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Vivoactive 3 VS Forerunner 235 review : Which one is better?

Looking for an in depth comparison between Vivoactive 3 VS Forerunner 235?

Well, this article is all about finding the differences and similarities between the two models and figuring out which one you should pick.

I am going to show you a solid hand in hand comparison for Forerunner 235 & Vivoactive 3. By the end of this article, I also recommend which one you should pick and why.

Garmin has had a good reputation for providing the market with amazing gadgets for a wide variety of functions. Among their line of products are smart GPS watches that are created and fashioned to keep track of your daily activity.

The functions from their smartwatches get you an accurate estimation of where you stand in terms of a healthy lifestyle. With over a dozen watches to choose from their store, we’ve picked two that almost anyone can find handy – Garmin vívoactive 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 235.

Which one is better than the other? Let’s find out.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KBWL9J?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=cityryde04-20&linkId=18d21388561c9635ac155f54b4bf9b9e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”0:0″ imgs=”%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB074KBWL9J%3Fie%3DUTF8%26linkCode%3Dli3%26tag%3Dcityryde04-20%26linkId%3Dafa38b87356a2b92458c273fd2f30584%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_il%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22%2F%2Fws-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fwidgets%2Fq%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26ASIN%3DB074KBWL9J%26Format%3D_SL250_%26ID%3DAsinImage%26MarketPlace%3DUS%26ServiceVersion%3D20070822%26WS%3D1%26tag%3Dcityryde04-20%26language%3Den_US%22%20%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fir-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fir%3Ft%3Dcityryde04-20%26language%3Den_US%26l%3Dli3%26o%3D1%26a%3DB074KBWL9J%22%20width%3D%221%22%20height%3D%221%22%20border%3D%220%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20style%3D%22border%3Anone%20!important%3B%20margin%3A0px%20!important%3B%22%20%2F%3E” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Garmin Pay contactless payment solution lets you pay for purchases with your watch.~~~More than 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming and more.~~~Monitor your fitness level with VO2 max and fitness made estimates.~~~Keep an eye on how you handle stress.~~~Smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, Live Track and more.~~~Battery life Up to 7 days.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”GET IT ON AMAZON NOW” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Garmin Vivoactive 3[/amalinkspro]

Comprehensive Match Up: Garmin vivoactive 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 235

General Differences

DescriptionForerunner 235vivoactive 3
Lens MaterialChemically strengthened glassCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Strap MaterialSiliconeSilicone
Bezel MaterialSiliconestainless steel
Physical Size45 x 45 x 11.7 mm43.4 x 43.4 x 11.7 mm
Display Size1.23″ (31.1 mm) diameter1.2″ (30.4mm) diameter
Display Resolution215 x 180 pixels240 x 240 pixels
Display TypeSunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
TouchscreenNoYes
Weight42 G43 G
Battery LifeSmartwatch Mode: Up to 9 daysGPS mode: Up to 11 hoursSmartwatch Mode: Up to 7 daysGPS mode: Up to 13 hours
Water Rating5 ATM5 ATM
Color DisplayYesYes
Memory / History200 hours of activity data7 timed activities, 14 days of activity tracking data

Clock Features

DescriptionForerunner 235Vivoactive 3
Time / DateYesYes
GPS Time SyncYesYes
Automatic DSTYesYes
Alarm ClockYesYes
StopwatchYesYes
TimerNoYes
Sunrise / Sunset TimesNoYes

Sensors

DescriptionForerunner 235Vivoactive 3
GPSYesYes
GLONASSYesYes
Garmin Elevate Wrist Heart Rate MonitorYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GalileoNoYes
Barometric AltimeterNoYes
CompassNoYes
ThermometerNoYes

Daily Smart Features

DescriptionForerunner 235Vivoactive 3
Connect IQ (Downloadable watch faces, data fields, widgets, and appsYesYes
Smart NotificationsYesYes
ConnectivityYesBluetooth® Smart and ANT+®
CalendarYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Controls Smartphone MusicYesYes
Find My PhoneYesYes
Find My WatchNoYes
Virb RemoteYesYes
Smartphone CompatibilityiPhone, AndroidiPhone, Android
Compatible with Garmin Connect MobileYesYes
Garmin PayNoYes

Activity Tracking Features

DescriptionForerunner 235Vivoactive 3
Step CounterYesYes
Move Bar (Alert after a period of inactivity)YesYes
Auto GoalYesYes
Sleep MonitoringYesYes
Calories BurnedYesYes
Floors ClimbedNoYes
Distance TraveledYesYes
Intensity MinutesYesYes
TrueupYesYes
Move IQNoYes
Fitness AgeNoYes ( In-App )
All-day Stress TrackingNoYes

