Comparing Instinct and Vivofit 3
The Garmin Instinct and the Garmin Vivofit 3 are both popular fitness trackers designed for individuals looking to monitor their health and fitness activities. When deciding between these two devices, it’s essential to understand their unique features, design, functionality, and overall value for money.
Selecting the right watch for your needs is crucial for tracking your progress, setting goals, and staying motivated in your fitness journey. Garmin is a well-known and reputable brand that has been creating innovative GPS technology and wearable devices since 1989.
Throughout this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of the Garmin Instinct and Garmin Vivofit 3, touching on their design, features, user interface and user experience, as well as their cost and overall value.
Design and Build
Garmin Instinct
- Materials: Constructed with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a chemically-strengthened glass watch face
- Size and Weight: Lightweight with a case diameter of 45.0 mm and a thickness of 15.3 mm
- Display/Screen: Monochrome, 128x128 pixels, sunlight-visible, and transflective memory-in-pixel
Garmin Vivofit 3
- Materials: Made from durable silicone with a chemically-strengthened glass face
- Size and Weight: Low-profile design, weighing 26 grams
- Display/Screen: Black and white, 64x64 pixels, and visible under direct sunlight
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Garmin Instinct and Vivofit 3 are designed to be comfortable and durable for daily wear. The Instinct has a slightly larger and more rugged design, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and those with an active lifestyle. In contrast, the Vivofit 3 has a minimalist design, making it a better option for those who prefer a discreet and slim fitness tracker.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Instinct
- Operating system: Proprietary Garmin OS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, barometric altimeter, compass, GPS/GLONASS, heart rate monitor, and thermometer
- Battery life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode
- Fitness tracking: Steps, heart rate, calories, distance, sleep, and swim tracking
- Additional features: Smartphone notifications, weather, and music control
Garmin Vivofit 3
- Operating system: Proprietary Garmin OS
- Sensors: Accelerometer
- Battery life: 1-year battery life (user-replaceable battery)
- Fitness tracking: Steps, sleep, calories, distance, and swim tracking
- Additional features: Move IQ auto activity detection and Move bar inactivity reminder
Comparison of features and performance
Both the Instinct and Vivofit 3 offer comprehensive fitness tracking features. However, the Instinct provides more advanced functionality, including GPS and heart rate monitoring. The Vivofit 3 excels in battery life, lasting up to a year without needing a recharge. Both devices have water resistance, making them suitable for swimming.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Instinct
- Display: Monochrome 128x128 pixels
- Navigation: Five-button interface
- Apps and customization: Basic watch faces and data fields
- Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
Garmin Vivofit 3
- Display: Black and white 64x64 pixels
- Navigation: Single-button interface
- Apps and customization: Limited to various watch faces
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Garmin Instinct offers more customization options and a better display compared to the Vivofit 3. Nevertheless, both devices provide an easy-to-use interface, excellent compatibility with smartphones, and a simple navigation system.
Price and Value
Garmin Instinct
With a price tag of $300, the Garmin Instinct offers advanced GPS capabilities, heart rate monitoring, and an array of fitness tracking features, making it a great value for those seeking a comprehensive fitness tracker.
Garmin Vivofit 3
At $100, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is a more affordable option, which still offers impressive battery life and essential fitness tracking features. Ideal for those who want a simple and budget-friendly device.
Comparison of price and value
The Garmin Instinct and Vivofit 3 cater to different price ranges while still delivering excellent performance. The Instinct is a better fit for those seeking advanced features, whereas the Vivofit 3 is perfect for individuals on a budget or seeking a basic fitness tracker.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Instinct and the Garmin Vivofit 3 comes down to your personal preferences and needs. The Instinct is perfect for those who want a rugged design, advanced features, and GPS capabilities, while the Vivofit 3 is ideal for individuals looking for a simple, budget-friendly fitness tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Instinct or Vivofit 3 better for swimming?
Both devices are water-resistant and suitable for swim tracking. However, the Instinct has a higher water-resistance rating of 10 ATM compared to the Vivofit 3's 5 ATM.
Can I receive text, email or phone call notifications on the Garmin Instinct and Vivofit 3?
The Garmin Instinct allows you to receive smartphone notifications, including texts, emails, and phone call alerts. The Vivofit 3, on the other hand, does not support these features.
Which device is more durable, the Garmin Instinct or the Vivofit 3?
Both the Instinct and Vivofit 3 are made from durable materials, but the Instinct features a more rugged design, making it better suited for harsh outdoor conditions and extreme activities.
Can I customize the watch face on the Garmin Instinct and Vivofit 3?
While both devices offer limited customization options for watch faces, the Garmin Instinct has more options available than the Vivofit 3.
Does the Garmin Vivofit 3 require regular charging?
No, the Garmin Vivofit 3 has a user-replaceable battery that lasts for up to a year without charging, unlike the Garmin Instinct, which requires recharging approximately every 14 days.
