Comparing Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Garmin Vivoactive HR are two popular smartwatches that cater to fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike. Both come from the reputable Garmin brand, known for its high-quality GPS technology, and offer a wide range of features. In this article, we will discuss the design, build, features, user interface, user experience, price, value, and frequently asked questions about both watches, to help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the right watch is essential for meeting your fitness and lifestyle goals. It can be your workout companion, your personal coach, and your everyday wearable that keeps you connected to the world. As a trusted brand, Garmin focuses on providing cutting-edge products, aiming to deliver accurate data and top performance in various sports and fitness activities.
Garmin has a rich history in the world of GPS and wearables. Founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, the company has continued to innovate and expand its product line to cater to a wide range of consumers. With both the Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive HR, Garmin has successfully merged design, functionality, and compatibility. This article will explore these smartwatches in detail, highlighting their similarities and differences to give you a better understanding of which one suits your needs best.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 employs a fiber-reinforced polymer case, which makes it lightweight and durable. It has a 1.2-inch screen, a 240 x 240-pixel color display, and weighs 49 grams. The screen is made of chemically strengthened glass, adding a layer of protection, while the interchangeable silicone bands provide customizable style and comfort.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Similarly, the Vivoactive HR is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, making it a durable and lightweight option. It has a 1.38-inch screen with a 148 x 205-pixel color display and weighs 47.6 grams. The chemically strengthened glass screen ensures durability, and the silicone strap adds personalization and comfort to your wearable experience.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive HR boast a robust fiber-reinforced polymer construction and chemically strengthened glass screens that add durability to their design. The Forerunner 935 has a larger and higher-resolution screen, providing a more vivid and clearer display. However, it is slightly heavier than the Vivoactive HR. The interchangeable bands for both watches offer customization and comfort to cater to varying preferences.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 935
Notable features of the Forerunner 935 include an advanced GPS system, heart rate monitoring, oxygen tracking, sleep tracking, step tracking, and swim tracking. It also supports cycling and can estimate the calories burned during workouts. The watch has a two-week battery life in regular use and boasts multiple connectivity options like Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Like its counterpart, the Vivoactive HR offers a range of features like GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step tracking, and swim tracking. It also has cycling support and estimates calories burned. However, it lacks oxygen tracking capabilities. The battery life varies from 13 hours in GPS mode to eight days in smartwatch mode. Connectivity options include GPS and Bluetooth, but no Wi-Fi or NFC.
Comparison of features and performance
Both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Vivoactive HR have similar core features, but the Forerunner 935 edges out the competition with additional oxygen tracking and better connectivity options. Battery life is longer on the Forerunner 935, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer more extended usage between charges. On the other hand, the Vivoactive HR offers a lower price point for a smaller feature set, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 features a clear and easy-to-navigate display, customizable watch faces and widgets, and compatibility with smartphones (Android, iOS, and Windows Phone). The available apps enhance the device’s functionality, while the touchscreen and button navigations make interactions seamless. It also has audio and vibration alerts, plus support for phone, text, and email functions.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Similarly, the Vivoactive HR offers a convenient user interface with a touchscreen display, support for smartphone compatibility (Android, iOS, and Windows Phone), and customization options through apps and widgets. It also has audio and vibration alerts, as well as phone, text, and email functions. However, the screen resolution is lower than the Forerunner 935, making it less clear and sharp.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both watches offer an intuitive user interface and seamless compatibility with various smartphones. The Forerunner 935 has a sharper, clearer display, which enhances the user experience. However, both devices offer customizable options, including apps, widgets, and alerts, making them versatile and engaging smartwatches.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is priced at around $500, offering an extensive range of features, a high-quality build, and premium design. With its impressive battery life and connectivity options, it’s a versatile and reliable choice for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking advanced performance tracking.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
At a more budget-friendly price of around $250, the Vivoactive HR retains many of the features found in the Forerunner 935, making it an excellent value for money option. While it sacrifices the oxygen tracking capability, higher screen resolution, and some connectivity options, it still offers a comprehensive fitness tracking experience.
Comparison of price and value
Comparing the Forerunner 935 and the Vivoactive HR, the former provides a more comprehensive feature set, a better display, and longer battery life at a higher price point. The Vivoactive HR, on the other hand, offers an affordable alternative with slightly fewer features but still covers the basics for a satisfying fitness tracking experience. It’s crucial to consider your priorities and budget when deciding between the two smartwatches.
Conclusion
When choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Vivoactive HR, consider the features most important to you, your budget, and personal preferences. With its broader range of capabilities, better display, and longer battery life, the Forerunner 935 is recommended for those seeking advanced tracking options and superior performance. The Vivoactive HR is an affordable alternative that caters to fitness enthusiasts who want a reliable tracking experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which watch is more suitable for serious athletes?
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is the better option for serious athletes, with its more extensive feature set, including oxygen tracking, better display, and longer battery life.
Do both watches offer smartphone compatibility and notifications?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive HR are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices and provide support for phone, text, and email notifications.
Are the Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive HR waterproof?
Yes, both smartwatches have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Do both watches offer GPS functionality?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive HR feature GPS tracking systems for accurate tracking during various fitness activities.
Is it worth the price difference between the Forerunner 935 and Vivoactive HR?
It depends on your priorities and budget. If you require advanced tracking features, better screen clarity, and longer battery life, the Forerunner 935 may be worth the higher price point. However, the Vivoactive HR still offers a lot of functionality at a more affordable price range, making it a good choice for budget-conscious users.