Fitness Gadgets Wearables for your connected health In the Garmin Vivofit 4 review we look at the latest offspring of the Vivofit model series. The Vivofit series is known for its minimalist features and an outstanding battery life of approx. one year. If the battery is empty, you replace it with another battery. The new features include a permanently active color display without reducing battery life, says the manufacturer.
Garmin Vivofit 4 Review – Appearance
The Garmin Vivofit 4 is an extremely minimalist device, which is reflected in every respect. Users can use the tracker as a daily watch, activity tracker and pedometer. The device is also equipped with a countdown timer and a stopwatch.
The contents of the packaging also contain only the essentials:
Because the Garmin Vivofit 4 does not need to be charged, no charging cable is included. If necessary, the battery is simply replaced with a new one.
The workmanship and design of the Garmin Vivofit 4 make a very good impression. The closure is realized like a classic watch, which simplifies handling.
The silicone band is comfortable to wear and cuddly. The exchangeable band is very robust and stable and promises a long lifetime. The Garmin Vivofit 4 also has the typical Garmin Tracker water resistance of 5 ATM (device suitable for swimming).
The Garmin Vivofit 4 is operated with only one button integrated in the display. The continuously active transflective 8-colour MIP display (memory in pixels) is almost always very easy to read. In dark environments, the backlight must be activated at the touch of a button to read the display.
Garmin Vivofit 4 features at a glance
Before we dive into the details in the Garmin Vivofit 4 review, these are the features of the Vivofit 4 mentioned by the manufacturer:
- Permanently activated colour display and slim shape
- Over one year battery life
- Customizable display design with color themes, watch faces and individual text modules
- Basic model available in white (sizes S/M), black (sizes S / M / L) or black speckled (sizes S/M)
- Classic fitness tracker functions, such as pedometer, intensity minutes and sleep analysis
- Move IQ for automatic time recording of different sports
- Weather information and Find my Phone function
- Interchangeable bands in merlot or marine speckled (sizes S / M)
Garmin Vivofit 4 Review – the tracker in everyday life
The Vivofit 4 is worn all day and is linked to a Garmin Connect account. After synchronization, recorded data such as step and sleep data can be analyzed, total values displayed and insights gained into one’s own activities. The Garmin Connect account is also used to take part in challenges and compete against friends.
In our Garmin Vivofit 4 review we connect the device with an Apple iOS smartphone (iPhone 8 Plus) without problems:
In addition, device settings can be individually adjusted, such as number blocks in different variants, different color themes or a personal motivational slogan. You can also customize visible pages, the frequency of automatic synchronization, and more. Many settings can already be made when pairing with the smartphone:
The device stores the steps per day, sleep statistics and fitness activities with time indication for up to 4 weeks. At the latest then a synchronization with the app must be initiated, otherwise recorded data could be lost. Automatic fitness goals motivate you to stay active. They are based on the activities of the previous day and set new individual step targets every day. Thus, the Garmin Vivofit 4 gradually promotes a healthier lifestyle, but pays attention to the wearer’s current level of activity. This prevents too high and unattainable goals being set that can be demotivating.
The Garmin Vivofit 4 not only stores the number of steps, distance, calorie consumption and sleep data, but also keeps track of periods of inactivity. A beep indicates inactivity after one hour and reminds you when it is time for movement. This can avoid prolonged sitting, for example, which can have a negative effect on the metabolism.
In our Garmin Vivofit 4 review, we found that the tracker counts more steps rather than less, especially when counting steps. Because of the movement of the hand, steps are diligently counted even while brushing your teeth, even though you are standing on the spot. The pedometer should therefore rather be regarded as an activity counter. At this point it should be mentioned that in our experience most fitness bands behave similarly.
Garmin Vivofit 4 Price and availability
According to the manufacturer, the Garmin Vivofit 4 is available at an EIA price of $79.99, for example here:
Garmin Vivofit 4 Review – Conclusion
We allow ourselves a few more days until the final review conclusion of the Garmin Vivofit 4.