Which Fitness Tracker Reigns Supreme? Garmin Vivosmart vs Xiaomi Mi Band 3

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Garmin Vivosmart and the Xiaomi Mi Band 3. Both devices offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the champion? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Comfort

The Garmin Vivosmart boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, with a monochrome OLED display and a comfortable wristband. The tracker is available in various colors and comes with a water-resistant rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming. The **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** adopts a more minimalist approach, featuring a colorful OLED touchscreen display and a soft, comfortable silicone band. It also boasts a 5 ATM water resistance rating, allowing you to wear it while swimming.
In terms of comfort, both trackers are lightweight and unobtrusive on the wrist. However, the Mi Band 3’s larger display might feel slightly bulky for some users, while the **Vivosmart’s** slim design might appeal to those seeking a more discreet option.

Display and User Interface

The Garmin Vivosmart features a small, monochrome OLED display that provides basic information like time, steps, heart rate, and notifications. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, but the lack of color and touch functionality may be a drawback for some users.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 stands out with its vibrant color OLED touchscreen display. It offers a more visually appealing experience and allows for easier interaction with the device. The user interface is straightforward, with clear icons and menus. However, the touch sensitivity can be inconsistent at times, leading to occasional frustrations.

Features and Functionality

Both trackers offer a range of fitness tracking features, including:

• Step counting: Both devices accurately count your steps throughout the day.
• Distance tracking: They can estimate the distance you’ve covered based on your steps.
• Sleep monitoring: They track your sleep patterns, including duration and quality.
• Heart rate monitoring: Both trackers continuously monitor your heart rate and provide insights into your fitness levels.
• Activity tracking: They can track various activities like running, walking, cycling, and swimming.
• Notifications: You can receive notifications from your smartphone, including calls, messages, and app alerts.

However, there are some key differences:

• GPS: The **Garmin Vivosmart** lacks built-in GPS, relying on your smartphone’s GPS for accurate location tracking. The **Mi Band 3** also lacks GPS, but it can connect to your phone’s GPS for more accurate activity tracking.
• Advanced Metrics: The **Garmin Vivosmart** offers more advanced fitness metrics, such as VO2 Max, stress levels, and sleep stages. The **Mi Band 3** focuses on basic fitness tracking and lacks these advanced features.
• Music Controls: The **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** allows you to control music playback on your smartphone, while the **Garmin Vivosmart** does not.
• Smartwatch Features: The **Garmin Vivosmart** offers some smartwatch features, including the ability to send pre-written messages and control your smartphone’s camera. The **Mi Band 3** lacks these smartwatch functionalities.

Battery Life

The Garmin Vivosmart boasts an impressive battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge. This is significantly longer than the **Xiaomi Mi Band 3**, which lasts for approximately 20 days on a single charge. The **Mi Band 3**’s longer battery life is a major advantage for users who don’t want to constantly charge their device.

Price and Value

The Garmin Vivosmart is generally priced higher than the **Xiaomi Mi Band 3**. This price difference reflects the **Vivosmart’s** more advanced features and longer battery life. However, the **Mi Band 3** offers exceptional value for its price, providing a good balance of features and affordability.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best choice between the Garmin Vivosmart and the **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** depends on your individual needs and preferences.

• Choose the Garmin Vivosmart if:
• You prioritize advanced fitness tracking features like VO2 Max and stress levels.
• You want a sleek and sophisticated design.
• You’re willing to pay a premium for a longer battery life.
• You need basic smartwatch features like pre-written messages and camera control.

• Choose the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 if:
• You’re on a tight budget.
• You prefer a colorful touchscreen display.
• You want a device with an exceptionally long battery life.
• You need music controls and basic notifications.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Garmin Vivosmart and **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** are excellent budget-friendly options, there are other fitness trackers worth considering:

• Fitbit Inspire HR: This tracker offers a similar feature set to the **Garmin Vivosmart** but with a more affordable price tag.
• Honor Band 5: This tracker packs a vibrant color display, advanced sleep monitoring, and a long battery life at a competitive price.
• Amazfit Bip: This tracker is known for its long battery life, color display, and GPS functionality at a budget-friendly price.

Final Thoughts: Your Fitness Journey Starts Here

Choosing the right fitness tracker is a crucial step in your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. The Garmin Vivosmart and **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** offer compelling options for budget-conscious users. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can select the perfect fitness tracker to motivate you and track your progress.

Information You Need to Know

Q1: Can I use the Garmin Vivosmart or Xiaomi Mi Band 3 for swimming?
A: Both trackers are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming in shallow water. However, it’s important to note that they are not designed for deep diving or high-impact water sports.
Q2: Do I need a smartphone to use these trackers?
A: Yes, both the **Garmin Vivosmart** and **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** require a smartphone to set up and sync data.
Q3: Can I customize the watch faces on these trackers?
A: The **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** allows you to customize the watch face with different themes and colors. The **Garmin Vivosmart** does not offer watch face customization.
Q4: What is the warranty period for these trackers?
A: The warranty period for both trackers varies depending on the retailer and region. It’s best to check with the manufacturer or retailer for specific warranty details.
Q5: Which tracker is better for tracking sleep?
A: Both trackers offer basic sleep tracking features. The **Garmin Vivosmart** provides more detailed sleep insights, including sleep stages, while the **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** focuses on sleep duration and quality.