The Garmin Vivofit 4 succeeded the Vivofit 3 which was among some of the best selling smartbands when it was released in 2016. These two have almost the same fitness tracking features except for the toe-to-toe feature that’s present on the newer smartband. In addition, the Vivofit 4 has a more attractive design than the Vivofit 3. However, the newer Vivofit 4 costs more. Nonetheless, the prices of both smartbands are still on the moderate side, perhaps some of the cheapest activity trackers. Today, we’re comparing the Vivofit 3 vs 4 specifications and features to find out the differences.
Garmin Vivofit 3. Credit: TechRadar
Garmin Vivofit 3 vs 4: Specifications Compared
| Garmin Vivofit 3 | Garmin Vivofit 4 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
ABOUT DEVICE | ||
| Device name | Garmin Vivofit 3 | Garmin Vivofit 4 |
| Device type | Fitness Smartband | Fitness Smartband |
| Predessesor | _ | Garmin Vivofit 3 |
| Successor | Garmin Vivofit 4 | __ |
| Released date | April, 2016 | February, 2018 |
| Ideal for | Unisex | Unisex |
DISPLAY | ||
| Display type | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) |
| Display size | 0.39 inch | 0.43 inch |
| Display resolution | 64 x 64 pixel | 88 x 88 pixel |
| Pixel density | -- | -- |
| Input type | Touchkey | Touchkey |
| Always-on | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable watch face | __ | __ |
BODY | ||
| Shape | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved |
| Dimension | 11 x 22.3 mm | 21.2 x 19 x 9.4 mm |
| Weight | 26 g (small band) 28 g (large band) | 25.5 g (large strap) |
| Casing material | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Strap/band material | Silicone | Silicone (black) TPU (white) |
| Bezel Material | _ | _ |
| Strap size | 122-188 mm (Small) 148-215 mm (large) | 122-188 mm (Small) 148-215 mm (large) |
| Interchangeable band | Yes | Yes |
| Screen protection | Chemically strengthened glass | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Black | Black, white |
MEMORY | ||
| RAM | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | 4 weeks of tracked data | 4 weeks of tracked data |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth and ANT+ | Bluetooth and ANT+ |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| NFC | No | No |
| Payment system | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY | ||
| Technology | No | No |
| SIM | No | No |
| Band | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS | ||
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes | Yes |
| Text response | No | No |
FITNESS TRACKING | ||
| Sleep apnea | No | No |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | No | No |
| Heart rate monitoring | No | No |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | No | No |
| VO2 Max. | No | No |
| Blood oxygen | No | No |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | No | No |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded maps | No | No |
| On-screen workout modes | No | No |
| Triathlon mode | No | No |
| ECG Tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | _ | Yes |
| Safety tracking | No | No |
MEDIA | ||
| Audio | No | No |
| Music streaming | No | No |
| Bluetooth music | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No |
| Camera | No | No |
SENSORS | ||
PLATFORM | ||
| Operating system (OS) | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Chipset | -- | -- |
| CPU | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- |
BATTERY | ||
| Type of battery | 1 x CR1632 replaceable battery | 2 x SR43 replaceable battery |
| Battery capacity | -- | -- |
| Battery life | Mixed usage: 1 year+ | Mixed usage: 1 year+ |
| Charging type | No charging | No charging |
| Charging time | __ | __ |
| Battery saver mode | No | No |
| Solar power | No | No |
| Rapid charging | No | No |
CLOCK FEATURES | ||
| Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS | ||
| Control camera | No | No |
| Music control | No | No |
| Find phone | Yes | Yes |
MISC | ||
| Compatibility | Android and iOS Check if your device is compatible | Android and iOS Check if your device is compatible |
| Companion app | Garmin connect IQ | Garmin connect IQ |
| Voice command | No | No |
BOX CONTENTS | ||
| Garmin Vivofit 3 | Garmin Vivofit 4 | |
| Band | Band | |
| __ | __ | |
| Quick start guide | Quick 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 Site | Official Site | |
Garmin Vivofit 3 vs 4 Features Compared
- Design and Display
- Battery Life
One of the main attractions of a smartband is that it’s lightweight, compact and very comfortable to wear all day. In this regard, both the Vivofit 3 and 4 are so lightweight that you probably will forget you’re putting it on. However, the Vivofit 4 weighs a little less, and it has a slightly larger display that makes the display quite easier to read.
Both smartbands are also durably built and are swim-proof. Like the Vivofit 3, the Vivofit 4 is rated 5ATM which means it can withstand water pressure up to 50 meters. Thus, it is safe to wear while swimming. Though, it’s not recommended to dive with the band or wear it during a hot bath.
The Vivofit 4 has a Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) powered display, the same technology that’s on the Vivofit 3 and on many Garmin watches. While not so colorful, the transflective nature of the display makes it very easy to read on a very sunny day. This is just like the Amazfit Bip which also has a transflective LCD display.
Based on the design, the Vivofit 4 has a much better design overall, and this is where the major difference between these two comes in. The newer version is sleeker, slimmer and has a bigger display, yet lighter in weight which makes it a more befitting wearable.
Both the Vivofit 3 and 4 use replaceable cell batteries that ensure you can go long on a single charge. However, the Vivofit 4 has a slightly longer battery life that sees it last over a year compared to its predecessor which lasts about a year. That’s a monster battery life, you can go all through the year before deciding to change the battery.
Which is Better?
The bottom line, the Vivofit 4 is a better smartband. It has a better design and a slightly longer battery life that allows you to go longer. Moreover, unlike the Vivofit 3, the Vivofit 4 also has a bigger and more colorful display thats easier to read. However, the Vivofit 3 being cheaper and having almost the same features as its successor is no doubt a nice alternative.
