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Garmin Venu Sq Music or Vivoactive 4 – Which Should You Buy?

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Making a choice between two almost similar smartwatches from the same brand can be a dicey decision to make, the Venu Sq which is a lower-end version of Venu is cheaper but lacks on-screen animated workout, can’t count floors, and lacks gyroscope – features you’ll get with Vivoactive 4 which also has a more sophisticated design. If you recall, Vivoactive 4 was released last year alongside Venu, the only difference between the two is that AMOLED powers Venu, while its MIP LCD for Vivoactive 4. However, in this comparison post, we take a look at the differences between Garmin Venu Sq vs Vivoactive 4. Both smartwatches share a lot of similarities in common, except for a few differences which we’ll discuss in this post.

Please note: that Venu Sq is available in two models; Venu Sq Music and Venu Sq. Likewise, Vivoactive 4 is available in two sizes; 45mm and 40mm, but this comparison is between Venu Sq Music and Vivoactive 4 45mm.

Garmin Venu Sq Music vs Vivoactive 4 Full Specifications Compared

Garmin Venu SqGarmin Vivoactive 4
Gamin Venu sq specsgarmin vivoactive 4 specs

ABOUT DEVICE

Device nameGarmin Venu SqGarmin Vivoactive 4
Device typeSport/Fitness smartwatchSport/Fitness smartwatch
Predessesor__Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music
SuccessorGarmin Venu Sq 2--
Released dateSeptember, 2020September, 2019
Ideal forUnisexUnisex

DISPLAY

Display typeLCDTransflective memory-in-display (MIP)
Display size1.3 inches1.3 inch
Display resolution240 x 240 pixels260 x 260 pixels
Pixel density261 PPI--
Input typeTouchscreen plus 2 physical buttonTouchscreen plus 2 physical button
Always-onYesYes
Customizable watch faceYesYes

BODY

ShapeSquareCircular
Dimension40.6 x 37 x 11.5 mm45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm
Weight37.6 grams50.5 grams
Casing materialFiber-reinforced polymerFiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover
Strap/band materialSiliconeSilicone
Bezel MaterialAnodized aluminumStainless steel
Strap size20mm22mm
Interchangeable band Yes, 20mmYes, 22mm
Screen protectionCorning Gorilla glass 3Corning Gorilla glass 3
Water resistant/ProtectionYes, 5ATMYes, 5ATM
Swim-proofYes, recommendedYes, recommended
Color(s)Venu Sq Music
Black
Light-gold/navy
Rose-gold/tan
Slate/moss

Venu Sq Standard
Black
Light-gold/white
Orchid purple
Black/black

MEMORY

RAM----
Internal storage4GB (Venu Sq Music)4GB
Memory card slotNoNo

CONNECTIVITY

BluetoothBluetooth smart v4.2 LE, ANT+Bluetooth smart, ANT+
Bluetooth callingNoNo
Wi-FiYes (Venu Sq music)Yes
NFCYesYes
Payment systemGarmin payGarmin pay
GPSGPS/GLONASS/GalileoGPS/GLONASS/Galileo

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyNoNo
SIMNoNo
BandNoNo

NOTIFICATIONS

Email alertYesYes
SMS alertYesYes
Calls alertYesYes
Event reminderYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Third-party appsYesYes
Text responseYesYes

FITNESS TRACKING

Sleep apneaNoNo
Sleep trackingYesYes
StepsYesYes
Floors climbedNoYes
Heart rate monitoringYesYes
CaloriesYesYes
DistanceYesYes
StressYesYes
VO2 Max.YesYes
Blood oxygenYesYes
Blood pressureNoNo
Menstrual cycle trackingYesYes
Swim trackingYesYes
Under-water heart rate trackingYesYes
Preloaded mapsNoNo
On-screen workout modesNoYes
Triathlon modeNoYes
ECG TrackingNoNo
Preloaded sport modesYesYes
Safety trackingYesYes

