Introduction
In the evolving world of smartwatches, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Two notable contenders in this space are the Apple Watch SE Cellular vs Garmin Vivoactive 4. These watches cater to different user needs and preferences, making a head-to-head comparison crucial for potential buyers. This article aims to dissect and compare these two models on various parameters including price, design and build quality, display, memory, connectivity, battery life, fitness features, additional features, and their unique offerings.
Price
The Apple Watch SE Cellular is priced at ₹29,900 in India, positioning it in the mid to high-range segment of smartwatches. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 4, with a price tag of ₹16,990, offers a more budget-friendly option. The price difference is significant, making the Apple Watch SE a premium choice compared to the more economically priced Garmin Vivoactive 4.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch SE features a sleek, modern design with a rectangular face and an aluminum case, weighing about 30.68g. Its silicone straps provide comfort and durability. The Garmin Vivoactive 4, in contrast, opts for a circular face and a stainless steel body, weighing 50g. This difference in design philosophy caters to different aesthetic preferences, with Apple leaning towards a more contemporary look and Garmin embracing a classic watch style.
Display
Apple Watch SE boasts a 1.57-inch touch display with a resolution of 324×394 pixels and 324 ppi. Garmin Vivoactive 4 sports a smaller 1.3-inch AMOLED color touch display, with a resolution of 260×260 pixels and 283 ppi. The higher resolution and pixel density of the Apple Watch SE result in a crisper and more vibrant display.
Memory
In terms of memory, the Apple Watch SE Cellular stands out with 32GB of inbuilt memory, providing ample space for apps and data. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 does not specify its internal memory, which suggests it might be less than that of the Apple Watch.
Connectivity
Both watches offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity. The Apple Watch SE Cellular also supports cellular connectivity, allowing for phone-free communication and data usage, which is a significant advantage over the Garmin Vivoactive 4.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial aspect where the Garmin Vivoactive 4 shines, offering up to 5 days of usage. In contrast, the Apple Watch SE Cellular has a battery life of around 18 hours, requiring more frequent charging.
Fitness Features
Both smartwatches are equipped with heart rate monitors, step counters, and calorie count features. However, the Apple Watch SE adds an altimeter and a second-generation optical heart sensor, enhancing its fitness tracking capabilities. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 includes a sleep monitor and a pedometer, catering to a broader range of fitness activities.
Additional Features
The Apple Watch SE Cellular runs on WatchOS and is compatible with iOS, featuring an S5 processor with an Apple Wireless Chip. It also includes additional sensors like a compass, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, and accelerometer. The Garmin Vivoactive 4, compatible with both Android and iOS, offers music playback and is water and scratch-resistant, adding to its versatility.
Unique Features
Unique to the Apple Watch SE Cellular is its integration with the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless connectivity with other Apple devices and services. The Garmin Vivoactive 4, with its longer battery life and music playback capability, caters to those who prioritize endurance and entertainment.
Apple Watch SE Cellular: Additional Features
- Emergency SOS and Fall Detection: A standout safety feature of the Apple Watch SE is its ability to detect hard falls and automatically initiate an emergency call if the user is unresponsive. This makes it an excellent choice for older adults or individuals with health concerns.
- Noise Monitoring: The watch includes a noise monitoring feature that alerts the user when the ambient sound levels could potentially affect their hearing. This is particularly useful in environments where noise-induced hearing loss is a concern.
- Family Setup: This feature allows you to use your iPhone to pair watches for family members who don’t have their own iPhones, such as kids or older adults, enabling communication and location sharing.
- Apple Pay: Apple Watch SE supports Apple Pay, allowing users to make secure purchases directly from their wrist, a convenient feature for contactless payments.
- Compass and Real-Time Elevation Readings: These features are particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, providing directional bearings and elevation data.
- International Emergency Calling: Users can make international calls to emergency services, regardless of where the device was originally purchased or if the cellular plan is activated.
Garmin Vivoactive 4: Additional Features
- Body Battery Energy Monitoring: This feature tracks the body’s energy levels throughout the day, helping users find the best times for activity and rest.
- Pulse Ox Sensor: The Vivoactive 4 includes a sensor that gauges the oxygen saturation levels in your blood, which can provide insights into your overall health and fitness.
- Animated Workouts: This smartwatch comes with easy-to-follow, animated workouts for a variety of exercises like yoga, strength training, cardio, and Pilates, directly on the watch screen.
- Garmin Coach: For runners, the Vivoactive 4 offers training plans through Garmin Coach, with guidance from expert coaches and free adaptive training plans.
- Music Storage and Streaming: Unlike the Apple Watch SE, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 allows for direct music downloads and supports popular streaming services, enabling users to listen to music offline.
- Stress Tracking: The watch includes stress tracking with relaxation reminders and a relaxation breathing timer, helping users manage their stress levels.
Both the Apple Watch SE Cellular vs Garmin Vivoactive 4 bring a suite of unique features to the table, catering to different lifestyles and needs. The Apple Watch SE is a great all-rounder with a focus on health, safety, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. In contrast, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 specializes in detailed health and fitness monitoring, with features like the Pulse Ox sensor and Body Battery Energy Monitoring, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious users.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch SE Cellular vs Garmin Vivoactive 4 cater to different segments of the smartwatch market. The Apple Watch SE, with its cellular connectivity, higher memory, and integration with the Apple ecosystem, is ideal for users deeply invested in Apple products and looking for a more feature-rich experience. The Garmin Vivoactive 4, on the other hand, with its longer battery life, classic design, and lower price point, is an excellent choice for users seeking a budget-friendly, fitness-focused smartwatch. Ultimately, the decision between the two boils down to individual needs, preferences, and budget.
