Garmin Vivosmart 5 : No GPS Sensor & No Longer Track Floors Climbed
Garmin has just released a new fitness tracker called the Vivosmart 5. This is their latest device in the Vivosmart line, and it differs from its predecessors in two main ways: first, it still does not have a GPS sensor; second, it does not have a barometer sensor. The lack of these sensors means that certain features are no longer available on the Vivosmart 5. Including a weak GPS signal for other features in the Vivosmart 5. In this article, we will discuss what those features are and how you can still track your exercise activity without them.
Still No GPS Sensor In The Vivosmart Line
Yes , it is true, the Vivosmart line still does not have a GPS sensor built into the device. This means that if you want to track your runs or bike rides, you will need to carry your phone with you and use the Garmin Connect app to track your activity. While this is not ideal, it does mean that you can still get accurate data for your activities. If you are looking for a fitness tracker that has GPS built-in, you may want to check out the Garmin Forerunner or Fenix lines.
How Accurate is The GPS Tracking in The Vivosmart 5?
Well if you are going to track your bike ride or run, as mentioned before you have to carry your phone. You must pair the Vivosmart 5 to the Garmin Connect app and allow Garmin to have permission to use your phones GPS sensor.
The Vivosmart will use the GPS sensor in your phone to track the activity. This can lead to some accuracy issues depending on how well your phone picks up a GPS signal. If you are in an area with a weak GPS signal, your data may not be as accurate as it could be.
In reality accuracy isn’t the greatest with any GPS tracking, especially when you are relying on a phone’s GPS sensor. If you are looking for the most accurate data possible, you may want to invest in a dedicated GPS device such as the Garmin Forerunner or Fenix.
These devices have access to GPS, GLONASS, Galileo satellites which will give you the most accurate tracking data possible.
There Are Other GPS Tracking Issues You Should Know About
With a reasonably accurate GPS there are some things you need to know. Especially if you are looking to buy the Vivosmart 5. Better to know up front, than too late when you purchase the watch.
Lose GPS Signal During Running or Cycling
Because you are relying on your phone’s GPS signal, you may lose GPS signal during your run or bike ride. This can happen if you are in an area with a weak GPS signal or if you move too far away from your phone. If this happens, your data will not be recorded and you will not be able to see it later in the Garmin Connect app.
This can be quite frustrating , especially if you are in the middle of a long run or bike ride and you lose GPS signal. If you are looking for a fitness tracker that will not have this issue, you may want to check out the Garmin Forerunner or Fenix lines. These devices have their own built-in GPS sensors so they do not rely on your phone’s GPS signal.
Track Live will be a Issue if You Need Emergency Assistance
Garmin has made it clear that the device should not be relied upon when you need emergency assistance. This is due to the fact that the Vivosmart 5 relies on the GPS connection on your phone. If you are in an area with a weak GPS signal, your location may not be accurately tracked by the device.
In addition, if you are using the Track Live feature of the Garmin Connect app, your friends and family will not be able to see your real-time location if you need emergency assistance. This slight delay could be crucial if you are seriously hurt.
Barometer Sensor No Longer Part of the Vivosmart Line
Upon my research and comparing the Vivosmart 5 with it’s predecessors. And there it was, the barometer sensor is no longer on offer. This sensor was used to track the number of floors climbed.
The barometer sensor is nice to have, but it might be a deal breaker for many people. I can live without it, especially if it means that I do not have to carry my phone with me when I am tracking my activity.
What is a Barometer Sensor and How Does it Work?
A barometer sensor is a device that measures air pressure. It can be used to measure the altitude of a location. The sensor works by measuring the atmospheric pressure at a given location. This pressure can be converted into an approximate altitude above sea level.
The sensor is often used in weather applications to predict the forecast. It can also be used in fitness applications to track the number of floors climbed.
The Vivosmart line of fitness trackers has had a barometer sensor in all of its predecessors. However, the Vivosmart five does not have a barometer sensor. This means that you will not be able to track the number of floors climbed with this device.
Floors Climbed Has Been Taken Off The Activity Tracking List
Upon my research when no barometer sensor on offer, I checked the activity tracking list. And from there I discovered that floors climbed has been taken off.
It is unsure as to why this was taken off, but it may be a unpopular one. The Fitbit Charge 5 no longer offer floors climbed, and the backlash of people wanting it back on was growing on reddit. From Fitbits perspective, they have found that floors climbed wasn’t a metric that people will be interested in. I also wondered if this was the case by Garmin.
Final Conclusion
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a good fitness tracker. It tracks all the basic activity data that most people need. However, there are some downsides to the device.
First, the device does not have a built-in GPS sensor. This means that you will need to carry your phone with you in order to track your outdoor activity.
Second, the device does not have a barometer sensor. This means that you will not be able to track the number of floors climbed with this device.
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that has a built-in GPS sensor and a barometer sensor, you may want to check out the Garmin Forerunner or Fenix lines. However, these devices are more expensive than the Vivosmart five.
If you are looking for a basic fitness tracker that is affordable, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a good choice. Just be aware of its limitations.
