Garmin Vivoactive 4 Vs Garmin Vivoactive 4S: What Is The Difference?

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Garmin Vivoactive 4

64points

Garmin Vivoactive 4S

vsvs

147 facts in comparison

Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs Garmin Vivoactive 4SGarmin Vivoactive 4Garmin Vivoactive 4S

Why is Garmin Vivoactive 4 better than Garmin Vivoactive 4S?

• 1 days longer battery life?8 daysvs7 days
• Has a temperature sensor?
• 18.18% bigger screen size?1.3"vs1.1"
• Has a route tracker?
• 42.24% higher resolution?260 x 260 pxvs218 x 218 px
• 3 hours longer battery life - GPS?18 hoursvs15 hours
• Tracks calorie intake?
• Has temperature tracking?

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Why is Garmin Vivoactive 4S better than Garmin Vivoactive 4?

• Has a cadence sensor?
• Has weight tracking?
• 10.5 g lighter?40 gvs50.5 g
• 5.1 mm shorter?40 mmvs45.1 mm
• 5.1 mm narrower?40 mmvs45.1 mm
• 21.95% less body volume?20.32 cm³vs26.04 cm³
• 4 mm narrower band?18 mmvs22 mm
• Is compatible with Windows?

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User reviews

Overall rating

Garmin Vivoactive 45.68 User reviewsGarmin Vivoactive 45.6/108 User reviewsWrite a reviewGarmin Vivoactive 4S7.02 User reviewsGarmin Vivoactive 4S7.0/102 User reviewsWrite a review

Features

Build quality

9.1/10 8 ratings10.0/10 2 ratings

Design

8.9/10 8 ratings10.0/10 2 ratings

App

7.4/10 8 ratings9.0/10 2 ratings

Performance

5.6/10 8 ratings6.0/10 2 ratings

Fitness features

7.5/10 8 ratings7.0/10 2 ratings

Comments

Highest scoreLowest scoreMost helpfulMost recentOldestGarmin Vivoactive 4Garmin Vivoactive 4S

Ron

4 years ago

3 / 10

Long Garmin user going Apple due to poor software

Ron

4 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

4 years ago

10 / 10

Brilliant watch

Craig

4 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

3 years ago

5 / 10

Too bad for a Garmin.

Elcio

3 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"

1.1"

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

LCD

LCD

The type of technology used in the display.water resistance

Waterproof

Waterproof

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

5 ATM

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. (Garmin Vivoactive 4)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4S)

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.waterproof depth rating

50 m

50 m

The waterproof depth rating indicates how well the device is protected against water ingress and water pressure. Devices which can withstand more water pressure are better for swimming or diving.Always-On Display✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe user can see information such as date, time, and notifications even when the screen is off. The functionality can be enabled or disabled.pixel density

283 ppi

280 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.resolution

260 x 260 px

218 x 218 px

Resolution is an essential indicator of a screen's image quality, representing the maximum amount of pixels that can be shown on the screen. The resolution is given as a compound value, comprised of horizontal and vertical pixels.+ Show more +

Sensors

Monitors blood oxygenation levels✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SYour 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SA heart rate monitor can help show your fitness levels, enabling you to calculate a suitable intensity of exercise.has GPS✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SGPS enables global positioning, useful in map, geo-tagging or navigation apps.has an accelerometer✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SAn 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 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SWith a temperature sensor you can monitor changes in temperature to measure your exertion levels and avoid hyperthermia.has a compass✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SA compass is useful for gaming, maps, and navigation software.Has a barometer✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThis 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SA 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SA 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt can track your sleep, such as how long you sleep for and the quality.Tracks distance✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt tracks how far you travel.Tracks steps taken✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt tracks how many steps you take throughout the day, allowing you to see how active you have been.Measures pace✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SMeasuring 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SYour 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe 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 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SWith 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt can detect changes in elevation, such as when you are climbing stairs.Has multi-sport mode✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SA 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 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SDevices 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt is compatible with a range of iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch.Is compatible with Android✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt is compatible with a range of Android devices such as smartphones and tablets.Bluetooth version

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4S)

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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe device can connect to Wi-Fi.Wi-Fi version

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

The Wi-Fi versions supported by the device.supports ANT+✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SANT+ 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SNFC (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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SGalileo 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

7 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. (Garmin Vivoactive 4)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4S)

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. (Garmin Vivoactive 4)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4S)

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

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4S)

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

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Garmin Vivoactive 4S)

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

15 hours

There is less chance that you will run out of battery during an adventure.has wireless charging✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe battery can be recharged and used over again.Has a solar power battery✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SA solar battery takes its energy from light, and stores it in a self-recharging battery which never needs to be changed.+ Show more +

Features

release date

6 years ago09/05/2019Garmin Vivoactive 4

6 years ago09/05/2019Garmin Vivoactive 4S

The date the product first became available for purchase.has HRV tracking✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SHeart 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SVO2 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThis 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt can notify you when your resting heart rate is above or below the normal range.shows readiness level✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SThis 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 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe device has a speaker and microphone that allow you to answer calls made to your smartphone.Locates your phone✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe device has a feature that allows you to find your smartphone if you have misplaced it.Has call control✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe device alerts you to incoming calls on your smartphone, and allows you extra control such as muting or rejecting the call.+ Show more +

App & Software

Provides activity reports✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SYour 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SThis 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 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SAllows you to set your own goals, such as reaching 15,000 steps in a single day.Has achievements✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SYou are awarded achievements for reaching goals, helping to encourage you and keep you motivated.Free app✔Garmin Vivoactive 4 (Garmin Connect Mobile)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (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)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (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)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (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)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (Garmin Connect Mobile)The app can determine the best way for you to progress in your exercise, and offers coaching advice.+ Show more +

Miscellaneous

has a battery level indicator✔Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SAn indicator shows you when the device has low battery.has aptX✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SaptX 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)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (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)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (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)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (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)✔Garmin Vivoactive 4S (Garmin Connect Mobile)It supports third-party heart rate monitors to incorporate your pulse data.Is compatible with Windows✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✔Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt is compatible with PCs and laptops running the Windows operating system.has an external memory slot✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SThe device has a standard memory slot (such as an SD or micro SD card slot) that enables you to extend the built-in internal storage with affordable memory modules, or easily retrieve data, such as photographs, from the memory card.Is compatible with Mac OS X✖Garmin Vivoactive 4✖Garmin Vivoactive 4SIt is compatible with Mac OS X devices such as MacBooks and iMacs.+ Show more +

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