Hi fellow cheapies,
Does anyone here own/use Garmin, samsung or fitbit smart watches for tracking their fitness activities?
I'm looking for a budget smart watch from one of the above brands for fitness purpose and also to earn rewards for my aia vitality membership.
Aia vitality app can only pair with these brands for android which is why I mentioned them.
So recommend away if you can, it will be helpful
Thanks. Aia vitality app is compatible with fitbit, garmin, samsung, strava and google fit.
I have never used Strava or google fit so don't know anything about them. I had a fitbit watch once but lost it somewhere.
Garmin and samsung watches are quite expensive and basically out of my budget range. Although there might some older versions of these that might be cheaper.
I have checked out fitbit online and there are many different models and honestly i can't tell which one be suitable and cheap.
Assuming you are using Android, then many watches can sync with Google Fit (via Health Connect(play.google.com)) and I guess it will then get read by Vitality app.
Same for Strava - I use a Coros Pace 3 for running and data pulls through to Strava as well as the Coros app.
I think it depends mainly what you want in a watch - the Garmins (and definitely Coros) are more aimed at the fitness side of the equation, not the general smart watch-ness.
Whats your price range?
Between 150-200$
I use a Garmin 745, and also like the Garmin connect app and ecosystem but as Scotty said, they aren't often cheap.
I would do a lot of research before buying any Samsung watch for fitness tracking as they have had a trend of very inaccurate heart rate sensors compared to other brands and chest strap hrm's.
There's an Android App 'Health Sync' which can sync data between various health/exercise related apps. It's a one off lifetime cost of $6 but worth a look if you want a different brand/device.
I could send you a free Fitbit I'm not using. Switched to Garmin.
Versa 3 model. Sitting in my drawer.
Works fine.
You cover postage
DM me
If all you care about is tracking steps and wanted a new device, not 2nd hand, then the simplest Garmin device is the vivofit 4, however there's no price listed on Garmin's website, so you may need to shop around. The cheapest device listed on Garmin's website is the Vivosmart 5 at $299, which can track some simple activities like walking, running, cycling, while using the GPS on your phone, as there's no built-in GPS.
The next step up would be the cheapest watch, the vivomove Sport at $369 which Rebel Sport also sell, and you could wait until they have a sale, which often does include electronic devices such as watches. This can track a lot more, but still no built-in GPS.
Next step up from there is the cheapest watch made for proper sports & activity tracking which is the FR55 at $399
Otherwise for a sub $200 device is 2nd hand, but you won't get any warranty or Consumer protection with that… if that matters to you.
My Fitbit charge served me well. Battery lasts a week with normal use and half a day while running and using GPS. It also automatically recognises exercises and sleep tracking is some of the best on the market.
Thanks. Does the fitbit need subscription to keep track of the activity?
No, it's fully functional without a subscription. But the subscription gives you more sleep data and access to videos and classes from LesMills, Calm.com and couple more. It's only worth getting for 50c via Apple India. The Fitbit also has Google Pay, but that is different to the one you get on Android phones and not all Google Pay compatible cards work on Fitbit. Music controls also only works for YouTube Music, but most people would have music controls on their headphones when running anyways.
No. And anyway Thurs little more you get that's close to bring value of you did subscribe. I used Fitbit for yeah and I can tell you this HEAPS of data for free
I had Huawei watch and couldn't link to AIA to get points. Did lots of research and only Google fit is free to use for AIA purpose. I go to Les Mills, so 100 points every time I go is much easier than trying to check in with Google fit all the time. At the end I bought a garmin. Even though it's a lot more than what I wanted to pay. But now I get the sleep points plus all the things I didn't know about my fitness. I am really happy with it and will only buy garmin for now on.
Thanks. Which garmin watch did you end up buying?
Garmin vivoactive 5. You can buy through AIA vitality link too.
It's worth nothing that with Aia vitality membership you get 25% off on Garmin products. A forerunner 55 with this discount comes to $299.25 and this would work well to collect your points.
Being a Garmin user for around 6 years (Forerunner 645) to track my runs & sleep. I'm generally happy with it, the Connect app and the whole ecosystem, however I would not put Garmin and budget together. Even their budget models (FR165/265) are getting expensive.
Some of the brands that I am looking at — Amazfit (Balance, Active 2) and Huawei (GT 5) — these are fitness oriented smart watches with good functionality, long battery life and more budget friendly. However need to check whether these are supported by AIA Vitality.