Comparing VivoActive 4 and Vivofit 3
Garmin is a well-known brand for producing high-quality smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables that cater to a range of consumer needs. In this article, we will compare two of their popular products: the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin VivoActive 4. Choosing the right smartwatch or fitness tracker is essential, as these devices are often used daily and can profoundly impact a person’s fitness journey and overall lifestyle.
When it comes to brands, Garmin has built a solid reputation for being a reliable and innovative manufacturer of fitness wearables. With a long history stretching back to 1989, the company has continued to evolve and adapt its products to the changing needs of consumers, always prioritizing quality and reliability.
To better understand these two devices and make a well-informed decision on which one may suit you best, we will delve into their design and build, features and functionalities, user interface and experience, price and value, and frequently asked questions.
Design and Build
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Garmin Vivofit 3 has a simple yet functional form factor. It features a small 0.55 inches non-touch display with a resolution of 64 x 64. The device has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM and a non-rechargeable battery that lasts for about a year. The materials used for the construction include:
- Polycarbonate for the watch case
- Silicone straps for the bands
Garmin VivoActive 4
The Garmin VivoActive 4 stands out with its sleek design and premium build quality. It has a larger 1.3 inches color touchscreen display, offering a higher resolution of 260 x 260. The watch case is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, while the straps are silicone. The device’s water resistance remains at 5 ATM, and its rechargeable battery offers up to 8 days of use. Additionally, the VivoActive 4 includes a built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and other advanced features.
Comparison of design and build quality
When comparing the Vivofit 3 and VivoActive 4, it is evident that the VivoActive 4 has a more sophisticated design and better build quality. The larger, color touchscreen display provides an enhanced user experience, while the improved materials offer a more premium feel. However, the simple design of the Vivofit 3 should not be overlooked, as it is still a functional and practical option for those seeking a basic fitness tracker.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Garmin Vivofit 3 offers essential fitness tracking functionality, including:
- Operating System: Not applicable
- Sensors: Accelerometer
- Battery life: 1 year
- Calories, distance, and steps tracking
- Cycling and swimming tracking
- Sleep monitoring
Garmin VivoActive 4
The Garmin VivoActive 4 is packed with numerous advanced features, such as:
- Operating System: Wear OS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, barometer/altimeter, and heart rate monitor
- Battery life: 8 days
- Calories, distance, steps, heart rate, and oxygen level tracking
- Cycling, swimming, and numerous other sports tracking
- Sleep monitoring with advanced analytics
- Smartphone functionality, including texts and emails
