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Garmin Vivofit 3 vs 4 – What’s New?

garmin vivofit 3 vs 4
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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 vs vivofit 4

Garmin Vivofit 3. Credit: TechRadar

Garmin Vivofit 3 vs 4: Specifications Compared

Garmin Vivofit 3Garmin Vivofit 4
garmin vivofit 3 specsgarmin vivofit 4 specs

ABOUT DEVICE

Device nameGarmin Vivofit 3Garmin Vivofit 4
Device typeFitness SmartbandFitness Smartband
Predessesor_Garmin Vivofit 3
SuccessorGarmin Vivofit 4__
Released dateApril, 2016February, 2018
Ideal forUnisexUnisex

DISPLAY

Display typeTransflective memory-in-display (MIP)Transflective memory-in-display (MIP)
Display size0.39 inch0.43 inch
Display resolution64 x 64 pixel88 x 88 pixel
Pixel density----
Input typeTouchkeyTouchkey
Always-onYesYes
Customizable watch face____

BODY

ShapeRectangular/curvedRectangular/curved
Dimension11 x 22.3 mm21.2 x 19 x 9.4 mm
Weight26 g (small band)
28 g (large band)
25.5 g (large strap)
Casing materialPolycarbonatePolycarbonate
Strap/band materialSiliconeSilicone (black)
TPU (white)
Bezel Material__
Strap size122-188 mm (Small)
148-215 mm (large)
122-188 mm (Small)
148-215 mm (large)
Interchangeable band YesYes
Screen protectionChemically strengthened glassChemically strengthened glass
Water resistant/ProtectionYes, 5ATMYes, 5ATM
Swim-proofYes, recommendedYes, recommended
Color(s)BlackBlack, white

MEMORY

RAM----
Internal storage4 weeks of tracked data4 weeks of tracked data
Memory card slotNoNo

CONNECTIVITY

BluetoothBluetooth and ANT+Bluetooth and ANT+
Bluetooth callingNoNo
Wi-FiNoNo
NFCNoNo
Payment systemNoNo
GPSNoNo

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyNoNo
SIMNoNo
BandNoNo

NOTIFICATIONS

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

FITNESS TRACKING

Sleep apneaNoNo
Sleep trackingYesYes
StepsYesYes
Floors climbedNoNo
Heart rate monitoringNoNo
CaloriesYesYes
DistanceYesYes
StressNoNo
VO2 Max.NoNo
Blood oxygenNoNo
Blood pressureNoNo
Menstrual cycle trackingNoNo
Swim trackingYesYes
Under-water heart rate trackingNoNo
Preloaded mapsNoNo
On-screen workout modesNoNo
Triathlon modeNoNo
ECG TrackingNoNo
Preloaded sport modes_Yes
Safety trackingNoNo

MEDIA

AudioNoNo
Music streamingNoNo
Bluetooth musicNoNo
RadioNoNo
LoudspeakerNoNo
MicrophoneNoNo
CameraNoNo

SENSORS

PLATFORM

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

BATTERY

Type of battery1 x CR1632 replaceable battery2 x SR43 replaceable battery
Battery capacity ----
Battery lifeMixed usage: 1 year+Mixed usage: 1 year+
Charging typeNo chargingNo charging
Charging time____
Battery saver modeNoNo
Solar powerNoNo
Rapid chargingNoNo

CLOCK FEATURES

Time/DateYesYes
StopwatchYesYes
AlarmYesYes

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Control cameraNoNo
Music controlNoNo
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 Vivofit 3Garmin Vivofit 4
BandBand
____
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

Garmin Vivofit 3 vs 4 Features Compared

  1. Design and Display
  2. Garmin Vivofit 3 vs 4
    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.

  3. Battery Life

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.