GARMIN VIVOACTIVE HR

Best of the rest

WE RECENTLY PROCLAIMED Garmin’s highend Fenix 3 HR quite possibly the finest multi-activity dedicated sportswatch you can get. So what are we to make of the Vivoactive HR, then?

Firstly, the Vivoactive is clearly aimed at a different market. Its slimline smartwatch design suggests that it is targeted more at an activity-tracking role for normal, active people rather than those seeking a focused running or cycling device. That’s why Garmin lists it in the Wellness category.

Like most modern sportswatches, the Vivoactive needs in-app setting up, in this case using Garmin Connect. There are just two buttons on the device and the right-hand one acts as a Function/enter/menu control that allows navigation to a set-up menu. Scroll to Garmin Devices on the app, tap Add Device and seconds later the pairing sequence is complete.

In practice it can be worn 24/7 to fulfil its smartwatch role. Thanks to a host of widgets and functions, it’s able to provide analysis of your overall activity such as steps, exercise intensity and sleep, as well as push notifications from your mobile such as weather updates, social media and call alerts.

But built-in GPS functionality as well as Garmin’s own Elevate heart rate technology, which uses an optical sensor to read heart rate, means the Vivoactive HR is able to play with “proper” sportswatches. Comfortable on the wrist for extended periods, albeit slightly bulkier than some, it’s ergonomically well conceived thanks to a combination of physical pushbutton and touch-screen control. Recording an activity is as easy as pressing the right-hand button and then swipe-scrolling on the touchscreen through the extensive range of activity presets (run, cycle, golf, etc). Internal accelerometers allow it to track indoor running and swimming, too. You can also choose sport-specific settings, customise data screens or add a custom sport. It’s possible to pair it to external sensors for heart rate or cycling cadence (but not power meters), for instance, though I didn’t try these out. Finally, in terms of accuracy, the GPS and heart rate tracking compared favourably with my trusty Garmin Forerunner 310XT. AD

CONCLUSION

Dedicated running watches such as the Garmin 235 offer more focused functions, but cost more. Tomtom’s Spark offers music storage, but the Vivoactive trumps it with activity-based features. As a multitasker with most of the functionality of specialised models, the Vivoactive HR will be the smartwatch king for the vast majority of active lifestyles.

JUST THE FACTS

SENSORS:

WATERPROOF: DISPLAY: CONNECTIVITY: RUN TIME (GPS): RUN TIME (-GPS): WEIGHT: PRICE:

TEST NOTES:

Battery life is, as always, dependent on activity levels, particularly those involving extensive GPS and HR use, but in day-today life involving regular workouts, the Vivoactive HR was good for up to five days before needing a recharge.