If you’re shopping for a fitness tracker, you might be wondering about the differences with the Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs 4s.
Announcement: Face-It: A Custom Watch Face App for Connect IQ Devices. August 18, 2016. Today, Garmin announced Face-It, a watch face app that lets Connect IQ compatible wearable users customize their watch face with any photo from their mobile device. Users simply download the free app from either the App Store or on Google Play, then select. At this time there are no plans to increase the number of watch faces available for the vivosmart 4. However, as another option, you can customize the widgets that are next to the watch face. For example, if you select the watch face that has the time, date, and battery, you can move the steps widget to be next to the watch face. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 not only tracks critical biometrics like energy levels, Pulse Ox, respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, heart rate, and hydration, it also has a built-in coach. Using onscreen animations to demonstrate proper techniques, the Vivoactive will guide you through a variety of workouts from strength training to yoga poses. I've got this 6 pack of shields for my new Garmin Vivoactive Watch. I've had the shield on for a couple months and noticed several scratches in the shield and a tear in the edge. I thought at first my watch screen was damaged. I removed the shield and the watch face was still perfect. It really protected.
Now tap on the GARMIN Vivoactive 4 at the top. Next, tap on Activities & App Management. Then select Watch Faces. Afterward, select Get More Watch Faces. Then the Connect IQ application will open. Now tap on the More button, then select Watch Faces. Next, select the watch face you like and tap on the Download button.
Garmin offers several lines in their smartwatch collection, and the Vivoactive line is designed for general fitness tracking. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4s are the latest models in this line, released in late 2019.
To help you make a choice, you should first think about what you need from your fitness tracker.
What Are You Looking For in a Fitness Tracker?
There are a couple of categories of things that might help you choose the right fitness tracker.
Best Watch Face For Garmin Vivoactive 3
The first, and most obvious, is its fitness tracking capabilities. Does it track steps, measure heart rate, and map your GPS location?
Another feature that you’ll be looking for is different kinds of activity tracking. Can it differentiate between walking, running, and hiking? What about other activities, like yoga or weight lifting?
For the data nerds out there (like me), you might be looking for advanced analytics. Some smartwatches will track your sleep, measure your pulse ox, and estimate your recovery time. You might find these things useful, or you might never look at them.
The cost is of course something to consider. Garmins run the gamut from $100 to almost $1,000. So you should consider your budget and let that inform your choice.
Finally, does fashion matter to you? Some Garmin watches are designed with form and elegance in mind. Others are designed purely for functionality.
So What’s the Difference Between the Vivoactive 4 and 4s?
Here’s the good news. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4s are the same in most of those categories.
They have the same functionality in terms of fitness tracking and analytics. Each will track your runs, measure your heartbeat, and give you access to the Body Battery feature.
They’re also the same price – $350 MSRP. You can find them on Amazon for about $250.
The only real difference between the two watches is their form. The Vivoactive 4 is slightly larger and the Vivoactive 4s is slightly smaller.
Comparing the watch faces, the Vivoactive 4 is 45mm in diameter, and the 4s is 40mm in diameter. The Vivoactive 4 sports a slightly larger watch face (1.3″ to 1.1″) and display resolution (260x260px to 218x218px).
The watchbands are also slightly different sizes. On the Vivoactive 4s, the watch bands are 18mm wide and they fit a wist that is 110-175mm in circumference. Compare that to the 22mm wide watchband and the 135-200mm circumference on the Vivoactive 4.
The color options are different on the two watches, as well. The smaller Vivoactive 4s comes in rose gold, silver, and slate, while the larger 4 only comes in slate and silver.
The size also causes one functional difference in the two watches – battery life. There’s a slightly smaller battery in the Vivoactive 4s. It’s rated for 7 days of general use, compared to 8 days for the Vivoactive 4.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs 4s: Making the Choice
The only significant functional difference between the two watches is the battery life, and that difference is marginal at best. Unless you’re using it in GPS and music mode on a long hike, you’ll probably never notice.
That essentially leaves fashion and form as the deciding factor. Do you want a larger watch with a larger wristband? Get the Garmin Vivoactive 4.
Do you want a smaller watch with a smaller wristband? Or do you like the rose gold? Go with the Garmin Vivoactive 4s.
If you’re looking for something similar, but slightly cheaper, you may want to consider the Garmin Vivoactive 3. It’s very similar to the 4/4s, except without the ability to store and play music.
And if you’re looking for something that’s made just for runners – as opposed to general fitness – check out the Garmin Forerunner series.
Best Watch Face For Garmin Vivoactive 4 Manual
Do you have a Garmin Vivoactive 4 or 4s? I’m curious which one you chose, and why. Leave a comment below.