Garmin Vivosmart HR
Reviews Summary
In a number of areas, the Vivosmart HR improves on the original design. It comes with a considerably better display, touchscreen capability, and a heart rate monitor without significantly increasing the price. Overall, it’s a competent package that duplicates major smartwatch functionalities and gives enough functionality for more sophisticated users as long as you’re comfortable with not having a GPS-enabled tracker.
Pros
- Great Display
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Strap has buckle
- Fitness tracking features are available
- Waterproof
- Music controls
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Alerts aren’t actionable
- Strap tends to break easily
Where to get it?
Review
The Vivosmart HR has both basic tracking features and more in-depth information. It lacks GPS, as do other fitness trackers, but this is standard for trackers in this price range. Overall, Garmin’s tracker is a well-balanced device that will appeal to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.
Great Display
The Vivosmart HR has a 1-inch touch screen with 160 by 64 pixels. On the screen, the text seems crisp and large and is easily readable in most settings, including direct sunlight. Date and time, heart rate data, weather information, distance traveled, calories burned, time active, stairs climbed, and steps walked are all displayed on the backlit display. To see different facts, simply swipe from screen to screen, and the display is quite responsive.
Compatible with Android and iOS
The Garmin Vivosmart HR is compatible with Android 4.3 and higher, as well as iOS 9. Garmin’s Connect smartphone software works in tandem with the Vivosmart HR, converting all of the data collected by the tracker into a legible format. It can also show phone notifications, but they’re not actionable.
Strap has buckle
The strap is secured with a proper buckle, so no matter how busy you are, you won’t have to worry about it coming free. Because the notches are close together, the gadget should suit wrists of all sizes comfortably. The device is also available in two sizes: Regular and Extra Large, according to Garmin. The buckle also allows you to keep the Vivosmart HR close enough to your wrist (but not too close) for the heart rate monitor to work. However, the strap is prone to breaking.
Fitness tracking features are available
It measures daily activity (steps, floors climbed, etc. ), heart rate during the day, and automatically tracks sleep at night as a fitness tracker.
Waterproof
Another distinguishing feature is its water-resistance grade of 5 atmospheres (ATM), which means you may shower and even swim with it on.
Music controls
You can also control music playback with your wrist: play, pause, go ahead or go back, but no artist or song information will be displayed.
Decent battery life
The Vivosmart HR has a good battery life, especially given the watch face is always on, thanks to its basic liquid-crystal display (rather than OLED). Garmin claims a battery life of up to 5 days, which is accurate.
