Garmin Venu and Vivoactive 4 share a lot of features that it is almost impossible to tire them apart. Here is a Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4 quick table to help you get a picture of how the two Garmin wearables compare.
Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4 Comparison Table
| GARMIN VENU | VIVOACTIVE 4 | |
| Display | 1.2”, AMOLED | 1.3”, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
| Companion App | Garmin Connect App | Garmin Connect App |
| Sensors | Heart Rate monitor, onboard GPS, SpO2, accelerometer | Heart Rate monitor, onboard GPS, SpO2, accelerometer |
| Activity Tracking | Blood oxygen levels, climbing, running, cycling, calories burned, heart rate, sleep | Calories burned, Step count, stair climbed, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels, running, walking, hiking |
| Mobile Payment | Yes (Garmin Pay) | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Battery Life | Up to 7+ days (smartwatch mode) & 6 hours (GPS mode + Music) No Power Saving Mode | Up to 8 days (smartwatch mode) & 8 hours (GPS mode + Music) No Power Saving Mode |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Design and Display: Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4
Garmin Venu is a durable smartwatch that comes with a sporty feel. It is less in weight and thus comfortable around the wrist.
Venu comes with an AMOLED display that measures 1.2 inches. The graphics are easy to read thanks to the 390 x 390-pixel resolution.
On the other hand, Garmin Vivoactive 4 comes with a 1.3 inches colored display made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 which makes it hard to break and get scratches.
Vivoactive 4 has a display resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. The display on Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a touchscreen, very much responsive to touch and hence user-friendly.
The wristband on both Garmin watches is replaceable, you get to customize the watch according to the outfit your day’s outfit. The Garmin wrist straps are available on Amazon in various designs and colors.
Activities Tracked: Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4
Garmin Venu and Vivoactive 4 feature Pulse Ox sensors. The work of the Pulse Ox (SpO2 sensor) is to monitor the blood oxygen levels throughout the day.
The sensor will also monitor how the body takes up oxygen during the night while you sleep. There are accelerometers on both watches and their work is to calculate the number of staircases climbed. The accelerometer is also important because it tracks your elevation as you climb mountains.
In addition, there is a heart rate sensor that ensures all heart activities (resting heart, heart rate variability e.tc) are monitored. The heart rate sensor on Garmin Vivoactive 4 will be able to tell whether the heartbeat is regular or irregular.
You can go cashless with either of the watches and that’s because they both make a contactless payment. You will also get to know the number of calories you burn throughout the day and night.
Last but not least, you will be able to track your sleep from either of the watches. And for that, you find ways to customize your nap time for better sleep.
Companion Apps: Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4
Both watches use companion apps to function fully. Fortunately, Garmin Venu and Vivoactive 4 use the same companion app which is the Garmin Connect App.
Compatibility: Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4
Unlike Apple Watches (Apple Watch 5, Apple Watch 6, Apple Watch 7, and Apple Watch 4) which are compatible with iOS devices, Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Venu are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
We also have the Garmin Connect IQ that makes it possible for the user to download widgets, field data, app, and clock faces
Location Tracking: Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4
Garmin Vivoactive 4 comes with both GPs and a compass to map your routes. Venu on the other hand comes with an onboard GPS to help you monitor your routes as you run, cycle, or walk.
Other Garmin watches that come with built-in GPS include Garmin Venu Sq, Forerunner 45 (FR45), Fenix 6, Fenix 6X, and Forerunner (FR35) 35.
Price: Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4
Garmin Vivoactive 4 comes at about $300 for each of its versions, the 40mm and 45 mm versions. While the Garmin Venu comes at about $150.
Garmin Vivoactive is double the price of Garmin Venu. Talking of affordability, the Venu watch is more affordable than the Vivoactive 4.
Battery Life: Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4
Both Garmin Venu and Vivoactive 4 come with good battery life. For instance, Garmin Venu will serve for about 8 days on smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours with GPS mode and music on.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 on the other hand will serve you for about 7 days when on smartwatch mode and about 20 hours while on GPS mode and 6 hours with both GPS mode and music on.
Both Garmin watches qualify for purchase when battery life is an important aspect. Unfortunately, there are no power-saving modes on both watches.
In case you are looking for a watch that comes with a power-saving mode consider the Garmin Fenix 6 smartwatch which extends the battery life from 14 days to 48 days.
Water Resistance
Both Garmin watches are waterproof and can withstand water pressure of up to 50 meters. Garmin Venu and Vivoactive 4 can be worn while swimming or having a shower.
Which Smartwatch should I Buy: Garmin Venu or Vivoactive 4?
Although the price might limit you, Garmin Vivoactive 4 is still the smartwatch to go for if you want the best of the two.
Even so, both Garmin Venu and Vivoactive 4 stand a chance to be purchased. You can choose either of the watches if you want a watch that can service tones of dives into the pool.
Both watches have GPS modes and a compass for Vivoactive 4 to ensure you never get lost while working out or taking a walk in a new location.
If you want a watch that offers accurate ECG readings then consider Garmin Venu over Vivoactive 4.
Also, both watches are options when all you want is good battery life. Garmin Venu is the watch to go for in case, you are looking for a more affordable smartwatch.
What you end up choosing between Garmin Venu and Garmin Vivoactive 4 are the features you are more into.
