Comparing Vivoactive 3 and Forerunner 935
When it comes to smartwatches and wearables, the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Garmin Vivoactive 3 are among the popular choices for fitness enthusiasts. Both devices, released in 2017, offer a range of features designed to track your activities and monitor your health. Moreover, the quality and reliability of Garmin products have solidified the brand’s reputation as a leader in the wearable technology market.
Choosing the right wearable can have a significant impact on your fitness journey. It is crucial to examine the two products to understand their similarities, differences, and the value they provide. This article will delve into the design, build quality, features, performance, user experience, and price of both products to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 features a fiber-reinforced polymer case, a silicone strap, and a chemically strengthened glass screen. With a weight of 49 grams, it is slightly lighter than its counterpart. The 1.2-inch display has a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, and it uses an LCD screen, providing a crisp and clear visualization of the data.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is built with a fiber-reinforced polymer casing, a silicone strap, and a durable Gorilla Glass 3 screen. It weighs 43 grams, and its 1.2-inch display, with the same resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, utilizes an MIP screen known for its energy efficiency and better outdoor visibility.
Comparison of Design and Build Quality
Both Garmin Forerunner 935 and Garmin Vivoactive 3 showcase similarities in their design and build, with fiber-reinforced polymer cases, silicone straps, and reliable screen technologies. The slight weight difference and screen type serve as the primary contrasting factors, with the Forerunner 935 being a tad heavier and featuring an LCD display, while the Vivoactive 3 boasts an MIP screen and is lighter.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 is void of an operating system but includes several sensors, such as an accelerometer and barometer. It comes with a 2-week battery life and offers fitness tracking features like heart rate monitoring, distance tracking, oxygen tracking, sleep tracking, and more. It is also Android, iOS, and Windows Phone compatible, has Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Like its counterpart, the Vivoactive 3 doesn’t have a dedicated operating system but is equipped with various sensors. It flaunts a 7-day battery life and offers similar fitness tracking functions to the Forerunner 935, with the exception of oxygen tracking. The Vivoactive 3 is compatible with Android and iOS devices, has Bluetooth and GPS, but lacks NFC and Wi-Fi functionalities.
Comparison of Features and Performance
Both devices offer the majority of key fitness tracking features, with the Forerunner 935 taking a slight lead due to its oxygen tracking function. The 935 model also has a longer battery life and NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities, which are not available in the Vivoactive 3. However, the latter is still a strong contender with its essential fitness features and device compatibility.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 boasts a configurable display, easy navigation, a suite of customizable apps, and compatibility with smartphones for additional features like music and phone functions. It does not, however, support voice commands.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Similar to the Forerunner 935, the Vivoactive 3 offers a user-friendly display, seamless navigation, an array of apps and customization options, and compatibility with smartphones. It also supports music and phone functions but falls short in providing voice control.
Comparison of User Interface and User Experience
Both Garmin products offer similar user interfaces and experiences, with efficient navigation, app ecosystems, and smartphone integration. The absence of voice controls is a noteworthy limitation shared by both devices.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 935
With a price tag of $500, the Garmin Forerunner 935 is a more expensive option compared to its counterpart. Its variety of features, long battery life, and durability, however, justify the higher cost.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The Garmin Vivoactive 3, priced at $299, offers a more affordable alternative to the Forerunner 935, while still providing valuable fitness tracking features and device compatibility.
Comparison of Price and Value
While the Forerunner 935 offers slightly more advanced features, the Vivoactive 3 provides a more budget-friendly choice with its essential fitness tracking capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive 3 both offer valuable features and reliable performance. Your final decision will primarily depend on your budget and specific tracking requirements. If you seek advanced fitness tracking and additional connectivity options, the Forerunner 935 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer essential tracking features at a lower price, the Vivoactive 3 is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 935 or the Garmin Vivoactive 3?
The Garmin Forerunner 935 has a superior battery life of up to 2 weeks, compared to the Vivoactive 3's 7-day battery life.
Is the Garmin Vivoactive 3 compatible with Windows phones?
Unlike the Forerunner 935, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 does not support compatibility with Windows phones.
Which fitness tracker supports oxygen tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 935 or the Garmin Vivoactive 3?
Only the Garmin Forerunner 935 includes oxygen tracking as one of its features.
Do both Garmin devices support built-in GPS functionality?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive 3 feature built-in GPS capabilities.
Are both the Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive 3 water-resistant?
Yes, both Garmin devices are water-resistant with a rating of 5 ATM.
