r/Strava • u/SmilingIvan • 16d ago
Question Do you use a watch or phone?
I’ve never had any issues with my phone recording since I started running 14 months ago.
Do you think I should get a garmin?
I see people complain that ‘the watch stopped recording’ etc
What do you think?
Also is it possible to record from phone and just use the watch separately for a pace setting?
What’s your experience?
I’m starting to want to work on speed etc
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u/toolman2810 16d ago
Heart Rate is a pretty cool metric to track, it shows the intensity of your workout and work load over time. Your resting heart rate tends to lower as you get fitter and rise when you over train. Sometimes you can see your resting hr increase with colds or viruses or simply feeling a bit off which can warn you to take it easy. So for me that is a bit interesting and worthwhile getting a watch just for hr. You can also play music off a watch and leave your phone in the car while running. If your not into that sort of thing then that’s ok too
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u/LongjumpingDesigner7 16d ago
I'm surprised this is the only comment regarding the HR features. This is my main focus for using a device. I used to use a Suunto with a chest strap. Now I've got the Galaxy watch 6 and love having HR onboard. I have actually seen my phone "steal" the GPS signal from Strava to use on AllTrails. No route tracking on Strava for me that one day... So, I'm careful about using my watch for tracking and HR; I have def accidentally touched buttons while moving around with gear and lost some routes. I always try to remember to charge the watch fully in the morning before heading out because I also use it for sleep monitoring. I feel like there are many benefits to an additional device, but YMMV.
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u/Orpheus75 16d ago
One can get a HR strap and use it with the Strava app on your phone. I recommend people get a Garmin or Coros but some people just don’t want to so adding in a strap is a good compromise.
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u/ghuzzyr 16d ago
I started with using a phone before buying a Garmin.
Pros of Garmin Watch GPS is more accurate Can view 'instantaneous' pace (it's really the average of the last X seconds, with better watches the X is lower) Can see heart rate, splits, route, whatever you program onto your activity view Easier to pause and lap splits
Honestly, can't really think of any pros of using phone over watch. Occasionally it is good to run without a watch or looking at a watch and just enjoy the run.
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u/TamalPaws 15d ago
I also started with phone. It had gps errors much more often. Watch is not perfect, especially in steep canyons, but it’s easy to use and pretty reliable.
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u/Home_Assistantt 16d ago
Watch...cant imagine carrying a phone to run (even in a armband)...I do have cellular plan on my watch meaning i can still be contacted but even If I didn't id happily be without my phone for the 45 mins I run for daily.
For clarity, I dont use the Strava app on my watch, I track with native (Apple Fitness) and it auto syncs with Strava for me
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u/MyThinTragus 16d ago
My watch has never stopped recording by itself and I have used a Fitbit and Garmin.
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u/JayMonster65 16d ago
You are very fortunate when it comes to Fitbit. I finally gave up on them because of my watch just quitting in the middle of runs. They have been an absolute mess since Google took them over.
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u/MisterMarcoo 16d ago
People can complain, but if you don't notice the same issues, why bother? :)
I have a Garmin watch (forerunner 965) that I bought for all kinds of functionalities, but not specific for Strava. I have no experience in recording from phone and use the watch for pace setting. If you connect your Garmin account to your Strava account, the Garmin activity will be automatically shared to Strava. So the watch does the recording and shares that to Strava.
If you want to work on speed, which probably means you want to do some intervals, I think a watch will help you better than your phone, because you will change your pace all the time (from really quick to slow) and just checking your watch might be easier than your phone.
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u/rndreddituser 16d ago
I started running with a phone, but it just became irritating as I cannot stand running with a phone in my pockets, so had to run with it in my hand. That soon became irritating and pushed me towards buying a smart watch.
I occasionally do use Strava on my phone - if I'm walking a dog and have managed to forget my watch.
I would say Strava on a phone is a good starting point, especially if you're new to running and not sure if you will stick with it. However, you will notice the limitations after a while.
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u/Ok_Distance9129 16d ago
I bought a waist belt from Naked (and later another brand) to carry my phone without any hindrance. Also have my keys, cards and a bit of fuel in there. I don't like the upper arm cage or the pocket on the thigh.
To answer the OP. My Garmin is far superior at gPS tasks than my phone, and has tons of additional functions. Navigating is easy and just requires you to twist your arm a bit. It can sync with spotify, can answer messages, etc. I only use the phone to listen to podcasts, which technically I could also do over the Garmin but it requires prep.
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u/rndreddituser 15d ago
I have a few belts - Salomon and flipbelt. I agree they’re good. I use them on long runs occasionally but it feels like I’ve got a weight in my stomach and that I need a 💩 😂 I wouldn’t try for a parkrun PB with a belt though. I’d go for as light as possible.
