What To Know
- The Amazfit Band 5 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a vibrant AMOLED color display encased in a lightweight, comfortable silicone band.
- The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional fitness tracker design with a larger, rectangular display and a slightly thicker silicone strap.
- The Amazfit Band 5 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge, making it ideal for extended trips or users who prefer less frequent charging.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly fitness tracker market are the Amazfit Band 5 and the Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large. Both devices offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making them attractive choices for fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike.
This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each tracker, dissecting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, or GPS functionality, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect fitness companion for your needs.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles
The Amazfit Band 5 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large sport distinct aesthetics, catering to different preferences. The Amazfit Band 5 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a vibrant AMOLED color display encased in a lightweight, comfortable silicone band. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it ideal for all-day wear, even during sleep.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional fitness tracker design with a larger, rectangular display and a slightly thicker silicone strap. While it might feel slightly bulkier than the Amazfit Band 5, its robust build and secure fit provide a sense of durability and stability.
Display: Clarity and Brightness
The display technology employed by each tracker significantly impacts the user experience. The Amazfit Band 5 boasts a vibrant 1.1-inch AMOLED color display, offering sharp visuals, deep blacks, and excellent readability even under direct sunlight. Its always-on display feature keeps the time and other essential information readily visible without requiring a tap or wrist raise.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large, however, utilizes a monochrome LCD display, which, although less vibrant than the Amazfit Band 5, delivers decent readability in most lighting conditions. It lacks the always-on display feature, necessitating a wrist raise or a tap to activate the screen.
Activity Tracking: Accuracy and Features
Both the Amazfit Band 5 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large excel in activity tracking, providing detailed insights into your daily movements. They both accurately track steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep duration. However, the Amazfit Band 5 takes the lead by offering a wider array of workout modes, including swimming, cycling, and running, with built-in GPS for accurate distance and pace tracking.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large, while lacking dedicated GPS, leverages connected GPS from your smartphone to track outdoor activities. Its strength lies in its advanced sleep tracking capabilities, providing detailed insights into sleep stages, heart rate variability, and sleep quality.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Accuracy and Reliability
Both trackers employ optical heart rate sensors to monitor your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. The Amazfit Band 5 utilizes a BioTracker 2.0 PPG sensor, known for its accuracy and reliability. It also features SpO2 monitoring, allowing you to track your blood oxygen saturation levels.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large also delivers accurate heart rate readings, although its sensor might not be as advanced as the Amazfit Band 5. It lacks SpO2 monitoring, making it less versatile for health-conscious individuals.
Battery Life: Endurance and Convenience
Battery life is a crucial factor, especially for fitness trackers that rely on constant monitoring. The Amazfit Band 5 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge, making it ideal for extended trips or users who prefer less frequent charging.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 7 days, which still provides ample endurance for most users. While the Amazfit Band 5 edges out in battery life, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large compensates with its faster charging time.
Water Resistance: Dive In or Stay Dry?
Both trackers offer water resistance, making them suitable for everyday wear, including light rain and handwashing. The Amazfit Band 5 boasts a 5ATM water resistance rating, allowing it to withstand depths of up to 50 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming and showering without any concerns.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large, on the other hand, comes with a 5ATM water resistance rating, making it safe for swimming and showering. However, it might not be ideal for deep dives or intense water sports.
Extra Features: Beyond the Basics
Both trackers offer a range of additional features to enhance your fitness journey. The Amazfit Band 5 includes stress monitoring, breathing exercises, and menstrual cycle tracking. It also supports smartphone notifications, music control, and a remote camera shutter.
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large provides similar features, including smartphone notifications, music control, and a remote camera shutter. It also offers body battery energy monitoring, which assesses your energy levels throughout the day.
Choosing the Right Tracker for You: A Final Verdict
The choice between the Amazfit Band 5 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a vibrant display, long battery life, and a wide range of workout modes, the Amazfit Band 5 emerges as the winner. Its advanced health monitoring features, including SpO2 monitoring, further enhance its appeal.
However, if you prioritize advanced sleep tracking, a robust build, and a well-established fitness platform, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large might be a better fit. Its connected GPS functionality and body battery energy monitoring provide valuable insights for those seeking to optimize their fitness routines.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Competition
The fitness tracker market is constantly evolving, with new models and features emerging regularly. While the Amazfit Band 5 and Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large represent excellent value for money, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences before making a final decision.
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you is the one that motivates you to stay active, track your progress, and achieve your fitness goals.
What You Need to Know
Q: Does the Amazfit Band 5 have GPS?
A: Yes, the Amazfit Band 5 features built-in GPS, allowing for accurate distance and pace tracking during outdoor workouts.
Q: Can I use the Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large for swimming?
A: Yes, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large is water-resistant up to 5ATM, making it suitable for swimming and showering.
Q: Which tracker has better sleep tracking?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart 4 Large excels in sleep tracking, providing detailed insights into sleep stages, heart rate variability, and sleep quality.
Q: What is the difference between the Amazfit Band 5 and the Amazfit Band 5 NFC?
A: The Amazfit Band 5 NFC version adds contactless payment functionality, allowing you to make purchases without needing your wallet.
Q: Which tracker is better for tracking my workouts?
A: Both trackers offer accurate workout tracking, but the Amazfit Band 5 provides a wider range of workout modes and built-in GPS, making it ideal for tracking various activities.