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Garmin vívoactive 5 and the Garmin Forerunner 55 are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, and long-lasting performance. The vívoactive 5 is the newer and more advanced model with a vibrant AMOLED display, broader health tracking, and a smarter user experience. The Forerunner 55 remains a popular entry-level running watch known for simplicity and long battery life. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Garmin vívoactive 5 features an upgraded processor that enables smoother screen transitions and faster menu navigation.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses an entry-level processor that handles basic tasks efficiently.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Display:- Garmin vívoactive 5 has an 1.2 inch AMOLED display that delivers sharp visuals and better contrast for improved readability.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses a 1.04 inch transflective MIP display.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Always-On Display:- Garmin vívoactive 5 support an always-on display for constant visibility without wrist movement.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 does not support an always-on screen mode.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Display Resolution:- Garmin vívoactive 5 has a 390 x 390 pixel resolution that enhances clarity and detail.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 has a 208 x 208 resolution suited for basic metrics.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Touchscreen:- Garmin vívoactive 5 includes a full touchscreen that enables intuitive control and navigation.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 does not support touchscreen and relies on button controls.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Battery Life:- Garmin vívoactive 5 has up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 21 hours with GPS.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 provides up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours with GPS.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 55 |
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Charging:- Garmin vívoactive 5 includes rapid charging that reduces downtime between sessions.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 supports standard charging with a proprietary cable.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Fitness Features:- Garmin vívoactive 5 includes advanced fitness metrics like Body Battery, Pulse Ox, nap detection, and animated workouts to enhance training variety.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 focuses on core metrics like pace, heart rate, and daily workout suggestions.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Storage:- Garmin vívoactive 5 includes 4GB of internal storage for apps and data retention.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 does not include internal storage.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Microphone:- Garmin vívoactive 5 includes a built-in microphone to support voice assistant responses when paired with Android phones.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 does not include a microphone.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Sleep Tracking:- Garmin vívoactive 5 supports detailed sleep tracking with sleep stages, nap detection, and sleep score.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 includes basic sleep duration and movement tracking.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Connectivity:- Garmin vívoactive 5 supports Bluetooth and NFC to enable smart features and Garmin Pay.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 supports Bluetooth but lacks NFC functionality.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Operating System and UI:- Garmin vívoactive 5 has an updated interface that supports widgets, health insights, and app shortcuts.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses a simpler interface with fewer customization options.
Winner: Garmin vívoactive 5 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Vívoactive 5 | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | Sunlight-visible, transflective MIP |
| Display Size | 1.2″ (390 x 390) | 1.04″ (208 x 208) |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Button Controls | 1 physical button | 5 physical buttons |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 days (Smartwatch mode) | Up to 14 days (Smartwatch mode) |
| Battery Life w/ GPS | Up to 21 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Charging Method | Garmin proprietary USB charger | Garmin proprietary USB charger |
| Storage | 4GB | No internal storage |
| Processor | Newer generation processor | Entry-level chipset |
| Microphone | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (Garmin Pay) | No |
| GPS | Standard GPS + GLONASS + Galileo | Standard GPS |
| Sensors | Optical HR, Pulse Ox, Accelerometer, Ambient Light | Optical HR, Accelerometer |
| Body Battery | Yes | No |
| Sleep Score & Insights | Yes | Basic sleep tracking only |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | No |
| Design Material | Aluminum case with silicone band | Plastic case with silicone band |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Vívoactive 5 if you:- Want a bright AMOLED touchscreen with always-on functionality.
- Care about in-depth health insights like Body Battery, sleep score, and stress tracking.
- Prefer a smartwatch that looks sleek enough for everyday wear.
- Need Garmin Pay for contactless payments on the go.
- Like having a microphone for Android phone voice assistant compatibility.
Check Garmin Vivoactive 5 Best Price Buy the Garmin Forerunner 55 if you:- Want a straightforward running watch with long battery life.
- Prefer physical button controls during workouts.
- Are on a tighter budget and don’t need advanced smartwatch features.
- Like a lightweight and durable build for everyday training.
- Don’t need features like a touchscreen, NFC, or advanced health metrics.
Check Forerunner 55 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Always-On Display | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Display Size | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Higher Resolution | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Display Brightness | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Internal Storage | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Battery Life | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
| Health & Fitness | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Microphone | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Connectivity | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Durability | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Design | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
What They Have in Common
- Built-in GPS: Both watches feature built-in GPS, allowing runners and cyclists to track distance and pace accurately without needing a phone.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Each model includes a wrist-based heart rate sensor, providing real-time heart rate data to help optimize workouts and monitor overall health.
- Sleep Tracking: Both devices track sleep stages and quality, giving users valuable insights into their rest and recovery patterns.
- Water Resistance: Each watch is rated for swimming, so you can wear them while showering or during pool workouts without worry.
- Smart Notifications: Both models can display smartphone notifications such as calls, texts, and app alerts, keeping you connected without pulling out your phone.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Garmin vívoactive 5 have a touchscreen?
Yes, the Garmin vívoactive 5 includes a full-color AMOLED touchscreen that allows for easy swiping and tapping through menus and widgets.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is designed for beginner runners and fitness enthusiasts with features like daily suggested workouts, pace guidance, and recovery time.
Can you use Garmin Pay on the Garmin Forerunner 55?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 55 does not support Garmin Pay as it lacks NFC capability.
Does the Garmin vívoactive 5 track sleep and naps?
Yes, the Garmin vívoactive 5 tracks detailed sleep stages, provides sleep scores, and supports nap detection for improved rest insights.
Which watch has longer battery life?
The Garmin Forerunner 55 lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, which is longer than the vívoactive 5’s 11-day battery life.
Does the Garmin vívoactive 5 support music storage?
No, the Garmin vívoactive 5 does not support local music storage but it does allow music controls when connected to a smartphone.
Is the Garmin vívoactive 5 compatible with voice assistants?
Yes, the vívoactive 5 includes a built-in microphone that works with voice assistants on Android smartphones.
Can I swim with both of these watches?
Yes, both the Garmin vívoactive 5 and Forerunner 55 are rated 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and water-related activities.
Which device has a better display?
The Garmin vívoactive 5 has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with higher resolution and vibrant colors, making it superior to the Forerunner 55’s smaller, lower-resolution MIP screen.
Is there onboard GPS in both models?
Yes, both the Garmin vívoactive 5 and the Forerunner 55 include built-in GPS for tracking outdoor runs, walks, and cycling activities without a phone.