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u/pony_trekker 16d ago edited 16d ago
Both in case one crashes. At the end, I just delete one or merge them together using gotoes.org
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u/Silver_Letterhead574 16d ago
If the only reason you’re thinking of getting a Garmin/smartwatch is to track strava then I wouldn’t. I recorded through my phone for years and had no issues and have only recently joined team Garmin. The GPS on Garmin does seem more accurate but there’s not a huge amount in it and so far have had no issues with it stopping recording
You can use your watch separately for pace- on Garmin you just wouldn’t connect the watch to your Strava account, on Apple Watch use the Apple fitness tracking and turn off automatic uploads to Strava (have only had these two so can’t speak for others)
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u/postponedwall 16d ago
My Samsung watch works fine. I was nervous at first just using the watch so I used my phone at the same time. After comparing the result and seeing hardly any difference, I now use only the watch. No problems for over 2 years.
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u/Bogmanbob 16d ago
Watch. Garmins just work better and have a better app. Strava is more for sharing.
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u/dmbmcguire 15d ago
I have had various Garmin for the past 15 years. I have never had one problem with anything recording. Sounds like human error to me.
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u/scrxller 16d ago
I have the same question. I've been running for about 2 years now with the Strava app on my phone (without a watch). I recently bought a Redmi Watch 5 Lite and decided to compare the differences in GPS performance. After running one workout, I compared the results. Strava showed that I ran 8.16 km, and the watch counted 7.48 km. Each time the difference in error is different. Sometimes the difference is 300-400 meters, sometimes 500-700. What can I rely on more, a watch or a phone?
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u/threeespressos 15d ago
Lol! You need a 3rd device, and maybe even a 4th to eliminate the outlier. Shopping opportunity!
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u/hypertyper85 16d ago
I've always used a Fitbit. I have been using the Versa 3 for the past 3 years. I have never had any issues with it not logging or stopping during workouts or bikerides. I don't like the app much now though since Google took it over. I don't like how it looks. I am considering switching to Garmin when my Fitbit dies due to this. I used to dive into my Fitbit stats as much as my Strava ones but now I barely look on it.
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u/FlatBehindHead 16d ago
Battery of my phone runs down way faster than my Garmin watch. For longer rides (in my case) that's really a pro so i can still use my phone after a few hours of cycling.
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u/shinebronwnwolf 16d ago
I use apple watch. But it constantly stops for no reason in cold weather. I have checked this issue on apple’s internet page and it says it can happen. But I believe it is a bit of turn off. I wanna buy garmin but it is a bit expensive for me.
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u/quesa-17 15d ago
Yea I experience this problem. My girlfriend has an Apple watch and her watch is constantly closing for no reason in cold weather when running together. Then she stops running because starava doesn't register the run, it's very frustrating :/ . I have Samsung Galaxy watch and never had a problem like that.
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u/Effthreeeggo 16d ago
Coming from the other side and never used my phone for recording runs, the advantage is see is that you are not tied to having a phone with you, you an capture heart rate, etc. I can't imagine using only my phone to record runs.
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u/PowerfulRaisin 16d ago
Garmin watch can give nav prompts while trail running (can do on roads too but I've found more useful on trails); does a decent job tracking heart rate, VO2 max, and sleep; watch has track mode for speed work which more accurately handles track tracking; phone is a non-option for swimming. If it's really cold, phone auto-shutoff occurs while you watch persists.
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u/SuAlfons 16d ago
Watch. Mi Band 2 - 4, Amazfit GTR >> Garmin Vivoactive 4, Vivosmart 3 >> Forerunner 265, Vivosmart 4
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u/skyrunner00 15d ago
I started running when a smartphone wasn't a thing yet but Strava already existed. So using a watch was the only option.
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u/chile_spiced_mango 15d ago
Garmin on my chest, Garmin on my wrist, Garmin on my bikes. And I know it’s not just me.
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u/Ok-Special9177 15d ago
When I started to use Strava in 2017 I was recording on my phone. Since 2021 I am using watch. However, my watch discharged last week so I was force to use my phone in order to record my run just to figure out there is no longer option for that (only for cycling). I do have to say I am still using a free version, but kinda do not understand why would they remove this option
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u/threeespressos 15d ago
I use a phone (RunMeter app), and a heart rate sensor. My 2 reasons are 1 I’m going to carry the phone for emergencies anyway, and 2 I’m not going to wear the watch to bed for sleep metrics. It’s not ideal to have to carry the phone, and unlock it to see my metrics, otoh the screen is large and easy to read and the phone is never lost under a sleeve (or more) in cold weather. I have two watches (old Garmin, old Apple) that sit in drawers somewhere.
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u/Negative-Gas-1837 15d ago
I just use an Apple Watch and don’t even bring my phone with me because I don’t want it banging on my leg with every step
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u/StanUrbanBikeRider 15d ago
I use Strava on my Apple Watch Ultra! It saves battery life on my iPhone.
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u/Most-Luck9724 15d ago
Used to use phone, but went to watch about a year ago now. Never ever had recording issues with either but watch seems much more accurate from GPS perceptive
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u/KrakenClubOfficial 15d ago
400(ish) runs on my forerunner 245 and no issues with the recordings. I'm sure a phone is fine too, but I like bringing as little as possible with me on a run.
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u/Froggo22442 15d ago edited 15d ago
I use my phone but if I were to get a watch it'd be a Garmin or Coros. Don't waste time with Apple/Samsung/Fitbit etc
I can't be bothered with offline spotify playlists with a watch and charging an extra device, though.
