Apple Watch SE 3 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
Shoppers weighing the Apple Watch SE 3 against the Garmin Vivoactive 5 are looking at two smartwatches within $50.99 of each other, which puts the real decision on which one's feature set actually fits how it'll be worn day to day.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is built around a 1.17" display, 1 day of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 50m water resistance.
Global reference price
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 packs a 1.2" display, 11 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 5ATM water resistance.
Global reference price
Specification Comparison
Key Differences
Battery life is a major gap here: the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is rated for 11 days against the Apple Watch SE 3's 1, meaning far fewer trips to the charger.
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE 3
Pros
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Shorter battery life (1 days)
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Pros
- Much longer battery life (11 days)
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Costs a bit more
Which One Is Right For You?
- Apple Watch SE 3: Best for someone who wants to spend a little less.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5: A good fit for buyers who wants to charge as infrequently as possible.
Conclusion
The two trade advantages on different fronts rather than one clearly beating the other outright, so the better fit depends on what matters most for daily wear.
Summary
Apple Watch SE 3
Strengths
- Lower price
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Shorter battery life (1 days)
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Strengths
- Much longer battery life (11 days)
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Costs a bit more
Weigh the tradeoffs above against actual use: battery life, screen size, and connectivity matter differently depending on how the watch will be worn day to day.