The Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 stand out as top contenders in the competitive landscape of smartwatches. Each offers unique features and capabilities, and choosing between them can be a daunting task.
This comprehensive review aims to dissect these two smartwatches in various aspects, ranging from design and display to health and fitness tracking, performance, and overall value to help you make the choice that fits your daily needs.
- Read also:
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs. Garmin Forerunner 265: Which One To Choose?
Design and Display:
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 strikes a balance between size and comfort, catering to various wrist sizes with its 42-millimeter case. Its 1.2-inch AMOLED display is a standout feature, boasting vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass 3 ensures durability. The touchscreen functionality and two-button layout enhance navigation, and the ability to adjust font size adds a layer of customization for improved readability.
The Galaxy Watch 6 re-introduces the beloved rotating bezel, providing a tactile and intuitive navigation option. Available in two sizes, 43mm and 47mm, it offers a larger display area, resulting in an immersive user experience. The sapphire crystal and raised edge around the display enhance durability. The watch’s elegant stainless steel build and 10.9mm thickness contribute to its overall premium feel.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. The return of the rotating bezel and the larger, protected display offer a superior design and user experience.
Health and Activity Tracking:
The Vivoactive 5 excels in health and activity tracking, offering a comprehensive range of metrics, including steps, calories, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. The addition of Body Battery, HRV status, and recovery time advisor provide valuable insights into overall well-being. Comprehensive sleep tracking, including sleep stages and naps, sets it apart. The dedicated mode for wheelchair users showcases Garmin’s commitment to inclusivity.
The Galaxy Watch 6 boasts a comprehensive suite of health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels, and stress tracking. It also includes ECG functionality (pending FDA approval for blood pressure monitoring in the US). The watch’s infrared LEDs enhance sleep tracking, ensuring uninterrupted rest.
Winner: Garmin Vivoactive 5. While both watches offer exceptional health tracking capabilities, the Vivoactive 5’s dedicated features for wheelchair users and comprehensive sleep tracking give it an edge.
Performance and Battery Life:
The Vivoactive 5 offers solid performance, with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive navigation. Its battery life impresses, providing up to 11 days with the always-on display disabled. Real-world usage may vary, but it remains a commendable aspect.
Equipped with the Exynos 930 chip and 2GB of RAM, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic delivers a fast and smooth user experience. While exact battery figures are pending testing, it is expected to provide around 18 hours of usage, which is satisfactory for most users.
Winner: Garmin Vivoactive 5. Its longer battery life, especially with the always-on display enabled, sets it apart from the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
Outdoor Activity Tracking:
The Vivoactive 5 is a versatile companion for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of sports profiles. Open Water swimming is a notable addition, and the Workout Benefits Summary provides insightful feedback on training sessions.
While the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers a variety of auto-tracked workouts, it lacks the specific sports profiles provided by the Vivoactive 5. The absence of Open Water swimming is a notable drawback.
Winner: Garmin Vivoactive 5. Its comprehensive sports profiles and Workout Benefits Summary provide a more tailored experience for outdoor activities.
Accuracy in Tracking:
Both the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic demonstrate exceptional accuracy in tracking various activities. The Garmin excels in GPS accuracy, providing precise speed, distance, and pace data even in challenging conditions. While the Vivoactive 5 lacks a built-in altimeter, it compensates with post-activity elevation gain calculations.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a wide range of health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement, and stress level tracking. Additionally, it has an ECG function, though blood pressure monitoring is not yet available in the United States due to FDA approval.
Sleep tracking has been improved with the use of infrared LEDs, ensuring that users aren’t disturbed during their rest. The watch also includes health features tailored for women, such as cycle tracking. For those into physical fitness, the watch offers personalized heart rate zones and a variety of auto-tracked workouts. For Software And Integrations Comparison Go To NEXT PAGE...
Check out the latest prices of both the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
