to help you stay informed about your overall health and well-being.
Can I control my music from my fitness tracker?
Both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR offer music control functionalities when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Do both devices receive notifications from my phone?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR provide notifications for phone calls, text messages, and emails when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Can I use either device while swimming?
Both the Forerunner 235 and Vivosmart HR are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming activities. However, only the Forerunner 235 has swim tracking capabilities.