MEDIA

Audiomp3/mp4mp3/mp4
Music streamingYes (Venu Sq music)Yes
Bluetooth musicYes (Venu Sq music)Yes
RadioNoNo
LoudspeakerNoNo
MicrophoneNoNo
CameraNoNo

SENSORS

PLATFORM

Operating system (OS)Proprietary OSProprietary OS
Chipset----
CPU----
GPU----

BATTERY

Type of batteryNon-removable Li-ion batteryNon-removable Li-ion battery
Battery capacity ----
Battery lifeSmartwatch mode: Up to 6 days

GPS mode with music: Up to 6 hours
Smartwatch mode: Up to 8 days
GPS mode with music: Up to 6 hours
Charging typeUSB charging cableUSB charging cable
Charging timeAbout 1-2 hoursAbout 1-2 hours
Battery saver modeYesYes
Solar powerNoNo
Rapid chargingNoNo

CLOCK FEATURES

Time/DateYesYes
StopwatchYesYes
AlarmYesYes

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Control cameraYesYes
Music controlYesYes
Find phoneYesYes

MISC

Compatibility Android and iOS
Check if your device is compatible
Android and iOS
Check if your device is compatible
Companion appGarmin connect IQGarmin connect IQ
Voice commandNoNo

BOX CONTENTS

Garmin Venu SqGarmin Vivoactive 4
StrapsStraps
USB charging cableUSB charging cable
Quick start guideQuick start guide
NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error.
Official SiteOfficial Site

At a Glance – The Difference Between Venu Sq and Vivoactive 4

Basically, the difference between these two is that Venu Sq is cheaper, has a square shape, anodized aluminum bezel, lacks a gyroscope, lacks an on-screen workout mode and can’t count floors climbed. Meanwhile, Vivoactive 4 is circular in shape, has a stainless steel bezel, can count floors climbed, has a gyroscope, has on-screen animated workout modes and slightly longer battery life.

Beyond these differences, both smartwatches feature the same fitness tracking features like incidental fall detections, Spo2 measurement, stress, sleep, and heart rate tracking and as well as smart notifications, music storage, Garmin Pay, and more.

Design: Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a more sophisticated and attractive design

Starting with the appearance which is the most notable difference between these two, while Venu Sq has a square shape, Vivoactive 4 has a circular shape. Furthermore, Venu Sq weighs just 37.6 grams – thanks to its slimmer design, while Vivoactive 4 weighs 50.5 grams. Although, each of these two is very lightweight when compared to Versa 3 or Active 2.

Gamin Venu Sq – Source: DC Rainmaker

Another difference you’ll notice between these two is the different bezel materials, while Venu Sq has an anodized aluminum bezel, Vivoactive 4 has a stainless steel bezel which is more durable and attractive. Although, both smartwatches have the same case material made of fiber-reinforced polymer. The strap materials come in silicone material which is interchangeable with compatible straps; 20mm for both Venu Sq and Vivoactive 4 (40mm), and 22mm for the 45mm size.

So, as far as design is concerned, Vivoactive 4 has a more presentable design, it’s more durable and attractive even though Venu Sq is also a decent looking smartwatch.

Fitness Tracking: Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a more comprehensive fitness tracker than Venu Sq

Like mentioned earlier, both smartwatches are basically fitness trackers before any other thing else. As a result, each of these two tracks all the basics such as sleep, heart rate, steps, calories, and have inbuilt GPS that allows you to track your outdoor activities like routes and locations. Each of these also features a pulse OX sensor that gauges your blood oxygen saturation during the day and even as you sleep.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 – Source: Zdnet.com

Other activity tracking features include menstrual cycle tracking, incidental fall detection, stress measurement, hydration tracking, and more. You also get access to 20 preloaded sport modes on both smartwatches which gives you the choice of choosing your preferred sports activities.

