Both the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and the Redmi Watch 5 Active have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, which means they can withstand water pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. This rating is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other shallow water activities, but not for diving or exposure to high-pressure water environments like hot showers or saunas[1][2][4].
In terms of practical use, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is designed with swimming in mind, featuring a swim setting and being suitable for both pool and open-water swimming[9][10]. However, it's important to note that while the Vivoactive 5 is water-resistant, it is not entirely waterproof, and its water resistance can degrade over time or under certain conditions like extreme temperatures or physical impacts[10].
The Redmi Watch 5 Active also offers 5 ATM water resistance, allowing it to be used in swimming pools or near the shore, but it lacks specific workout modes for recording water sports[2][11]. Like the Vivoactive 5, it should not be used in hot showers or saunas, and users should avoid direct impacts from swift currents during water activities[2].
In summary, both watches offer similar water resistance capabilities, but the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is more tailored for swimming activities with its specific swim setting and broader compatibility with various water sports. However, neither watch is suitable for deep diving or prolonged exposure to high-pressure water environments.
Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYtK0zdZFzM
[2] https://www.mi.com/global/product/redmi-watch-5/
[3] https://versus.com/en/garmin-vivoactive-vs-xiaomi-redmi-watch-5-active
[4] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals-apac/webhelp/vivoactive5/EN-SG/GUID-22379122-D272-4BE5-9BA2-84A4AD63EEC1-4982.html
[5] https://www.mi.com/global/product/redmi-watch-5-active/specs/
[6] https://versus.com/en/garmin-vivoactive-5-vs-xiaomi-mi-watch
[7] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-5D183A14-BB43-4A9B-B441-5F824214CE40/EN-US/GUID-0ED1C47A-727F-4481-9911-BAF1FBC40166.html
[8] https://xiaomistoreph.com/products/redmi-watch-5-active
[9] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/09/garmin-vivoactive-display.html
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1ii0ts0/vivoactive_5_has_a_swim_setting_yet_not_waterproof/
[11] https://www.pbtech.com/pacific/product/WTHMIX57760/Xiaomi-Redmi-Watch-5-Active-Smart-Watch---Midnight
[12] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-vivoactive-5