Choosing the right hybrid smartwatch can be a challenge, especially when comparing two compelling options from the same brand. If you’re eyeing the sleek design and modern features of the Garmin vivomove 3S, but also considering the established appeal of the vivomove HR, you’re in the right place.
Both wearables seamlessly blend traditional watch aesthetics with smart capabilities, offering discreet notifications and fitness tracking. However, subtle differences in their design, features, and user experience can make one a better fit for your lifestyle than the other. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
We’ll break down what sets the vivomove 3S apart from its predecessor, the vivomove HR, covering everything from display technology to battery life. Get ready to discover which of these stylish Garmin devices is the perfect companion for your wrist.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | vivomove 3s | vivomove hr |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | OLED |
| Display Size | 0.97″ x 0.49″ | 0.49″ x 0.73″ |
| Resolution | 72 x 128 pixels | 64 x 128 pixels |
| Materials | Polymer case, silicone band | Fiber-reinforced polymer case, leather band |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| GPS | Connected GPS | Connected GPS |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes (wrist-based) | Yes (wrist-based) |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox | Yes | No |
| Body Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Vivomove 3s: Features a discreet, hidden digital display that only appears when you need it, blending seamlessly with traditional watch hands. This offers a clean, classic look when the display is off, but the monochrome OLED can be less vibrant than some competitors.
- Vivomove Hr: Boasts a more prominent, always-on monochrome OLED display that provides better readability for notifications and stats at a glance. While it sacrifices some of the hidden aesthetic of the 3s, the always-on nature is a significant convenience for quick checks.
- Winner: vivomove hr
Design & Build
- Vivomove 3s: This model is designed to be smaller and lighter, making it a better fit for slimmer wrists or those who prefer a more minimalist watch. The materials are generally good quality for its price point, offering a comfortable wear.
- Vivomove Hr: Offers a slightly larger and more robust build, which some users might find more substantial on the wrist. It often comes with a wider range of strap options and finishes, allowing for more personalization.
- Winner: vivomove 3s
Smartwatch Features
- Vivomove 3s: Provides essential smart notifications (calls, texts, app alerts) and music control. It excels at discreet alerts, keeping you connected without being intrusive, but lacks advanced smart features like onboard GPS or contactless payments.
- Vivomove Hr: Also offers smart notifications and music control, similar to the 3s. Its strengths lie in its core smart functionalities without overwhelming the user with too many complex features.
- Winner: Tie
Health & Fitness Tracking
- Vivomove 3s: Tracks a comprehensive suite of health metrics including heart rate, steps, sleep, stress, and body battery. It offers various sport profiles for accurate activity tracking.
- Vivomove Hr: Also includes robust health tracking, with a strong emphasis on heart rate monitoring and advanced sleep tracking. It offers a good range of sport modes and is known for its reliable fitness data.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Vivomove 3s: Typically offers a battery life of around 5 days in smartwatch mode, which is decent for a hybrid watch with a digital display. The battery life can be impacted by frequent use of the digital display.
- Vivomove Hr: Often boasts a slightly longer battery life, potentially reaching up to 5-7 days in smartwatch mode depending on usage. This can be attributed to its optimized display and power management.
- Winner: vivomove hr
GPS Connectivity
- Vivomove 3s: Does not have built-in GPS. It relies on connected GPS from your smartphone for tracking outdoor activities like running or cycling.
- Vivomove Hr: Also lacks built-in GPS and uses connected GPS from your smartphone. This is a common limitation for hybrid smartwatches in this price range.
- Winner: Tie
Water Resistance
- Vivomove 3s: Rated for 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and showering. This allows for worry-free wear during water-based activities.
- Vivomove Hr: Also features 5 ATM water resistance, providing the same level of protection against water. It’s designed to withstand splashes, submersion, and everyday water exposure.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Value
- Vivomove 3s: Generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option, offering a good balance of classic watch aesthetics and essential smart features for its price. It’s a great entry point into hybrid smartwatches.
- Vivomove Hr: Often priced slightly higher than the 3s, but this is usually justified by its slightly more advanced display and potentially better battery life. It offers good value for those seeking a more feature-rich hybrid.
- Winner: vivomove 3s
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | vivomove 3s |
| Design & Comfort (Smaller Wrists) | vivomove 3s |
| Additional Health Features (Pulse Ox) | vivomove 3s |
| Overall Value (Core Features) | vivomove hr |
| Classic Watch Feel | vivomove hr |
What They Have in Common
- Hybrid Smartwatch Design: Both the vivomove 3s and vivomove hr offer a traditional analog watch face with hidden smart features. This means you get the classic look of a watch combined with the functionality of a fitness tracker.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both devices are equipped with wrist-based heart rate sensors, allowing you to track your heart rate 24/7, during workouts, and monitor resting heart rate trends.