Training, Planning and Analysis Features

DescriptionForerunner 235Vivoactive 3
GPS Speed and DistanceYesYes
Customizable Data PagesYesYes
Customizable Activity ProfilesYesYes
Auto PauseYesYes
Interval TrainingYesNo
Advanced WorkoutsYesYes
Downloadable Training PlansYesYes
Auto LapYesYes
Manual LapYesYes
V02 MaxYesYes
Training EffectYesNo
Custom AlertYesNo
Audio PromptsYesNo
Finish TimeYesNo
Touch / Button LockYesYes
Auto-ScrollYesYes
Physio TrueupNoYes
Activity History on WatchYesYes

Heart Rate Features

DescriptionForerunner 235Vivoactive 3
HR ZonesYesYes
HR AlertsYesYes
HR CaloriesYesYes
% HR MaxNoYes
Recovery TimeYesNo
HR BroadcastYesYes

Running Features

DescriptionForerunner 235Vivoactive 3
Available Run ProfilesYesYes
GPS-Based Distance, Time, and PaceYesYes
CadenceYesYes
Run WorkoutsYesYes
Race PredictorYesNo
Foor Pod CapableYesYes

Why Should You Pick Garmin Vivoactive 3?

[amalinkspro type=”image-link” asin=”B074KBWL9J” new-window=”true” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KBWL9J?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ img-size=”500,500″ addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” alt=”Garmin 010-01769-01 Vivoactive 3, GPS Smartwatch with Contactless Payments and Built-In Sports Apps, Black with Silver Hardware” alignment=”aligncenter”]https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NiUGimi5L._SL500_.jpg[/amalinkspro]

[amalinkspro type=”image-link” asin=”B074KBWL9J” new-window=”true” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KBWL9J?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ img-size=”500,500″ addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” alt=”Garmin 010-01769-01 Vivoactive 3, GPS Smartwatch with Contactless Payments and Built-In Sports Apps, Black with Silver Hardware” alignment=”aligncenter”]https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51a5j5lnVsL._SL500_.jpg[/amalinkspro]

When you compare both watches, Garmin vívoactive® 3 gives you that contemporary feel, all thanks to its touchscreen and elegant design; aside from the fact that Garmin vívoactive® 3 was just released 2018 vs Garmin Forerunner® 235 that was from 2015.

Garmin vívoactive® 3 stands as a newer technology for Garmin for about the same price. It features a music storage function that you can connect to your Bluetooth headphones. The heart rate monitor for this watch is also easier to wear and stays put, unlike that of Garmin Forerunner® 235.

There are also numerous features this watch has that are not included in Garmin Forerunner® 235. These functions include tracking data during activities like golfing and swimming.

Overall, Garmin vívoactive® 3 is a versatile wearable GPS sports tracking watch that appeals mainstream. It is subtle, circular, and stylish. Plus, it has good GPS and heart rate monitor and can track wide ranges of activities.$

Read also: Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs. 4: Which One Is Better?

Why Should You Pick Garmin Forerunner 235?

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B0160BC1FO” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”409:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PYkNWSrAL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”GPS running watch with wrist based heart rate and display type is sunlight visible, transflective memory in pixel (MIP)~~~Customize your watch and your training, larger screen a 44 percentage larger screen than the 225 but the same physical size~~~Audio Prompts: Receive Audio Prompts from your connected smartphone that include laps and lap times. Smartwatch mode: Up to 9 days. Gps mode: Up to 11 hours~~~Smart notifications: See incoming email, text messages, call alerts, calendar reminders and more from your compatible smartphone. Display size: 1.23 inch diameter~~~Battery life 11 hours training, 9 days watch, activity tracking, notifications + heart rate. Refer user manual below” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch[/amalinkspro]

Garmin Forerunner 235 picks GPS signal immediately, unlike Garmin vívoactive® 3. This is essential, after all, you want a GPS watch that tracks your position accurately at any given time.

While it doesn’t have touchscreen features, it works well during days when you have to wear gloves and a touchscreen isn’t really working with gloves. It also comes with a recovery advisor that advises you on the amount of rest and efforts you should take after a strenuous activity. A race predictor that projects race times based on your runs.

Generally, despite its age, Garmin Forerunner® 235 still manages to stand out. The lower price helps. But, more than that, its depth and breadth of its tracking abilities and training acumens make it a better competition against newer watches.

Read also: Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Race

Read also: Best Virtual Race for Your New Year Resolution

Conclusion:

Judging by today’s lifestyle where fitness enthusiasts don’t just use the sports watch for tracking daily fitness activities, the winner between the two is Garmin vívoactive® 3.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B074KBWL9J” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KBWL9J?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IddFtV31L._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”400″]Garmin Vivoactive 3, GPS Smartwatch with Built-In Sports Apps[/amalinkspro]

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07DXGF1JD” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DXGF1JD?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413J+7iiqWL._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”400″]Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch with Built-in Sports Apps – (Renewed)[/amalinkspro]

Fitness buffs, no longer just count calories, they want something that is advanced enough to give them what they need, like music, alarm clocks, good battery life. Most people have also gotten used to the idea that everything works when you touch the screen. And, that is what this watch features.

But, if you are a runner who doesn’t care about anything else but tracking your running data, Garmin Forerunner® 235 is still a better choice.

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