The Garmin Lily 2 Active, while praised for its stylish design and enhanced features, has several notable drawbacks that potential users should consider before purchasing. Here are the key issues associated with this smartwatch:
Display and User Interface
- Digital Display Quality: The display is often described as lackluster compared to competitors. Users have noted that it does not match the quality of AMOLED screens found on other smartwatches, which can detract from the overall user experience[1][2].- Touchscreen Responsiveness: Many users report that the touchscreen can be unresponsive at times, requiring multiple taps to register commands. This can be particularly frustrating during workouts when quick interactions are necessary[2][4].
Activity Tracking Limitations
- Inaccurate Activity Logging: There have been complaints about specific activities not being tracked accurately. For instance, treadmill workouts may not log distance correctly, which undermines the reliability of fitness tracking[1][4].- Limited Sports Profiles: Although the Lily 2 Active includes more sports profiles than its predecessor, it still lacks certain advanced metrics and features found in higher-end Garmin models. For example, it does not support cycling detection or provide detailed running metrics like recovery time and hill score[4][5].
Software and App Experience
- Garmin Connect App Usability: Users have expressed frustration with the Garmin Connect app, describing it as cluttered and confusing. Important settings can be buried under multiple menus, making it difficult to navigate and customize features effectively[1][2].- Customization Restrictions: There are limitations in customizing notifications and watch faces compared to other Garmin devices. This lack of flexibility can be a drawback for users who prefer personalized settings[2][5].
GPS and Connectivity Issues
- Tethered GPS: While the Lily 2 Active now includes built-in GPS, some users find it less reliable than standalone GPS systems in other smartwatches. Additionally, certain safety features like incident detection still require a phone connection[4][5].- Dependency on Phone for Features: Although it offers some standalone capabilities, many features still require the watch to be connected to a smartphone, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer a fully independent device[1][4].
Battery Life Concerns
- Battery Performance with GPS: The battery life is significantly reduced when using GPS tracking. Users can expect around 9 hours of battery life with GPS active, which is less than what some competitors offer[5].Overall, while the Garmin Lily 2 Active presents a fashionable option for those seeking basic health tracking and smartwatch functionality, its shortcomings in display quality, activity tracking accuracy, software usability, and battery life may lead some users to consider alternatives that offer a more robust feature set.
Citations:
[1] https://mashable.com/review/garmin-lily-2
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1d057uz/garmin_lily_pros_and_cons/
[3] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/01/garmin-fitness-smartwatch.html
[4] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/10/garmin-lily-2-active-with-gps-review.html
[5] https://the5krunner.com/2024/10/02/garmin-lily-2-active-opinion-review-specifications/
[6] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-lily-2
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioBRrdmYjew
[8] https://www.playbetter.com/blogs/running/garmin-lily-2-active-fitness-tracker-review
How reliable is the Garmin Lily 2 for accurate distance tracking during workouts
The reliability of the Garmin Lily 2 for accurate distance tracking during workouts is notably influenced by its GPS capabilities. Here are the key points to consider regarding its performance:
GPS Functionality
- Connected GPS Requirement: The Garmin Lily 2 does not have built-in GPS; instead, it relies on the GPS of a connected smartphone. This means that to achieve accurate distance tracking, users must carry their phone during outdoor activities like running or cycling[1][2].- Accuracy of Connected GPS: When connected to a smartphone, the Lily 2 can provide reasonably accurate distance and pace tracking. However, the accuracy largely depends on the quality of the phone's GPS and how well the Lily 2 handles that connectivity. Reports suggest that when properly connected, the distance tracked is generally reliable, matching closely with dedicated GPS devices[2][3].
Distance Tracking Performance
- Automatic Activity Logging: The watch features an automatic tracking system called Move IQ, which logs activities once they exceed a certain time threshold. However, this feature lacks detailed metrics like pace charts or heart rate data unless connected to the phone for GPS tracking[2][3].- Potential for Inaccuracy: Some users have noted discrepancies in distance calculations when using connected GPS, particularly if there are interruptions in connectivity or if the phone's GPS signal is weak. Instances of distance being off by 10-15% compared to dedicated GPS devices have been reported in other Garmin models, although specific feedback on the Lily 2 indicates it performs adequately under normal conditions[2][3].
