Garmin Vivoactive 4 Review | 145 Facts And Highlights - Versus

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Garmin Vivoactive 4

$195$195vsGarmin Vivoactive 4 review: specs and price

While it might not look like a rugged smartwatch, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is easily one of the best smartwatches for active users. Designed for an active lifestyle, this smartwatch is powered by Garmin Chroma Display technology protected beneath durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Combine that with a waterproof depth rating of 50 meters, and it’s a top-tier choice for those who want the best in performance and durability.

Tuning into your body is made easy with this Garmin smartwatch. It comes with unique features such as a Body Battery monitor to gauge your body’s energy levels throughout the day, stress tracking capabilities, and even a Pulse Ox sensor to measure your blood oxygen saturation.

Lasting up to eight days on one charge means that the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is ideal for those who live their life on-the-go and need to head out for work or play without needing to worry about recharging. Speaking of on-the-go, did we mention that you can take advantage of the watch’s built-in Garmin coach to guide you along your next run?

Garmin Vivoactive 4

Why is Garmin Vivoactive 4 better than the average?

• Battery life?8 daysvs7 days
• Charge time?1.5 hoursvs2 hours
• Maximum operating temperature?60 °Cvs45 °C

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Price comparison

newUsedRentAccessoriesGarmin vivoactive 4 GPS Smart Watch in Slate Stainless Steel Bezel with Black Case and Silicone Band (Ren...Garmin vivoactive 4 GPS Smart Watch in Slate Stainless Steel Bezel with Black Case and Silicone Band (Renewed)$195Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4, GPS Smartwatch, Features Music, Body Energy Monitoring, Animated Workou...Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4, GPS Smartwatch, Features Music, Body Energy Monitoring, Animated Workouts, Pulse Ox Sensors and More, Silver with Gray Band$308

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User reviews

Overall rating

Garmin Vivoactive 45.68 User reviewsGarmin Vivoactive 45.6/108 User reviewsWrite a review

Features

Build quality

9.1/10 8 votes

Design

8.9/10 8 votes

App

7.4/10 8 votes

Performance

5.6/10 8 votes

Fitness features

7.5/10 8 votes

Comments

Highest scoreLowest scoreMost helpfulMost recentOldestHighest scoreLowest scoreMost helpfulMost recentOldest

Ron

3 years ago

3 / 10

Long Garmin user going Apple due to poor software

Ron

3 years ago

3 / 10

I have been a Garmin athlete for 20 years, however, this is my LAST Garmin product...the software is soo unreliable....when they update the system, it breaks a few things that matter (tracking activity, minutes, etc.)...the HR monitor is unreliable as is Intensity minutes...going Apple :(

👍Vote3 users found this helpful

Craig

3 years ago

10 / 10

Brilliant watch

Craig

3 years ago

10 / 10

Fantastic watch supports strava 4 GPS signals everything you want I run 19 min for 5k doing 20 miles per week this watch puts Garmin to shame for the Price.

Pros

• Excellent

Cons

• Not Garmin

👍Vote1 users found this helpful

Elcio

2 years ago

5 / 10

Too bad for a Garmin.

Elcio

2 years ago

5 / 10

I have one, bought a year ago, outside Brazil. That is, without Warranty, as Garmin does not give international warranty, for Brazil. The watch has very low altitude accuracy, with a variation of +/- 18 meters, between measurements, for the same location. The oximeter is unable to take a measurement. Under some conditions, the HR reading fails. The compass does not work, even changing the "widget". The "software" is bad. It's just beautiful, really.

Pros

• beautiful design
• material quality

Cons

• low precision
• low reliability

👍Vote1 users found this helpfulShow moreWrite a review

Design

screen size

1.3"

The size of the screen (measured diagonally).Display type

LCD

The type of technology used in the display.water resistance

Waterproof

The level of water resistance that the device has.ATM rating

5 ATM

The ATM rating indicates how much water pressure a device can withstand. 3 ATM is one of the lowest ratings and means that the device can only withstand splashes of water, whereas 20 ATM is one of the highest ratings and means that the device can be used for snorkeling and water sports.Ingress Protection (IP) rating

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.