However, Vivoactive 4 is equipped with more activity tracking features which makes it a more comprehensive fitness smartwatch than Venu Sq. This includes the ability to count floors climbed and on-screen animated workout modes that can coach you through some of your favorite activities, and can save you money on fitness program subscriptions. Vivoactive 4 has both gyroscope and accelerometer, while Venu Sq has only an accelerometer, the implication is that Vivoactive 4 will give a more accurate measurement for angular activities as it can sense both linear and rotational movements.

Battery Life: Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a slightly longer battery life than Venu Sq

The battery life also differs as Vivoactive 4 has a slightly longer battery life than Venu Sq, although both smartwatches will allow you to go long from a single charge. However, while you can get about a week or more battery life with Vivoactive 4, it’s about 5 days or more with Venu Sq.

Price: Garmin Venu Sq is cheaper

As a result of the lack of the features mentioned earlier, Venu Sq is cheaper than Vivoactive 4. So, like most products, it’s a lower-price for a cut in features. In other words, if you go with Vivoactive 4, you get more features and a more durable design, while Venu Sq lacks these extra features, but is cheaper. You can view the prices at the end of this post.

Garmin Venu Sq vs Vivoactive 4 Features Compared

ACTIVITY TRACKING FEATURES

Garmin Venu SqGarmin Vivoactive 4

SMART FEATURES

Connect IQ (Downloadable watch faces, data fields, widgets, and apps)YesYes
On-device Connect IQ storeNoNo
Text response/reject phone calls with text (Android only)YesYes
CalendarYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Real-time settings sync with Garmin Connect™ mobileNoNo
Battery saver - customizable low power watchNoNo
Controls smartphone musicYesYes
Plays and Control Watch MusicYes
Find my phoneYesYes
Find my watchYesYes
Virb remoteYesYes

HEALTH MONITORING FEATURES

Wrist-based Heart Rate trackingYesYes
Daily resting heart rateYesYes
AbNormal heart rate alertYes (high and low)Yes (high and low)
Respiration Rate (24/7)YesYes
Fitness AgeYes
Blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoringYes (spot-check, and optionally all-day and in sleep)Yes (spot-check, and optionally all-day and in sleep)
Battery energy monitorYesYes
Stress trackingYesYes
Relaxation remindersYesYes
Relaxation breathing timerYesYes
Sleep monitoringYesYes
Advanced sleep tracking/Sleep ScoreNoYes
Menstrual cycle trackingYes (in Garmin Connect™)Yes (in Garmin Connect)
Hydration trackingYes (in Garmin Connect)Yes (in Garmin Connect)
Health SnapshotNo

SAFETY AND TRACKING FEATURES

LivetrackYesYes
Group LivetrackNoNo
Live event sharingNoNo
Incident detection during select activitiesYesYes
AssistanceYesYes
Spectator Messaging (New)No
Assistance Plus (New)No

TACTICAL FEATURES

Stealth modeNoNo
Night vision modeNoNo
Dual Grid CoordinatesNoNo
Kill switchNoNo

ACTIVITY TRACKING FEATURES

Steps CounterYesYes
Move bar (displays on device after a period of inactivity; walk for a couple of minutes to reset it)YesYes
Auto goal (learns your activity level and assigns a daily step goal)YesYes
Sleep monitoring (monitors total sleep and periods of movement or restful sleep)YesYes
Calories burnedYesYes
Floors climbedNoYes
Distance travelledYesYes
Intensity minutesYesYes
TrueupYesYes
Move IQ

YesYes

GYM & FITNESS EQUIPMENT

Available gym activity profilesstrength, cardio and elliptical training, stair stepping, floor climbing, indoor rowing, pilates and yogastrength, cardio and elliptical training, stair stepping, floor climbing, indoor rowing, pilates and yoga
Cardio workoutsYesYes
Strength workoutsYesYes
HIIT workoutsNo
Yoga workoutsYesYes
Pilates workoutsYesYes
On-screen workout animationsNoYes
Automatic rep countingYesYes
On-screen workout muscle mapsNo

