What To Know
- The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ utilizes a built-in accelerometer, while the Microsoft Band 2015 employs a combination of sensors for more accurate data.
- The Microsoft Band 2015, on the other hand, takes a more comprehensive approach to health tracking, offering a wider range of features and insights.
- If you value a wider range of health tracking features and a more tech-forward design, the Microsoft Band 2015 might be a better fit.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the 2015 market were the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ and the Microsoft Band. Both offered a range of features designed to track your fitness progress and provide valuable insights into your health. But which one came out on top? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles
The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ boasts a sleek and minimalist design. Its slim profile and comfortable band make it unobtrusive during daily wear. The touchscreen display, while small, is responsive and easy to navigate.
On the other hand, the Microsoft Band 2015 opted for a more robust and tech-forward aesthetic. Its larger, rectangular display offered more real estate for information, but some found it bulky and less comfortable for prolonged wear.
Ultimately, the choice between these two designs boils down to personal preference. If you value discretion and comfort, the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a larger display and a more futuristic look, the Microsoft Band 2015 could be more appealing.
Activity Tracking: Keeping You Moving
Both trackers excel at tracking your steps, distance, and calories burned. The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ utilizes a built-in accelerometer, while the Microsoft Band 2015 employs a combination of sensors for more accurate data.
The Microsoft Band 2015 also goes a step further by tracking your sleep patterns, providing detailed insights into your sleep quality and duration. The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ offers basic sleep tracking, but its data is less comprehensive.
Heart Rate Monitoring: A Vital Feature
The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ lives up to its name by incorporating a built-in heart rate monitor. This allows for continuous heart rate tracking, providing valuable data for fitness enthusiasts. The Microsoft Band 2015 also features a heart rate monitor, but its accuracy and consistency were sometimes questioned.
GPS: Navigating Your Way
The Garmin Vivosmart HR++ has a built-in GPS, which is a significant advantage for outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking. It allows you to track your routes and pace accurately, providing valuable insights into your performance. The Microsoft Band 2015 lacks GPS, requiring you to rely on your smartphone for location tracking.
Additional Features: Beyond the Basics
The Microsoft Band 2015 takes a more holistic approach to health tracking, offering features like UV exposure monitoring, skin temperature measurement, and even stress level tracking. These features, while not essential for all users, can be valuable for those seeking a more comprehensive health picture.
The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ focuses more on core fitness tracking, offering features like smartphone notifications, music controls, and a timer. While these features are less extensive than the Microsoft Band 2015, they are still useful for everyday use.
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness tracker. The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ boasts a respectable battery life of up to 5 days, while the Microsoft Band 2015 typically lasted for 2-3 days. Both devices require charging via a proprietary cable.
A Final Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
The Garmin Vivosmart HR++ and the Microsoft Band 2015 are both capable fitness trackers with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ offers a more focused approach to fitness tracking, excelling in activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and GPS. Its sleek design and long battery life make it a comfortable and reliable companion for daily use.
The Microsoft Band 2015, on the other hand, takes a more comprehensive approach to health tracking, offering a wider range of features and insights. Its larger display and advanced sensors make it a compelling choice for those seeking a more detailed and holistic health picture.
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize core fitness tracking and a comfortable, discreet design, the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ is a solid choice. If you value a wider range of health tracking features and a more tech-forward design, the Microsoft Band 2015 might be a better fit.
A New Dawn: The Legacy of the Microsoft Band
It’s worth noting that the Microsoft Band 2015 was the last iteration of the Microsoft Band line. While it offered a compelling set of features, Microsoft discontinued the product in 2016. This leaves the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ as a viable option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich fitness tracker.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ or Microsoft Band 2015 for swimming?
A: Neither the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ nor the Microsoft Band 2015 is waterproof enough for swimming.
Q: Are the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ and Microsoft Band 2015 compatible with both Android and iOS devices?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The Microsoft Band 2015, however, was primarily designed for Windows Phone devices and had limited compatibility with Android and iOS.
Q: Can I use the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ or Microsoft Band 2015 to make calls or send messages?
A: Neither device allows for phone calls or messaging. Their primary function is fitness tracking and health monitoring.
Q: Do the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ and Microsoft Band 2015 offer music playback control?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ offers music controls, allowing you to play, pause, and skip tracks on your connected smartphone. The Microsoft Band 2015 did not offer music playback control.
Q: What are the differences in price between the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ and the Microsoft Band 2015?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ was generally priced lower than the Microsoft Band 2015. However, prices may vary depending on retailer and availability.