Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 5: A Detailed Comparison

## Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 5: Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right smartwatch can seem like a maze. Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Garmin Vivoactive 5 have attractive features, but they meet different needs and preferences. Let’s compare them in detail to see which one is right for you.

Design and Display

The Apple Watch Series 9 looks almost identical to its predecessor, retaining the familiar sleek design. The display is much brighter, up to 2000 nits, and surprisingly easy to read even outdoors in direct sunlight. The screen is bright and responsive, but the design has remained largely unchanged, which may disappoint those looking for a fresh aesthetic.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5, on the other hand, features a bright and colorful AMOLED display that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This is a clear step up from previous Garmin models, offering a more modern and visually appealing experience. However, the AMOLED display can be reflective, so you’ll need to adjust the brightness for optimal visibility.

Performance and Features

The Apple Watch Series 9 features a faster S9 chip that improves overall performance and Siri responsiveness. The new ultra-wideband chip provides accurate iPhone search and AirTags, a useful feature for those who tend to mistakenly put their devices back where they belong. Siri on the device is now faster and more reliable, though offline functionality is limited to basic tasks. The long-awaited double-tap gesture is innovative, but it wasn’t available at launch and has limited customization options. A cool feature but not yet a game changer.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers a good balance of features for its price, as well as new sleep metrics like Sleep Coach and sleep tracking that are quite useful for monitoring sleep patterns. GPS tracking is accurate, offline music playback and Garmin Pay is supported, which is useful for workouts without a phone. However, the lack of a barometric altimeter hurts the tracking of mountaineering and high-speed descents. The device also uses an older Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor, which may not be as accurate as the newer sensor for high-intensity activities.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important factor for any smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 9 has the same battery life as previous models and needs to be charged daily, especially if used for sleep tracking. Fast charging is possible, but battery life hasn’t been significantly improved.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5, on the other hand, shines in this area, offering solid battery life - up to 7-8 days with general use and 3-4 days with constant browsing. This is a huge advantage for those who don’t want to charge the watch every day.

Real-World Use

In real-world use, the Apple Watch Series 9 outperforms other models by seamlessly integrating with the Apple ecosystem. The improved Siri feature is very useful, and the bright display makes notifications easy to read. The phone finder feature is a lifesaver for those who often lose their phones. However, the double tap function is a bit complicated and requires care.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a great companion for fitness enthusiasts. It accurately tracks various activities and the sleep tracking feature is quite useful. The morning report is a nice touch that allows you to quickly review information about your day. However, the plastic buttons feel uneven to the touch, and the accuracy of the sleep stage tracking is questionable.

Pros and Cons of Apple Watch Series 9

• Plusses:
  • Faster S9 chip: Better overall performance and Siri responsiveness.
  • Significantly brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
  • New ultra-wideband chip detects iPhone location and AirTags.
  • Siri processing on the device: Faster and more reliable response.
  • Carbon neutral design: Environmentally friendly choice (use of specialty tapes).
• Cons:
  • Minor upgrades: No significant leap forward from Series 8.
  • Double tap functionality: Not available at launch and limited customization.
  • Siri offline functionality is limited to basic tasks.
  • Battery life: No improvements over previous models.
  • Some new features, such as Siri processing health data on the device, are laggy.
  • Design: No visual differences from the previous generation.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Vivoactive 5

• Benefits:
  • Bright AMOLED display: Bright and colorful, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • A strong competitor in this price range.
  • New sleep indicators: Includes Sleep Coach and sleep tracking.
  • Accurate GPS tracking: Not inferior to higher-end Garmin models.
  • Battery life: Up to 7-8 days with standard use.
  • Offline music playback and Garmin Pay: Convenient for use without a phone.
• Disadvantages:
  • Lack of barometric altimeter: affects tracking of floor climbs and descents.
  • Heart Rate Sensor - Old Elevate Gen 4: Does not support ECG and may be less accurate for high-intensity exercise.
  • No smaller size options: May not fit users with small wrists.
  • Plastic buttons: Are flimsy to the touch and sometimes require multiple presses.
  • Reflective AMOLED display: can be difficult to read outdoors unless brightness is adjusted.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Garmin Vivoactive 5 are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs. The Apple Watch Series 9 is perfect for those who are deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem, with seamless integration. While the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a better choice for fitness enthusiasts who value battery life and comprehensive activity tracking. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.