Comparing Vivosmart HR Plus and Vivoactive HR
In the world of wearable technology, Garmin has established itself as a key player with a wide range of smartwatches, fitness trackers and wearables. The Garmin Vivoactive HR and Vivosmart HR Plus are two prime examples of their impressive lineup. With both devices capable of tracking various fitness parameters and offering numerous features, it can be challenging to decide which one best suits your needs.
Understanding the importance of choosing the right watch cannot be overstated, as it can impact your workout efficiency, performance, and daily activities. Garmin, the brand behind these products, is known for its high-quality devices, user-friendly interfaces, and extensive history in GPS technology. Their reputation has earned them a loyal consumer base and paved the way for continued innovation in wearable technology.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the specifications, features, and performance of these two devices to help you determine which Garmin watch is best suited for your daily life and fitness goals.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR features a sleek design with a customizable band and faceplate. Some key attributes of this device include:
- Materials: Silicone strap and glass screen
- Size and weight: 30.2 x 57.0 x 11.4 mm, 48 grams
- Display/screen: Color touchscreen, 205 x 148 pixels
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus is a compact and comfortable fitness tracker. Some essential specifications of this device include:
- Materials: Silicone band and glass screen
- Size and weight: 21.0 x 137.0 x 12.3 mm, 31 grams
- Display/screen: Black and white touchscreen, 160 x 68 pixels
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices share similarities in their materials used and durable build quality. However, the Vivoactive HR offers a larger, color touchscreen while the Vivosmart HR Plus features a smaller, black and white display. The Vivoactive HR is slightly heavier but has a broader screen for better visuals and ease of use.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR boasts an array of versatile features, including:
- Operating system: Garmin OS
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometric altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 13 hours in GPS mode, 8 days in watch mode
- Fitness tracking: Calories, cycling, distance, heart rate, sleep, steps, swimming
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus offers a range of impressive functionalities, such as:
- Operating system: Garmin OS
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometric altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 5 days
- Fitness tracking: Calories, distance, heart rate, sleep, steps
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices feature the same operating system, sensors, and fitness tracking capabilities. The key difference lies in their battery life and supported fitness activities, with the Vivoactive HR uniquely offering cycling and swimming tracking, as well as a more extended battery life.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The user interface of the Garmin Vivoactive HR includes:
- Display: Color touchscreen
- Navigation: Intuitive touch controls
- Apps and customization: Connect IQ Store, customizable widgets and watch faces
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus offers a user experience with:
- Display: Black and white touchscreen
- Navigation: Simple touch controls
- Apps and customization: Basic notification, no support for Connect IQ Store
- Compatibility: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices prioritize ease-of-use with touch controls and smartphone compatibility, but the Vivoactive HR clearly stands out for its color touchscreen, customizable apps and widgets, and access to the Connect IQ Store.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivoactive HR
The Garmin Vivoactive HR is priced at $250 and offers a variety of advanced features, customizable options, and superior battery life.
Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus
The Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus retails for $179 and provides essential fitness tracking capabilities in a compact and budget-friendly package.
Comparison of price and value
While the Vivoactive HR is more expensive, it justifies its price with a larger, color screen, customizable applications, and more extensive fitness tracking options. The Vivosmart HR Plus offers a more affordable option with core fitness features, emphasizing simplicity over customization.
Conclusion
In the end, your choice between the Garmin Vivoactive HR and Vivosmart HR Plus will largely depend on your personal preferences and requirements. If you prioritize customization, a color touchscreen, and additional tracking options for cycling and swimming, the Vivoactive HR is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative that still offers essential fitness tracking capabilities, the Vivosmart HR Plus is a suitable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is better for swimmers?
The Garmin Vivoactive HR is better suited for swimmers, as it offers swim tracking capabilities, while the Vivosmart HR Plus does not.
Is there a significant difference in battery life between the two devices?
Yes, the Vivoactive HR has a longer battery life, lasting up to 13 hours in GPS mode and 8 days in watch mode, while the Vivosmart HR Plus has a battery life of up to 5 days.
Are both devices compatible with the Connect IQ Store for additional apps and customization?
No, only the Garmin Vivoactive HR is compatible with the Connect IQ Store. The Vivosmart HR Plus offers basic notification features without support for additional apps or customization from the Connect IQ Store.
Can I use either device to control music on my smartphone?
Yes, both the Garmin Vivoactive HR and Vivosmart HR Plus offer music control functionality for your smartphone.
Do both devices offer GPS capabilities?
Yes, both the Garmin Vivoactive HR and Vivosmart HR Plus feature built-in GPS capabilities.
