Comparing Vivosmart HR Plus and Forerunner 935
Garmin is a well-known name in the world of smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables. Among their offerings are the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus. As they were both released in 2017, they are considered contemporaries, but are designed for different purposes and preferences. Understanding the importance of choosing a watch to suit one’s needs is crucial, as the devices offer features that cater to varying fitness and lifestyle goals.
Garmin enjoys a solid reputation for its history in producing innovative and reliable products. The company is trusted among users for its ability to deliver products that stand the test of time and offer the latest features in the industry.
In this article, we will delve into the details of both the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus, exploring their key properties and comparing their designs, features, user interfaces, values, and overall user experience to help make an informed decision on which device is best suited for your needs.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 boasts a rugged design with a high-quality build, featuring materials such as fiber-reinforced polymer for the bezel, glass for the lens, and a silicone strap for comfort. The device measures 47 x 47 x 13.9 mm and weighs 49 grams. The 1.2-inch display uses sunlight-visible, transflective, memory-in-pixel technology with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
On the other hand, the Vivosmart HR Plus showcases a more slim and sleek design. The materials include a metal bezel, glass lens, and a silicone strap. It has dimensions of 21 x 15 x 191 mm and a weight of 30.2 grams. The display, measuring 0.5 x 0.8 inches, features an always-on, sunlight-readable touchscreen with a 160 x 68-pixel resolution.
Comparison of design and build quality
The Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus both have their unique designs, catering to different user preferences. The Forerunner 935 is geared more towards a rugged, robust look, whereas the Vivosmart HR Plus looks sleeker and more minimalist. Both devices have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, ensuring durability in wet environments. While the Forerunner 935 has a larger display, the Vivosmart HR Plus has a more compact form factor.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 is loaded with fitness tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, distance tracking, oxygen tracking, and other sports-related functionalities. It also uses GPS and GLONASS for location services. The device operates on the proprietary Garmin platform, with a battery life that can last up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Vivosmart HR Plus, designed more for casual fitness enthusiasts than athletes, provides basic fitness tracking functions such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, distance tracking, and steps tracking. It also features GPS for location tracking. The battery on this device lasts up to 5 days, and the operating system is not specified.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices offer essential fitness tracking features, catered towards different user profiles. The Forerunner 935 provides a more comprehensive suite of functionalities for sports and training enthusiasts, while the Vivosmart HR Plus focuses on a casual fitness experience. Additionally, the Forerunner 935 comes with a longer battery life as compared to the Vivosmart HR Plus.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 offers a responsive touchscreen display, customizable watch faces, and compatibility with apps through the Garmin Connect platform. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices, allowing users to receive notifications like calls, texts, and emails.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Vivosmart HR Plus has a similar display but with a lower resolution. It supports smartphone notifications and basic text and call functions. The device is also compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices but does not offer app support like the Forerunner 935.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus provide a user-friendly experience, featuring touchscreen displays and compatibility with popular smartphone platforms. However, they differ in terms of app support and customizability, with the Forerunner 935 offering a more comprehensive experience for users.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 935
With a price tag of $500, the Forerunner 935 is a premium offering and is targeted at serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need a wide range of features to track their performance.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
On the other end, the Vivosmart HR Plus comes at a significantly lower price of $179, making it more accessible to casual fitness enthusiasts who require basic fitness tracking features.
Comparison of price and value
Given the difference in features and target audience, the value for money varies between the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus. While the Forerunner 935 may seem expensive, it offers more fitness tracking features and customizability options for serious athletes. Alternatively, the Vivosmart HR Plus is more budget-friendly and caters to casual fitness enthusiasts looking for essential functionalities.
Conclusion
After analyzing the key aspects, it becomes clear that the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus are designed for different user profiles. The Forerunner 935 caters to athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require comprehensive tracking features and customizability. Meanwhile, the Vivosmart HR Plus is designed for casual fitness enthusiasts who seek basic tracking features at a more budget-friendly price point. With this information, it becomes easier to determine which option best aligns with individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 935 suitable for casual fitness enthusiasts?
While the Forerunner 935 is tailored more for athletes and serious fitness enthusiasts, it can still cater to casual users who would like a premium and feature-rich smartwatch.
Can the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus track swimming activities?
No, the Vivosmart HR Plus is not designed for swim tracking, unlike the Forerunner 935.
Do both devices support music control?
Yes, both the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus offer music control functions.
What are the water resistance ratings for the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus?
Both the Forerunner 935 and Vivosmart HR Plus have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.
Can I use third-party apps on the Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus?
No, the Vivosmart HR Plus does not support third-party apps, unlike its counterpart, the Forerunner 935.
