Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs 4S: Which Size Fits You Best?

Struggling to choose between the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S? Both watches pack identical fitness features, but size matters. I recommend the Garmin Vivoactive 4 for its larger 1.3-inch display and superior 8-day battery life. The bigger screen makes workouts easier to follow, while the extra battery day provides more freedom. However, smaller wrists may prefer the 4S for comfort and style.

Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Vivoactive 4?

The larger Vivoactive 4 delivers several advantages that make it the better choice for most users:

• Larger Display Size: The Vivoactive 4 features a 1.3-inch screen compared to the 4S’s 1.1-inch display. This 0.2-inch difference significantly improves readability during workouts and makes animated exercises easier to follow. In contrast, the 4S’s smaller screen requires more squinting.

• Superior Resolution: With 260 x 260 pixels, the Vivoactive 4 offers sharper text and clearer graphics than the 4S’s 218 x 218 resolution. App interfaces and workout animations appear crisper and more detailed on the larger model.

• Extended Battery Life: The Vivoactive 4 lasts up to 8 days in smartwatch mode, giving you one full extra day compared to the 4S’s 7-day battery. During GPS tracking with music, you get 6 hours versus 5 hours on the 4S.

• More Screen Real Estate: The bigger display provides more comfortable touchscreen navigation and easier menu browsing. You’ll appreciate the extra space when reading notifications, viewing health stats, or following workout instructions.

• Longer GPS Tracking: The Vivoactive 4 delivers up to 18 hours of continuous GPS mode without music, compared to 15 hours on the 4S. This extra capacity benefits ultra-distance athletes and weekend warriors alike.

• Better For Reading: Whether checking messages, viewing maps, or following training plans, the larger screen reduces eye strain. Text appears noticeably bigger and more legible at a glance.

• Standard Watch Presence: The 45mm case size provides a more traditional watch appearance that many users prefer. It looks substantial on the wrist without feeling oversized or awkward.

• Wider Band Options: The Vivoactive 4 uses 22mm quick-release bands, offering more third-party accessory options than the 4S’s 18mm bands. More choices mean better personalization possibilities.

Side By Side Comparison Chart: Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs 4S

Feature	Garmin Vivoactive 4	Garmin Vivoactive 4S
Case Size	45mm	40mm
Display Size	1.3 inches	1.1 inches
Resolution	260 x 260 pixels	218 x 218 pixels
Weight	50.5 grams	40 grams
Battery (Smartwatch Mode)	Up to 8 days	Up to 7 days
Battery (GPS + Music)	Up to 6 hours	Up to 5 hours
Battery (GPS Only)	Up to 18 hours	Up to 15 hours
Band Width	22mm	18mm
Wrist Circumference	125-208mm	110-175mm
Case Dimensions	45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8mm	40 x 40 x 12.7mm
Color Options	Slate, Silver	Slate, Silver, Light Gold, Rose Gold
Best For	Larger wrists, longer battery	Smaller wrists, lighter weight

What Common Features Can Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs 4S Do?

Both models share identical fitness tracking capabilities and smart features, making them equally powerful regardless of size.

Comprehensive Health Monitoring

Both watches include Garmin’s Body Battery energy monitoring system that tracks your body’s energy reserves throughout the day. The system analyzes stress, heart rate variability, sleep quality, and activity to determine optimal workout and rest times. Pulse Ox sensors measure blood oxygen saturation during day and night, providing respiratory health insights. Advanced sleep tracking breaks down light, deep, and REM sleep stages for complete rest analysis.

Animated On-Screen Workouts

Each watch displays easy-to-follow animated workouts directly on the screen. Choose from preloaded cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates routines without needing your phone or tablet. The animated figures demonstrate proper form for each exercise, making home workouts simple and effective. You can download additional workouts from the Garmin Connect community.

Extensive Sports Tracking

Both models come with over 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps. Track running, cycling, swimming, golf, hiking, yoga, and many more activities. Built-in GPS provides accurate distance and pace data for outdoor activities. Pool swim tracking automatically detects stroke type and counts laps efficiently.

Respiration Tracking

The watches monitor your breathing rate 24/7, during sleep, and during specific breathwork activities. This feature helps you understand stress levels and relaxation effectiveness. Guided breathwork activities help manage stress and improve focus through controlled breathing exercises.

Music Storage and Streaming

Both watches store up to 500 songs directly on the device for phone-free listening. Connect Bluetooth headphones and enjoy music during workouts without carrying your smartphone. Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer integration allows playlist syncing when connected to WiFi.

