Comparing Forerunner 935 and Vivofit 3
The Garmin Forerunner 935 and Garmin Vivofit 3 are both popular fitness watches that cater to different needs and budgets. The Forerunner 935, released in 2017, is a top-of-the-range GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes, while the Vivofit 3, launched in 2016, is an affordable, entry-level fitness tracker suitable for casual exercisers. Both offerings come from the reputable Garmin brand, which has a solid history of producing high-quality wearables.
Choosing the right watch can make a significant difference in tracking and achieving fitness goals. This comparison focuses on the design and build, features and functionality, user interface and experience, price and value, and frequently asked questions about these two Garmin watches.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a lightweight (49g) watch designed for comfort during intense workouts. It features a 1.2-inch color display (240 x 240 pixels) that ensures excellent readability even in direct sunlight. The dial consists of a fiber-reinforced polymer casing with a stainless steel bezel.
Garmin Vivofit 3
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is a more simplified wearable that weighs only 26g. It has a smaller 0.55-inch monochromatic display (64 x 64 pixels) with a chemically strengthened glass face. The device’s housing is made from a durable polymer material.
Comparison of Design and Build Quality
While both devices showcase Garmin’s high-quality build, the Forerunner 935 stands out with a larger, color display and a more premium design. The Vivofit 3, however, takes the lead in terms of weight, being perfect for those who seek a minimalistic tracker.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 boasts various fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, oxygen tracking, and support for various activities like swimming, cycling, and more. Its advanced features include built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and NFC. The watch also has Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone compatibility, and a rechargeable battery with up to 2 weeks of battery life.
Garmin Vivofit 3
While not as feature-rich as the Forerunner 935, the Vivofit 3 still offers a respectable set of features like calorie, distance, and sleep tracking. It has an outstanding battery life of 1 year provided by a non-rechargeable battery. Additionally, the fitness tracker is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows smartphones via Bluetooth connectivity.
Comparison of Features and Performance
The Forerunner 935 leads in terms of performance and features, providing in-depth fitness tracking and multiple connectivity options. The Vivofit 3, however, is still a solid choice for basic fitness tracking needs and an unbeatable battery life.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 comes with a user-friendly interface, offering easy navigation through menus and customizable widgets. The watch can display notifications from a connected smartphone and is compatible with a wide range of apps from the Garmin Connect app store.
Garmin Vivofit 3
In comparison, the Vivofit 3 provides a more basic user experience, with limited customization options and no app store access. Nonetheless, it remains an accessible, easy-to-navigate device that delivers essential information at a glance.
Comparison of User Interface and User Experience
The Forerunner 935 is the clear choice for those seeking advanced customization options and a more informative user experience. The Vivofit 3 remains a reliable choice for users who prefer simplicity and easy navigation.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935, priced at $500, offers a comprehensive suite of features, top-tier performance, and excellent build quality. For serious athletes, it presents great value despite the higher price tag.
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Garmin Vivofit 3, at $100, is an affordable and capable fitness tracker that caters to the needs of casual exercisers. Its fantastic battery life and ease of use make it a great value device for its price range.
Comparison of Price and Value
Both the Forerunner 935 and Vivofit 3 provide value for their respective target markets. For those seeking advanced features and an engaging user experience, the Forerunner 935 is worth the extra expense. The Vivofit 3 is ideal for users who want to track basic fitness metrics without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice between the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Garmin Vivofit 3 depends on individual needs and preferences. The Forerunner 935 caters to serious athletes with its extensive functionality and customizable options, while the Vivofit 3 is a more budget-friendly, user-friendly device suited for casual fitness tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 935 suitable for swimming?
Yes, the Forerunner 935 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and even shallow diving.
Can the Garmin Vivofit 3's battery be replaced?
The Vivofit 3 uses a non-rechargeable battery that lasts for approximately one year. Once depleted, the battery can easily be replaced with a new one.
Do both devices have sleep tracking capabilities?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Vivofit 3 feature sleep tracking, allowing users to monitor their sleep patterns and gain insights into their sleep quality.
Can I receive notifications from my smartphone on the Garmin Forerunner 935?
Yes, the Forerunner 935 is capable of displaying notifications from a connected smartphone, including text messages, emails, and app alerts.
Which Garmin device has better battery life?
The Garmin Vivofit 3 offers significantly longer battery life, lasting up to one year on a single battery, compared to the Forerunner 935's rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 2 weeks.
