Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Forerunner 735XT
When it comes to smartwatches and fitness trackers, two excellent tools worth considering are the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and the Garmin Vivosmart 4. These devices have been designed to help fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike, monitor their progress and enhance their performance. By choosing the right wearable, users can access a variety of features that best suit their needs.
Founded in 1989, Garmin has been a pioneer in GPS navigation and wireless devices. With their impeccable reputation for quality and innovative products, the company has created a broad range of wearable devices that cater to various sports and fitness activities. In this article, we will thoroughly compare the Garmin Forerunner 735XT and the Garmin Vivosmart 4, so you can make an informed decision about which device best meets your requirements.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT, released in 2016, has a high-resolution color display measuring 1.23 inches with a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels. Weighing around 40.2 grams, the device has a five-button interface and a sleek design. With a water resistance of 5 ATM, it can withstand pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters underwater. The Forerunner 735XT also sports a comfortable silicone strap.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
Released in 2018, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 has a compact OLED display with a touchscreen, measuring 0.74 inches with a resolution of 48 x 128 pixels. Weighing only 20.4 grams, the slim and lightweight fitness tracker also boasts a water resistance of 5 ATM. Its slick design is complemented with a durable silicone strap and anodized aluminum bezel.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices offer a durable and lightweight design, with the Forerunner 735XT featuring a larger display and the Vivosmart 4 sporting a more compact design. The choice between the two will depend on the user’s preference for display size and overall device style.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Key features of the Garmin Forerunner 735XT include a multisport and advanced swimming mode, GPS, and smartphone compatibility. The device supports heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and various fitness activities such as cycling, swimming, and distance tracking. The battery life ranges from 11 days (watch mode) to 14 hours (GPS mode).
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is equipped with a pulse oximeter, heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and smartphone compatibility. It also supports several fitness activities such as steps, calories, and distance tracking, along with swim tracking. The battery life for the Vivosmart 4 is up to 7 days.
Comparison of features and performance
The key differences between the two devices include the presence of GPS, multisport mode, and advanced swimming features in the Forerunner 735XT that may appeal more to athletes or fitness enthusiasts looking for detailed exercise tracking. On the other hand, the Vivosmart 4's focus is on everyday health monitoring, making it a more fitting option for users with a casual approach to fitness or those who prioritize sleep tracking and stress monitoring.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT offers a user-friendly interface with five physical buttons for navigating through the menus. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices and can be customized with various widgets, watch faces, and data fields. It also includes smart notification features for phone calls, texts, and emails.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 features a touchscreen interface that allows users to swipe through menus and widgets. With Android and iOS compatibility, the device receives smart notifications for emails, calls, and messages, but lacks third-party application support.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT offers a more comprehensive user experience, with greater customization options and compatibility with multiple operating systems. Additionally, it provides easy access to information, thanks to its five-button navigation system. The Vivosmart 4, on the other hand, offers a touchscreen interface but falls short in terms of third-party application support and overall customization.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
With a retail price of $450, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT offers a host of advanced features targeted at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its high price tag reflects the extensive offerings for multisport tracking and GPS functionality.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 comes with a much lower price tag of $130. With its focus on daily health tracking and pulse oximeter, this fitness tracker offers an affordable alternative for users prioritizing wellness monitoring and basic fitness tracking.
Comparison of price and value
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT offers more advanced features and customization options, making it worth the higher price tag for serious athletes or those looking for extensive multisport tracking. Meanwhile, the Vivosmart 4 delivers excellent value for those prioritizing basic fitness and health monitoring at a lower cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a comprehensive multisport smartwatch, well-suited for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who demand advanced features such as GPS and multisport mode. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is perfect for individuals seeking daily health and basic fitness tracking, with its lower price and compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is better for athletes?
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is the better choice for athletes, as it offers advanced multisport tracking features, GPS functionality, and a more comprehensive user experience.
Which device is more suitable for everyday health monitoring?
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is ideal for everyday health monitoring, as it offers a slim design and focuses on essential wellness features such as sleep and stress tracking, pulse oximetry, and basic fitness tracking.
Does Garmin Forerunner 735XT have a touchscreen?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT does not have a touchscreen. Instead, it has a five-button interface for navigation and menu selection.
Is the Garmin Vivosmart 4 compatible with third-party apps?
No, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 does not support third-party applications.
Which device has a longer battery life?
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT has a longer battery life, providing up to 14 hours in GPS mode or 11 days in watch mode. In contrast, the Vivosmart 4 offers a battery life of up to 7 days.
