Garmin Vivosmart 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Fit3
Both made our Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if you want text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 if you'd rather have 1.6-inch display is the largest and easiest to read of the group at a glance. Overall we rank the Garmin Vivosmart 5 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors list.
Winner overall: Garmin Vivosmart 5
Garmin Vivosmart 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Fit3 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors | #3 of 4 in Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Garmin | Samsung |
| Key features | Large, readable touchscreen with adjustable text size; Irregular heart rhythm notifications; Body Battery energy tracking | 1.6-inch AMOLED display; 13-day battery life; Sleep and snore tracking |
| Biggest strength | Text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance | 1.6-inch display is the largest and easiest to read of the group at a glance |
| Main trade-off | Small physical size means the screen is still modest compared to a full smartwatch | Full functionality requires an Android phone, which rules out iPhone-owning seniors |
| Best for | seniors | seniors |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if…
- Text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance
- Irregular heart rhythm alerts run passively in the background with no extra steps
- No subscription fee keeps ongoing cost at zero after purchase
Best for: seniors
Prefer the alternative? See the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 section.
#3 pick
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 if…
- 1.6-inch display is the largest and easiest to read of the group at a glance
- 13-day battery life means infrequent charging reminders
- Affordable price makes it easy to replace if lost or damaged
Best for: seniors
Prefer the alternative? See the Garmin Vivosmart 5 section.
Pros and cons of each
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Pros
- Text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance
- Irregular heart rhythm alerts run passively in the background with no extra steps
- No subscription fee keeps ongoing cost at zero after purchase
- Soft silicone band stays comfortable through all-day wear, including for sensitive skin
Cons
- Small physical size means the screen is still modest compared to a full smartwatch
- Initial pairing requires a smartphone app, which can be a barrier without help
- Fewer big, colorful visual cues than some simpler senior-focused devices
Samsung Galaxy Fit3
Pros
- 1.6-inch display is the largest and easiest to read of the group at a glance
- 13-day battery life means infrequent charging reminders
- Affordable price makes it easy to replace if lost or damaged
- Simple swipe-based navigation once shown once by a family member
Cons
- Full functionality requires an Android phone, which rules out iPhone-owning seniors
- No irregular heart rhythm notification feature like Fitbit or Garmin
- Smaller companion app ecosystem than Fitbit or Garmin for long-term support
Garmin Vivosmart 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Fit3: common questions
Which is better, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 or the Samsung Galaxy Fit3?
Choose the Garmin Vivosmart 5 if you want text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 if you'd rather have 1.6-inch display is the largest and easiest to read of the group at a glance. Overall we rank the Garmin Vivosmart 5 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors list.
What is the difference between the Garmin Vivosmart 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Fit3?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 stands out because text size adjustment in settings makes notifications and stats easier to read at a glance, while the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 stands out because 1.6-inch display is the largest and easiest to read of the group at a glance. The trade-offs differ too: the Garmin Vivosmart 5's main caveat is that small physical size means the screen is still modest compared to a full smartwatch, and the Samsung Galaxy Fit3's is that full functionality requires an Android phone, which rules out iPhone-owning seniors.
Is the Garmin Vivosmart 5 worth it over the Samsung Galaxy Fit3?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 instead if small physical size means the screen is still modest compared to a full smartwatch is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 instead of the Garmin Vivosmart 5?
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 suits seniors, while the Garmin Vivosmart 5 is best for seniors.