Smart Notifications

Receive texts, calls, calendar alerts, and app notifications directly on your wrist. Android users can respond to messages using preset text responses. iOS users can see notifications but cannot reply from the watch.

Garmin Pay Contactless Payments

Both models support Garmin Pay for contactless payments at compatible terminals. Load your credit or debit cards into the Garmin wallet and leave your physical wallet at home. Transaction security remains robust through tokenization technology.

Safety and Tracking Features

Incident detection automatically sends your location to emergency contacts if the watch detects a fall during select activities. Assistance features let you manually send your location to preset contacts when you need help. LiveTrack shares your real-time location with friends and family during activities.

Stress Tracking and Relax Reminders

Both watches continuously monitor stress levels based on heart rate variability. When stress levels climb, the watch suggests relaxation exercises and guided breathing sessions. Regular reminders help maintain balanced stress levels throughout busy days.

Hydration and Menstrual Cycle Tracking

Log daily water intake directly on the watch to maintain proper hydration. Women can track menstrual cycles, log symptoms, and receive insights about training and nutrition for each cycle phase. Cycle information appears directly on the wrist for convenient access.

Common Features of Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs 4S

Feature	Garmin Vivoactive 4	Garmin Vivoactive 4S
Display Type	Transflective MIP	Transflective MIP
Touchscreen	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Physical Buttons	2 buttons	2 buttons
Always-On Display	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Water Rating	5 ATM (50m)	5 ATM (50m)
GPS	✅ Built-in	✅ Built-in
GLONASS	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Galileo	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Optical Heart Rate	✅ Elevate V3	✅ Elevate V3
Pulse Ox Sensor	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Body Battery	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Respiration Tracking	✅ 24/7	✅ 24/7
Sleep Tracking	✅ Advanced	✅ Advanced
Stress Tracking	✅ All-day	✅ All-day
VO2 Max	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Music Storage	500 songs	500 songs
Spotify/Amazon Music	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Garmin Pay	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Smart Notifications	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Preloaded Sports Apps	20+	20+
Animated Workouts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Incident Detection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Menstrual Tracking	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hydration Tracking	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Bluetooth	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
ANT+	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
WiFi	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Barometric Altimeter	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Compass	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Gyroscope	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Accelerometer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Thermometer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

A Detailed Comparison Of the Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs 4S

Display and Screen Size

The Vivoactive 4 features a 45mm diameter case with a 1.3-inch display offering 260 x 260 pixel resolution. This larger screen provides excellent visibility for viewing workout animations and reading notifications comfortably. The extra real estate makes touchscreen navigation smoother and less cramped. The Vivoactive 4S comes with a 40mm case and 1.1-inch screen at 218 x 218 resolution. While smaller, the display remains perfectly readable and functional for all tasks. The reduced size appeals to users wanting a more subtle, lighter watch on their wrist.

Weight and Comfort

The Vivoactive 4 weighs 50.5 grams, making it noticeably heavier than its smaller sibling. This additional weight gives the watch a more substantial feel that some users prefer for its premium sensation. However, the extra mass becomes noticeable during sleep tracking or all-day wear. The Vivoactive 4S weighs only 40 grams, making it more comfortable and lightweight. The reduced weight makes it ideal for 24/7 wear, including sleep tracking, without causing wrist fatigue or discomfort during extended use.

Battery Life Performance

The Vivoactive 4 delivers up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS with music mode. This extended battery life means charging once weekly for most users. In GPS-only mode without music, you get up to 18 hours of continuous tracking. The Vivoactive 4S provides up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 5 hours in GPS with music mode. The one-day difference in smartwatch mode and one-hour difference in GPS mode remain minimal for most users’ daily needs.

Band Compatibility and Wrist Size

The Vivoactive 4 uses 22mm quick-release bands and fits wrists from 125-208mm in circumference. The standard 22mm width offers abundant third-party band options from various manufacturers. This compatibility makes customization easy and affordable with countless styles available. The Vivoactive 4S features 18mm bands designed for wrists measuring 110-175mm in circumference. While fewer third-party options exist for 18mm bands, Garmin offers sufficient variety in materials and colors for personalization.

