Garmin is a brand name that continuously pops up in the field of wearables. They consistently produce top-notch products that combine sporty functionality with elegance.
The latest in their lineup, the Vivoactive 5, has made quite the entrance, leaving many wondering how it fares against its predecessor, the Vivoactive 4.
So, let’s delve deep and explore the key differences and what’s new in this Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Vivoactive 4 vs 4S comparison.
Also see our latest comparison: Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Venu 3: Navigating the Details
Design and Display
Display
The Vivoactive 5 has made a significant leap from the previous MIP display to a vibrant 1.2” AMOLED screen.
The richer colors and sharper contrast are immediately noticeable, enhancing the user experience.
Sizes
Garmin chose to streamline their offering with the Vivoactive 5, settling on a single size of 42mm.
This contrasts with the Vivoactive 4, which had a broader range including the smaller Vivoactive 4S.
| Specification | Garmin Vivoactive 5 | Garmin Vivoactive 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 4S |
|---|---|---|---|
| LENS MATERIAL | Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 | Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 | Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 |
| BEZEL MATERIAL | anodized aluminum | stainless steel | stainless steel |
| CASE MATERIAL | fiber-reinforced polymer | fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover | fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover |
| QUICK RELEASE BANDS | yes (20 mm, Industry standard) | yes (22 mm, Industry standard) | yes (18 mm, Industry standard) |
| STRAP MATERIAL | silicone | silicone | silicone |
| PHYSICAL SIZE | 42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1 mm | 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm | 40.0 x 40.0 x 12.7 mm |
| Fits Wrists (Circumference) | 125-190 mm | 135-200 mm | 110-175 mm |
| WEIGHT | 23 g (36 g with included band) | 50.5 g | 40.0 g |
| WATER RATING | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| TOUCHSCREEN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DISPLAY TYPE | AMOLED Optional Always-On Mode | Sunlight-Visible, Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) | Sunlight-Visible, Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) |
| DISPLAY SIZE | 1.2″ (30.4 mm) diameter | 1.3″ (33.0 mm) diameter | 1.1″ (27.9 mm) diameter |
| DISPLAY RESOLUTION | 390 x 390 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels | 218 x 218 pixels |
| COLOR DISPLAY | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LARGE FONT OPTION | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| MEMORY | 4 GB | 200 hours of activity data | 200 hours of activity data |
Features Geared Towards Improved Well-being
Sleep Tracking
The new Sleep Coach feature, which provides sleep recommendation factors, is a noteworthy addition. Paired with the Nap detection support, users can now get a comprehensive overview of their sleep patterns and quality.
HRV and Morning Reports
With HRV tracking support, which works mainly at night, and the Morning Report feature, users can get a holistic view of their health right after they wake up.
Daily Summary and Recovery
The addition of a Daily Summary report feature and Recovery Time for sports ensures users can track and understand their fitness activities better.
| Health & Wellness Monitoring | Garmin Vivoactive 5 | Garmin Vivoactive 4 | Vivoactive 4S |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRIST-BASED HEART RATE (CONSTANT, EVERY SECOND) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DAILY RESTING HEART RATE | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABNORMAL HEART RATE ALERTS | Yes (High and Low) | Yes (High and Low) | Yes (High and Low) |
| PULSE OX BLOOD OXYGEN SATURATION | Yes (Spot-check, and optionally all-day and in sleep) | Yes (Spot-check, and optionally all-day and in sleep) | Yes (Spot-check, and optionally all-day and in sleep) |
| FITNESS AGE | In App | Yes (In App) | Yes (In App) |
| BODY BATTERY ENERGY MONITOR | Yes | ||
| ALL-DAY STRESS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SLEEP | Yes (Advanced) | Yes (Advanced) | Yes (Advanced) |
| SLEEP COACH | Yes | No | No |
| NAP DETECTION | Yes | No | No |
| HYDRATION | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WOMEN’S HEALTH | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Workout-centric & Sports Profiles
Intelligent Workouts
The Vivoactive 5 has introduced the Workout Benefit feature, informing users about the advantages of their specific workouts.
It has also added an on-watch interval workout creation, along with the existing downloadable structured workout support.
Muscle Map and More
The new guided Meditation Activity and muscle map feature during strength workouts empower users with more information and guidance during their fitness routine.
Switching with Ease
The ‘Recents’ quick switching between widgets and more new live watch faces gives users the flexibility to change things up as they desire.
Special Modes
The Vivoactive 5 has integrated several new sport profiles, such as openwater swim and handcycle. Moreover, there’s added support for tracking Wheelchair pushes and wheelchair-specific workouts.
Fonts and Flashlight
The ability to switch between small and larger fonts improves readability. The quick-access Flashlight feature, although using the screen and not an LED, is a nifty addition.
Technical Upgrades
Sensors
The Vivoactive 5 now utilizes the upgraded ELEVATE V4 HR sensor, although it’s worth noting the V5 is the latest. Additionally, it has switched its GPS sensor to support multi-GNSS.
Battery
Impressive battery life remains a selling point, with 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 21 hours of GPS usage.
Price Point
With all these enhancements, the Vivoactive 5 is priced at $299, making it an attractive proposition.
| Battery Life | Garmin Vivoactive 5 | Garmin Vivoactive 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 4S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 11 days (5 days display always-on) | Up to 8 days | Up to 7 days |
| Battery Saver Smartwatch Mode | Up to 21 days | N/A | N/A |
| GPS-Only GNSS Mode | Up to 21 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| All-Systems GNSS Mode | Up to 17 hours | N/A | N/A |
| All-Systems GNSS Mode with Music | Up to 8 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 15 hours |
Features We’ll Miss on Garmin Vivoactive 5
While the Vivoactive 5 has introduced several new features, it has also removed or reduced certain functionalities from the Vivoactive 4:
- The barometric altimeter.
- The metric for counting floors (stairs).
- Reduced functionalities in skiing/snowboarding modes, and
- Removed workout animations in strength/yoga, though muscle maps have been added.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 Recap
The Vivoactive 4, which launched back in 2019, was a fitness-focused smartwatch with a rugged fiber-reinforced design, two size variants (including the 4S), and an array of features.
Its transflective MIP LCD display was bright and easy to read. It was equipped with ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi and supported over 20 sports modes.
Released at $349.99, its price has since decreased, making it a viable option for those on a budget.
Where to Buy?
Garmin Vivoactive 5:
- View on Amazon
Garmin Vivoactive 4:
- Vivoactive 4: View on Amazon
- Vivoactive 4S: View on Amazon
Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Vivoactive 4: Final Verdict
The Vivoactive 5 certainly packs a punch with its advanced features, improved display, and user-centric functionalities.
While the Vivoactive 4 remains a solid choice, especially considering its reduced price, the Vivoactive 5 offers a more comprehensive health and fitness experience.
Choosing between them depends on individual needs, but the future-forward features of the Vivoactive 5 make it a standout in the Garmin lineup.
Related:
- Garmin Venu 2S vs Vivoactive 4S: Which is better for you?
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs Vivoactive 4: Which Worth Your Money?
