The Garmin Vivoactive series is known for its balance between fitness tracking, smartwatch features, and battery life.
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With the release of the Garmin Vivoactive 5, many users are wondering how it compares to its predecessor. While both watches are great for active users, there are some key differences that might make one a better choice than the other depending on your needs.
In this article, we’ll compare the two watches, highlighting their differences, improvements, and whether it’s worth upgrading.
Quick Summary
⌚ The Garmin Vivoactive 5 improves upon the Vivoactive 4 with a brighter AMOLED display, longer battery life (11 vs. 8 days), and advanced sleep tracking with nap detection. It also introduces a Wheelchair Mode for accessibility and features a higher-resolution screen for better visibility.
These upgrades make the Vivoactive 5 more refined for health tracking and daily use.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Vivoactive 4
Released in 2019, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a well-rounded fitness smartwatch that offers:
- Built-in GPS for accurate tracking
- Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen monitoring
- On-screen animated workouts for strength, yoga, and Pilates
- Music storage with Spotify and Amazon Music compatibility
- 8-day battery life in smartwatch mode
🏃 It has been a popular choice for casual athletes, offering a mix of fitness features and everyday smartwatch functionality.
Overview of the Vivoactive 5
The Vivoactive 5, released in 2023, brings several upgrades over the Vivoactive 4, including:
- A higher-resolution AMOLED display for vibrant colors and better visibility
- Improved battery life with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
- Sleep Coach & nap detection, offering advanced sleep insights
- Wheelchair mode, making it more accessible
- New user interface & performance improvements
🏃 These enhancements make the Vivoactive 5 more refined, particularly in display quality, battery life, and sleep tracking.
👉 Check Price and Reviews on Amazon 🏷️
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Vivoactive 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2023 |
| Display Type | Transflective MIP | ✅ AMOLED (Brighter, More Vibrant) |
| Screen Size | 1.3” | 1.2” |
| Resolution | 260 x 260 pixels | ✅ 390 x 390 pixels |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | 8 days | ✅ 11 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | 18 hours | ✅ 21 hours |
| Sleep Tracking | Basic | ✅ Advanced Sleep Coach & Nap Tracking |
| Pulse Ox (Blood Oxygen Monitoring) | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | ✅ Yes (Newer Gen) |
| Workout Animations | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | No | No |
| Garmin Pay (Contactless Payments) | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair Mode | No | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-Band GPS | No | No |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Key Differences Explained
⌚ Display: AMOLED vs. MIP
The biggest difference is display technology. The Vivoactive 5’s AMOLED screen is brighter, sharper, and more colorful compared to the transflective MIP (memory-in-pixel) display on the Vivoactive 4. If you prefer richer colors and better contrast, the Vivoactive 5 wins here.
🔋Battery Life Improvements
Despite having a brighter AMOLED display, the Vivoactive 5 extends battery life to 11 days in smartwatch mode (vs. 8 days on the Vivoactive 4). This is a major improvement for users who don’t want to charge their watch frequently.
😴 Sleep Tracking & Nap Detection
The Vivoactive 5 introduces Garmin’s new “Sleep Coach” feature, offering detailed sleep insights, personalized recommendations, and nap detection—something missing in the Vivoactive 4. If you prioritize sleep tracking, this is a compelling upgrade.
♿ Wheelchair Mode
The Vivoactive 5 is Garmin’s first smartwatch with a dedicated “Wheelchair Mode,” which tracks pushes instead of steps and offers tailored fitness insights. If you need an accessible fitness tracker, the Vivoactive 5 is a better choice.
👉 Check Price and Reviews on Amazon 🏷️
Should You Upgrade to the Vivoactive 5?
✅ Upgrade to the Vivoactive 5 if:
✔️ You want a better display (AMOLED vs. MIP)
✔️ You value longer battery life (11 vs. 8 days)
✔️ You need advanced sleep tracking & nap detection
✔️ You want a more future-proof device
🚫 Stick with the Vivoactive 4 if:
❌ You already own one and are happy with it
❌ You don’t need a better display or sleep tracking
❌ You want to save money (the Vivoactive 4 is often on sale)
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
- If you want the latest features, best display, and better battery life → Go for the Garmin Vivoactive 5.
- If you want a solid fitness smartwatch at a lower price → Stick with the Garmin Vivoactive 4.
Both are great all-around fitness watches, but the Vivoactive 5 offers meaningful upgrades for those who prioritize screen quality, battery life, and sleep tracking.
