Main Differences Between the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Vivoactive 4

Are you considering buying a smartwatch and torn between these two models? Or do you already own a Vivoactive 3 and want to know if upgrading to its successor is worth it? In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences and specifications to help you make the right choice.

Design & Dimensions: Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 4

When it comes to design, both watches look nearly identical. They feature a round stainless steel case and a comfortable silicone strap. However, the Vivoactive 4 is slightly larger and heavier. The Vivoactive 3 measures 43.4 x 43.4 x 11.7 mm and weighs 43g, while the Vivoactive 4 measures 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm and weighs 50g.

The screen resolution also improves with the Vivoactive 4, offering 260 x 260 pixels compared to the Vivoactive 3’s 240 x 240 pixels.


Vivoactive 3 (Left) and 4 (Right)

Battery Life

Battery performance is an important factor, especially if you’re active or wear your smartwatch daily. Garmin states that the Vivoactive 3 lasts up to 13 hours in GPS mode and up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. The Vivoactive 4 offers a slight improvement with 15 hours in GPS mode and 8 days in smartwatch mode. However, with music playback enabled, battery life drops to around 5 hours on the Vivoactive 4.

Features: Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 4

Both models come with robust fitness and health tracking features. They monitor heart rate (with abnormal heart rate alerts), count steps, track burned calories, monitor stress, relaxation, and sleep, and are water-resistant.

The Vivoactive 4 adds a few notable upgrades:

• 24/7 respiration tracking — not available on the Vivoactive 3.
• Gyroscope sensor — improves swimming performance tracking, repetition counting for gym workouts, and distance/direction calculations when GPS is off.
• Wi-Fi connectivity — faster app downloads, data transfers, and updates.

Price Comparison

According to Garmin’s official pricing, the Vivoactive 3 is currently priced at €229.00, while the Vivoactive 4 starts at €299.99. That’s a difference of over €70, so it’s up to you to decide if the added features are worth the upgrade.

Watch Bands for Vivoactive 3 and 4

If you’ve decided on your model, why not pair it with a stylish and affordable strap? Check out our full range here: Garmin Vivoactive 3 bands or Garmin Vivoactive 4 bands.