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Looking for a stylish and smart wearable that complements your active lifestyle? The Garmin Lily 2 and the Lily 2 Active both offer a blend of fashion and fitness tracking, but which one is the perfect fit for you? These elegant smartwatches are designed for women who want to stay connected and monitor their health without sacrificing style.
The Garmin Lily 2 series brings a subtle elegance to your wrist, while the Lily 2 Active adds a touch of sportiness. Both devices boast impressive features, including health and fitness tracking, smart notifications, and long battery life. Deciding between the two can be tricky, so we’re here to help you make the right choice.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Garmin Lily 2 and the Lily 2 Active. We’ll examine their designs, features, and performance to help you determine which smartwatch best aligns with your needs and preferences. Get ready to discover which Lily 2 model is the ultimate companion for your daily adventures!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Lily 2 | Lily 2 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Hidden LCD touchscreen | AMOLED touchscreen |
| Case Material | Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer | Aluminum bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Lens Material | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Wristband Material | Silicone, leather, or nylon | Silicone |
| Size | 35.4 x 35.4 x 10.1 mm | 40.0 x 40.0 x 9.6 mm |
| Weight | 22.6 g | 24 g |
| GPS | Connected GPS | Built-in GPS |
| Activity Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | No | No |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 5 days | Up to 5 days |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build
- Garmin Lily 2: Features a classic, elegant design with a patterned lens and a smaller, more discreet profile. Offers a more jewelry-like aesthetic, appealing to users who prioritize style. May feel less rugged for activities.
- Lily 2 Active: Boasts a sportier design with an aluminum bezel and a more durable build. Designed for active lifestyles, it’s more resistant to wear and tear. May not appeal to those seeking a more subtle look.
- Winner: Tie
Display
- Garmin Lily 2: Features a hidden, responsive touchscreen display that activates with a raise or tap. Offers a clean, minimalist look when not in use. The display can feel small for some users.
- Lily 2 Active: Also has a hidden touchscreen display, similar to the Lily 2. The display size and functionality are largely the same.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Garmin Lily 2: Provides up to 5 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Offers a good balance between features and longevity.
- Lily 2 Active: Also offers up to 5 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Performance is identical to the Lily 2.
- Winner: Tie
Fitness Tracking
- Garmin Lily 2: Tracks basic fitness metrics like steps, sleep, stress, and energy levels. Lacks some advanced features found in other Garmin devices.
- Lily 2 Active: Tracks the same basic fitness metrics as the Lily 2, with added support for more activity profiles like HIIT, cardio, and indoor rowing. Offers a slightly broader fitness tracking experience.
- Winner: Lily 2 Active
Activity Profiles
- Garmin Lily 2: Limited activity profiles, focusing on basic tracking. Suited for casual fitness enthusiasts.
- Lily 2 Active: Includes a wider range of preloaded activity profiles like HIIT, cardio, and indoor rowing. Catering to a more active user base.
- Winner: Lily 2 Active
Connectivity
- Garmin Lily 2: Includes Bluetooth connectivity. Lacks built-in GPS, relying on a connected smartphone for location tracking.
- Lily 2 Active: Also includes Bluetooth connectivity. Lacks built-in GPS, relying on a connected smartphone for location tracking.
- Winner: Tie
Health Features
- Garmin Lily 2: Provides basic health monitoring features like heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and stress tracking. Offers a good baseline for health insights.
- Lily 2 Active: Features the same health tracking capabilities as the Lily 2, including heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and stress tracking.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Garmin Lily 2: Typically has a lower price point, making it more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Lily 2 Active: Usually priced slightly higher than the Lily 2, reflecting its more active-focused features and design enhancements.
- Winner: Garmin Lily 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Garmin Lily 2 (for classic style) / Lily 2 Active (for sportier) |
| Display | Lily 2 Active |
| GPS | Lily 2 Active |
| Features | Tie |
| Value | Garmin Lily 2 |
What They Have in Common
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches continuously monitor your heart rate, providing valuable insights into your health and fitness levels.
- Activity Tracking: Both devices track various activities, including steps, sleep, and more, helping you stay motivated and reach your goals.
- Smartphone Notifications: Receive smart notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts directly on your wrist with both models.
- Stress Tracking: Both watches offer all-day stress tracking to help you monitor your stress levels and identify potential stressors.
- Sleep Monitoring: Detailed sleep tracking is available on both devices, providing information about sleep stages and overall sleep quality.
