Comparing Falster 3 and VivoActive 4
The Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3 are two popular smartwatches from reputable brands, each offering unique features and design elements. Picking the right watch is important to ensure you get the most out of your wearable device. In this comparison, we will delve into the brands, their history, and the devices themselves to help you make an informed decision.
Garmin, founded in 1989, is known for its GPS technology and a range of wearable devices, excelling in the realms of fitness tracking and outdoor activities. Skagen, on the other hand, is a Danish brand founded in 1989, initially focused on minimalist and stylish watch designs. The brand expanded into the smartwatch market with its distinctive design language.
We’ll compare the design, build, features, user interface, price, and value of the Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3 to see how these two smartwatches stack up against each other.
Design and Build
Garmin VivoActive 4
The Garmin VivoActive 4 features a stainless-steel bezel with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a silicone strap. It measures 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm and weighs 50.5 grams. The display is a 1.3-inch sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) touchscreen with a 260 x 260-pixel resolution.
Skagen Falster 3
Skagen Falster 3 boasts a stainless-steel body with a silicone, leather, or metal mesh strap, depending on the variant. The Falster 3 measures 42 x 42 x 11 mm, making it slightly smaller than the VivoActive 4. It features a 1.28-inch OLED touchscreen with a higher resolution of 416 x 416 pixels.
Comparison of Design and Build Quality
The Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3 have different design languages, with the VivoActive 4 geared towards fitness enthusiasts and a more rugged appearance, while the Falster 3 caters to those who prefer a sleek and minimalist design. Both devices offer durable materials and water resistance, with the VivoActive 4 rated at 5 ATM and the Falster 3 rated at 3 ATM.
Features and Functionality
Garmin VivoActive 4
The Garmin VivoActive 4 runs on Garmin’s proprietary operating system and offers a wealth of sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, a heart rate monitor, a barometric altimeter, and a pulse oximeter. It boasts an impressive 8-day battery life and offers comprehensive fitness tracking such as cycling, swimming, and sleep tracking, among others.
Skagen Falster 3
Skagen Falster 3 utilizes Wear OS and features GPS, GLONASS, a heart rate monitor, and an altimeter. Its battery life is considerably shorter, lasting for one day. While it still provides fitness tracking features like steps, distance, calories, and sleep tracking, it lacks capabilities like cycling and oxygen level tracking found in the VivoActive 4.
Comparison of Features and Performance
Both devices offer a robust set of features and functionality, although the Garmin VivoActive 4 excels in fitness tracking and battery life. The Skagen Falster 3, however, offers a more stylish design and better screen quality, being more suitable for users who prioritize aesthetics and smart functions over fitness features. Despite using the same Wear OS, the user experience can considerably differ.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin VivoActive 4
With the VivoActive 4, users get a clear, sunlight-visible MIP display, which is advantageous for outdoor activities. Its interface navigation is relatively simple, and users have the ability to customize watch faces and data fields. Compatibility for the VivoActive 4 includes Android and iOS smartphones.
Skagen Falster 3
Skagen Falster 3 offers an OLED display with superior screen resolution, providing a visually stunning user experience. Wear OS enables seamless navigation through the user interface, Google Play Store access for app downloads, and Google Assistant support. Smartphone compatibility includes Android and iOS devices.
Comparison of User Interface and User Experience
The user experience differs significantly between the Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3, mainly due to the different operating systems. The VivoActive 4 offers a more fitness-oriented interface, while the Falster 3 provides a wider range of smart features and customization options.
Price and Value
Garmin VivoActive 4
With a price tag of $349, the VivoActive 4 offers robust fitness tracking features and long battery life, making it a worthwhile investment for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Skagen Falster 3
At $295, the Skagen Falster 3 is a more affordable option, offering a sleek design and good overall functionality, appealing to those who prioritize style and smart features over extensive fitness tracking capabilities.
Comparison of Price and Value
The Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3 cater to different segments of the smartwatch market, with their unique features justifying their respective price tags. Ultimately, user preferences for design, fitness tracking, and smart features will guide the decision-making process.
Conclusion
When choosing between the Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3, consider your priorities in terms of design, fitness, and smart features. While the VivoActive 4 excels in fitness tracking and battery life, the Falster 3 offers a stylish design and a more comprehensive smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which watch has a better battery life?
The Garmin VivoActive 4 has a significantly longer battery life of up to 8 days, while the Skagen Falster 3 lasts up to 1 day.
Are both watches compatible with Android and iOS devices?
Yes, both the Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
Which smartwatch has better fitness tracking features?
The Garmin VivoActive 4 offers more comprehensive fitness tracking features, including cycling and oxygen level tracking, which are not available in the Skagen Falster 3.
Do both watches have GPS functionality?
Yes, both the Garmin VivoActive 4 and Skagen Falster 3 come equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo capabilities.
Which watch has a higher display resolution?
Skagen Falster 3 features a higher resolution OLED display at 416 x 416 pixels, while the Garmin VivoActive 4 has a 260 x 260-pixel MIP display.
