Garmin vivoactive 4 Smartwatch Review - Features, Music, Fitness Tracking
Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4, GPS Smartwatch Review
The Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 is a feature-packed smartwatch that combines style and functionality. This GPS smartwatch is designed for individuals who lead an active lifestyle and want to monitor their health and fitness goals. With its sleek silver and gray band, it is not only a practical accessory but also a fashion statement. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various features and capabilities of the Garmin vivoactive 4, including its health tracking capabilities, music integration, sports apps, battery life, and customization options. Join us as we explore what makes this smartwatch a top contender in the wearable technology market.
Product Description
The Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 is a feature-packed GPS smartwatch that offers a wide range of functionalities to help you stay fit and connected. This sleek and stylish watch comes in a silver color with a gray band, made from durable aluminum material.
One of the standout features of this smartwatch is its ability to keep track of various health metrics. Whether you want to monitor your energy levels, pulse oximetry, respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, estimated heart rate, or hydration, this watch has got you covered. It provides you with valuable insights into your overall well-being, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health.
Another impressive feature of the Garmin vivoactive 4 is its ability to play music. You can easily download your favorite songs directly to the watch, including playlists from popular music platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer (premium subscription may be required). With the ability to connect to headphones, you can enjoy your music on the go without the need for a phone.
For fitness enthusiasts, this smartwatch offers over 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps. Whether you enjoy yoga, running, swimming, or any other activity, you can track your workouts and monitor your progress with ease. The strap material is made of silicone, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit during your workouts.
In addition to tracking your activities, the Garmin vivoactive 4 also provides animated workouts on the watch screen. With a wide range of exercises including cardio, strength training, yoga, and Pilates, you can follow along with the animated demonstrations to ensure proper form and maximize your workouts.
With a battery life of up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours in GPS and music mode, this watch keeps up with your active lifestyle. You won't have to worry about constantly charging it, allowing you to focus on your workouts and daily activities.
Furthermore, the Garmin vivoactive 4 allows for personalization. You can choose from thousands of free watch faces, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ store to customize your watch to suit your style and preferences.
With thousands of positive customer reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, the Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 is a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch that offers exceptional value for its price. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or someone looking to improve their overall health, this watch is a worthy investment.
Pros and Cons
After thoroughly researching and analyzing the Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 Smartwatch, we have compiled a list of its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
Comprehensive Fitness Tracking: The Garmin vivoactive 4 is a remarkable fitness tracker that offers a wide range of features to monitor and improve your health and fitness. It includes advanced metrics such as body energy monitoring, pulse ox sensors, and animated workouts. With this smartwatch, you can accurately track your heart rate, sleep patterns, stress levels, and even monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels. It provides valuable insights into your overall well-being and helps you make better lifestyle choices.
Music on the Go: One of the standout features of the vivoactive 4 is its ability to store and play music directly from the watch. With enough storage capacity to hold up to 500 songs, you can enjoy your favorite tunes without having to carry your smartphone. Whether you're hitting the gym or going for a run, the built-in music player allows you to stay motivated and entertained throughout your workouts.
Long Battery Life: The vivoactive 4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, ensuring that it will last through your busiest days. Whether you're tracking your activities, receiving smart notifications, or using GPS, this smartwatch won't leave you stranded with a dead battery. It's perfect for those who want to wear their watch all day and night without worrying about frequent charging.
Cons:
Limited Garmin Pay Support: While the vivoactive 4 offers Garmin Pay, a contactless payment solution, it currently has limited support in some regions. In the UK, for example, it is only compatible with Santander bank accounts. This can be disappointing for users who prefer to make payments directly from their smartwatch and have accounts with other banks.
Lack of Compatibility with Non-Smartphones: The vivoactive 4 is designed to be compatible with smartphones, which means it may not sync or function seamlessly with non-smartphone devices. If you primarily use a non-smartphone device, such as a tablet or laptop, you may not be able to take full advantage of all the features this smartwatch has to offer.
Pricey Investment: While the Garmin vivoactive 4 offers an extensive range of features and functionalities, it comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to some other smartwatches on the market. If you're on a tight budget, this may not be the most affordable option for you. However, considering the advanced fitness tracking capabilities and long-lasting battery life, the investment may be worth it for those serious about their health and fitness journey.
In conclusion, the Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 Smartwatch offers comprehensive fitness tracking features, built-in music player, and a long-lasting battery life. However, it has limited Garmin Pay support, may not be compatible with non-smartphone devices, and comes with a higher price tag. Overall, it is a great choice for fitness enthusiasts who want a versatile and reliable smartwatch to track their activities and improve their overall well-being.
Customer Reviews
The Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 has received an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from a total of 16,283 customer ratings. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this GPS smartwatch.
One satisfied customer expressed their delight in switching from a Fitbit to the Garmin vivoactive 4. They were initially reluctant to switch brands but were pleasantly surprised by the features and performance of the vivoactive 4.
