Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs Vivoactive 5: Which must you purchase?

The growing old Garmin Vivoactive 4 lastly obtained a successor in September of 2023, although it’s a reasonably totally different watch this time round. The Vivoactive 5 borrows extra from the Venu 3 household than it does its predecessor. Is the latest Vivoactive value selecting up? That’s what we intention to reply on this Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs Vivoactive 5 comparability.

Editor’s observe: This evaluate was initially revealed on September 28, 2023. Since then it has been up to date to mirror value modifications, extra hands-on evaluate particulars, and extra. The final replace was on August 26, 2024.

The Vivoactive 5 appears to be like rather a lot like a cross between its predecessor and the Venu 3 sequence. It borrows the two-side button structure of the Vivoactive 4, however its precise chassis has extra in frequent with the Venu. When it comes to measurement, the Vivoactive 5 matches proper in between the Vivoactive 4 and 4S with its 20mm band and a physique measurement of 42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1mm. For these questioning, there isn’t any Vivoactive 5S; Garmin has opted for only a one-size-fits-all strategy for its.

One factor you’ll discover immediately is the Vivoactive 5 is significantly lighter than earlier Garmin watches within the sequence at simply 36g. The Vivoactive 4S weighed 40g regardless of being smaller, and the Vivoactive 4 was a a lot weightier 50.5g.

There are additionally plenty of new options discovered inside the latest Vivoactive. That is most obvious when trying on the show. Gone is the memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, changed by a beautiful AMOLED that we really feel is far more vibrant and simpler to see in all lighting circumstances, as famous in our evaluate.

The Vivoactive 4 sequence does have one benefit over the newest mannequin: the chrome steel entrance. The Vivoactive 5 opts for a less expensive and lighter aluminum bezel and polymer casing. This materials change makes it really feel rather less premium, however it’s additionally going to be far more comfy in your wrist. We additionally should say that it nonetheless appears to be like nice and its smaller footprint, improved show, and design tweaks give it a way more trendy look total.

Chrome steel might maintain up a bit higher to dings and scratches, however at the least the Vivoactive 5 retains the identical 5ATM water resistance and Gorilla Glass 3 on the entrance of its show.

A 4 12 months hole is a very long time within the smartwatch world, so it’s no shock the Vivoactive 5 has improved sensors. Whereas the Vivoactive 4 has plenty of the identical options on paper, newer sensors and improved software program make the Vivoactive 5 a a lot better expertise.

You’ll nonetheless get Pulse Ox readings, a coronary heart price monitor, and all the opposite goodies like sleep monitoring on the Vivoactive 4. They’re only a lot higher on the Vivoactive 5. There are a number of enhancements to the Sleep Coach, Physique Battery, health monitoring, and exercise monitoring. After all, some options like stress and menstrual monitoring aren’t all that totally different.

For individuals who care about coronary heart price monitoring, remember the Gen 4 Elevate coronary heart price sensor is a leap ahead from the Gen 3 sensor on the older watches. You’ll discover a significant enchancment in accuracy consequently, although the Gen 5 sensor within the Venu 3 household is even higher if it is a characteristic that basically issues to you.

The remainder of the core options are all fairly related together with notification assist, Discover My Telephone, climate, music controls, and Garmin Pay. Android customers do have one perk that isn’t accessible on the Vivoactive 4 household. Now you can ship responses to messages immediately out of your watch’s keyboard with out having to carry out your smartphone.

Whereas this isn’t a lot a characteristic, it’s necessary to notice that the Vivoactive 5 has an improved processor and subsequently is far quicker when navigating menus and performing different duties.

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 initially arrived for $349.99 and whereas it was initially nonetheless bought on the Vivoactive 5’s launch, the watch has since been discontinued. After all, it’s nonetheless potential to search out it new on-line. For instance, Amazon provides it for round $250. The Vivoactive 4S ($349 at Amazon) may also be bought on-line for a similar value.

The brand new Vivoactive 5 is definitely $50 cheaper than the Vivoactive 4 sequence retailed at, largely on account of its cheaper development supplies we’d wager. There are a number of totally different coloration selections to choose from. There’s a mannequin that comes with a Slate bezel with a Black case, a Metallic Orchid bezel and case, a Cream Gold bezel with an Ivory case, or a mannequin with a Metallic Navy case and bezel.

You possibly can definitely nonetheless purchase a Vivoactive 4, however must you? Truthfully, except you completely are connected to chrome steel, no. Even then, we’d argue you’d be higher off spending a bit extra to get the Venu 3 ($449.99 at Amazon) as a substitute. It encompasses a related development however expands on the Vivoactive 5’s characteristic set, including key coaching instruments like HRV standing, Restoration, and automated nap detection. The Vivoactive 5 is a significant improve in each method aside from construct supplies. For those who’re a fan of the Vivoactive sequence we’d completely get the newest mannequin, and in case you’ve been holding off to improve, now is a good time.