## Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 5: Detailed Comparison
It’s hard to choose between Apple Watch Series 8 and Garmin Vivoactive 5. Let’s do a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
The Apple Watch Series 8 features a sleek, modern design focused on seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The always-on display is a true convenience, allowing you to check notifications and the time without lifting your wrist. The ability to check notifications and the time without lifting your wrist is especially useful in situations where it would be impolite to be too flashy, such as in meetings or social gatherings. Build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy construction that is crack, dust and water resistant. However, the aluminum screen is prone to scratches, so a protective film wouldn’t hurt.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 watch, on the other hand, features a bright and colorful AMOLED display that’s easy to read both indoors and outdoors. This display is a step up from the older model, and we found it particularly enjoyable to use. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long, and the strap is very comfortable. However, the plastic buttons are a little bumpy to the touch and sometimes require multiple presses, which is a little annoying.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is great for fitness tracking, especially after the watchOS 9 update. The customization options are great, and I’ve used it to create my own interval workouts. The comprehensive health monitoring features are also impressive, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and temperature. The temperature sensor is particularly useful for tracking cycles, but data isn’t always immediately available. Also worth noting is the seamless integration with Apple Fitness+, which offers trainer-led workouts.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 also offers accurate GPS tracking comparable to more expensive Garmin models, and new sleep metrics like Sleep Coach and sleep tracking that I found very interesting. The sleep tracking is pretty accurate in capturing when I fell asleep and when I woke up. However, the accuracy of the sleep stage tracking is questionable. The watch also supports offline music playback and Garmin Pay, which is useful for use without a phone. However, the lack of a barometric altimeter hurts the tracking of mountaineering and downhill skiing. The watch also features an outdated Elevate Gen4 heart rate sensor, which doesn’t support ECG and may be less accurate during high-intensity activities.
One of the biggest differences between the two watches is battery life - the Apple Watch Series 8 is able to charge quickly, which is a lifesaver for me since I wear the watch before bed. I usually charge it once or twice a day while taking a shower, and it gets to 100% quickly. However, the battery life isn’t too great - about one day with normal use. If I forget to charge them one day, the battery will run out at an unexpected time the next day.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 watch, on the other hand, boasts a solid battery life - up to 7-8 days with normal use and 3-4 days with constant display. This is a huge advantage for those who don’t want to worry about charging the watch daily. I found this feature especially useful during long trips when I didn’t have easy access to a charger.
The Apple Watch Series 8 seamlessly integrates with iPhone, making it easy to receive notifications and calls, and use Apple Pay. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the app ecosystem is very powerful. I also like that I can easily change the strap to suit my style. However, the digital crown sometimes fails, causing the volume to change unintentionally.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers a good balance of features for its price, making it a strong competitor to other smartwatches in this lineup. The Morning Report feature, which displays weather, sleep stats, and appointments on your calendar, is a great way to start the day. However, the lack of a small size option may make it unsuitable for users with small wrists. The Sleep Coach feature, while interesting, is too general in its recommendations to be useful.
Apple Watch Series 8 Pros:
Disadvantages of Apple Watch Series 8:
Pros of Garmin Vivoactive 5:
Disadvantages of Garmin Vivoactive 5:
Apple Watch Series 8 and Garmin Vivoactive 5 are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs. Apple Watch is a better choice for iPhone users who want seamless integration and a comprehensive fitness tracker, and Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a better choice. Choices.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice for iPhone users who want seamless integration and a comprehensive health and fitness tracker.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a better option for those who prioritize battery life and accurate GPS tracking, and don't mind the lack of some advanced health features.
