What To Know
- The Garmin Vivofit 3 is renowned for its exceptional battery endurance, lasting for up to a year on a single charge.
- While this might seem like a drawback, it’s a trade-off for the convenience of a touchscreen and a more modern design.
- Both the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large offer a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the fitness tracker arena are the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large. Both devices offer a range of features to help you monitor your activity and progress towards your fitness goals. However, they differ in design, functionality, and price, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses to make an informed decision. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large, helping you determine which tracker best suits your needs.
Design and Display: A Tale of Two Styles
The Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large showcase distinct design philosophies. The Vivofit 3 boasts a classic, rectangular design with a bright, always-on color display. Its screen is small, measuring 0.7 inches, but it’s highly visible even under direct sunlight. The Vivomart 3 Large, on the other hand, opts for a sleek, minimalist design with a larger, 0.96-inch OLED touchscreen. While the OLED display offers vibrant colors and a modern aesthetic, it’s not always-on and requires a tap to activate.
Battery Life: Endurance vs. Convenience
One of the most significant differences between the two trackers lies in their battery life. The Garmin Vivofit 3 is renowned for its exceptional battery endurance, lasting for up to a year on a single charge. This makes it a perfect choice for those who prioritize long-lasting functionality without the hassle of frequent charging. The Vivomart 3 Large, however, offers a much shorter battery life, lasting around 5-7 days on a single charge. While this might seem like a drawback, it’s a trade-off for the convenience of a touchscreen and a more modern design.
Features and Functionality: A Detailed Comparison
Both the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large offer a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features. Both devices track steps, distance, calories burned, sleep quality, and heart rate. They also support smartphone notifications, allowing you to receive calls, texts, and social media alerts directly on your wrist. However, there are some key differences in their feature sets:
Garmin Vivofit 3:
- Move Bar: This unique feature motivates you to stay active throughout the day by displaying a red bar that fills up as you move.
- Automatic Activity Detection: The Vivofit 3 can automatically detect and record various activities, including walking, running, and swimming.
- Sleep Tracking: It provides detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including light, deep, and REM sleep stages.
- Water Reminders: The Vivofit 3 can remind you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Garmin Vivomart 3 Large:
- Touchscreen Interface: The Vivomart 3 Large offers a more intuitive and responsive user experience with its touchscreen interface.
- Advanced Heart Rate Tracking: It provides continuous heart rate monitoring and can even detect your heart rate variability.
- Stress Tracking: The Vivomart 3 Large can measure your stress levels throughout the day, helping you identify potential stress triggers.
- Music Control: It allows you to control music playback on your smartphone directly from your wrist.
Water Resistance and Durability: Navigating the Elements
Both the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large are water-resistant, making them suitable for everyday wear, including swimming. The Vivofit 3 is rated 5 ATM, allowing it to withstand depths of up to 50 meters. The Vivomart 3 Large is rated 1 ATM, meaning it can withstand splashes of water but should not be submerged. Both trackers are built with durable materials and are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Price and Value: Weighing the Options
The Garmin Vivofit 3 is generally priced lower than the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large. This makes it a more affordable option for those on a budget. However, the Vivomart 3 Large offers a more advanced feature set and a more modern design, justifying its higher price tag. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Choosing the Right Tracker: A Guided Decision
The choice between the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large boils down to your priorities and lifestyle. If you prioritize long battery life, a simple and intuitive interface, and a classic design, the Vivofit 3 is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a modern touchscreen interface, advanced features like stress tracking and music control, and don’t mind charging your tracker more frequently, the Vivomart 3 Large might be a better fit.
A Verdict: Finding Your Fitness Companion
Both the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large are capable fitness trackers that can help you achieve your fitness goals. They offer a range of features, from basic activity tracking to advanced health monitoring. Ultimately, the best tracker for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Consider your priorities, weigh the pros and cons of each device, and choose the one that best aligns with your fitness journey.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Can I use either tracker for swimming?
Both the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Garmin Vivomart 3 Large are water-resistant and can be used for swimming. However, the Vivofit 3 is rated for deeper water (50 meters) compared to the Vivomart 3 Large (1 ATM).
2. Which tracker is better for tracking sleep?
Both trackers offer sleep tracking features, but the Vivofit 3 provides more detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including light, deep, and REM sleep stages.
3. Can I receive notifications on both trackers?
Yes, both the Vivofit 3 and the Vivomart 3 Large support smartphone notifications, allowing you to receive calls, texts, and social media alerts directly on your wrist.
4. Does the Vivomart 3 Large offer GPS tracking?
No, the Vivomart 3 Large does not have built-in GPS. However, it can use your phone’s GPS for location tracking when connected to your smartphone.
5. Which tracker is better for beginners?
Both trackers are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. The Vivofit 3’s simple interface and always-on display might make it slightly easier to navigate for first-time users.