Multisport Watch Garmin vívoactive 3
The Garmin vívoactive 3 sports watch combines practicality and versatility with a stylish design. The third generation has taken a significant leap forward. Operation is intuitive, making it easy to switch between the 15 pre-loaded sports modes. Due to its size and eye-catching design, it is perfectly suitable for everyday use. Is it truly the perfect sports watch, or will any negatives be found in the Garmin vívoactive 3?
Garmin is a specialist in multi-functional sports watches
Garmin has made significant upgrades to the vívoactive 3. The most notable change is the shape of the display. The new design is round, which immediately distinguishes it from the previous generation that featured a rectangular panel. Consequently, due to this change, the third-generation watch looks similar to the Garmin Fénix 5. The difference between the two models can be seen in the dial. Both are round but feature unique graphics displays - the minutes, hands and manufacturer's logo differ. The watch has a finely detailed silicone strap, which makes the vívoactive 3 the most elegant of all Garmin sports watches.
Vívoactive 3 watch boasts an easy-to-read display
It is essential that sports watches have a legible display, even in direct sunlight. The vívoactive 3 sports watch is equipped with an adjustable backlight, but the brightness will not need to be tweaked in most cases. This is because the Garmin Chroma Display offers perfect legibility even at midday. Additionally, durable sapphire crystal provides enhanced scratch protection. The display is mounted in a high-quality stainless-steel case, and all components are on a level plane. The watch will not catch on anything, like on clothing when getting dressed.
A Garmin sports watch with a touchscreen
A touchscreen is an essential part of any high-end sports watch. In addition to a touchscreen display, the vívoactive 3 features a touch-sensitive control that is located on the side of the watch. Navigate the vívoactive 3 menu by swiping up and down on the screen or by sliding your finger along the side of the watch. Scroll to switch screens, just as you would on your mobile phone. Of course, touchscreens have their downsides. For example, sweaty fingers can interfere with touchscreen use. Thankfully, the watch also has a traditional button on the side.
The vívoactive 3 is perfectly adaptable
Unlike previous generations, this watch features a traditional button on the ride-hand side of the display. Garmin draws on years of experience, so if the button location does not suit you, the display can be rotated. The vívoactive 3 display adjusts when you rotate the button to the left-hand side. With ConnectIQ, you can customise the overall design of the display to suit your needs.
More than 15 sports modes
The watch lets users choose from over 15 sports modes. It's particularly suitable for:
- Walking
- Running
- Cycling
- Skating
- Swimming
- Skiing (downhill and cross country)
- Golf
- Rowing
- Yoga
- Fitness
- and more
A number of activities can be performed both indoors and outdoors, to which the watch can adust without problem. If you run on a treadmill or cycle on a bike trainer, it does not make sense to use GPS navigation because it would unnecessarily drain the watch battery. Make sure that you choose the right mode for your activity.
The vívoactive 3 measures heart rate
Like previous models, the vívoactive 3 measures heart rate using the Garmin Elevate Optical Sensor that is located on the back of the display. This sensor is most reliable for activities that generate a steady heart rate, like running, yoga and more. For sports with sharp increases and decreases in heart rate, such as those with changes in terrain (cycling, cross-country skiing) or a series of exercises (fitness), the data may be slightly inaccurate. In such cases, the results are a rough estimate. If you want to have the most accurate data, use a sports watch with a chest strap or a watch with an optical sensor on your arm, so your pulse is more easily detected by your device.
The vívoactive 3 is not just for sports. It is suitable for all-day wear, and because it is fully waterproof, there is no need to remove it even when showering. It will record your heart rate throughout the day, making it easier to recognise stressful situations and more easily eliminate them. The course of your heart rate can be displayed from the previous week. The sports watch can also determine your physical fitness level based on the VO2max test, according to your age.
Garmin's first watch with contactless payment
The new Garmin model boasts another special feature - paying with Garmin PAY technology. It is the first model that offers contactless payment for use in shops, hotels, restaurants and for leisure activities. The integrated system supports VISA and MasterCard, but this payment method is only available in some countries throughout the world. We hope that it will be available to everyone soon.
