Garmin Vivosmart 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Fit2: The Battle of the Fitness Trackers Explained

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the market are the Garmin Vivosmart 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Fit2. Both devices offer a range of features designed to help you track your activity, sleep, and overall well-being. But which one comes out on top? This detailed comparison will analyze the Garmin Vivosmart 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Fit2, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Comfort

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fit2 boast distinct designs that cater to different preferences. The Vivosmart 5 features a sleek, minimalist design with a small, rectangular display and a comfortable silicone band. Its lightweight construction makes it barely noticeable on the wrist, ensuring all-day wearability.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Fit2 adopts a more modern and sporty aesthetic with a colorful AMOLED display and a slightly larger footprint. Its curved design and flexible band provide a snug fit, although it might feel bulkier than the Vivosmart 5 for some users.

Display and User Interface

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 utilizes a small monochrome OLED display that offers decent visibility under most lighting conditions. Its touch-sensitive interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to access various metrics and features with a few swipes. However, the limited color display and small screen size might be a drawback for users seeking a more visually appealing and informative experience.
The Samsung Galaxy Fit2 boasts a vibrant color AMOLED display that delivers a crisp and clear view of your fitness data. Its larger screen size makes it easier to read information at a glance. The intuitive touch-sensitive interface allows for seamless navigation through menus and settings. The Galaxy Fit2’s display offers a more immersive experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize visual clarity.

Activity Tracking and Features

Both the Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fit2 excel in activity tracking, offering a comprehensive suite of features to monitor your fitness journey. The Vivosmart 5 provides detailed metrics for steps, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. It also includes advanced features like sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and body battery energy monitoring.
The Galaxy Fit2 offers similar activity tracking capabilities, including steps, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. It also provides automatic workout detection for various activities like running, walking, cycling, and swimming. Both devices utilize GPS for accurate distance tracking during outdoor activities.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any fitness tracker, ensuring continuous monitoring without frequent charges. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize extended usage.
The Samsung Galaxy Fit2 offers a decent battery life of up to 15 days in typical usage and up to 21 days in power-saving mode. While its battery life is slightly longer than the Vivosmart 5, it is still susceptible to shorter usage with frequent GPS tracking or intensive activity monitoring.

Water Resistance and Durability

Both devices offer sufficient water resistance for everyday use and swimming. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is rated 5 ATM (50 meters) water-resistant, allowing you to wear it while swimming or showering. The Samsung Galaxy Fit2 is also rated 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Both devices are built with durable materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear. The Vivosmart 5’s silicone band is comfortable and sweat-resistant, while the Galaxy Fit2’s flexible band offers a secure fit and durability.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fit2 offer seamless connectivity with smartphones via Bluetooth. Both devices are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of users.
The Vivosmart 5 utilizes the Garmin Connect app for data synchronization and analysis. The app offers a comprehensive platform for tracking your progress, setting goals, and accessing various insights. The Galaxy Fit2 utilizes the Samsung Health app, which provides similar functionalities for data management and analysis.

Price and Value

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fit2 fall within a similar price range, making them competitive options in the fitness tracker market. The Vivosmart 5 is slightly more expensive than the Galaxy Fit2, but its longer battery life and advanced features might justify the price difference for some users.
Ultimately, the best value for money depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize extended battery life and advanced features, the Vivosmart 5 might be the better choice. However, if you value a vibrant color display, a larger screen size, and a longer battery life in power-saving mode, the Galaxy Fit2 might be more suitable.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Fitness Tracker

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fit2 are both excellent fitness trackers that offer a range of features to help you achieve your fitness goals. The Vivosmart 5 excels in its long battery life, advanced features, and minimalist design. The Galaxy Fit2 stands out with its vibrant color display, larger screen size, and longer battery life in power-saving mode.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize battery life and advanced features, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a solid option. However, if you value a visually appealing display and a longer battery life in power-saving mode, the Samsung Galaxy Fit2 might be the better choice.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fit2 are excellent choices, it’s important to consider other fitness trackers available in the market. Some popular alternatives include:

• Fitbit Charge 5: A comprehensive fitness tracker with a vibrant color display, advanced features, and a long battery life.
• Xiaomi Mi Band 6: A budget-friendly option with a large color display, extensive activity tracking, and a long battery life.
• Amazfit Band 7: A stylish and feature-rich fitness tracker with a bright AMOLED display, advanced health monitoring, and a long battery life.

What You Need to Know

1. Can I use the Garmin Vivosmart 5 or Samsung Galaxy Fit2 for swimming?
Yes, both devices are water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters), making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
2. Which fitness tracker has better sleep tracking features?
Both devices offer sleep tracking features, but the Garmin Vivosmart 5 provides more detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including REM sleep, light sleep, and deep sleep.
3. Can I use the Garmin Vivosmart 5 or Samsung Galaxy Fit2 to make calls or listen to music?
No, both devices are not equipped with built-in speakers or microphones, so they cannot be used for phone calls or music playback.
4. What is the difference between the Garmin Vivosmart 5 and the Garmin Vivosmart 4?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 offers several improvements over the Vivosmart 4, including a brighter display, a larger screen size, enhanced activity tracking features, and a more comfortable band.
5. Which fitness tracker is better for users with small wrists?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is generally considered more comfortable for users with small wrists due to its smaller footprint and lightweight design. However, the Galaxy Fit2’s flexible band also provides a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes.