What To Know
- The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, adopts a more robust and utilitarian design with a larger, rectangular display and a thicker band.
- Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference – do you prioritize a sleek, understated look or a more durable and noticeable design.
- This is a decent lifespan, but it pales in comparison to the Vivofit 2’s impressive battery life of up to a year.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Amazfit Arc and the Garmin Vivofit 2. Both trackers offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the victor? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles
The Amazfit Arc and Garmin Vivofit 2 take distinctly different approaches to design. The Amazfit Arc boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a thin, curved band that seamlessly blends with your wrist. Its OLED display, while small, provides clear visibility for essential data. The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, adopts a more robust and utilitarian design with a larger, rectangular display and a thicker band. This design choice makes it more noticeable on your wrist, but also more durable.
When it comes to comfort, both trackers excel. The Amazfit Arc’s lightweight design and flexible band ensure a comfortable fit, even during prolonged wear. The Vivofit 2’s thicker band might feel slightly bulkier, but it remains comfortable thanks to its breathable material and secure clasp. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference – do you prioritize a sleek, understated look or a more durable and noticeable design?
Display and Visibility: A Battle of Size and Clarity
The display is a crucial aspect of any fitness tracker, as it’s your window into your fitness data. The Amazfit Arc features a small, monochrome OLED display that offers decent visibility in most lighting conditions. The downside is its limited size, which restricts the amount of information displayed at once. The Vivofit 2, however, employs a larger, backlit monochrome LCD display that provides more space for detailed information. Its backlit feature ensures clear visibility even in low-light environments.
While the Vivofit 2’s larger display offers more information at a glance, the Arc’s OLED display provides a more aesthetically pleasing experience. The choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you prioritize a minimalist design and clear visibility in most conditions, the Arc might be a better fit. However, if you prefer a larger display with more information and enhanced visibility in low light, the Vivofit 2 takes the lead.
Activity Tracking: Accuracy and Features
Both the Amazfit Arc and Garmin Vivofit 2 offer a comprehensive suite of activity tracking features. They accurately track steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep patterns. However, the Vivofit 2 goes a step further by incorporating advanced features like Move IQ, which automatically detects and records activities like walking, running, and swimming. This feature eliminates the need for manual activity start and stop, making it incredibly convenient.
The Arc, on the other hand, relies on manual activity tracking. While this might seem like a drawback, it allows for greater control over the data you collect. You can manually start and stop activities, ensuring that only the relevant data is recorded. Both trackers offer accurate data, but the Vivofit 2’s Move IQ feature adds an extra layer of convenience.
Battery Life: A Marathon for the Vivofit 2
Battery life is a critical factor for any fitness tracker, as it determines how often you need to recharge it. The Amazfit Arc boasts a respectable battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge. This is a decent lifespan, but it pales in comparison to the Vivofit 2’s impressive battery life of up to a year. This incredible longevity makes the Vivofit 2 a true champion in terms of battery performance.
The Vivofit 2’s long battery life is a significant advantage, especially for users who are constantly on the move and don’t want to worry about frequent charging. However, the Arc’s shorter battery life might be acceptable for users who are willing to charge their tracker every couple of weeks.
Water Resistance: Diving into the Deep
Both the Amazfit Arc and Garmin Vivofit 2 offer water resistance, but to different degrees. The Arc boasts a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, which means it’s suitable for swimming and showering. The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, offers a water resistance rating of 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and even snorkeling.
While both trackers are capable of handling water exposure, the Vivofit 2’s higher water resistance rating makes it a more versatile option for users who engage in water-based activities. The Arc’s water resistance is sufficient for everyday use, but it might not be ideal for serious swimmers or snorkelers.
Smart Features: Beyond Fitness Tracking
Both the Amazfit Arc and Garmin Vivofit 2 offer a few smart features beyond fitness tracking. The Arc can display notifications from your smartphone, including calls, messages, and social media updates. It also features a sleep monitor and a sedentary reminder to encourage you to move around. The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, offers a similar set of features, including smartphone notifications, a sleep monitor, and a move bar that motivates you to stay active.
While both trackers offer a limited set of smart features, they are sufficient for basic notifications and activity reminders. If you’re looking for a fitness tracker with more advanced smart features, such as GPS tracking or music control, you might need to explore other options.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Amazfit Arc and Garmin Vivofit 2 are both priced competitively, offering excellent value for their respective features. The Arc generally retails for a lower price than the Vivofit 2, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Vivofit 2’s longer battery life, advanced features, and higher water resistance rating might justify its slightly higher price tag.
Ultimately, the best value for money depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize a sleek design and decent battery life, the Arc is a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a feature-rich tracker with exceptional battery life and water resistance, the Vivofit 2 offers excellent value for the price.
The Verdict: A Tie for the Crown
The Amazfit Arc and Garmin Vivofit 2 are both excellent fitness trackers that offer a compelling combination of features and affordability. The Arc excels in its sleek design, comfortable fit, and affordable price. The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, shines with its long battery life, advanced features, and superior water resistance.
Choosing between the two ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a sleek design, comfortable fit, and a budget-friendly price, the Amazfit Arc is an excellent choice. However, if you value exceptional battery life, advanced features, and superior water resistance, the Garmin Vivofit 2 is a worthy contender. Both trackers offer a fantastic entry point into the world of fitness tracking, making it a tie for the crown.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: Can I use the Amazfit Arc or Garmin Vivofit 2 with my Android or iOS device?
Both trackers are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. They connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and use dedicated apps for data synchronization and feature access.
Q2: What is the difference between the Amazfit Arc and the Garmin Vivofit 2?
The Amazfit Arc is a sleeker, more budget-friendly option with a shorter battery life and lower water resistance. The Garmin Vivofit 2 offers a longer battery life, advanced features like Move IQ, and higher water resistance, but it comes at a slightly higher price.
Q3: Can I use the Amazfit Arc or Garmin Vivofit 2 for swimming?
Yes, both trackers are water-resistant and suitable for swimming. However, the Vivofit 2 offers a higher water resistance rating (50 meters) compared to the Arc (5 ATM), making it a better choice for serious swimmers or snorkelers.
Q4: What are the pros and cons of each tracker?
Amazfit Arc:
Pros:
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Smaller display
- Shorter battery life
- Limited water resistance
Garmin Vivofit 2:
Pros:
- Longer battery life
- Advanced features like Move IQ
- Higher water resistance
Cons:
- Bulkier design
- More expensive
Q5: Which tracker is better for beginners?
Both the Amazfit Arc and Garmin Vivofit 2 are excellent choices for beginners. The Arc offers a simple and intuitive experience with a user-friendly interface. The Vivofit 2, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive set of features and a longer battery life, making it a great choice for users who are serious about their fitness goals.