The Garmin Connect training log is always on hand
Garmin's vívoactive 3 sports watch has the best evaluation software on the market. The Garmin Connect training log is freely available in the App Store, on Google Play and even in the Microsoft Store. There is also a web version available. Keep a log that will monitor and evaluate all of your sports achievements in detail.
The Garmin vívoactive 3 can be paired with a mobile phone
If you connect the multi-functional vívoactive 3 sports watch with your phone, you will be able to view incoming calls, SMS and other notifications from your mobile device. You can easily control various applications, the most practical of which being the music player and weather forecast. The watch is also compatible with certain Garmin products, including the Virb action cameras.
And because we cannot go a day without sharing, this watch is compatible with LiveTrack on your phone. This feature lets you make your current sports results available to a select audience via "live streaming." With regular wear, the watch will help keep you healthy, too.
Garmin vívoactive platform vs. Garmin Fénix 5
Of course, Garmin manufactures a wide range of sports watches, and ultimately your wallet determines what you put on your wrist. The new vívoactive 3 is almost half the price of the professional Fénix 5. It is made from better materials, offers greater durability and features an extra-long battery life.
| Comparative area | vívoactive 3 | Wide Optical (L) | vivoactive | Fénix 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touch display | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Display size | 1.2" | 1.39" | 1.38" | 1.2" |
| Display resolution (in px) | 240×240 | 205×148 | 205×148 | 240×240 |
| Dimensions (in mm) | 43.4 × 43.4 × 11.7 | 30.2 × 57 × 11.4 | 43.8 × 38.5 × 8 | 47 × 47 × 15.5 |
| Weight (g) | 43 | 47.6 | 38 | 87 |
| Wireless technologies | BT, ANT+, NFC | BT, ANT+ | BT, ANT+ | BT, ANT+ |
| Water resistance | 5 Atm | 5 Atm | 5 Atm | 10 Atm |
| Battery life per charge with off / on GPS | 8 days / 13 hours | 8 days / 13 hours | 3 weeks / 10 hours | 2 weeks / 24 hours |
| Number of sports modes | 15 | 15 | 7 | more than 15 |
| Price (in euros) | 350 | 245 | - | 625 |
Prices are accurate as of 30 October 2017.
Garmin vívoactive 3 vs. Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR vs TomTom Adventurer Cardio + Music
We also have a direct comparison with our competitors. For many users, it is crucial to purchase a watch with the best training log on the market, so they choose Garmin, but what about other brands? The Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR is not a bad sports watch at all. There are three control buttons on its right side. However, it lacks a modern touchscreen display. Similarly, the TomTom Adventurer Cardio + Music watch has a square display but no touchscreen. It's evident, as the name suggests, that you can enjoy music during sports. The 3GB of storage can be filled with your favourite songs, and the watch can be paired with Bluetooth headphones.
| Comparative area | vívoactive 3 | Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR | TomTom Adventurer Cardio + Music |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touch display | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Display size | 1.2" | ? | ? |
| Display resolution (in px) | 240×240 | 218×218 | ? |
| Dimensions (in mm) | 43.4 × 43.4 × 11.7 | 46 × 46 × 15.7 | 22 × 25 × 11.5 |
| Weight (g) | 43 | 56 | 55 |
| Wireless technologies | BT, ANT+, NFC | BT, WiFi | BT |
| Water resistance | 5 Atm | 5 Atm | 5 Atm |
| Battery life per charge with off / on GPS | 8 days / 13 hours | 14 days / 10 hours | 20 hours / 10 hours |
| Number of sports modes | 15 | 7 | 7 |
| Price (in euros) | 350 | 350 | 300 |
Prices are accurate as of 30 October 2017.
Garmin vívoactive 3, availability and price
This is a brand-new product from Garmin, but we have good news. The Garmin vívoactive 3 will arrive in November in three colour variants. Optic Silver Black and Optic Silver White with a silver bezel, or the premium Optic Grey model with a scratch-resistant PVD finish. Of course, the strap is removable with the possibility to buy other colours. Leather and silicone straps will be available soon.