- Activity Tracking: You can expect comprehensive activity tracking from both models, including steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and floors climbed.
- Sleep Monitoring: Both smartwatches provide detailed sleep tracking, analyzing your light, deep, and REM sleep stages to give you insights into your sleep quality.
- Stress Tracking: Both the vivomove 3s and vivomove hr feature stress tracking, helping you understand your daily stress levels and offering relaxation reminders when needed.
- Connected Gps: Neither device has built-in GPS, but both utilize your smartphone’s GPS to accurately track outdoor activities like runs and walks.
- Smart Notifications: Both can receive smart notifications from your paired smartphone, keeping you updated on calls, texts, and app alerts without needing to pull out your phone.
Vivomove 3S Vs Vivomove HR Buying Guide
Design and Display
The Garmin vivomove 3S boasts a more modern and minimalist design, featuring a smaller, sleeker profile that’s ideal for those with slimmer wrists. Its discreet digital display is hidden behind traditional watch hands until activated, offering a clean look when not in use. The vivomove HR, on the other hand, has a slightly larger and more robust build, with a more prominent always-on display that shows more information at a glance. Its design leans towards a more classic smartwatch aesthetic. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Fitness Tracking Features
Both devices offer robust fitness tracking, but the vivomove HR edges out the 3S with its integrated heart rate monitor directly on the wrist. This allows for more precise calorie burn calculations and continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day and during workouts. The vivomove 3S relies on connected GPS for distance tracking and doesn’t have an optical heart rate sensor, meaning its heart rate data might be less comprehensive or require a separate chest strap accessory for advanced tracking. Both track steps, sleep, and various other daily activities.
Smartwatch Functionality
When it comes to smartwatch features, the vivomove HR offers a more integrated experience. Its always-on display provides immediate access to notifications, weather updates, and music controls without needing to wake the screen. The vivomove 3S’s hidden display requires a tap or gesture to reveal smart features, which can be less convenient for quick glances. However, both models offer smartphone notifications, allowing you to stay connected on the go without constantly pulling out your phone.
Battery Life and Durability
Battery life is a strong suit for both vivomove models, especially when compared to full-fledged smartwatches. The vivomove 3S typically offers a longer battery life, often exceeding a week in smartwatch mode, due to its more power-efficient display. The vivomove HR’s always-on display, while convenient, can slightly reduce its battery longevity, usually lasting several days. Both are generally durable, designed for everyday wear and light workouts, and are water-resistant for swimming. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy vivomove 3s If…
- You prefer a more compact and lightweight design, especially if you have smaller wrists.
- You want the added benefit of Pulse Ox (blood oxygen saturation) monitoring.
- You are looking for a stylish hybrid smartwatch with a vibrant AMOLED display.
Buy vivomove hr If…
- You appreciate a slightly larger display and a more traditional watch aesthetic.
- You are looking for a reliable hybrid smartwatch with a focus on core fitness and health tracking features.
- You prefer a smartwatch that comes with a leather band for a classic look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model is better for a smaller wrist?
The Garmin vivomove 3S is specifically designed with a smaller case size, making it a much better fit for individuals with slimmer wrists. Its proportions are more refined and less bulky, ensuring a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing wear. The vivomove HR, while still a hybrid watch, has a slightly larger form factor that might feel overwhelming on very small wrists.
Does the vivomove 3S have a heart rate monitor?
No, the Garmin vivomove 3S does not have an integrated optical heart rate monitor on the wrist. It relies on connected GPS for activity tracking and does not offer continuous heart rate monitoring. For heart rate data, you would need to pair it with a compatible chest strap or consider a different model.
Is the vivomove HR’s display always on?
Yes, the Garmin vivomove HR features an always-on display. This means the digital information, such as time, date, and notifications, is visible at all times without requiring a gesture or tap to activate. This offers a more traditional watch-like experience while still providing smart functionalities. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Which watch offers more advanced fitness tracking?
The vivomove HR generally offers more advanced fitness tracking due to its integrated optical heart rate sensor. This allows for more accurate calorie burn estimates, continuous heart rate monitoring, and advanced metrics like VO2 Max. While the vivomove 3S tracks basic fitness metrics, it lacks the comprehensive heart rate data of the HR model.
Are both watches suitable for swimming?
Yes, both the Garmin vivomove 3S and vivomove HR are water-resistant and suitable for swimming. They can track your swimming activities and provide basic metrics. However, neither is designed for high-intensity water sports. Always check the specific water resistance rating for the model you are considering.
Final Verdict
For those prioritizing a sleek design and longer battery life, the vivomove 3S is a compelling choice, especially for smaller wrists. However, if advanced fitness tracking with on-wrist heart rate monitoring and a more readily visible smart display are crucial, the vivomove HR stands out. Its integrated heart rate sensor provides a more comprehensive health overview.
Winner: vivomove HR