TRAINING, PLANNING & ANALYSIS FEATURES

GPS speed and distanceYesYes
Customizable data pagesYesYes
Customizable activity profilesYesYes
Auto PauseYesYes
Interval trainingNoNo
Improved interval (Includes open repeats, intervals data page, rest screen and auto detection) (New)No
Advanced workoutsYesYes
Downloadable training plansYesYes
Power modes - customizable in-activity battery settingsNoYes
Auto lapYesYes
Manual lapYesYes
Rest timer (New)No
Configurable lap alertsNoNo
Heat and altitude acclimationNoNo
VO2 Max. (Run)YesYes
VO2 Max. (Trail run)NoNo
Real-Time staminaNo
Training status (lets you see if you're training effectively by tracking your training history and fitness level trend.)NoNo
Training load (your total training load for the last 7 days calculated from estimated epoc)NoNo
Training load focusNoNo
Training effect (aerobic)NoNo
Training effect (anaerobic)NoNo
Primary Benefit (training effect labels)NoNo
Improved Recovery Time (New)No
Daily Suggested Workouts (New)No
Custom alertsNoNo
Audio promptsNoNo
Finish timeNoNo
Virtual partnerNoNo
Race an activityNoNo
Auto multisport activitiesNoNo
Manual multisport activitiesNoNo
Course guidanceNoNo
Garmin Live SegmentsNoNo
Strava Live SegmentsNoNo
Round-Trip course creator (running/cycling)NoNo
Trendline Popularity RoutingNoNo
Touch and/or button lockYesYes
Hot keysNoYes
Auto scrollYesYes
Activity history on watchYesYes
Noopener Noreferrer">Physio TrueupYesYes

HEART RATE TRACKING FEATURES

HR zonesYesYes
HR alertsYesYes
HR caloriesYesYes
% HR max.YesYes
% HRRNoNo
Recovery timeNoNo
Auto max HRNoNo
Morning report (New)No
Race glance/widget (New)No
HRV status (New)No
Training readiness (New)No
HRV stress test (measures your heart rate variability while standing still, for 3 minutes, to provide you with an estimated stress level; the scale of this is 1 to 100; low scores indicate lower stress levels)NoNo
HR broadcast (broadcasts HR data over ANT+ to paired devices)YesYes
Respiration rate (during exercise)Yoga and breathwork onlyYoga and breathwork only

RUNNING FEATURES

Available run profilesRunning, indoor track running, treadmill runningRunning, indoor track running, treadmill running
GPS-based distance, time and paceYesYes
Running dynamicsNoNo
Vertical oscillation and ratio (the degree of 'bounce' in your running motion and the cost-benefit ratio with stride length)NoNo
Ground contact time and balance (shows how much time, in the running motion, your foot is on the ground rather than in flight and lets you check your running symmetry)NoNo
Stride length (real time)NoNo
Cadence (provides real-time number of steps per minute)YesYes
Running power (New)No
Performance condition (after running 20 minutes, compares your real-time condition to your average fitness level)NoNo
Lactate threshold (through analysis of your pace and heart rate, estimates the point where your muscles start to rapidly fatigue)NoNo
PacePro pacing strategiesNoNo
Run workoutsYesYes
Race predictorNoNo
Course and weather-specific race predictor (New)No
Foot Pod CapableYesYes
Run/Walk/Stand detectionNo

