The Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs Samsung Active 2 are two of the most popular fitness trackers. Both devices offer a variety of features that appeal to different types of users.
In this article, HereOfamily will compare and contrast the two devices to help you decide which one is right for you.
Contents
Garmin vivoactive 3 vs Samsung Active 2 Comparison Chart
Design
Compared to the Garmin vivoactive 3, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 offers a more streamlined design.
Despite being smartwatches, they look and feel similar. You get a classic watch appearance with their round display and quick-release silicone straps.
Despite being an older model, the Garmin maintains its design integrity. The thick stainless steel bezel gives the timepiece a solid appearance. The vivoactive 3’s fiber-reinforced polymer case, on the other hand, provides strength and durability.
On the other hand, Samsung’s Watch Active 2 has a more streamlined design, as evidenced by its narrower bezel. Thinner, on the other hand, does not imply ineffectively. The scrolling bezel of the Samsung is touch-enabled.
Like Garmin’s vivoactive 3, Samsung’s athletic wearable is composed of stainless steel. However, there is also a cheaper aluminum variant. The Active 2, unlike the Garmin, is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm. Garmin utilizes a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen, while both Active 2 models have a bright AMOLED display.
The two smartwatches are now available in various colors. The wearable from Garmin is presently available in black with silver or slate bezels. Samsung’s fitness watch, on the other hand, is available in silver, black, and gold color options, depending on the material.
If you don’t like the straps on these watches, you may replace them with dressier options like leather. Both are water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters.
If you are interested in a smartwatch that is waterproof, see this guide: Are Garmin Watches Waterproof
Activity and Fitness Tracking
The Samsung Active 2 monitors more workouts, but the vivoactive 3 provides more precise data.
Like other fitness watches, Garmin and Samsung’s wearables track your standard parameters. Calories expended, floors climbed, and steps taken are among them. The Garmin offers over 15 preinstalled sports apps, compared to over 40 on the Galaxy Watch.
Garmin’s built-in modes include profiles like skiing, paddle boarding, and snowboarding. Dynamic workouts, pilates, and mountain climbing, among other things, are available on the Samsung.
Samsung claims that Samsung can track seven of these activities automatically. Auto activity functions on the Garmin are limited to simply running and walking workouts.
The Garmin has the advantage in accuracy despite having fewer activities to track. According to tests, the wearable boasts a highly accurate step counter and an above-average heart rate monitor. Despite the enhanced sensors, Samsung’s heart rate measurements can be sluggish. The same can be said for its GPS and altimeter, which impact the accuracy of sure of the metrics measured.
Health Features
Compared to this Garmin watch, the Samsung Active 2 has more significant health monitoring features.
Due to its age, the Garmin has more minor health features than the Samsung Galaxy Watch. Despite this, the wearable stands out amid a sea of health-related features. The device, for example, provides wrist-based heart rates and notifications for problematic readings. You also receive 24/7 stress monitoring, which works with the device’s relaxation breathing reminder.
Samsung’s Watch also has 24/7 heart rate and stress monitoring capabilities. However, the wearable from the South Korean tech giant has a few more advanced features.
For example, ECG and blood pressure sensors are included in this Samsung watch. Handwashing reminders (similar to the Apple Watch 6) are also available, which detect when you wash your hands. Keep in mind that these functions do not qualify Samsung’s watch as a medical gadget.
The Samsung Active 2 and the vivoactive 3 share a few extra health features. Both devices provide extensive sleep tracking capabilities.
Users’ sleep data is synchronized with their companion apps to offer insight into their nighttime routines. There’s also support for tracking women’s menstrual cycles and notifications when you’ve been inactive for an extended period.
Battery Life and Smart Features
Although Garmin’s vivoactive 3 has a longer battery life, Samsung’s is the better smartwatch.
This Garmin age shows when it comes to connection. The watch supports only Bluetooth and ANT. This Samsung watch, on the other hand, has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and even LTE capabilities.
Nonetheless, both wearables are Android and iPhone compatible, albeit the Active 2’s functionality is limited if you’re on iOS. Users can also control their phone’s music with Garmin and Samsung’s wearables. With its low storage, Samsung’s smartphone, on the other hand, supports offline music playback.
As predicted, both the vivoactive 3 and the watch Active 2 receive smart notifications. Garmin’s device offers text responses and phone call rejection via SMS when coupled with an Android phone. On the other hand, this Samsung watch lets customers make and receive calls. You can even make calls directly from the watch if you obtain the LTE model.
Garmin has the edge when it comes to battery life. On smartwatch mode, this Garmin can last up to 7 days. With the GPS turned on, you get a more modest 13-hour runtime. In contrast, Samsung’s has a battery life of 1.5 to 2 days only, decreasing depending on usage and settings.
Which Should You Choose?
The Samsung Active 2 is great if you prioritize smart features. However, the Garmin vivoactive 3 is better if you put a premium on accurate readings. It is a solid upgrade from its predecessor. It’s a sleek, fitness-focused smartwatch packed with features. If you’re looking for a wearable with plenty of workouts to track and smart features, this is a good option.
However, it’s not exactly the most accurate for monitoring key metrics, particularly heart rate. And for many fitness enthusiasts, accuracy is the key.
With this in mind, you’ll probably be better off with an older device like the this Garmin watch . Garmin’s watch doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of today’s wearables.
The interface may not even be as immersive as other Garmin devices. But you can count on the watch for accurate readings of critical metrics. If you do not need offline music support, ECG, or blood pressure sensors, this Garmin watch is a more affordable and reliable purchase.
FAQs
Is the Garmin vivoactive 3 a good watch?
It is an older Garmin’s midrange sports and fitness watch model. Despite missing a few smart and health features, it’s still a solid device known for its accurate readings and robust design.
Which is better, the Samsung Active 2 stainless steel or aluminum model?
It stainless steel model is the more premium model of the two. The material used is also more scratch-resistant compared to aluminum.
How much can data be stored on the Garmin vivoactive 3?
Garmin shares that the vivoactive 3 can store up to 14 days of activity tracking data.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 compatible with the iPhone?
It is designed with Samsung smartphone users in mind. It is still compatible with the iPhone 5 and above running iOS 9.0 or higher. Some features, however, will not work on iOS.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that offers the type of features to appeal to the more dedicated runner or cyclist, you’ll want to give the Garmin Vivoactive 3 a severe look. While it doesn’t offer the same level of customization as the Samsung Active 2, it does provide more convenience and ease of use.
If you are not looking for a fully-featured fitness tracker but rather something that will fit into your daily life without any hassle, the Samsung Active 2 may be right for you.
