Comparing Venu and Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Venu and the Garmin Vivoactive HR are two popular smartwatches designed for fitness enthusiasts. Both watches offer a range of features to track your exercise, sleep, and other health-oriented data, helping you meet your fitness goals.
Choosing the right device is essential, as it contributes to a seamless fitness experience. These watches are products of Garmin, a reputed brand known for its reliable and innovative fitness wearables since 1989. This review will help you make an informed decision by comparing the Garmin Venu and Vivoactive HR in terms of design, features, performance, and value for money.
Design and Build
Garmin Venu
The design and build quality of the Garmin Venu include:
- Materials: Stainless steel bezel, quick-release silicone band
- Size: 43.2 x 43.2 x 12.4 mm
- Weight: 46.3 g
- Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 390 x 390 resolution
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The design and build quality of the Garmin Vivoactive HR include:
- Materials: Plastic case, silicone band
- Size: 30.2 x 57.0 x 11.4 mm
- Weight: 48 g
- Display: 1.38-inch color touchscreen with 148 x 205 resolution
Comparison of design and build quality
While both watches feature durable materials and color touchscreen displays, the Garmin Venu boasts a higher screen resolution and a more vibrant AMOLED display. The Vivoactive HR has a larger form factor but weighs slightly more than the Venu. In terms of aesthetics and build quality, the stainless steel bezel of the Venu gives it a more premium appearance compared to the plastic case of the Vivoactive HR.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Venu
Operating System: Wear OS
Key features of the Garmin Venu include:
- 5-day battery life
- Heart and oxygen tracking
- Swim tracking
- Calories, steps, and distance monitoring
- Experience with phone functions, such as email and texts
- Compatibility with Android and iOS devices
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Operating System: Garmin OS
Key features of the Garmin Vivoactive HR include:
- 8-day battery life in watch mode, and 13 hours with GPS
- Heart monitoring but no oxygen tracking
- Swim tracking
- Calories, steps, and distance monitoring
- Experience with phone functions, such as email and texts
- Compatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices
Comparison of features and performance
The Garmin Venu and Vivoactive HR share several features, such as heart monitoring, swim tracking, and activity tracking. However, the Venu offers additional benefits like oxygen tracking and a more advanced operating system (Wear OS). The Vivoactive HR has a longer battery life in watch mode and compatibility with Windows Phone devices. Both devices have phone functions and compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Venu
The Garmin Venu offers:
- Intuitive navigation through the touchscreen display
- Customization with various app and watch face options
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR offers:
- Intuitive navigation through the touchscreen display
- Customization with various app and watch face options
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Venu and Vivoactive HR offer intuitive navigation, app options, and customizations. The AMOLED display of the Venu, however, provides a more vibrant and visually appealing user interface compared to the lower-resolution display of the Vivoactive HR.
Price and Value
Garmin Venu
Released in 2019, the Garmin Venu is priced at $299, offering superior design, features, and an updated operating system.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Launched in 2016, the Garmin Vivoactive HR is priced at $250 and offers reliable fitness tracking capabilities, albeit with fewer advanced features than the Venu.
Comparison of price and value
Although the Venu is more expensive than the Vivoactive HR, its price can be justified by its improved design, features, and operating system. The Vivoactive HR offers good value for those looking for a more affordable option with basic fitness tracking functionalities.
Conclusion
After comparing the Garmin Venu and Garmin Vivoactive HR, it’s apparent that the Venu offers a more premium design and advanced features, making it a better choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive tracking experience. However, the Vivoactive HR remains a solid option for those on a budget who still want basic tracking capabilities and a reliable fitness companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Garmin Venu and Vivoactive HR?
The main difference is the Venu’s more premium design, with a stainless steel bezel and higher-resolution AMOLED display. The Venu also offers oxygen tracking and a more advanced operating system (Wear OS).
Which device has a longer battery life?
The Vivoactive HR has a longer battery life, lasting up to 8 days in watch mode, while the Venu has a battery life of up to 5 days.
Is either device more suitable for a particular type of athlete or sport?
Both devices cater to various sports and activities, including swimming, cycling, and running. The Venu’s additional features, such as oxygen tracking, may be more suitable for athletes who require advanced health monitoring.
Are either of the watches waterproof?
Yes, both the Garmin Venu and Vivoactive HR are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
Can I control my music from either watch?
Yes, both the Garmin Venu and Vivoactive HR allow you to control your music from the watch itself.
