Perhaps the last sets of smartwatches from Garmin in the year 2019, the Vivoactive 4 alongside the Venu and the hybrid Vivomove are the latest smartwatches from the tech giant joining the Forerunner and Fenix 6 series that were released a few days ago. The Vivoactive 4 consists of the bigger Vivoactive 4 and smaller Vivoactive 4S. These two will succeed in the Vivoactive 3 models.

The Vivoactive 4 comes with newly added fitness tracking features, pulse ox sensor and a longer battery life that would last a bit longer than the older Vivoactive 3. One of the new features is the animated workout modes that can coach you through your favorite moves. We compare the Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs 4 vs 4S specs and features, so you know the differences.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs 4 vs 4S Specs Compared

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Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs 4 vs 4S Features Compared

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The difference between the Vivoactive 4 and 3 is that the former comes with pulse ox sensor that result in more insightful sleep tracking, as well has more fitness tracking features, and a longer battery life than the 3.

• Design


Nothing much has changed in the design with the release of the Vivoactive 4, transflective memory-in-display (MIP) still powers the display on each of these three which is very bright and easy to read outdoors.

However, the Vivoactive 4 is a more durable smartwatch than the Vivoactive 3. Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover material has been used for the case which is stronger than the polymer case of the Vivoactive 3. Moreover, the Vivoactive 4 with stainless steel bezel is more durable and attractive than the ceramics bezel of the 3 and leaves it with a classier appearance.

In addition, the Vivoactive 4 is slimmer than the 3, and as a result, it is a sleeker and more attractive watch which buttresses my initial claim that the Vivoactive 4 is a more stylish and attractive smartwatch than the 3.

However, the Vivoactive 3 weighs slightly less than the 4 which makes it a more comfortable wear. Although, each of these three is very lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long.


• Fitness Tracking


The pulse oximeter sensor seen on the latest Forerunner series, Fenix 6 and 5x plus is also available on the Vivoactive 4. Plus additional activity tracking features that comes with the Vivoactive 4 that the 3 lacks.

No doubt, just like all Garmin smartwatches, each of these three is fitness-focused and well equipped to comprehensively track your active life. Each of these three will track the following activities,

• Steps, calories, fitness age, sleep monitoring, and all-day stress tracking.
• Available indoor gym activities include; indoor rowing, strength training and cardio training.
• Training and planning features include training load, training effect, and activity history on the watch.
• Running features include running, treadmill running, and trail running.
• Heart rate sensor tracks your heart rate variability to give you insight on your heart rate zones, max heart rate and recovery time to help you manage the intensity of your training so that you can achieve more fitness goals without breaking down.
• Outdoor recreational features include hiking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, xc skiing, stand up paddleboarding, rowing, and jumpmaster. And cycling features such as biking, indoor biking, mountain biking, triathlon.
• Loads of golfing features are also available.
• In-depth swim tracking features including stroke detection and SWOLF.
• Just like the Vivoactive 3, you can log your period with the Vivoactive 4 enabling you to monitor and track changes in menstrual cycle which can help you understand yourself better.
• The incident detection feature introduced to the new Forerunner series is also available on both the Vivoactive 3 and 4 which can help you get the needed assistance when there’s an accidental fall. It sends your location to preset emergency contacts.

However, below are new activity-tracking features present on the Vivoactive 4/4S, but not on the Vivoactive 3.

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Garmin Vivoactive 3	Garmin Vivoactive 4/4S
Lacks pulse ox sensor and features that comes with it.	The Vivoactive 4/4S come with pulse ox which serves two functions; A. for altitude acclimation, where it can help you know when it’s not safe to continue climbing and B. sleep monitoring to help you see the quality of your sleep. The Pulse ox sensor achieves these functions by monitoring how well your body absorbs oxygen.
Lacks battery energy monitor.	The Vivoactive 4/4S feature the body battery energy monitor that uses data from heart rate variability, stress, sleep and other data to gauge when you’re ready to be active or when you may need to rest, ensuring you get to train at the appropriate time, so that you train and achieve more without breaking down.
Lacks hydration tracking.	The Vivoactive 4/4S features hydration tracking which is important for your well-being. It lets you log your daily water intake to help you stay hydrated and see how consistent you are from day to day.
Lacks respiration tracking.	The Vivoactive 4 features respiration tracking which lets you see how you’re breathing throughout the day, during sleep and breath-work, and yoga activities.
Lacks wrist based swimming heart rate tracking.	The Vivoactive 4/4S has the ability to track your heart rate while you swim which lets you see a better overview of your swimming activities.
Lacks animated workout modes.	Garmin added animated workout modes to the Vivoactive 4 that coach you through some of your favorite workout modes. The Vivoactive 4/4S features easy-to-follow, animated cardio, strength, yoga and Pilates workouts you can view on the watch screen. Choose from preloaded animated workouts, or download more from Garmin Connect online community. So, you don’t really need to watch videos, it saves you money, yet very effective.
Features 15 preloaded workout modes.	Features 20 preloaded workout modes.

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Although, some of these fitness tracking features found on the Vivoactive 4 might come to the Vivoactive 3 in future updates.


• Battery Life

Garmin boosted the battery life of the Vivoactive 4 which will see it last a little longer than the Vivoactive 3. Although, each of these three has an impressively long battery life that lets you go days on a single charge which is akin to Garmin smartwatches and a great deal for fitness enthusiasts especially those of us that are involved in extreme workout activities.

The Vivoactive 4 has the longest battery life that’ll keep you going for over a week compared to the Vivoactive 4S with a slight lesser battery life of about a week and even longer than the Vivoactive 3 with about 5 days long battery life.
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So Which Should You Buy?

No doubt, each of these three will make a fantastic choice as a fitness tracker and comfortable and decent wear all day long. Each of these has got onboard music, in-depth activity tracking features and a long battery life to back it up.

However, the Vivoactive 4 is clearly a better choice than the Vivoactive 3. It’s sleeker and more attractive. Also more durable, has a longer battery life, plus more activity tracking features, including more sports modes that make the Vivoactive 4 a more comprehensive activity tracker than the 3.
Moreover, the Vivoactive 4S with the smallest case size is compact and the best choice for women and those with a smaller wrist.

While the Vivoactive 4 with the longest battery life is the best choice, and a great choice for those with fatter wrist.

On the other hand, The Vivoactive 3 is a cheaper alternative. It’s a comprehensive fitness tracker with long battery life.