The Garmin Vivoactive series has long been a favorite among those who seek smartwatches that are as stylish as they are functional. As a part of Garmin's extensive range of fitness and outdoor wearables, the Vivoactive 4 and its successor, the Vivoactive 5, offer a variety of features that cater to fitness enthusiasts, casual athletes, and those simply looking for a well-rounded smartwatch. However, as with many product releases, the newer version raises the question: is the Garmin Vivoactive 5 truly a step up from the Vivoactive 4, or does the older model still hold its ground in the market?

The Vivoactive 4 was released with a focus on providing users with a full-featured smartwatch that could track a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to yoga and swimming. It featured a bright touchscreen display, advanced health metrics such as heart rate monitoring, respiration tracking, and sleep analysis, and offered up to eight days of battery life. As a fitness companion, the Vivoactive 4 quickly gained attention for its affordability in comparison to higher-end Garmin models like the Garmin fēnix 7 PRO SOLAR or the Garmin fēnix 7X SOLAR (51 mm), yet it still provided many of the same core features such as GPS tracking, pulse oximeter sensors, and activity tracking.

The Vivoactive 5, on the other hand, takes what made the 4 popular and refines it with improved software and design upgrades. One of the standout differences is the upgraded hardware, including a brighter, higher-resolution touchscreen display. This upgrade makes it even easier to read notifications, track metrics, and interact with the watch's numerous features. Additionally, the Vivoactive 5 now includes more advanced health metrics, including stress tracking and enhanced sleep monitoring. As with its predecessor, the Vivoactive 5 still offers excellent fitness tracking, but the addition of these advanced features makes it a better all-around companion for those looking to dive deeper into their fitness data.

While the Vivoactive 4 and 5 both cater to fitness enthusiasts, the 5 has a few additional features that make it stand out. The battery life on the Vivoactive 5 has been slightly optimized, offering up to seven days of battery life depending on usage. However, it still falls short when compared to the longer-lasting options like the Garmin fēnix 7X SOLAR which can last weeks on a single charge due to its solar-powered capabilities. For people who often find themselves far from a charging outlet, the Garmin fēnix 8, 51mm with its solar charging feature would be more fitting.

In terms of size, both models maintain the same sleek design, but the Vivoactive 5 is slightly slimmer and lighter, making it more comfortable for all-day wear, especially for those who prefer a more minimalist look. The Vivoactive 5 is also available in different colors, allowing for more personalization. The larger screen is ideal for those who want more space to view metrics like heart rate, pace, and more. This is a significant improvement over the Vivoactive 4, where the display sometimes felt slightly cramped for users with larger fingers or who prefer larger text.

Both watches are compatible with Garmin's robust fitness ecosystem, allowing you to track detailed data on your workouts, including VO2 max, training load, and recovery time. However, the Vivoactive 5 has additional features such as improved GPS accuracy and more workout modes, including the ability to track more niche sports like golf or snowboarding. This makes the Vivoactive 5 an ideal choice for someone looking for a wider range of activity tracking, but it's still not on the level of Garmin's more premium models, such as the Garmin fēnix 7 or fēnix 8 series, which offer even greater features for adventure sports and extreme outdoor activities.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 also comes with the ability to store music offline, which means you can listen to your favorite playlist or podcast while on a run or during a workout without needing to carry your phone. This feature was introduced in the Vivoactive 4, but it has been slightly improved in the Vivoactive 5 with enhanced audio streaming capabilities and additional support for more music apps.

When it comes to fitness-focused smartwatches, the Vivoactive 4 and 5 stand out for their balance of performance, style, and accessibility. The Vivoactive 5 is a marked improvement, offering more advanced features, better customization, and a more refined design. That said, the Vivoactive 4 is still a solid option, particularly for those on a budget or for those who don't need the extra bells and whistles offered by the Vivoactive 5. If you're on the hunt for a watch that provides excellent value for money while still covering the basics of fitness tracking, the Vivoactive 4 remains a highly competitive option in the market.

In conclusion, the choice between the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 5 ultimately comes down to your specific needs. If you prefer a sleeker design, more advanced tracking capabilities, and additional features like stress monitoring, the Vivoactive 5 is the obvious upgrade. However, if you're looking for something that provides excellent fitness tracking without the extra features, the Vivoactive 4 is still a top contender. For those who need a watch with more robust outdoor features or solar-powered battery life, considering other models like the Garmin fēnix 7 or Garmin fēnix 7 PRO SOLAR may be a better option.