Garmin Vivoactive 4 in the test: is it worth buying?

Garmin Vivoactive 4 – The Garmin Vivoactive 3 was one of the hottest irons in sports watches for years and is still one of today’s most popular models. So it’s no wonder that it also made a great impression on me in my practical test. Since then, like millions of previous people, I have been looking forward to releasing the successor model with the most excellent anticipation.

What makes the Garmin Vivoactive 4 so successful? What makes the sports watch superior to its competitors? And is it worth upgrading to Vivoactive 3? I want to explain this and much more to you in my individual Garmin Vivoactive 4 review and take you on a voyage from the first unpacking of the product to the conclusion.

Scope of Delivery and Accessories

I mentioned it briefly in the introduction, but I have to repeat it: I loved the Garmin Vivoactive 3! Above all, I was particularly impressed by the high suitability for everyday use and the many valuable functions. Millions of other people still appreciate the watch for precisely these points.

When I was finally able to order the successor model, the Garmin Vivoactive 4, my anticipation was, of course, immense! The delivery only took three days, but that time felt like an eternity. I looked out the window for almost every minute to see if the postman was coming around the corner. When the moment finally came, and I heard the doorbell ring, I hurried to the door in the best Usain Bolt fashion to greet the postman with the broadest grin.

Finally, it was there, the package with the Garmin Vivoactive 4. I couldn’t wait to put the sports watch into operation and put it through its paces. But always in order: First of all, it’s time to take a look at the scope of delivery. What do we have on board here?

  • Garmin Vivoactive 4
  • USB charging cable
  • operation manual
  • safety instructions

First impression: Outward Appearance

So far, so good. We would have already completed the point of delivery. Admittedly, you could have found out this point yourself with the help of Google within a few seconds, and for many people, the scope of transfer is rather uninteresting. Ultimately, it’s only about one thing: the Garmin Vivoactive 4 watch itself.

In my opinion, I have received an appealing and high-quality sports watch. In terms of looks, not much has changed compared to the Vivoactive 3, which is not meant negatively, on the contrary! For me, the Vivoactive 3 was the fanciest watch that I was allowed to decorate my wrist with, and the Vivoactive 4 is also a real eye-catcher! I’m certainly not a fashion advisor, and the first impression is, of course, also a matter of taste. I left you a few sober, “filter-free” pictures that show you the Garmin Vivoactive 4 precisely as I perceive it. PS: Forgive me for the camera quality, which needs improvement. What is your opinion? Does the sports watch make as chic an impression on you as it does on me? If you confirm my first impression, I might still play with the idea of ​​a fashion consultant treadmill afterward. Okay, it will probably not go that far.

Casing

When you pick up the Garmin Vivoactive 4, you immediately notice how light the watch is. Okay, I have to say that immediately before this model, I tested the Garmin Fenix ​​6X Pro Solar, which is comparatively heavy ( you can read the entire test report here if you are interested ).

In contrast, the Vivoactive 4 is lightweight. Weighing just 50 gms, it is very comfortable to wear and is not noticeable in everyday life or sleeping. Whatever diet this watch is on, it seems to be working wonderfully. Despite the lightweight, the watch seems to be of high quality, noble, and well made, mainly due to the stainless steel bezel. The relax of the holder is made of plastic. The bottom line is that the first impression of the case convinces me thoroughly. As with the Vivoactive 3, Garmin has managed to present a very chic and high-quality design.

When I look at the sports watch, I am amazed repeatedly because it is simply astonishing how so much technology can be built into such a small case. You will get a few more samples of this in the course of this review.

Bracelet

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you know that I always opt for a simple black bracelet for my test reports. This time I broke with my societies and chose a daring, light shade of gray. Pretty dull, I know. Has my fashion affair paid off?

Absolutely.  I like the light gray bracelet very much, but of course, that is a matter of taste! If you prefer other colors, then, of course, you also can choose different variants. With the help of quick-release technology, the bracelet can also be exchanged in no time at all if you feel like changing the color after a while. The bracelet is otherwise made of silicone and is flexibly connected to the case. The previous model increases the wearing comfort and ensures that the watch hugs the wrist perfectly.

When I unpacked the Garmin Vivoactive 4 for the first time, I encountered a slight chemical odor due to the silicone wristband, but that disappeared after a day in the fresh air. The first impression is convincing here too. All in all, Garmin can already praise Garmin for the wristband and wearing comfort!