Garmin’s Vivosmart 5 might finally get the touchscreen right

Image: Garmin

If there is one thing that Garmin seems to understand better than other companies, it is that athletes like buttons. It looks like the company has finally added a button to its latest fitness tracker.

The first version of the Vivosmart 4 was launched in 2018. It keeps the same design, but instead of an elegant vibe, it opts for a more practical, sporty look. There is no metal border surrounding the display, and the band has a rounded edge. The display is 66 percent bigger and has larger text so that it is easier to read. The Vivosmart 5 has a proper button and is easier to use than the previous model.

The display on the Vivosmart 3 and 4 were the same problem I had with the other tracker. The screen on the Vivosmart 3 was blurry and hard to read in the sun. The menu didn't always work and the touchscreen wasn't as responsive as it should have been, but the Vivosmart 4 fixed the blurriness. It was difficult to start and end activities with sweaty fingers.

Image: Garmin

I have been playing with the Vivosmart 5 and it seems that it has addressed both of the problems. The button is easy to find because it is slightly raised from the display. I have found the touchscreen to be easy to use. I still have to put the Vivosmart 5 through its paces, but so far, this is an improvement over the biggest issue of the line.

Another gripe with the Vivosmart line has been addressed. You couldn't swap out straps because the previous Vivosmart trackers had a unibody design. swappable straps were introduced by the Vivosmart 5. Pop out the tracker and you are done.

Most of the changes in the Vivosmart 5 come from the design, but there are also more software features. The tracker line has abnormal heart rate alert on it. Personal safety features are included. An assistance alert will be sent to emergency contacts if the button is pushed for a few seconds. The Vivosmart 5 keeps its predecessor's continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 sensors, tetheredGPS, stress tracking, and 7-day battery life.

Black, white, and cool mint are the colors of the Garmin Vivosmart 5.