Garmin Vivoactive 5 Takes on Apple Watch 9 in the Endurance Challenge
By Elisabeth Christ
Published June 2024
Are you currently torn between choosing Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch Serires 9 as your fitness, health, or sleep companion? Well, get ready for a smartwatch showdown as the Garmin Vivoactive 5 takes on the Apple Watch 9 in the ultimate endurance challenge! These two powerhouses bring their A-game, flaunting sleek designs, advanced health tracking, and a range of fitness features. But which one will reign supreme in the battle for your wrist? Let's dive in and find out!
Key Takeaways
The Garmin Vivoactive 5's marathon battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 27 hours in GPS mode is a clear winner for endurance athletes and frequent travelers. The Apple Watch 9, however, packs a punch with its brighter Always-On Retina display, cellular connectivity options (for selected models), and ECG app with irregular rhythm notifications. Both watches offer robust health and fitness tracking, but the Vivoactive 5 boasts a wider range of built-in sports apps, while the Apple Watch 9 shines with its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and features like Emergency SOS and Crash Detection.
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Better Choice for Battery Life
✓ 1.2-inch AMOLED display with 390 x 390-pixel resolution
✓ Advanced sleep tracking with detailed insights
✓ More than 30 preloaded indoor and outdoor sports apps
✓ Up to 21 days of battery life
Apple Watch Series 9
Better Choice for Apple Users
✓ Always-on Retina display with
✓ 430 x 352-pixel resolution
✓ ECG, blood oxygen, and irregular heart rhythm monitoring
✓ 18 hours of battery life
#1 How much they cost?
Garmin Vivoactive 5
When it comes to pricing, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is positioned as a mid-range fitness smartwatch, typically retailing around $300. While it might not be the most budget-friendly smartwatch on the market, it offers a robust array of functionalities, making the price justifiable for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to track their health and fitness rigorously.
In contrast, the Apple Watch 9 comes in at a higher price point, reflecting its status as a top-tier smartwatch. The device starts at $399 for the WiFi and GPS model, and can go significantly higher for models with stainless steel cases, premium bands, and cellular connectivity. Apple's pricing strategy positions the Watch 9 as a luxury accessory with advanced features, which might be aimed at users who prioritize seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and premium design.
#2 The Design
Apple Watch Series 9
Beside the price, design might also one of the aspects you want to consider. Let’s start with the Garmin Vivoactive 5 which boasts a sleek, sporty design that caters to fitness enthusiasts. Although the case is still made of plastic with silicone strap completing it, the device features a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals. The watch is lightweught at 36g and comfortable, making it suitable for all-day wear. It also offers interchangeable bands, allowing users to customize their look. The durable build, combined with a high-quality display, ensures that the Vivoactive 5 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch 9 continues Apple's tradition of stylish, sophisticated design. It features a larger, always-on Retina display that comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The display offers a resolution of 430 x 352 pixels for the larger model, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The Apple Watch 9 is available in a variety of materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, along with a wide range of customizable bands. This combination of premium materials and sleek design makes it a versatile accessory that can seamlessly transition from workouts to formal occasions.
#3 Health and Sleep Tracking
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Now, let’s talk about the real use of both smartwatches which might be your main consideration. First, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 excels in health and sleep tracking, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to monitor various aspects of well-being, including advanced sleep tracking with detailed insights into light, deep, and REM sleep stages. Additionally, it offers pulse oximetry, heart rate monitoring, and stress tracking. Like its predecessor, the Vivoactive 5 also features body battery which will give you information about how well you rested. The Garmin Connect app further enhances these features by providing in-depth analysis and trends over time, helping users make informed decisions about their health. Unfortunately, the ECG and irregular heart rhythm detection is missing from the watch.
Apple Watch Series 9
Moving on to the Apple Watch 9, it also offers robust health tracking capabilities with features such as the ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, and irregular heart rhythm notifications. The sleep tracking on the Apple Watch 9 has been significantly improved, providing detailed insights into sleep patterns and helping users establish better sleep habits. The seamless integration with the Health app on iOS allows users to access their health data across all Apple devices, making it easy to monitor and analyze their overall health.
#4 Fitness Modes
Garmin Vivoactive 5
As both smartwatches are fitness smartwatches, it’s important to know what fitness-related features they provide within. Getting into the Garmin Vivoactive 5, the device is packed with a wide range of fitness modes, catering to various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. It includes built-in GPS, which provides accurate tracking of outdoor activities without the need for a connected smartphone. The watch also offers customized workout plans and adaptive training guides, making it an excellent companion for both casual fitness enthusiasts and serious athletes. With over 30 preloaded indoor and outdoor sports apps, the Vivoactive 5 ensures that users have access to the specific metrics they need for their preferred activities. Stunningly, the Vivoactive 5 is also equipped with a wheelchair mode for tracking specific sports apps and workouts.
Apple Watch Series 9
As for the Apple Watch 9, it offers a similarly extensive array of fitness modes supported by the highly intuitive Fitness+ service. The watch includes built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou, ensuring precise tracking of outdoor workouts. It features numerous workout types, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), functional strength training, and even tai chi. The Fitness+ service provides a wide range of guided workouts, with new content added regularly, allowing users to explore different types of exercise and stay motivated.
#5 Performances
Garmin Vivoactive 5
After you know the elements loaded inside those watches, it’s time to look at the other performances these two watches can give you. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is powered by an efficient processor that ensures smooth performance for all its features. It supports advanced metrics like VO2 max, fitness age, and stress tracking, making it a powerful tool for athletes looking to optimize their performance. The watch also offers smart notifications, music storage, and contactless payments via Garmin Pay, enhancing its functionality beyond fitness tracking.
Meanwhile, not very different than the Vivoactive 5, Apple Watch 9 has a new S9 SiP chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor and a four-core Neural Engine, which delivers faster performance and improved battery efficiency compared to its predecessors. The watch supports advanced health features, seamless integration with iOS, and a wide range of apps available on the App Store. It also includes enhanced Siri capabilities, making it easier to interact with the device through voice commands. The high-performance hardware, coupled with the extensive ecosystem of apps and services, makes the Apple Watch 9 a powerhouse in the smartwatch market.
#6 Battery Life
Apple Watch Series 9
Last but not least, of course it’s the juice that we’re shall talk about! One of the standout features of the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is its impressive battery life. It can last up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours in GPS mode with music. Alternatively, it can also stand for 21 days with in battery saver mode. This extended battery life makes it ideal for users who engage in long outdoor activities or those who prefer not to charge their device frequently.
In comparison, the Apple Watch 9 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, which is typically sufficient for a full day of use. With the always-on display and various health monitoring features active, users will need to charge the watch daily. However, the fast-charging capabilities of the Apple Watch 9 ensure that it can be quickly recharged, providing about 80% charge in approximately 45 minutes. This makes it convenient for users who have a busy lifestyle and need their watch to be ready to go at a moment's notice.
Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Apple Watch Series 9
Final Thoughts
Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Apple Watch Series 9
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is your go-to companion for long-lasting adventures, providing reliable tracking and insights without the constant need for charging. It's a versatile fitness tool that won't quit on you, even when you're pushing your limits. If you're deeply ingrained in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize a brighter display, cellular connectivity, and advanced safety features, the Apple Watch 9 might be more your style. Ultimately, the best smartwatch for you depends on your priorities and lifestyle. Choose the one that best aligns with your needs and embark on your next adventure with confidence and style!
If you like to read more about Smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
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