Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Vivosmart 4

 
Instinct
Vivosmart 4
 GarminInstinctBuy NowGarminVivosmart 4Buy Now

Basic Info

Suggested Price$300$130
Release20182018

Activity & Fitness

Calories
Cycling (Bicycling)
Distance
Heart
Oxygen
Sleep
Steps
Swim

Battery

Duration14 days7 days
Rechargeable

Compatibility

Android
iOS
Windows Phone
Mac
Windows

Connectivity

Bluetooth
Cellular
GPS
NFC
Wi-Fi

Display

Color
Resolution128 x 12848 x 128
Size0.9 inches0.74 inches
Touch
TypeOMOLEDOLED

Functions

Audio Speaker
Clock
Phone
Vibration
Voice

Hardware

Accelerometer
Barometer or Altimeter
Ultraviolet Sensor
Water Resistance10 ATM5 ATM

Notifications

Phone
Emails
Texts

Software

Operating System
Apps
Music

Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Instinct

The Garmin Instinct and Garmin Vivosmart 4 are two popular wearables that cater to different needs of fitness enthusiasts. Both devices come from Garmin, a highly respected brand known for their high-quality watches and fitness trackers. In this comparison, we will take a detailed look at both products, explore their features, and help you make an informed decision on which one is right for you.

Choosing the right wearable is essential for not only tracking your fitness progress but also for ensuring that you stay motivated and committed to your health and wellness goals. To make the right choice, it is important to understand the reputation of the brand and the history of its products. Garmin has been a leading name in GPS navigation systems and wearable technology since the late 1980s.

In this article, we will delve into the design, features, user experience, price, and value of both the Garmin Instinct and the Garmin Vivosmart 4. We will assess the differences and similarities of each device, making it easier for you to determine the best fit for your fitness tracking requirements.

Design and Build

Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct is built with a durable fiber-reinforced polymer case making it tough and lightweight. The rugged design can withstand challenging environments, and it weighs 52 grams. It features a 0.9-inch color display with 128 x 128 pixels resolution—an easy-to-read screen even under direct sunlight.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is sleek and stylish with an aluminum bezel and slim profile. It weighs 20.4 grams—much lighter than the Instinct—making it ideal for everyday wear. The Vivosmart 4 sports a 0.74-inch grayscale OLED touchscreen display with 48 x 128 pixels resolution.

Comparison of design and build quality

While the Garmin Instinct is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is more suited for daily fitness tracking. The Instinct has a larger, color display, but the Vivosmart 4's slim design may be more comfortable for everyday use. Both devices showcase their specific target audience with their design, build materials, and display quality.

Features and Functionality

Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct operates using the Garmin Elevate HR sensor for heart rate tracking and GPS navigation. Its battery life extends up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, and it offers numerous features like fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, multi-sport tracking modes, and phone notifications. Additionally, it has advanced navigation features and built-in GPS.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 lacks a built-in GPS, but it features the Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen level monitoring. Its battery life lasts up to 7 days, and it includes features such as sleep tracking, stress tracking, VO2 max estimation, and menstrual cycle tracking. It also offers smartphone notifications and music controls.

Comparison of features and performance

In terms of features and performance, the Garmin Instinct is more suited for outdoor enthusiasts due to its advanced navigation features, built-in GPS, and multi-sport tracking modes. The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is better for daily fitness tracking with its sleek design, advanced sleep and stress tracking features, and VO2 max estimation. Both devices offer comparable battery life, heart rate tracking, and smartphone notifications.

User Interface and User Experience

Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct provides users with a highly readable display, easy-to-navigate five-button interface, and compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones. It lacks built-in apps and customization options, focusing more on the core features and fitness tracking aspects.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 offers an easy-to-read grayscale OLED display and a touch-sensitive interface for seamless navigation. Like the Instinct, it is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, but the Vivosmart 4's interface focuses on daily activity tracking and smartphone notifications.

Comparison of user interface and user experience

Both the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart 4 provide intuitive user interfaces, good readability, and compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones. The main differences lie in the display types, navigation methods, and target audiences. The Instinct aims to cater to outdoor enthusiasts, while the Vivosmart 4 targets everyday health and fitness users.

Price and Value

Garmin Instinct

With a price of $300, the Garmin Instinct offers excellent value for its rugged design, advanced navigation features, and long battery life. For those who frequently engage in outdoor activities, this device is a reliable option for tracking progress and staying connected.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is priced at $130 and offers a balanced combination of features, design, and battery life for everyday fitness tracking. With cutting-edge health monitoring tools and stylish design, it is an excellent value option for daily wear.

Comparison of price and value

While the Garmin Instinct is more expensive than the Vivosmart 4, it justifies its price with its rugged design, advanced navigation features, and multi-sport tracking modes. The Vivosmart 4, with its sleek design, health monitoring tools, and a lower price, offers great value for daily fitness tracking.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the right choice between the Garmin Instinct and Garmin Vivosmart 4 depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you are an outdoor enthusiast who needs a rugged, advanced navigation watch, the Garmin Instinct may be the perfect option. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is ideal for those who want a sleek, stylish wearable for everyday health and fitness tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which device has better water resistance?

The Garmin Instinct has a water resistance rating of 10 ATM, while the Garmin Vivosmart 4 has a rating of 5 ATM. The Instinct is better suited for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.

Can I track cycling activities with these devices?

Both the Instinct and Vivosmart 4 do not have built-in cycling tracking modes. You may consider other Garmin devices like the Vivoactive series for this purpose.

What is the key difference between the displays of the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart 4?

The Garmin Instinct features a 0.9-inch color display with 128 x 128 pixels resolution, while the Vivosmart 4 has a 0.74-inch grayscale OLED display with 48 x 128 pixels resolution.

Which device has better battery life?

The Garmin Instinct offers 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, while the Vivosmart 4 lasts up to 7 days on a single charge.

Do the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart 4 have built-in GPS?

The Garmin Instinct has built-in GPS, while the Vivosmart 4 lacks this feature.

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