Comparing Instinct and Vivosmart HR
The Garmin Instinct and Garmin Vivosmart HR are two popular fitness wearables designed to assist individuals in achieving their health and fitness goals. With both products offering a range of useful features, choosing the right watch for your needs is crucial. Garmin’s reputation for producing high-quality devices is well established, and understanding the unique offerings of each model will help you make an informed decision.
The importance of selecting the right wearable cannot be overstated, as it can be instrumental in helping users reach their desired fitness levels. Understanding the history and reputation of Garmin, a brand renowned for its highly accurate GPS technology, will further reinforce your decision-making process. In this article, we will discuss the design, build, features, and more for both the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart HR to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Build
Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct is designed with ruggedness in mind, featuring a fiber-reinforced polymer case and bezels that add durability. The watch is lightweight at 52g and has a sunlight-readable monochrome display with a screen resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. The size of the screen is 0.9 inches.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Garmin Vivosmart HR features a slim, sleek design that is comfortable to wear throughout the day. The device weighs significantly less than the Instinct at just 29.6g. The Vivosmart HR’s monochrome display measures 1.08 inches with a screen resolution of 160 x 68 pixels.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both wearables offer durability and comfort, the Garmin Instinct boasts a more rugged appearance, which may appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The Vivosmart HR’s slim design makes it an attractive option for those seeking a more discreet wearable. Both devices have water resistance levels suitable for swimming, with the Instinct rated at 10 ATM and the Vivosmart HR at 5 ATM.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Instinct
Key features of the Garmin Instinct include GPS, heart rate tracking, sleep and calorie tracking, and a range of sport-specific activity profiles. The device also offers smartphone compatibility for both Android and iOS, with access to text messages, calls, and email notifications. The Instinct model boasts an impressive battery life of 14 days in smartwatch mode.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Garmin Vivosmart HR also offers heart rate tracking, sleep and calorie tracking, and connectivity with Android and iOS smartphones. While GPS is not built-in, the device does support connected GPS when paired with a smartphone. The Vivosmart HR offers a battery life of up to 5 days.
Comparison of features and performance
Both wearables share many features, such as heart rate tracking and smartphone connectivity. However, the Garmin Instinct offers additional robust outdoor capabilities, including built-in GPS and barometric altimeter. In contrast, the Vivosmart HR comes with a more extended display and a more slimline design. Battery life is another key difference, with the Instinct’s 14-day battery life significantly outperforming the Vivosmart HR’s 5-day battery life.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct offers a clear and easy-to-read monochrome display, with intuitive button-based navigation. The device also offers customizable data fields and activity profiles, as well as compatibility with both Android and iOS devices.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
The Vivosmart HR sports a tap-to-navigate interface, which, combined with its sleek design, creates a modern and user-friendly device. Like the Instinct, the Vivosmart HR offers compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, along with message and call notifications.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Garmin Instinct’s button-based navigation may be more suitable for those engaging in outdoor activities or sports, while others may prefer the tap-to-navigate interface of the Vivosmart HR. Both devices offer a similar level of smartphone compatibility and customizable features, with the primary differences centering around their distinct design elements.
Price and Value
Garmin Instinct
At a price of $300, the Garmin Instinct offers a wide range of features tailored to those seeking a rugged and feature-rich outdoor wearable. The device’s durability, built-in GPS, and extended battery life are key selling points that many may find invaluable.
Garmin Vivosmart HR
With a more affordable price point of $170, the Garmin Vivosmart HR is similarly feature-rich, yet with a more streamlined design. The device’s more budget-friendly price, coupled with its design, may appeal to those seeking a sleeker wearable with a primary focus on fitness tracking.
Comparison of price and value
When comparing value for money, both the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart HR offer a broad range of features at different price points. Those seeking a rugged, outdoor-focused wearable with numerous sport-specific functions are likely to find the Instinct’s higher price justified. The Vivosmart HR provides a more elegant design and core fitness tracking features, positioning it well for its lower price point.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart HR comes down to individual preferences and activity requirements. For individuals who prioritize outdoor capabilities, ruggedness, and additional navigation features, the Instinct is the preferred option. Meanwhile, those seeking a sleek, budget-friendly wearable that provides essential fitness tracking capabilities should consider the Vivosmart HR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Instinct suitable for swimming?
Yes, the Garmin Instinct is rated at 10 ATM, which makes it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Does the Garmin Vivosmart HR come with GPS functionality?
No, the Garmin Vivosmart HR does not have built-in GPS. However, it can connect to your smartphone’s GPS when paired with it.
What is the battery life of the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart HR?
The Garmin Instinct offers a battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, while the Vivosmart HR has a battery life of up to 5 days.
Are the Garmin Instinct and Garmin Vivosmart HR compatible with Android and iOS devices?
Yes, both the Garmin Instinct and Vivosmart HR are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
What is the water resistance rating of the Garmin Vivosmart HR?
The Garmin Vivosmart HR is rated at 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
