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For many years, watches have been a statement piece that goes with a person’s attire.
Some spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on costly watches, for the quality and the oomph they add to one’s look.
For most of the century, classic dial watches have been in fashion, but now smartwatches are taking over.
Garmin is a brand that has been sought-after by many because of the great quality of watches they produce and sell.
Two of the products from their wide range are the Vivoactive 3 and Forerunner 235. Now, you might be confused when it comes to picking one of these models.
Vivoactive 3 vs Forerunner 235 – Comparison in 2021
Last update on 2021-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Most brands try to cater to a wide range of customers with their products, and the Vivoactive edition is more of the low-middle range product.
This is specially made for people who want to use a fitness/sports watch but do not want to pay a huge sum of money.
Garmin Pay
Not many watches have this facility, but with the Vivoactive 3, you will be able to make payments just by using your watch.
Many phones have a feature where you may be able to pay using the device, but with this, you do not even have to take your phone out.
However, this would work with cards from participating banks only, so try to make sure if your bank is added to the list.
Because otherwise, this feature would not be of much use to you.
Option to Personalise
Even though it is a lowered watch, you will still be able to make any adjustments to the watch’s interface.
Meaning, you will be able to change the theme, the backdrop, and the way your watch looks.
You will be able to access all these facilities with the help of the Connect Q store.
Fitness Apps
One of the main selling points of the Vivoactive 3 is the range of fitness apps pre-installed in the watch.
The device is a fitness watch, so it has to have features that support your fitness journey.
There is a GPS that tells you the distance you ran or cycled; there are apps for yoga and swimming.
All of these are going to be beneficial to you, depending on your fitness needs and requirements.
Connect with Smartphone
The Vivoactive 3 is a smart fitness watch, so not only would you be able to track your fitness journey, but you will also be able to connect the watch to your smartphones and receive notifications throughout the day.
This especially comes in handy when you’re working out and can’t use your phone.
You can access all your emails, messages, and calls using your watch with a click of a button.
Amazing Battery Life
If you want to use the watch just as a smartwatch without any fitness option, then the battery will last for around 7 days, so if you charge it once a week, you would be good to go.
With the GPS option on, the battery will last you about 13 hours. So, if you plan to keep it on the whole day, you will need to change the watch more frequently.
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Garmin Forerunner 235
If you are looking for a great watch that has a low price point, then one of your greatest options would be the Garmin Forerunner 235.
You will be able to take advantage of all the facilities of a smart fitness watch without having to spend a whole lot of money on it.
Heart Rate Monitor
When working out, one of the things you will want to keep a close eye on is your heart rate; the higher your heart rate during your workout, the higher number of calories you will be burning. The Forerunner 235 is going to give you a reading of your heart rate.
You will be able to see the reading even when you are under harsh sunlight, as the watch has the option of sunlight visibility.
So, all in all, you should be able to monitor how your heart is reacting to the stress you are putting it under, not just during your workout, but also at any other time of the day.
Large Display
The 235’s display screen is about 44% larger than it was in the Forerunner 225. So, you will now be able to see the content on your watch on a much bigger screen than you were able to before.
This would make using the watch much more convenient and easier on your eyes.
Even though the screen is bigger, you will still be able to get a good fit from the watch. So, this will not look like the watch is going to look too big for your wrist.
Audio Prompt Connection to SmartPhone
A new and exciting feature of the Forerunner 235 is the audio promo which allows the watch to connect to your smartphone.
This might not seem like much, but you will not have to connect the watch to your phone manually. And in the 21st century, it is all about making lives more comfortable.
You will also get all the notifications for the messages on your watch.
Battery Life
For a device, battery life is very significant. You would want the maximum use out of the battery.
With the Forerunner 235, you will be able to go 9 days without charging it if you use it as a smartphone, but if you are to use it with the GPS at all times, then it would last around 11 hours.
All in all, you do not have to worry about charging it more than once a day, even if you have the GPS on the whole time.
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Forerunner 235 or Vivoactive 3 watch?
We have already been over all the characteristics of each of the watches. There are obviously many similarities between the two watches.
However, here we are going to tackle the differences and the lackings one of them might have.
Battery Life
Right off the bat, one of the main differences you will see between the two watches is the difference in battery life.
As a regular smartwatch, the Forerunner 235 would work for 9 days without being charged again, whereas the Vivoactive 3 would work for 7 days.
However, with the GPS on the Vivoactive 3 has longer battery life. You should be able to use it for 13 hours, whereas for the Forerunner, it is lower by two hours.
So, you might have to charge again if you plan to have it on at all times.
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Smartphone Notification
The Forerunner has a big display with which you can reply to messages, take calls, and even write emails if you wish.
But these are not the things you would be able to do with the Vivoactive 3. You would get the notification, but that’s about it, you would have to use your phone for the rest of it.
Sleep
There are a few watches that allow us to monitor our sleeping pattern; the Forerunner 235 is one of them. You can wear it to bed if you want to, and it will monitor your sleep based on your heart rate.
Also, you would have an account of the number of hours you slept at night. Vivoactive 3 does not have this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the watches waterproof?
Yes, both of the watches are water and sweatproof. This is why these are the perfect addition when you go for a swim or even workout as they will be fine after.
How accurate is the GPS?
For the most part, the GPS is pretty good but is a bit off if you are inside a building.
Also, try not to cover it up with a heavy or thick fabric as the reading might be off then as well.
Can I take calls with the watch?
If you have the Forerunner 235, then you can take calls and converse.
However, the Vivoactive 3 doesn’t have a mic or speaker, so you can’t talk to people on the other side.
Final Words
The Vivoactive 3 and Forerunner 235 are both great options if you are looking for a smart fitness watch.
But I would say that the Forerunner has just a few more features that make it a better choice than the Vivoactive.
Nevertheless, if you have anything to add to our Vivoactive 3 and Forerunner 235 guide, let us know in the comments section below.