Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4s

Attribute	Garmin Vivoactive 4	Garmin Vivoactive 4s
Display Size	45mm	40mm
Display Type	Transflective MIP	Transflective MIP
Resolution	260 x 260 pixels	218 x 218 pixels
Weight	50.5g	40g
Battery Life	Up to 8 days	Up to 7 days
Water Resistance	5 ATM	5 ATM
GPS	Yes	Yes
Heart Rate Monitor	Yes	Yes
Music Storage	Up to 500 songs	Up to 500 songs
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Design and Display

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Garmin Vivoactive 4s are two highly popular smartwatches that offer a range of features for fitness enthusiasts. When it comes to design, both models share a similar aesthetic with a round watch face and a stainless steel bezel. However, the main difference lies in their size. The Vivoactive 4 features a larger 45mm case, while the Vivoactive 4s comes with a smaller 40mm case. This size difference makes the Vivoactive 4s more suitable for individuals with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more compact watch.

In terms of display, both models boast a vibrant and easy-to-read touchscreen. The Vivoactive 4 sports a 1.3-inch display, while the Vivoactive 4s has a slightly smaller 1.1-inch display. Despite the size variation, both watches offer excellent visibility, even in bright sunlight, thanks to their transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) technology. This ensures that users can easily view their data and notifications without straining their eyes.

Activity Tracking and Sports Features

One of the key selling points of the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4s is their comprehensive activity tracking capabilities. Both watches come equipped with built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a variety of preloaded sports apps. These features allow users to accurately track their outdoor activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and even golfing.

Additionally, both models offer advanced fitness metrics, including VO2 max estimation, stress tracking, and body battery energy monitoring. These metrics provide users with valuable insights into their overall fitness levels, recovery, and stress levels. Whether you're a professional athlete or a casual fitness enthusiast, these features can help you optimize your training and achieve your fitness goals.

Moreover, the Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4s also support Garmin Coach, a personalized training plan feature that provides adaptive workouts based on your fitness level and goals. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who need guidance and structure in their training routines.

When it comes to water sports, both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. They also offer swim tracking features, including stroke detection and lap counting, allowing users to monitor their performance in the pool.

Music and Connectivity

If you enjoy listening to music during your workouts, both the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4s have got you covered. These smartwatches have built-in storage that allows you to download and store your favorite songs directly on the watch. You can then pair your watch with Bluetooth headphones and enjoy your music without needing to carry your phone with you.

Furthermore, both models offer smart notifications, allowing you to receive calls, texts, and app notifications directly on your wrist. This ensures that you stay connected even when your phone is not within reach. Additionally, the watches support Garmin Pay, enabling contactless payments, so you can conveniently make purchases on the go without needing your wallet.

Battery Life and Additional Features

When it comes to battery life, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4s offer impressive performance. The Vivoactive 4 boasts a battery life of up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours in GPS mode with music. On the other hand, the Vivoactive 4s offers a slightly longer battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 5 hours in GPS mode with music. This means that both watches can easily last through a week of regular use without needing to be charged frequently.

Both models also come with additional features such as Garmin's Pulse Ox sensor, which measures blood oxygen saturation levels, and incident detection, which can automatically send your location to emergency contacts in case of an accident. Furthermore, the watches support Garmin Connect, a robust fitness tracking platform that allows you to analyze your data, set goals, and connect with other fitness enthusiasts.

Price and Conclusion

When it comes to pricing, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4s are both competitively priced considering their extensive features and capabilities. The Vivoactive 4s, being the smaller variant, is generally priced slightly lower than the Vivoactive 4. However, the price difference is not significant, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of size and fit.

In conclusion, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4s are two exceptional smartwatches that offer a wide range of features for fitness enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a larger watch or a more compact one, both models deliver excellent activity tracking, sports features, music capabilities, and connectivity options. With their long battery life and additional features, these watches are a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their fitness journey and stay connected on the go.