GOLF FEATURES

Preloaded with 42,000 courses worldwideNoNo
Yardage to F/M/B (distance to front, middle and back of green)YesYes
Yardage to layups/doglegsYesYes
Measures shot distance (calculates exact yardage for shots from anywhere on course)Yes (automatic)Automatic
Digital ScorecardYesYes
Custom targetsNoNo
Stat tracking (strokes, putts per round, greens and fairways hit)YesYes
Garmin AutoshotYesYes
Full vector mapNoNo
Auto Courseview updatesNoNo
Green view with manual pin positionYesYes
Hazards and course targetsYesYes
PinpointerYesYes
Playslike distanceNoNo
Touch-targeting (touch target on display to see the distance to any point) (New)No
Handicap scoringNoNo
Truswing compatibleNoNo
Round timer/odometerYesYes
Automatic club tracking compatible (requires accessory)YesYes
Tournament LegalNo

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Available outdoor recreation profilesSkiing, sNowboarding, xc skiing, stand up paddleboarding, rowingSkiing, sNowboarding, xc skiing, stand up paddleboarding, rowing
Point-to-Point navigationNoYes
Bread crumb trail in real timeNoNo
Back to startYesYes
TracbacKNoNo
Ultratrac ModeNoNo
Around me modeNoNo
Up aheadNo
Elevation profileNoNo
Distance to destinationNoNo
Barometric trend indicator with storm alertNoNo
ClimbPro ascent plannerNoNo
Trail run auto climbNoNo
Vertical speedNoNo
Total ascent/descentNoYes
Future elevation plotNoNo
Preloaded Topographical mapsNoNo
Preloaded road and trail maps (New)No
Preloaded Ski resort mapsNoNo
Downloadable cartography supportNoNo
Compatible with BasecampNoNo
GPS coordinatesNoNo
Sight 'N GONoNo
Area calculationYesYes (via Connect IQ)
Hunt/fish calendarYesYes (via Connect IQ)
Projected waypointNoNo
Sun and moon informationYesYes (via Connect IQ)
Xero locationsNoNo
Expedition GPS activityNoNo
TidesNoNo

CYCLING FEATURES

Available cycling profilesBiking, indoor bikingBiking, indoor biking
Alerts (triggers alarm when you reach goals including time, distance, heart rate or calories)YesYes
CoursesNoNo
MTB Grit & FlowNoNo
Cycle map (routable cycling-specific street map)NoNo
Bike lap and lap maximum power (with power sensor)NoNo
Race an activityNoNo
FTP (Functional Threshold Power)NoNo
Compatible with Vector (Power Meter)NoNo
Power Meter compatibleNoNo
Advanced cycling dynamicsNo
Compatible with Varia Vision (head-mounted display)NoNo
Compatible with Varia Radar (Rear-Facing Radar)YesYes
Compatible with Varia LightsYesYes
Speed and cadence sensor support (with sensor)Yes (ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart sensors)Yes (ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart sensors)

SWIMMING FEATURES

Available swim profilesPool swimmingPool swimming
Open-water swim metrics (distance, pace, stroke count/rate, stroke distance, swim efficiency (SWOLF), calories)NoNo
Pool swim metrics (lengths, distance, pace, stroke count, swim efficiency (SWOLF), calories)YesYes
Stroke type detection (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly) (pool swim only)YesYes
Drill logging (pool swim only)NoNo
Basic rest timer (up from 0) (pool swim only)YesYes
"Repeat on" rest timer (pool swim only) (New)No
Auto rest (pool swim only) (New)No
Time and distance alertsYesYes
Pacing alerts (pool swim only) (New)No
Countdown start (pool swim only)NoNo
Pool swim workoutsNoNo
Critical swim speed (New)No
Underwater wrist-based heart rateYesYes
Heart rate from external HRM (real-time during rests, interval and session stats during rests, and automatic heart rate download post-swim)NoNo

Which Should You Buy?

It all depends on your budget, Vivoactive 4 is clearly a better smartwatch than Venu Sq. It gives you a better experience with its extra features like on-screen workout mode and the ability to count floors climbed. Meanwhile, Venu Sq is a cheaper alternative. It’s a lightweight and decent looking smartwatch, it’s also a comprehensive fitness tracker, has a long battery life, allows you to store music, and more.

Prices

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