The first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water.has branded damage-resistant glass✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Damage-resistant glass (such as Corning Gorilla Glass or Asahi Dragontrail Glass) is thin, lightweight, and can withstand high levels of force.Gorilla Glass version

Gorilla Glass 3

Gorilla Glass is one of the most popular brands of chemically strengthened glass, manufactured by Corning. Several versions have been developed, the newer ones being more durable and providing better damage resistance.pixel density

283 ppi

Pixel density is a measurement of a screen's resolution, expressed as the number of pixels per inch (PPI) on the screen. A higher pixel density translates into more clarity and sharpness for the images rendered on the screen, thus improving the quality of the viewing experience.Watch band is replaceable✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The watch band is removable and can be replaced by any standard watch band of the correct size, allowing you to customise it to your liking.+ Show more +

Sensors

Monitors blood oxygenation levels✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Your blood oxygen level is a measurement how much oxygen is reaching your muscles. It is important because low levels mean that you will become easily fatigued during exercise. The more exercise you do, the better your blood oxygen levels will become.Has a heart rate monitor✔Garmin Vivoactive 4A heart rate monitor can help show your fitness levels, enabling you to calculate a suitable intensity of exercise.has GPS✔Garmin Vivoactive 4GPS enables global positioning, useful in map, geo-tagging or navigation apps.has an accelerometer✔Garmin Vivoactive 4An accelerometer is a sensor used to measure the linear acceleration of a device. A common application is detecting when a device changes between vertical and horizontal positions.Has a temperature sensor✔Garmin Vivoactive 4With a temperature sensor you can monitor changes in temperature to measure your exertion levels and avoid hyperthermia.has a compass✔Garmin Vivoactive 4A compass is useful for gaming, maps, and navigation software.Has a barometer✔Garmin Vivoactive 4This measures barometric air pressure. It can predict weather changes, for example a sudden drop in air pressure could mean a storm is coming. When calibrated correctly it can be used to determine altitude, which helps GPS devices to lock on quicker and with greater accuracy.has a gyroscope✔Garmin Vivoactive 4A gyroscope is a sensor that tracks the orientation of a device, more specifically by measuring the angular rotational velocity. Initially, they were built using a spinning rotor to detect changes in orientation, like twisting or rotation.Has a cadence sensor✖Garmin Vivoactive 4A cadence sensor measures the number of pedal revolutions per minute when you are cycling. It enables you to monitor how fast you are pedaling.+ Show more +

Activity tracking

Tracks your sleep✔Garmin Vivoactive 4It can track your sleep, such as how long you sleep for and the quality.Tracks distance✔Garmin Vivoactive 4It tracks how far you travel.Tracks steps taken✔Garmin Vivoactive 4It tracks how many steps you take throughout the day, allowing you to see how active you have been.Measures pace✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Measuring pace shows how much time it takes to travel one kilometer or one mile. For example, in running, a 4 minute kilometer would be a very good pace.Provides sleep reports✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Your sleep data is analysed to give you a report, available to view through the app or website. This allows you to see the quality of your sleep and to help you make improvements.Detects activities automatically✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The device automatically detects when you start an activity such as jogging, saving you from entering it manually at a later time.Has a route tracker✔Garmin Vivoactive 4With a route tracker you can add your route onto a map. It is helpful if you plan to do the same route again, or want to share it with your community.Tracks elevation✔Garmin Vivoactive 4It can detect changes in elevation, such as when you are climbing stairs.Has multi-sport mode✔Garmin Vivoactive 4A multi-sport mode allows you to easily switch between tracking different sports such as running, cycling, and swimming. This feature is ideal for those who need to change quickly between various activities (e.g., triathletes).+ Show more +

Connectivity

has a cellular module✖Garmin Vivoactive 4Devices that use cellular technology can connect to mobile networks. Cellular networks have much wider signal coverage than Wi-Fi.Is compatible with iOS✔Garmin Vivoactive 4It is compatible with a range of iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch.Is compatible with Android✔Garmin Vivoactive 4It is compatible with a range of Android devices such as smartphones and tablets.Bluetooth version

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.supports Wi-Fi✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The device can connect to Wi-Fi.Wi-Fi version

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

The Wi-Fi versions supported by the device.supports ANT+✔Garmin Vivoactive 4ANT+ is a wireless protocol similar to Bluetooth Smart, and is very power efficient. It is mainly used for fitness monitoring devices such as heart rate monitors and cadence sensors to connect to other devices (e.g., sports watches, smartphones, and cycling computers).has NFC✔Garmin Vivoactive 4NFC (near-field communication) allows a device to perform simple wireless transactions, such as mobile payments. Note: this feature may not be available in all markets.supports Galileo✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Galileo is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that is similar to GPS. Supported devices can use a combination of Galileo and GPS for location-based services such as Google Maps, and tend to be around 30% more accurate than GPS-only devices.+ Show more +

Battery

battery life

8 days

With a longer battery life, you don’t have to worry about charging the device as often.battery power

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.battery life in training mode

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.

With a long battery life, you can train for several hours a week and only have to recharge the device every few weeks.charge time

1.5 hours

The time it takes to fully charge the battery.battery life in power save mode

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.