Physical Dimensions

The Vivoactive 4 measures 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8mm, creating a noticeable presence on the wrist. This larger footprint provides a traditional watch appearance that many users find appealing and substantial. The bigger case accommodates the larger battery and display without compromising sleekness. The Vivoactive 4S measures 40 x 40 x 12.7mm, offering a more compact and discreet profile. The smaller dimensions reduce visual bulk on smaller wrists, preventing the oversized watch look. The minimal size difference in thickness (0.1mm) means both watches sit similarly flat on the wrist.

Color and Style Options

The Vivoactive 4 comes in two sophisticated finishes: slate stainless steel with black silicone band and silver stainless steel with gray band. These classic color combinations suit professional and athletic environments equally well. The limited options keep styling straightforward and versatile. The Vivoactive 4S offers four attractive colors: Slate, Silver, Light Gold, and Rose Gold. The additional light gold and rose gold options provide more fashion-forward choices that appeal to style-conscious users seeking personality in their wearables.

Screen Readability

The Vivoactive 4’s 260 x 260 resolution delivers sharper text rendering and more detailed graphics across all applications. Reading workout instructions, viewing maps, and checking notifications feels effortless even without reading glasses. The larger icons and text reduce eye strain during extended viewing sessions. The Vivoactive 4S’s 218 x 218 resolution still provides crisp, clear visuals suitable for all functions. While slightly less sharp, the difference becomes noticeable only during direct side-by-side comparisons. Most users find the clarity perfectly adequate for daily fitness tracking and smartwatch duties.

GPS Tracking Duration

The Vivoactive 4 supports up to 18 hours of continuous GPS tracking without music playing. This extended duration accommodates ultra-marathons, century bike rides, and full-day hiking adventures. The robust GPS battery performance eliminates range anxiety for most athletic endeavors. The Vivoactive 4S offers up to 15 hours of GPS-only tracking mode. While three hours shorter, this duration still covers most marathons, long training rides, and day hikes. Few recreational athletes require more than 15 hours of continuous GPS tracking per session.

Conclusion

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 wins for most users seeking maximum battery life and screen size. Its 8-day battery, 1.3-inch display, and 18-hour GPS tracking justify the minimal size increase. Larger wrists particularly benefit from the 45mm case and improved readability. However, the Vivoactive 4S excels for petite wrists prioritizing comfort and lighter weight. Both deliver identical fitness features, so your wrist size determines the winner. Choose the 4 for performance, the 4S for comfort.

FAQs

Q: Are the fitness features different between the 4 and 4S?

A: No, both watches offer identical fitness tracking capabilities, health monitoring sensors, and smart features. The only differences are physical size, display dimensions, battery capacity, and available colors. All software features remain the same across models.

Q: Which watch is better for small wrists?

A: The Vivoactive 4S fits wrists from 110-175mm circumference and weighs only 40 grams, making it ideal for smaller wrists. The 40mm case prevents the oversized watch appearance. If your wrist measures under 165mm, choose the 4S for optimal comfort.

Q: Can I use the same watch bands on both models?

A: No, the Vivoactive 4 uses 22mm quick-release bands while the 4S requires 18mm bands. They are not interchangeable. However, both use Garmin’s quick-release system for easy band swapping within their respective sizes.

Q: Is the battery life difference significant?

A: The Vivoactive 4 lasts 8 days in smartwatch mode versus 7 days for the 4S. This one-day difference proves minimal for most users. Both watches require weekly charging with typical use, so the battery gap rarely impacts daily life.

Q: Does the screen size affect workout visibility?

A: The Vivoactive 4’s 1.3-inch screen displays animated workouts with noticeably more detail than the 4S’s 1.1-inch display. Larger screens improve readability during exercises. However, both screens remain perfectly functional for following workout instructions and viewing stats.

Q: Which model offers more color choices?

A: The Vivoactive 4S offers four colors (Slate, Silver, Light Gold, Rose Gold) compared to the Vivoactive 4’s two options. If color variety matters, the 4S provides more fashionable choices for personal style preferences.

Q: How much heavier is the Vivoactive 4?

A: The Vivoactive 4 weighs 50.5 grams compared to the 4S’s 40 grams—a 10.5-gram difference. This weight difference becomes noticeable during sleep tracking and all-day wear. The 4S feels lighter and less intrusive on the wrist.

Q: Can both watches track swimming?

A: Yes, both models feature 5 ATM water resistance rating (50 meters) and include dedicated pool swimming modes. They automatically detect stroke type, count laps, and calculate SWOLF scores. Neither watch is suitable for diving or high-velocity water sports.