User Experience
- Real-World Testing: Reviews indicate that during actual workouts, such as trail runs or interval training, the Lily 2's performance is generally satisfactory. Users have found that it tracks distance accurately when connected to a smartphone and provides useful data post-workout through the Garmin Connect app[4][5].In summary, while the Garmin Lily 2 can reliably track distance during workouts when paired with a smartphone, its dependence on connected GPS means users should be mindful of their phone's battery life and signal strength to ensure accurate readings. For those seeking a device with built-in GPS for more independent tracking, alternatives may be more suitable.
Citations:
[1] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-lily-2
[2] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/01/garmin-lily-depth-review.html
[3] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/01/garmin-fitness-smartwatch.html
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioBRrdmYjew
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KMcR5RhK4E
[6] https://www.playbetter.com/blogs/running/garmin-lily-2-active-fitness-tracker-review
[7] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/10/garmin-lily-2-active-with-gps-review.html
[8] https://mashable.com/review/garmin-lily-2The Garmin Lily 2 Active, while praised for its stylish design and enhanced features, has several notable drawbacks that potential users should consider before purchasing. Here are the key issues associated with this smartwatch:
Display and User Interface
- Digital Display Quality: The display is often described as lackluster compared to competitors. Users have noted that it does not match the quality of AMOLED screens found on other smartwatches, which can detract from the overall user experience[1][2].- Touchscreen Responsiveness: Many users report that the touchscreen can be unresponsive at times, requiring multiple taps to register commands. This can be particularly frustrating during workouts when quick interactions are necessary[2][4].
Activity Tracking Limitations
- Inaccurate Activity Logging: There have been complaints about specific activities not being tracked accurately. For instance, treadmill workouts may not log distance correctly, which undermines the reliability of fitness tracking[1][4].- Limited Sports Profiles: Although the Lily 2 Active includes more sports profiles than its predecessor, it still lacks certain advanced metrics and features found in higher-end Garmin models. For example, it does not support cycling detection or provide detailed running metrics like recovery time and hill score[4][5].
Software and App Experience
- Garmin Connect App Usability: Users have expressed frustration with the Garmin Connect app, describing it as cluttered and confusing. Important settings can be buried under multiple menus, making it difficult to navigate and customize features effectively[1][2].- Customization Restrictions: There are limitations in customizing notifications and watch faces compared to other Garmin devices. This lack of flexibility can be a drawback for users who prefer personalized settings[2][5].
GPS and Connectivity Issues
- Tethered GPS: While the Lily 2 Active now includes built-in GPS, some users find it less reliable than standalone GPS systems in other smartwatches. Additionally, certain safety features like incident detection still require a phone connection[4][5].- Dependency on Phone for Features: Although it offers some standalone capabilities, many features still require the watch to be connected to a smartphone, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer a fully independent device[1][4].
Battery Life Concerns
- Battery Performance with GPS: The battery life is significantly reduced when using GPS tracking. Users can expect around 9 hours of battery life with GPS active, which is less than what some competitors offer[5].Overall, while the Garmin Lily 2 Active presents a fashionable option for those seeking basic health tracking and smartwatch functionality, its shortcomings in display quality, activity tracking accuracy, software usability, and battery life may lead some users to consider alternatives that offer a more robust feature set.
Citations:[1] https://mashable.com/review/garmin-lily-2
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1d057uz/garmin_lily_pros_and_cons/
[3] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/01/garmin-fitness-smartwatch.html
[4] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/10/garmin-lily-2-active-with-gps-review.html
[5] https://the5krunner.com/2024/10/02/garmin-lily-2-active-opinion-review-specifications/
[6] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-lily-2
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioBRrdmYjew
[8] https://www.playbetter.com/blogs/running/garmin-lily-2-active-fitness-tracker-review