In power save mode you can still check what time it is and other basic functions. A long battery life is good if you wear the device day to day.battery life with GPS on

18 hours

There is less chance that you will run out of battery during an adventure.has wireless charging✖Garmin Vivoactive 4It supports a wireless charging standard such as Qi. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad.has a rechargeable battery✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The battery can be recharged and used over again.Has a solar power battery✖Garmin Vivoactive 4A solar battery takes its energy from light, and stores it in a self-recharging battery which never needs to be changed.+ Show more +

Features

has HRV tracking✖Garmin Vivoactive 4Heart rate variability (HRV) tracking measures fluctuations in the time between heart beats. These fluctuations can be an indication of health conditions (such as heart conditions or mental health issues). Note: This feature may not be available in all markets.measures VO2 max✔Garmin Vivoactive 4VO2 max capacity is a measurement of the amount of oxygen your body can use during physical exercise. A high VO2 max capacity indicates good fitness levels.measures resting heart rate✔Garmin Vivoactive 4This measurement is your heart rate per minute when you're at rest, such as when you're relaxed, sitting, or lying down. For adults, this is typically between 60–100.has fast/slow heart rate notifications✔Garmin Vivoactive 4It can notify you when your resting heart rate is above or below the normal range.shows readiness level✖Garmin Vivoactive 4This is based on various information, such as your previous workout, sleep quality, and stress levels. Taking everything into account, it will give you an idea of whether your body is ready for another workout or if you should focus on recovery.Can be used to answer calls✖Garmin Vivoactive 4The device has a speaker and microphone that allow you to answer calls made to your smartphone.Locates your phone✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The device has a feature that allows you to find your smartphone if you have misplaced it.Has call control✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The device alerts you to incoming calls on your smartphone, and allows you extra control such as muting or rejecting the call.Has notifications✔Garmin Vivoactive 4If you get a notification such as a call or message, the device will vibrate on your wrist or make a noise to alert you.+ Show more +

App & Software

Provides activity reports✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Your activity data is analysed to give you reports, available to view through the app or website. This allows you to see how active you have been and to help you make improvements.Has inactivity alerts✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The device detects when you have been idle for too long, and alerts you to encourage you to stay active.Counts how many calories you've burned✔Garmin Vivoactive 4This is useful if you are on a strict training diet or if you are trying to lose weight. It can also help to boost your motivation.Has goal setting✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Allows you to set your own goals, such as reaching 15,000 steps in a single day.Has achievements✔Garmin Vivoactive 4You are awarded achievements for reaching goals, helping to encourage you and keep you motivated.Free app✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)You can download the app for free, from platforms such as Google Play or the App Store.Has exercise diary✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)It has an exercise diary, allowing you to easily keep track of your previous workouts.Ad-free✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)Adverts can be distracting and obtrusive. Apps and blogs without ads are more aesthetically pleasing, nicer to use, and make the content stand out.Has coaching✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)The app can determine the best way for you to progress in your exercise, and offers coaching advice.+ Show more +

Miscellaneous

is dustproof and water-resistant✔Garmin Vivoactive 4The device is dustproof and water-resistant. Water-resistant devices can resist the penetration of water, such as powerful water jets, but not being submerged into water.sweat resistance✔Garmin Vivoactive 4Resistance to sweat makes it ideal for use while doing sports.has a battery level indicator✔Garmin Vivoactive 4An indicator shows you when the device has low battery.has aptX✖Garmin Vivoactive 4aptX is a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm, and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps.Available on PC✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)These services are ideal if you want to use the app while sat down at your computer, as well as on-the-go.Has auto pause✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)It can determine when you have stopped working out and pause your current workout tracking until you start moving again.Compatible with smart scales✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)It is compatible with smart scales such as the Fitbit Aria and Withings range. These scales transmit information such as weight and BMI to connected services over Wi-Fi.Compatible with external heart rate monitors✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)It supports third-party heart rate monitors to incorporate your pulse data.Is compatible with Windows✖Garmin Vivoactive 4It is compatible with PCs and laptops running the Windows operating system.+ Show more +

Price comparison

newUsedRentAccessoriesGarmin vivoactive 4 GPS Smart Watch in Slate Stainless Steel Bezel with Black Case and Silicone Band (Ren...Garmin vivoactive 4 GPS Smart Watch in Slate Stainless Steel Bezel with Black Case and Silicone Band (Renewed)$195Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4, GPS Smartwatch, Features Music, Body Energy Monitoring, Animated Workou...Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4, GPS Smartwatch, Features Music, Body Energy Monitoring, Animated Workouts, Pulse Ox Sensors and More, Silver with Gray Band$308

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