Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Forerunner 45
The Garmin Forerunner 45 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 are popular wearable devices that come with unique features designed to cater to diverse user needs, typically related to fitness tracking and personal health management. Choosing the right device involves evaluating its design, build quality, features, and user experience in order to ensure it matches specific needs and preferences.
Both devices are from Garmin, a world-renowned maker of GPS-based smartwatches and fitness trackers. Known for their exceptional quality and innovative designs, Garmin’s wearables cater to various fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and personal users. Understanding each device’s offerings and making an informed choice is crucial, as indicated by the differences between the Forerunner 45 and Vivosmart 4.
This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of the design, build, features, and user experience of the Garmin Forerunner 45 and Vivosmart 4. Additionally, the price and value aspect for both devices will be discussed.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 45
The Garmin Forerunner 45 comes with a lightweight design crafted from durable materials. The case is made from fiber-reinforced polymer, while the screen is reinforced with chemically strengthened glass. The device weighs 36 grams and features a 1.04-inch color LCD display with a 208 x 208-pixel resolution. This circular screen offers excellent readability in various lighting conditions.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a sleek fitness tracker with a slim profile. Built using an aluminum case and featuring a chemically strengthened glass screen, the Vivosmart 4 weighs only 19 grams. The device’s 0.74-inch OLED display comes with a 48 x 128-pixel resolution, ensuring a crisp and clear view of information.
Comparison of design and build quality
Comparing the design and build quality of both devices, the Forerunner 45 is bulkier but offers a larger display, while the Vivosmart 4 is lighter with a more stylish appearance. Both share chemically strengthened glass screens and utilize durable materials for optimum protection.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 45
The Forerunner 45 offers various features, including an integrated GPS, heart rate tracking, and sleep tracking. The device supports calorie tracking, distance tracking, cycling tracking, and step tracking. The Forerunner 45 runs on a built-in operating system, can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, and has audio capabilities for call and text notifications. With a battery life of up to 7 days, this wearable offers a comprehensive fitness and health tracking experience.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4 also provides heart rate and sleep tracking, along with calorie tracking, distance tracking, and step tracking. Remarkably, this device can monitor blood oxygen levels, setting it apart from the Forerunner 45. While it lacks an integrated GPS, it still offers health and fitness tracking features for daily use. Similar to the Forerunner 45, the Vivosmart 4 can last up to 7 days on a single charge.
Comparison of features and performance
While both devices offer various health and fitness tracking features, the Forerunner 45 holds more advantages with built-in GPS and audio capabilities. The Vivosmart 4, however, includes unique features like blood oxygen tracking. Battery life remains the same for both devices, and both can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 45
The Forerunner 45 offers a vibrant color display and intuitive navigation that can be easily customized. Compatibility with Garmin’s Connect app allows users to analyze their data and track progress over time. This smartwatch is both Android and iOS compatible and delivers email, call, and text notifications.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
With a touchscreen OLED display, the Vivosmart 4 delivers a visually appealing user experience. Navigating the interface is quite easy, and customization options are available. The device is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and offers email and call notifications, although it lacks support for text messages.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Forerunner 45 delivers a more comprehensive experience with its larger color display, audio capabilities, and compatibility with Garmin’s Connect app. The Vivosmart 4, on the other hand, offers a sleek design and blood oxygen tracking, but misses out on GPS functionality.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 45
Priced at $199, the Garmin Forerunner 45 offers an array of fitness tracking features and smartphone compatibility, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a feature-rich, GPS-enabled smartwatch.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
At $130, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a cost-effective option for users primarily focused on essential health and fitness tracking features, including blood oxygen monitoring.
Comparison of price and value
While the Forerunner 45 comes with a higher price tag, it offers additional features like GPS, making it a solid choice for those more focused on athletic performance. The Vivosmart 4, meanwhile, provides a more affordable option for those who prioritize basic health management and a stylish design.
Conclusion
When choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 45 and Vivosmart 4, the key factor to consider is individual priorities. Users geared towards comprehensive fitness tracking, GPS functionality, and a larger display will greatly benefit from the Forerunner 45, while those opting for blood oxygen tracking and a sleek design may prefer the Vivosmart 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both devices water-resistant?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 45 and Vivosmart 4 have a water resistance of 5 ATM, making them suitable for activities like swimming and showering.
Can I control music on either device?
Yes, both the Forerunner 45 and Vivosmart 4 support music control when connected to a compatible smartphone.
Do both devices have a rechargeable battery?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 45 and Vivosmart 4 feature rechargeable batteries that last up to 7 days on a single charge, depending on usage.
Are Garmin devices compatible with third-party fitness apps?
While Garmin devices are primarily designed to work with the Garmin Connect app, some third-party fitness apps may support integration with Garmin devices. Compatibility varies depending on the specific app and device.
Which device is better for outdoor activities and athletic training?
The Garmin Forerunner 45 is better suited for outdoor activities and athletic training due to its built-in GPS functionality, enabling users to track their performance and routes more precisely.