Another customer praised the vivoactive 4 for its accuracy during exercises, especially in comparison to their previous Fitbit Charge 5, which died within 8 months.
One customer mentioned that they had experienced issues with their previous smartwatch, a Huwaei, and decided to give the vivoactive 4 a try. They were pleased with its seamless synchronization with their phone and app.
While many customers were satisfied with the sports and app features of the vivoactive 4, one customer mentioned that Garmin Pay was currently useless in the UK unless you have a Santander bank account.
A customer who left a review in Portuguese complimented the GPS capabilities of the vivoactive 4, stating it was the best on the market.
Overall, the customer reviews for the Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 are highly positive, with many customers praising its performance, accuracy, and seamless synchronization. However, there were a few mentions of limitations with Garmin Pay availability in certain regions.
Conclusion
The Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 is a feature-packed smartwatch that offers a wide range of health and fitness tracking capabilities. With its stylish design and durable aluminum construction, it is both functional and attractive. The watch's ability to monitor energy levels, pulse oximetry, respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, heart rate, and hydration sets it apart from other smartwatches on the market.
One of the standout features of the vivoactive 4 is its music capabilities. Users can easily download songs and playlists from popular music platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music, allowing for a phone-free listening experience during workouts. Additionally, the watch comes with over 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, making it a versatile companion for various physical activities.
The battery life of the vivoactive 4 is impressive, with up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours in GPS and music mode. This ensures that the watch will last through extended workouts without needing to be charged frequently.
While the vivoactive 4 offers a plethora of features, some users may find the price tag of $297.99 to be steep. However, considering the range of capabilities and the brand reputation of Garmin, the price can be justified for those seeking a high-quality smartwatch.
In conclusion, the Garmin 010-02174-01 vivoactive 4 is a top-notch smartwatch that combines style, functionality, and advanced health tracking features. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable companion for your daily activities, this watch ticks all the boxes. With its impressive array of features and positive customer reviews, the vivoactive 4 comes highly recommended for anyone in search of a premium smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Garmin vivoactive 4 compatible with all smartphones?
Yes, the Garmin vivoactive 4 is compatible with most smartphones. It can be paired with both Android and iPhone devices. Simply download the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone and follow the instructions to pair it with your vivoactive 4. Keep in mind that the Garmin Connect app may have different features and functionality depending on the type of smartphone you have.
2. What is the battery life of the Garmin vivoactive 4?
The Garmin vivoactive 4 has a battery life of up to 18 hours in smartwatch mode and up to 7 days in smartwatch mode with music playback. This means you can wear it all day and track your activities without worrying about frequent charging. The lithium-ion battery ensures long-lasting performance, giving you peace of mind during workouts or outdoor adventures.
3. Can I use the Garmin vivoactive 4 for swimming?
Yes, the Garmin vivoactive 4 is suitable for swimming. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it perfect for tracking your swimming sessions in the pool or open water. The vivoactive 4 also offers advanced swim metrics, including stroke count, distance, pace, and SWOLF score. Plus, its sleek design and lightweight aluminum construction make it comfortable to wear while swimming.
4. Does the Garmin vivoactive 4 have built-in GPS?
Yes, the Garmin vivoactive 4 features built-in GPS. This allows you to accurately track your outdoor activities such as running, cycling, hiking, and more. The GPS functionality provides precise distance, pace, and location data, giving you valuable insights into your fitness and outdoor adventures. Whether you're exploring new trails or training for a race, the vivoactive 4 has you covered.
5. Can I listen to music on the Garmin vivoactive 4?
Yes, the Garmin vivoactive 4 allows you to listen to music directly from your smartwatch. You can download your favorite songs or playlists from select music streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer, and listen to them through Bluetooth headphones. This means you can enjoy your favorite tunes while working out or on the go, without needing to carry your smartphone with you.
6. Does the Garmin vivoactive 4 track sleep?
Yes, the Garmin vivoactive 4 offers advanced sleep tracking features. It can monitor your sleep duration, quality, and stages, providing you with valuable insights into your sleep patterns. By analyzing your sleep data, you can make adjustments to improve your sleep habits and overall well-being. The vivoactive 4 also offers a Pulse Ox sensor that estimates your blood oxygen saturation levels during sleep, giving you a comprehensive view of your sleep health.
7. Can I receive notifications on the Garmin vivoactive 4?
Yes, the Garmin vivoactive 4 allows you to receive notifications from your smartphone directly on your smartwatch. You can stay connected and receive alerts for calls, texts, emails, and other app notifications. This ensures that you never miss an important message or update, even when your phone is not easily accessible. You can customize the notifications settings through the Garmin Connect app to suit your preferences.
8. Is the Garmin vivoactive 4 suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Garmin vivoactive 4 is suitable for beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts alike. It offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls, making it easy to navigate and use. The vivoactive 4 also provides animated on-screen workouts that guide you through various exercises and activities, helping you stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals. With its comprehensive tracking features and personalized insights, it's a great companion for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness levels.