Vivoactive 4 is a pretty decent smartwatch that offers core smartwatch functionality alongside multi-sport functionality. We look at some of the key features and aspects of the Garmin Vivoactive smartwatch. At the same time, we try to redress the most common queries sent by potential new buyers of the Vivoactive 4.
Vivoactive 4 does have an in-built pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygenation levels or oxygen saturation levels. The Pulse oximeter is a wrist-based sensor on the Garmin Vivoactive 4 smartwatch. The oxygen saturation levels are displayed on the Vivoactive 4 watch screen as SpO2 percentage readings. The data collected by the pulse oximeter is also shared with the Garmin Connect app on the paired smartphone. Garmin Connect app will capture and store the pulse oximeter data. Overall trends of the blood oxygenation saturation and levels are visible in the Garmin Connect app.
It would be pertinent to mention that both models of the Vivoactive have pulse oximeter sensors and functionality. In other words, Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4S have pulse oximeter functionality.
GPS on Vivoactive 4
Yes, Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S do have GPS. Vivoactive 4 and 4S support GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite systems for seamless GPS connectivity on the watch.
For better and more accurate GPS results, Garmin suggests using GPS + Galileo or GPS + GLONASS. Using GPS as a standalone satellite service provider works fine. However, the locational accuracy of using two GPS satellite systems in parallel is higher.
GPS is the satellite system that is owned and operated by the United States Government. There are 31 satellites in the GPS satellite system. You can read more about the GPS satellite system on the FAA website.
Galileo is the satellite system that is owned and operated by the European Space Agency. It has 26 satellites as of now. You can read more about Galileo on the ESA website. Galileo and GPS satellite systems are interoperable.
GLONASS is a satellite system that is owned and operated by the Russian Government. It has 24 active satellites as of writing this.
Using the Vivoactive 4 and 4S on GPS mode will consume the battery faster. On the smartwatch mode, a Garmin Vivoactive 4 will last for 8 days. On the GPS mode, the battery on Vivoactive 4 will last for 18 hours. If you use GPS + Galileo or GPS + GLONASS, the battery backup offered by Vivoactive 4 will further go down below the rated capacity of 18 hours.
iPhone and Vivoactive 4 compatibility
Yes, Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4S can work with the iPhone or iOS operating system of Apple. On a similar note, Vivoactive 4 and 4S can also work with the Android mobile operating system.
Vivoactive 4 and 4S can work with iOS 13 or higher. iOS 13 supports all iPhone models starting from the iPhone 6S. As of now, the main version of iOS is 15, while we know that the latest updated branch of iOS is the 15.4 version.
This implies that the following iPhone models are supported and compatible with the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S:
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPod touch (7th generation)
Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S work with the Garmin Connect app to provide seamless functionality on the paired iPhone. Garmin Connect app is available through the Apple app store.
Similar to the iPhone compatibility, Garmin Vivoactive 4 is also compatible with the Android mobile operating system. Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S can work with the Android operating system 7 or higher. As of writing this, the latest Android mobile operating system is version 12. Effectively, this means that most Android mobile phones can work with a Vivoactive 4 smartwatch.
Vivoactive 4 and 4S work with the Gamin Connect app for the Android mobile operating system. The Android app is available through the Google Play Store.
ANT+ wireless connectivity on Vivoactive 4
Yes, Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S do have ANT+ wireless connectivity. Both watches have ANT+ certified capabilities for:
- Bike Cadence
- Bike Lights
- Bike Radar
- Bike Speed
- Bike Speed and Cadence
- Foot Speed
- Heart Rate
- Step Count
ANT+ connectivity is supported on the following activities on Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4s:
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Running
- Health Monitoring
- Gym and Indoor Fitness
In particular, ANT+ will allow you to broadcast heart rate data to the paired Garmin devices from Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S smartwatches. The Vivoactive 4 and 4S will measure the heart rate through the Elevate Heart Rate Sensor. The heart rate is then broadcast through ANT+. The heart rate broadcast is one of the best features available through ANT+ on Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S smartwatches. Especially, when you are into fitness programs and activities like cycling and swimming.
You will need to pair the receiver device with the Garmin Vivoactive smartwatch for data transfer between the Vivoactive 4 and the receiver. In some cases, the Vivoactive 4 and the receiver may pair automatically. ANT+ wireless certification for the Vivoactive 4 and 4S is available for online validation.
Summary
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a decent smartwatch with a good set of smartwatch features and functionality. Vivoactive 4 and 4S support GPS and ANT+. A Vivoactive 4 smartwatch can also work seamlessly with iPhones and Android mobile operating systems.
You may also like to read the following content related to Garmin smartwatches:
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- Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Smartwatches
- Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs Apple Watch SE
- What is the difference between Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S?
- Garmin Vivoactive 4 Battery Drain
- Garmin Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 945
Helen Kurt is a geeky nerd who loves to cover the wearables space. She has over 5 years of experience in the smartwatch domain. You can reach her on email at [email protected].