What To Know
- The Garmin Vivofit 3 features a monochrome LCD display that is always-on, ensuring you can easily view your stats at a glance.
- The Garmin Vivofit 3 features a built-in Move Bar that encourages you to stay active throughout the day, while the Sony Wena Wrist Active provides detailed insights into your daily activity patterns.
- The Garmin Vivofit 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to a year on a single charge.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. Two popular contenders that often come up in conversations are the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Sony Wena Wrist Active. Both devices offer a range of features designed to motivate you on your fitness journey, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between these two trackers, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Garmin Vivofit 3 boasts a classic fitness tracker design with a rectangular display and a comfortable, adjustable band. Its lightweight and compact form factor makes it suitable for all-day wear, even during sleep. The Sony Wena Wrist Active, on the other hand, takes a more unconventional approach. It’s essentially a smart band that attaches to your existing watch, offering a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. This design allows you to maintain your personal style while still benefiting from fitness tracking capabilities.
Display and User Interface
The Garmin Vivofit 3 features a monochrome LCD display that is always-on, ensuring you can easily view your stats at a glance. The display is clear and bright, even in direct sunlight. The interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the various menus and data points. The Sony Wena Wrist Active utilizes a small OLED display that is only activated when you raise your wrist. While this approach saves battery life, it can be less convenient for frequent data checks. The interface is also minimalistic, focusing on providing essential fitness information.
Activity Tracking and Sleep Monitoring
Both trackers excel in activity tracking, accurately recording steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. The Garmin Vivofit 3 features a built-in Move Bar that encourages you to stay active throughout the day, while the Sony Wena Wrist Active provides detailed insights into your daily activity patterns. Both devices also offer sleep monitoring capabilities, tracking your sleep duration, quality, and stages. However, the Garmin Vivofit 3 offers more detailed sleep analysis, including REM sleep data.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Garmin Vivofit 3 features a built-in heart rate sensor, allowing you to track your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. This feature provides valuable insights into your cardiovascular health and helps you optimize your training intensity. The Sony Wena Wrist Active, however, does not include a heart rate sensor. If you’re looking for a tracker that provides continuous heart rate monitoring, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is the better choice.
GPS and Water Resistance
The Garmin Vivofit 3 does not include GPS, meaning you’ll need to rely on your smartphone for accurate location tracking during outdoor workouts. This limitation may be a deal-breaker for runners or cyclists who require precise distance and pace measurements. The Sony Wena Wrist Active also does not have built-in GPS but can connect to your smartphone’s GPS for location tracking. Both trackers are water-resistant, allowing you to wear them during swimming or other water activities.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Garmin Vivofit 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to a year on a single charge. This long-lasting battery makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer not to constantly worry about recharging their device. The Sony Wena Wrist Active, on the other hand, has a significantly shorter battery life, lasting around 3-4 days on a single charge. However, it can be charged wirelessly, adding to its convenience. Both trackers connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to sync your data and receive notifications.
Smart Features
The Garmin Vivofit 3 offers a limited range of smart features, including call and text notifications and a basic timer. The Sony Wena Wrist Active, however, integrates seamlessly with your smartphone, enabling you to access various smart features like music control, contactless payments, and app notifications. This makes it a more versatile device for everyday use beyond fitness tracking.
Price and Value
The Garmin Vivofit 3 is generally more affordable than the Sony Wena Wrist Active. This makes it a budget-friendly option for users who are primarily looking for a basic fitness tracker. The Sony Wena Wrist Active, while more expensive, offers a unique hybrid design and a wider range of smart features, making it a good value for those who prioritize style and functionality.
Which Tracker is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Garmin Vivofit 3 if:
- You prioritize long battery life and affordability.
- You need a basic fitness tracker with heart rate monitoring.
- You value a classic and comfortable design.
Choose the Sony Wena Wrist Active if:
- You want a smart band that attaches to your existing watch.
- You prioritize style and a wide range of smart features.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for a unique and versatile device.
The Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Trackers
Both the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Sony Wena Wrist Active are capable fitness trackers that offer a range of features to help you achieve your fitness goals. The Garmin Vivofit 3 excels in its long battery life, affordability, and basic fitness tracking capabilities. The Sony Wena Wrist Active, on the other hand, stands out with its unique design, smart features, and seamless integration with your smartphone. The choice ultimately comes down to your individual priorities and budget.
What You Need to Know
1. Can I use the Garmin Vivofit 3 for swimming?
Yes, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming.
2. Does the Sony Wena Wrist Active support GPS?
The Sony Wena Wrist Active does not have built-in GPS but can connect to your smartphone’s GPS for location tracking.
3. Can I use the Garmin Vivofit 3 for tracking my sleep?
Yes, the Garmin Vivofit 3 features sleep monitoring capabilities, tracking your sleep duration, quality, and stages.
4. What is the difference between the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivofit 4?
The Garmin Vivofit 4 features a color display, a more advanced heart rate sensor, and a longer battery life compared to the Vivofit 3.
5. Can I use the Sony Wena Wrist Active with any watch?
The Sony Wena Wrist Active is compatible with most standard watches that have a lug width of 20mm or 22mm.