Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Garmin Vivoactive 4

The Galaxy Watch 3 boasts some of the best internals on a smartwatch. Garmin's Vivoactive 4 tries to match up, but how close does it come?

Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch 3 blends high-end technology with a traditional design that most will find familiar. Although the sporty looks and matching capabilities of Garmin's Vivoactive 4 might make things a bit more competitive. The Galaxy Watch 3 has a lot in common with the Apple Watch 5, making it among the most handy wearables currently available on the market.

With its fitness-tracking features and ample processing power, Samsung's latest smartwatch is capable enough to stand on its own, without the help of a smartphone. On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 has tons of features as well, but its design aesthetics and fitness-focused capabilities cater more to fitness buffs than casual wearers. While both watches might not be carrying Qualcomm's most powerful smartwatch processor, they still pack enough features expected from next-generation wearables.

The Galaxy Watch 3 specs reveals the same Exynos 9110 dual-core processor, 360 x 360 resolution AMOLED display, and 340 mAh battery capacity, found in last year's Galaxy Watch Active 2, albeit with a bigger 8GB internal storage. Of course, the biggest changes are its updated operating system, new software features and finally, the addition of an electrocardiogram sensor. As for Garmin's Vivoactive 4, its data sheet shows a lower 260 x 260 resolution display and no ECG or any optical heart rate sensors. However, its variety of fitness trackers tries to make up for whatever it's lacking in the hardware department. For example, a buyer will get pre-loaded exercise regimens, a built-in GPS sports apps, and an option to pick among top-level athletes as a personal coach.

Galaxy Watch 3 Vs. Vivoactive 4: Similarities & Advantages

Just like the Apple Watch 5 and Oppo Watch, both Samsung and Garmin smartwatch models carry matching 5ATM water-resistance, offering immersion up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming. Of course, The Galaxy Watch 3's LTE capabilities makes it less dependent on smartphones, compared to the Vivoactive 4 which still heavily relies on its connectivity to a phone for media and messaging. The classy looks and rotating-bezel design and health monitors also makes Samsung's offering better-suited for casual use.

While the Galaxy Watch 3 has some decent running metrics and fitness apps, Garmin's is still the more activity-oriented device. With a sleep monitor that determines optimal condition, Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation tracking, and a host of customizable workouts, the Vivoactive 4 is the more appealing option for serious athletes. Despite their contrasting specialties, both the Samsung and Garmin smartwatches are still capable enough to be considered as some of the best Apple Watch alternatives to date.

More: Galaxy Watch 3 Vs. Galaxy Watch Active 2: Best Samsung Smartwatch?

Source: Samsung, Garmin

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Kyle Encina (294 Articles Published) More From Kyle Encina

Garmin and Samsung are both household names in the wearables arena and have released many devices over the years. However, if you are new to the world of wearables or are looking for a change of device, working out which brand offers the best can be time-consuming and frustrating. Rather than just sticking with one brand because that is what you know, why not look at our overview of the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 to help you decide which one to choose.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Garmin Fenix

What’s Great About Garmin?

Garmin is not just a well-known brand because they have an extensive range of devices. They are well-known because they make trusted watches that perform well and support users to improve their health. They have been making watches for many years and have become the top choice for runners as they offer a large number of features aimed at getting the most from every step you take.

The Garmin family is filled with smartwatches and sports watches to suit a wide variety of needs, and they are constantly working on their next release so that users can access the very best features without waiting.

Why Are Samsung a Good Choice?

Samsung is another global brand that has been making wearables, phones, and entertainment solutions for decades. Their watches tend to focus more on smart features and connectivity, offering users new and exciting ways to communicate with just the touch of a button.

The brand is cash-rich, giving it the scope to trial lots of new concepts to push the brand forward, and you can be confident that if you choose a Samsung device, you will always be connected to the people you need the most.

Which Device has the Best Design – Garmin or Samsung?

We looked at the Samsung Galaxy 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 4 as part of our research into these two brands and were really impressed with the quality of design with both.

The Vivoactive 4 is a smartwatch that is packed full of fitness and sports features so that you can stay connected and still get the best from your workouts. The watch comes with on-screen workouts, breathing reminders, contactless payments, and music playback. It also has an Sp02 monitor, heart rate tracking, and a Body Battery that will help you work out the best times to exercise and rest.

More Galaxy Watch4 Offers…

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a device that focuses hard on connectivity and smart features and offers many great health and wellbeing options. From NFC payments to GPS and Sp02 monitoring to heart rate and activity tracking, you can look forward to insightful feedback on everything you do when you have your watch on your wrist.

Which Device Has the Best Battery Life – the Garmin or Samsung?

The features you make use of will impact the length of battery life, so battery guidelines need to be considered in line with your usage. However, after a month of wearing, you will be tuned into your usage and know how long your battery will last before it needs to be plugged in.

When it comes to battery averages, the Vivoactive 4 beats the Galaxy Watch 4 with ease! Garmin offers between seven and eight days of charge, whereas Samsung manages between two to three days. If you don’t mind regular charging, then this isn’t an issue, but if you prefer to plug in once per week, the Vivoactive 4 is the best option. It is worth remembering that GPS and music playback are the features that use the most battery, so being mindful of when you use these will help you prolong the battery.

What are the Key Comparisons Between the Devices?

If you are still undecided about which brand suits your needs best, then take a look at our comparison table to find out more about the two devices on offer:

 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Garmin Vivoactive 4
Size44 mm & 40 mm45.1mm & 40 mm
Screen1.2 inch & 1.4 inch1.1 inch & 1.3 inch
DisplayAMOLEDTransflective
ConnectivityLTE, Bluetooth, WiFiBluetooth, ANT+, WiFi
Battery2 – 3 days7 – 8 days
GPSYesYes
Sp02YesYes
Heart Rate MonitoringYesYes
Contactless PaymentsYesYes
CompatibilityAndroid & iOSAndroid & iOS
Water Resistance5ATM & IP685ATM
ColorsBlack, Silver, GoldSlate, silver, light gold, rose gold

Which Watch Brand Should I Buy – the Garmin or Samsung?

Garmin Descent G1 diving watch

When choosing which watch you should buy, you will need to consider what you want the watch for. If you are looking for something that looks great on your wrist and provides as much connectivity as possible, then the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 wins without a doubt. However, on the downside, the Galaxy Watch 3 comes with a pretty hefty price tag, putting it at the luxury end of smartwatches.

If you want a watch that offers smart features and excellent fitness tracking, then the Vivoactive 4 is the logical choice and comes with a lower price tag. This watch not only helps you stay in touch with the world, but it will work with you to improve your overall health. Giving you clear insights and tips to follow when you want to get fitter.

Ultimately, in the battle of Garmin vs Samsung, both brands offer high-quality and reliable devices that will work well and support you to improve your lifestyle. If we had to pick one overall winner, we would say that the Vivoactive 4 is more of an all-rounder and offers unparalleled accuracy.

Have you seen our in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or the latest release from Garmin, the Fenix 7?

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A top of the line copywriter with more than a decade of writing experience with many high-end and diverse multinational clients. Lots of experience and interest in writing about technology.

Currently living a rural life in South Yorkshire, and devoted to work. Owner of Anglo Content writing services.

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