Fitness Tracker Face-Off: Garmin Vivosmart HR Plus vs Huawei Band 3 – Which One Wins?

What To Know

  • The Huawei Band 3 also uses an optical heart rate sensor, but it offers less frequent heart rate readings compared to the Vivosmart HR+.
  • The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters), while the Huawei Band 3 boasts a rating of 5 ATM as well.
  • If you’re a serious runner or cyclist who needs accurate GPS tracking and continuous heart rate monitoring, the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ is an excellent choice.

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s hard to know which one will best suit your needs and budget. Two popular contenders in the market are the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ and the Huawei Band 3. Both offer a range of features, but they also have their own strengths and weaknesses. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two fitness trackers, helping you make an informed decision for your fitness journey.

Design and Comfort

The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ boasts a sleek and modern design. Its slim profile and comfortable band make it an ideal choice for everyday wear. The device features a vibrant color touchscreen display that is easy to read even in bright sunlight. The Huawei Band 3, on the other hand, adopts a more sporty and rugged aesthetic. Its color display is slightly smaller than the Vivosmart HR+, but it still offers good visibility. Both trackers are lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during intense workouts.

Activity Tracking and Sleep Monitoring

Both the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ and the Huawei Band 3 excel in activity tracking. They accurately track steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. Both devices also offer advanced features like sleep monitoring, which provides insights into your sleep patterns and quality. While both trackers offer detailed sleep data, the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ goes a step further by providing sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep.

Heart Rate Monitoring

As their names suggest, both trackers offer heart rate monitoring capabilities. The Garmin Vivosmart HR++ utilizes a built-in optical heart rate sensor, providing continuous heart rate data throughout the day. The Huawei Band 3 also uses an optical heart rate sensor, but it offers less frequent heart rate readings compared to the Vivosmart HR+. For users who prioritize accurate and continuous heart rate monitoring, the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ is the better choice.

GPS and Navigation

One significant difference between the two trackers is the inclusion of GPS functionality. The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ features built-in GPS, allowing you to track your outdoor runs and walks with accurate distance and pace information. This is a crucial feature for runners and cyclists who need precise tracking data. The Huawei Band 3 lacks GPS, so you’ll need to rely on your smartphone’s GPS for location tracking.

Smart Notifications and Connectivity

Both trackers offer smart notifications, allowing you to receive alerts from your smartphone for calls, texts, and app notifications. They also support connectivity with popular fitness apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal, enabling you to synchronize your data and share your progress with your friends. The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ offers a wider range of connected features, including music control and weather updates.

Battery Life

The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ boasts an impressive battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for users who don’t want to worry about frequent charging. The Huawei Band 3 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 5 days. However, both devices offer sufficient battery life for most users.

Water Resistance

Both the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ and the Huawei Band 3 are water-resistant, making them suitable for everyday wear and swimming. The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters), while the Huawei Band 3 boasts a rating of 5 ATM as well. This means both trackers can withstand splashes and light rain, but they are not recommended for deep-water diving.

Price and Availability

The Garmin Vivosmart HR++ is generally priced higher than the Huawei Band 3. However, the price difference is often justified by the Vivosmart HR+’s advanced features, including GPS and continuous heart rate monitoring. The Huawei Band 3, while offering a more affordable option, may not be the best choice for users who prioritize these features.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Fitness Tracker for You

Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a serious runner or cyclist who needs accurate GPS tracking and continuous heart rate monitoring, the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with essential fitness tracking features, the Huawei Band 3 is a solid contender.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Additional Features

Both the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ and the Huawei Band 3 offer a range of additional features that enhance their functionality and user experience.

  • Garmin Vivosmart HR+:
  • Move IQ: Automatically detects and records activities like walking, running, and swimming.
  • Stress Tracking: Measures your stress levels throughout the day and provides insights for managing stress.
  • Body Battery: Tracks your energy levels based on heart rate variability, sleep, and stress, helping you optimize your training and recovery.
  • Huawei Band 3:
  • Music Control: Control music playback on your smartphone directly from the tracker.
  • Find My Phone: Use the tracker to locate your lost smartphone.
  • Remote Camera Shutter: Capture photos remotely with your smartphone using the tracker.

Wrapping Up: Your Fitness Journey Starts Here

Whether you choose the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ or the Huawei Band 3, both trackers offer a valuable tool for tracking your fitness progress and achieving your health goals. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. Remember, the best fitness tracker is the one that motivates you to stay active and healthy.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What is the difference between the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ and the Huawei Band 3 in terms of display size?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ features a larger color touchscreen display compared to the Huawei Band 3.
Q: Can I use the Huawei Band 3 for swimming?
A: Yes, the Huawei Band 3 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming.
Q: Which tracker offers more advanced sleep monitoring features?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ provides more detailed sleep data, including sleep stages (light, deep, and REM sleep).
Q: Is the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ compatible with Android and iOS devices?
A: Yes, the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Q: Does the Huawei Band 3 have a built-in GPS?
A: No, the Huawei Band 3 does not have built-in GPS. You need to rely on your smartphone’s GPS for location tracking.