Pros
Convenient navigation with two buttons
Responsive touch screen
Excellent fitness tracking features
Long battery life
Good collection of apps and watch faces
Bright and always-on transreflective display
Easily readable notifications
Robust Garmin Connect app
Accurate GPS tracking
Good build quality and comfortable strap
Useful smart features like notifications and music control
Cons
Sleep tracking is subpar
Transreflective display less attractive than AMOLED
Slightly bulky design
Main Product Advantages
10 Fitness Features
Garmin's fitness tracking capabilities are top-notch, providing comprehensive and accurate data across various activities. The watch includes specialized apps for running, golf, and water sports, making it versatile for different fitness needs.
9 Two Buttons
The Vivoactive 4 has a two-button interface that significantly enhances ease of use and navigation compared to single-button models. These buttons allow for smooth operation during workouts without the need to double-tap the screen.
9 Battery Life
Offers an impressive battery life, lasting up to a week without requiring frequent charging. A short 10-minute recharge gives 30% battery, making it efficient for continuous use.
8 Transreflective Display
Provides excellent visibility in bright sunlight and contributes greatly to battery efficiency. However, it lacks the visual appeal of AMOLED screens.
8 GPS Accuracy
Offers accurate GPS tracking that is useful for outdoor activities like hiking and running. However, the initial GPS lock time can sometimes be slow.
8 Build Quality and Design
Sturdy and lightweight build with a design that feels premium for a fitness watch. The 22mm band and extra screen space enhance its appearance and usability.
7 Touch Screen
The touch screen makes navigation quick and easy, providing a more intuitive experience compared to button-only interfaces found on other models like the Fenix 5 Plus. However, it may not be as effective when wet.
7 Music Integration
Allows for music playback directly from the watch, although setting up and syncing music can be cumbersome. This feature works well with waterproof earphones for workouts.
6 Smart Features
While it includes basic smart capabilities such as notifications and customizable watch faces, it lacks functionalities like voice assistants and phone calls. These limitations make it oriented more towards fitness rather than being a fully-featured smartwatch.
5 Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking is subpar compared to competitors like the Fitbit Versa 4, often missing accurate sleep times and not offering detailed insights or sleep scores.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch Review
The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a 45mm GPS smartwatch that helps you stay connected and track your health. It offers a wide range of health monitoring features, music storage, and on-screen animated workouts designed to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Health Monitoring Features
The all-day health monitoring features include body energy monitoring, pulse oxygen sensors, and more. These features give you in-depth insights into your health and help you make informed decisions about your fitness regime.
Music Storage
One of the standout features is the ability to download your favorite Spotify or Deezer playlists directly to your watch. Note that you may need a premium subscription with a third-party music provider for this feature.
Animated Workouts
The Vivoactive 4 includes on-screen animated workouts that guide you through various exercises, making it easier to follow along and ensure correct form.
Bezel Material
The watch features a durable stainless steel bezel, which adds both style and durability to the device.
Troubleshooting Tips
Music Connectivity Issues
If your music cuts out or your headphones do not stay connected, ensure that there is a direct line of sight between the watch and the antenna on your headphones. Wearing your headphones with the antenna on the same side of your body as the watch might improve the signal.
Maximizing Battery Life
To maximize battery life, consider reducing the display timeout and brightness. Turning off Bluetooth technology when not in use, deactivating activity tracking, and limiting smartphone notifications can also help extend battery life.
Activity Tracking Accuracy
If the step count does not seem accurate, try wearing the watch on your non-dominant wrist or carrying it in your pocket while pushing a stroller or lawn mower. This can help improve the accuracy of the tracking data.
Conclusion
The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a versatile GPS smartwatch with a range of features aimed at enhancing your fitness routine. Despite some minor connectivity issues and the need for occasional troubleshooting, its comprehensive health monitoring, music storage, and animated workouts make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to stay active and informed about their health.