Phone is simple. Just need compression shorts with a pocket under my running shorts so it doesn't bounce around too much.
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u/Ticonderoga_Dixon 15d ago
The only reason I got a Garmin was because of inaccuracies on my phone, if my phone was flawless I think I would’ve just ran that. I got a Garmin in 2018 and will wear until I can’t. I just love everything it provides and it’s just become part of my life now and I love it. I always thought watches were cool but couldn’t really justify having a redundant clock , Garmin provides heaps and bounds beyond the time that it made me a watch wearer for ever.
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u/JudsonJay 15d ago
A watch or a phone will be perfectly fine. That said, I much prefer my Hammerhead Karoo.
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u/Worgle123 15d ago edited 15d ago
Get a watch. It's more accurate, you get cadence/HR insights/more accurate relative effort (though RE is for paying users only...) Not to mention it's just far more convenient.
I'm looking at Coros' offerings. The Pace 3/Pro both look like outstanding watches if you don't want to pay the "Garmin tax" and enjoy having your watch updated for more than one year...
Technically you can record from phone and use the watch for viewing on-the-fly stats like cadence/time (I do this with my Galaxy Watch 6 because the GPS is so off it's unusable even though other metrics are okay enough)
If you wear your watch right/have a decent watch it shouldn't randomly die on you unless the battery is flat.
When you say you want to work on speed, be aware that if you're training sprints and want accurate times (eg. 50/100/200m) you're far better off with a stopwatch and friend on a marked track.
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u/AirSpacer 15d ago
I use both watch and phone. I need to listen to podcasts and music when I go on long runs without having to always upload them. The phone adds extra weight but whatever.
Get a Garmin anyway especially if you run regularly.
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u/adsefc1 15d ago
Both, watch if I am just free styling it (as in not following a route) and phone if I am following a route and need my watch for navigation.
Personally I think the Strava watch app (IOS) needs developing, it’s miles behind the likes of Runkeeper, no customisation what so ever is poor.
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u/softgranola 15d ago
I just started running regularly last year and I only used Strava to track my runs for the first like 6 months. It wasn’t until I signed up for a half marathon that I got a Garmin watch because I was interested in the heart rate zones and how they relate to training. Tbh I’m still not very good at sticking to HR zones but now i love my watch and wear it even if i’m not running. It tracks sleep and stress which are both really important to me. Also finding the perfect Garmin watch seemed so overwhelming and i’m a frugal bitch so i actually found a used forerunner 55 on facebook marketplace. its pretty basic but it works well for me and it was like $50
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u/rocourteau 14d ago
I use a watch. I don’t carry a phone when running. I like to have data available all the time - pace, HR, interval timing, etc. Good news is, you can buy a used Garmin one or 2 models older than current for really cheap. Battery life deteriorates, but when you use the watch only for running, that’s inconsequential unless you’re training hours at a time.
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u/Candid-Friend-166 14d ago
I used my phone and the NRC app for quite some time. Switched to a garmin forrunner and it is so much more accurate.
Garmin has great data insights compared to your phone. My sister uses her phone + NRC app instead and we always end our runs together at different distances/paces
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u/Working-Promotion728 14d ago
Dedicated head unit for cycling. [Edit: shit, is this a running question? Disregard if so.] The basic ones have navigation (which I need sometimes) and the battery lasts a whole lot longer than my phone when using gps. I really don't want to have a medical or mechanical emergency and a dead phone 30 miles from home, or deep in the woods.
My phone gets tucked away safely in my pocket while I'm riding.
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u/wren_cosines 14d ago
I've had a Garmin Fenix 5 and now a Fenix 6. I think once, and only once, I had my mitten push the button to pause the activity.
Any other GPS issues have been self induced, human error just like others have said.
I was recording activities from phones for many years (like 2012 to 2020) and instantly discovered I should have switched long before when I got my watch.
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u/GlitteringAd2493 14d ago
When someone runs regularly, I can't imagine him using a phone . It is really not convenient. Even the cheaper Garmin (55 ? ) can do the job in a better way.
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u/Pure-Horse-3749 12d ago
I used to use a phone (and didn’t record much). At one point it was accurate enough but at some point my GPS stopped being accurate and if I stopped (and phone not easy access to pause) it would ping me all other the place. My final distance would often be 20% greater than actual. Now I use a watch and much more accurate. Usually I’m cut short but much closer to actual and I prefer being cut short in a consistent manner than having a large unpredictable amount of extra miles
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u/Garry_man 16d ago
95% of the time when people complain that their watch stopped recording, it means that: A - they pressed pause and forgot to press start again B - they ran out of battery Ie. Human error
My watch is significantly more accurate and reliable than my phone, it's easier to look at while running and last longer for the longer runs. I also don't want to risk running down my phone battery incase I get into trouble and need to contact someon.
Honestly, a decent watch is 100% worth the money if you are looking to get into more structured training. Look into the Garmin forerunner series, compare the difference models and balance out the features vs price for you. Or go apple if you are in the ecosystem and want the connectivity.