Comparing Vivosmart 4 and Vivoactive 3
Choosing between the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and the Garmin Vivosmart 4? Both devices have their unique features and functionality, catering to different fitness and smartwatch enthusiasts. This comparison will help you decide which product is best suited for your needs, preferences, and budget.
Selecting the right smartwatch or fitness tracker is crucial as it provides valuable data and insights to improve your health, fitness routines, and overall lifestyle. Garmin, a well-renowned brand in the wearables market, has steadily built a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable products.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of these two popular Garmin devices, comparing design, build quality, features, user experience, pricing, and value. This will help you make an informed decision based on each device’s merits and drawbacks. So sit back and join us in this comparison of two of Garmin’s finest wearables to date, the Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart 4.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 boasts a sleek 43mm round case with a stainless-steel bezel and a 1.2-inch sunlight-visible MIP (memory-in-pixel) color touchscreen display with 240x240 resolution. The watch bands are swappable, making it customizable for varying tastes. The device is lightweight and comfortable to wear, featuring a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 has a slim design with a rectangular case, featuring a 0.74-inch OLED touchscreen display with a screen resolution of 48x128. The device has a sleek silver bezel surrounding the screen, and the bands are vibrant and soft, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Just like the Vivoactive 3, the Vivosmart 4 also boasts 5 ATM water resistance rating.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices have distinct designs, the Vivoactive 3 exudes a sporty look with its round face, while the Vivosmart 4 leans towards an elegant and minimalist approach. The Vivoactive 3's color display is clearly superior, but the Vivosmart 4's smaller OLED screen is energy-efficient and perfect for simple day-to-day tracking.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Key features of the Garmin Vivoactive 3 include built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, calories tracking, step counting, advanced fitness metrics, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. Additionally, the device supports cycling, swimming, and golf tracking. With a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, the Vivoactive 3 makes for an excellent fitness companion.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4 comes with heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, oxygen tracking, steps and calories counting, and swim tracking. However, it lacks the built-in GPS feature for accurate distance tracking. Similar to the Vivoactive 3, the Vivosmart 4 also offers a battery life of up to 7 days.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices offer standard fitness tracking. The Vivoactive 3 outshines the Vivosmart 4 in terms of features like built-in GPS, comprehensive sports tracking, and Garmin Pay. Meanwhile, the Vivosmart 4 compensates with its sleek design, pulse oximetry sensor, and energy-efficient display.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The Vivoactive 3 works seamlessly with the Garmin Connect app, compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. The device features apps, customization, and widgets, offering a personalized user experience. Navigating through the interface is user-friendly, thanks to the touchscreen display and side swipe controls.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4 also pairs with the Garmin Connect app for both Android and iOS devices. Although it lacks app customization, the device makes up for it with its intuitive navigation via its small touchscreen. The Vivosmart 4's slim design enables smooth user experience without being too bulky or obtrusive.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The user experience of both devices is satisfactory. The Vivoactive 3 has an edge in terms of customization options and detailed sports tracking. However, the Vivosmart 4's simplistic design and intuitive interface make it a user-friendly option for those seeking a streamlined fitness tracker.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivoactive 3
With a price point of $299, the Vivoactive 3 offers a more comprehensive smartwatch experience packed with various features and customization options, making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts.
Garmin Vivosmart 4
The Vivosmart 4, priced at $130, provides essential fitness tracking functions in a sleek and stylish package. It serves as a cost-effective choice for users seeking a reliable and elegant fitness tracker to keep up with their daily activities.
Comparison of price and value
The Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart 4 cater to different target markets. The choice between the two devices solely depends on individual preferences and budgets. The Vivoactive 3 leans towards sports enthusiasts, while the Vivosmart 4 targets users who prefer a minimalist fitness tracker.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing between the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Vivosmart 4 comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The Vivoactive 3 is a well-rounded sports smartwatch with a myriad of features for various activities, while the Vivosmart 4 offers essential fitness tracking with a minimalist, elegant design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Vivoactive 3 or Vivosmart 4 better for sports enthusiasts?
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is more suited for sports enthusiasts due to its comprehensive sports tracking features and built-in GPS functionality.
Is the Garmin Vivosmart 4 suitable for daily activity tracking?
Yes, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is an excellent choice for daily activity tracking due to its essential fitness tracking features and slim design.
Which device has better battery life, the Vivoactive 3 or Vivosmart 4?
Both devices boast a battery life of up to 7 days, making them suitable for users who prioritize long-lasting battery life.
Which device has a better display, the Vivoactive 3 or Vivosmart 4?
The Vivoactive 3 has a superior color display with a higher resolution, while the Vivosmart 4 features an energy-efficient OLED screen with a minimalist design.
Is the Garmin Vivoactive 3 worth the extra cost compared to the Vivosmart 4?
If you’re looking for a comprehensive sports smartwatch with various features and customization options, the extra cost for the Vivoactive 3 is justified. However, if you prefer a minimalist fitness tracker for daily activities, the Vivosmart 4 offers excellent value at a lower price.