Garmin Lily 2 vs Lily 2 Active Buying Guide
Design and Aesthetics
The Garmin Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active prioritize a stylish and discreet design. The Lily 2 boasts a classic, elegant look with a patterned lens and a smaller, more feminine profile. The Lily 2 Active, however, offers a sportier aesthetic with a more durable build and a slightly more rugged feel. Both watches are designed to be comfortable for all-day wear, but the choice depends on your personal style preference. Consider what you prioritize: subtle elegance or active lifestyle durability.
Fitness Tracking Features
Both models provide essential fitness tracking capabilities, including steps, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity tracking for various exercises. However, the Lily 2 Active may offer enhanced features geared towards more active users. They both provide insights into your overall health, including stress levels and Body Battery. If you’re a serious athlete or enjoy intense workouts, the Lily 2 Active might be more appropriate. Casual fitness enthusiasts will find the Lily 2 sufficient.
Smartwatch Functionality
The Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active are more focused on the basics. They offer notifications, calendar alerts, and the ability to control music playback on your smartphone. They lack some of the advanced smartwatch features found in higher-end Garmin devices, such as music storage or advanced app support. The core functions are the same on both devices. The user experience is similar, with notifications and basic connectivity being key. These are not full-fledged smartwatches.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active offer impressive battery life for their size. Expect up to five days of battery life on a single charge, which is a significant advantage over some other smartwatches. Charging is typically done via a proprietary charging cable. The long battery life is a key selling point, minimizing the need for frequent charging. Consider this aspect if you travel or dislike charging your devices frequently.
Price and Value
The price points of the Garmin Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active are generally competitive within the smartwatch market. The Lily 2 Active may have a slightly higher price due to its more durable construction and potentially enhanced features. Consider your budget and the features you need. Evaluate the value proposition based on the features, design, and overall user experience. Determine what features are essential to your needs.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active are designed to withstand daily wear and tear. The Lily 2 Active is likely to have a slightly more robust build, making it more suitable for more active lifestyles. Both watches offer water resistance, allowing you to wear them while swimming or showering. The specific level of water resistance should be confirmed in the product specifications. Consider the activities you plan to do while wearing the watch when evaluating durability.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Garmin Lily 2 If…
- You prefer a smaller, more discreet design.
- You appreciate a more traditional watch aesthetic.
- You want a watch with a variety of band options, including leather and nylon.
- You prioritize affordability.
Buy Lily 2 Active If…
- You want a watch with built-in GPS for more accurate activity tracking.
- You prefer a brighter, more vibrant AMOLED display.
- You want a more sporty design.
- You prefer a watch with a more durable aluminum bezel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active?
The primary difference lies in their design and target audience. The Lily 2 caters to a more fashion-conscious user with a classic, elegant aesthetic. The Lily 2 Active has a more sporty and durable design, with features tailored for active lifestyles. The Lily 2 Active may also have features the Lily 2 lacks, such as a more rugged build.
Does the Garmin Lily 2 Active have GPS?
Both the Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active do not have built-in GPS. They rely on the GPS of your connected smartphone for tracking outdoor activities. This helps to conserve battery life and maintains a smaller profile. If you require standalone GPS, you’ll need to consider other Garmin models.
What kind of notifications do they support?
Both devices support notifications for calls, texts, emails, and app alerts from your connected smartphone. You can customize which notifications you receive through the Garmin Connect app. The devices will vibrate and display the notification content. The amount of information displayed will depend on the app.
Can I make phone calls with either watch?
No, the Garmin Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active do not have the capability to make or receive phone calls directly. They are primarily designed to display notifications from your smartphone. You will need to use your smartphone to answer calls. They work as notification hubs.
How accurate is the heart rate monitoring?
Both watches use Garmin’s Elevate heart rate sensor technology, which provides reasonably accurate heart rate tracking during various activities. The accuracy is generally good for everyday use and workouts. The accuracy may be affected by factors like skin tone, fit, and movement. For professional-grade accuracy, you might consider a chest strap.
What is Body Battery, and how does it work?
Body Battery is a Garmin feature that estimates your energy levels throughout the day. It uses data like heart rate variability, stress levels, and activity to provide a score from 0 to 100. This helps you understand when to be active and when to rest. It helps determine if you should workout or recover.
What are the available band options?
Both watches typically come with a standard silicone band, and additional band options are often available for purchase separately. These options may include leather, metal, or other materials, allowing you to customize the watch to your personal style. Consider the various materials and styles when selecting the band.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active are stylish and functional smartwatches, each catering to different needs. While both offer essential fitness tracking and smartwatch features, the Lily 2 excels in elegance, and the Lily 2 Active emphasizes durability and a more active lifestyle. The choice depends on your priorities and the activities you engage in.
Winner: [Depending on preference, either Garmin Lily 2 or Lily 2 Active]