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Since the launch of GPS sports watches, people are able to work out and practically benefit from having a personal trainer attached to their wrist. With the help of advanced technology, the various data that can be retrieved can provide great insights over a range of sports.
We are going to compare all of the specifics of the Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 4. Once we have looked at all of their features, we will add a handy comparison chart along with some pros and cons. Towards the end, we will decide which is the best buying option.
There are just a few similarities between the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4, so we will begin here.
Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 4 – Similarities
Waterproof
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4 can be used in the rain and in the pool. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a water rating of 5 ATM. We aren’t sure of the rating for the Garmin Vivoactive 4.
Garmin Pay
Nobody likes to leave the house without money but at the same time, you don’t want to have to carry cash or cards while you are working out. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4 have Garmin Pay, connect your cards and use the sports watch to make payments.
Connect IQ
The Garmin Connect IQ enables you to access widgets and apps for the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4. You can customize your watch face, download workouts and share your progress on social media.
Side by Side Comparison
The following chart will give you a side-by-side view of the Garmin sports watches.
Garmin Vivoactive 3 | Garmin Vivoactive 4 | |
| Image |  |  |
| Screen Size | 1.70 x 1.70 x 0.50 inches | 1.78 x 1.78 x 0.50 |
| Weight | 1.44oz | 1.28oz |
| Color | Black and stainless steel, black and granite, white and rose gold, white and stainless steel, black, granite blue | Black, light gold and light pink, rose gold and white, silver and light gray, silver and dark gray |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Water Rating | Swim, 5 ATM | Waterproof but rating not stated |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Tracking | VO2 max, stress, heart rate, personal records, cadence, distance, speed, location, steps, calories, sleep | VO2 max, stress, heart rate, personal records, cadence, distance, speed, location, steps, calories, sleep, menstrual cycle, hydration, body energy |
| Safety Features | Not stated | Incident detection |
| Notifications | Yes, plus reply to texts and accept/reject calls | Yes, and respond to texts |
| Activity Profiles | 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps | 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps |
| Music | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days or 13 hours in GPS mode | Up to 8 days or 6 hours in training mode |
| Connect IQ App | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
| Price |
The differences are quite significant, and we will move on to them now.
Differences Between Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Vivoactive 4
Appearance
The sports watches look great. While the size is similar, the colors vary.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The screen is 1.70 x 1.70 x 0.50 inches and weighs 1.44 ounces. It comes in black and stainless steel, black, and granite, white and rose gold, white and stainless steel, black, or granite blue.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
The display is slightly larger at 1.78 x 1.78 x 0.50 inches and it weighs less at 1.28 ounces. There are 5 color options, black, light gold and light pink, rose gold and white, silver and light gray, silver, and dark gray.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Tracking
These Garmin GPS sports watches track physical activities as well as well-being.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
This will track VO2, stress levels, heart rate, personal records, cadence, distance, speed, as well as location. Furthermore, you can track your calories, steps and sleep.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
It will track the same as the Garmin Vivoactive 3 but with some additions. You can monitor menstrual cycles, hydration, and body energy.
The Winner Is- The Vivoactive 4
Safety Features
For peace of mind, safety features are a big plus.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
There is no information about this watch having safety features.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
It has incident detection, so if you are in any trouble, you will be able to send your real-time location to emergency contacts. Your watch must be paired with your device.
The Winner Is- The Garmin Vivoactive 4
Also read – Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs Forerunner 235: Which GPS Smart Watch is Better?
Music
These details all help when it comes to leaving your phone behind.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
The standard version of this watch doesn’t come with the option to play music.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
You can connect this watch to third-party apps like Spotify and Amazon Music and download songs to the watch.
The Winner Is – Garmin Vivoactive 4
Activity Profiles
The data collected from a run isn’t going to be the same as that for a yoga session. That’s why it’s great to have different profiles to match the activity you wish to do.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
There are 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps
Garmin Vivoactive 4
With 20 different sports, you will have even more apps to choose from.
The Winner Is- The Garmin Vivoactive 4
Battery Life
The battery life will depend on the different uses.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
On watch mode, the battery will last for up to 7 days. In GPS mode, this will be up to 13 hours.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
You will have up to 8 days in watch mode but only 6 hours in training mode.
The Winner Is- The Garmin Vivoactive 3
Pros and Cons
Prior to our final verdict, here are a few pros and cons of the GPS sports watches from Garmin.
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Pros:
- It’s very intuitive and straight forward to use
- The battery life is very decent
- Excellent GPS accuracy
Cons:
- Sleep and step counter are a little off
Garmin Vivoactive 4
Pros:
- Love the animated workouts on the screen
- It comes with Garmin Coach
- The touchscreen has no lag
Cons:
- It’s a shame the battery doesn’t last longer
The Final Verdict
Garmin did a great job upgrading the Garmin Vivoactive 3 with the exception of the battery. We saw great improvements in almost all areas, especially in terms of more activities and tracking. There was also the addition of the safety feature and of course the ability to listen to music. It’s true that you can choose the Garmin Vivoactive 3 with music, but you are then looking at the same price as the Garmin Vivoactive 4. For this reason, we felt that the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the better buy.