New Garmin smartwatch beats the Galaxy Watch on price and one vital spec

Garmin Vivoactive 6: A Fashion-Forward Fitness Smartwatch for Health and Activity Tracking

For individuals seeking a fitness smartwatch, Garmin stands out as a premier brand. Renowned for its extensive lineup of wrist-based devices at various price points, Garmin caters to a wide spectrum of activities, from basic walking, running, and swimming to demanding triathlons and ultramarathons.

Introducing the Vivoactive 6

The latest offering, the Garmin Vivoactive 6, is designed for users interested in a smartwatch focused on health metrics, particularly running, but also encompassing mobility, strength training, yoga, and Pilates. Its design prioritizes style, presenting a less overtly technical aesthetic compared to some Garmin counterparts. The Vivoactive 6 enters the market as a compelling option within Garmin’s diverse portfolio, positioned alongside the Forerunner, Instinct, Venu, and Fenix series. Emphasizing a fashion-conscious design approach, the Vivoactive 6‘s appearance distinguishes itself from more rugged, military-inspired Garmin models.

Pricing and Availability

Available in Black/Slate, Bone/Lunar Gold, Jasper Green, and Pink Dawn, the smartwatch is priced at £279.99 and will be available for purchase starting April 4. This price point positions it as a direct competitor to the £289 Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. The Vivoactive 6 presents a persuasive alternative for those considering the Galaxy Watch, or even the more budget-friendly Apple Watch SE (starting at £219).

Key Features for Fitness Enthusiasts

Equipped with integrated GPS, the Vivoactive 6 accurately tracks outdoor activities such as runs, walks, and cycles, alongside fundamental metrics like steps and distance. While it lacks the advanced run route uploading feature found in Forerunner watches, it offers comprehensive functionalities that will satisfy most casual runners.

Daily Workout Suggestions and Advanced Metrics

The smartwatch provides personalized daily workout suggestions for running and walking based on user goals. It incorporates vital running dynamics including cadence, stride length, and ground contact time, alongside PacePro for grade-adjusted pacing guidance. Garmin’s description of these features emphasizes their suitability for effective training.

Extensive Activity Tracking and Customization

Beyond running, the Vivoactive 6 supports over 80 preloaded sports and activity profiles. The Garmin Connect app for iPhone and Android allows users to download detailed workouts for a multitude of activities. Notably, a dedicated mode is included for wheelchair users, demonstrating inclusivity.

Sensor Technology and Health Monitoring

Despite its capabilities, the Vivoactive 6 incorporates Garmin’s Elevate gen-4 sensor array, rather than the latest gen-5 version. This means it does not offer ECG readings, a feature present in recent Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch models. However, the heart rate sensor remains a central component, enabling continuous heart rate monitoring and heart rate variability (HRV) tracking. This data informs enhanced sleep analysis and women’s health tracking metrics. It also powers tools like Sleep Coach and Body Battery, providing insights into rest and recovery levels for optimizing daily activities, including HIIT workouts.

Exceptional Battery Performance

A significant advantage of the Vivoactive 6 is its impressive battery life. Garmin claims up to 11 days on a single charge, a figure that, if realized, surpasses the battery performance of current Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch models. Choosing a sports watch that prioritizes core functionalities over extensive third-party app ecosystems often translates to considerably longer battery life. Daily charging, common with many smartwatches, is rendered unnecessary with the Vivoactive 6, enhancing user convenience.

Smartwatch Functionality

The Vivoactive 6 provides essential smartwatch features. Users can receive app notifications across both Android and iOS platforms, and Android users can directly reply to text messages using an on-screen keyboard. Contactless payments are enabled via Garmin Pay (subject to bank compatibility). Furthermore, users can download music and playlists directly to the watch from services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer for phone-free listening with Bluetooth headphones.

Smart Wake Alarm and Morning Report

Garmin introduces a novel feature to the Vivoactive series: the smart wake alarm. This function intelligently monitors sleep stages within a pre-defined window, gently waking users with subtle vibrations during lighter sleep phases.

Personalized Morning Briefing

Upon waking, the morning report presents a comprehensive overview of the previous night’s sleep, recovery insights, Body Battery status, and daily calendar appointments. It also incorporates heart rate variability (HRV) status, offering an early indication of overall wellness and the body’s readiness for the day. Users can extensively customize this report with diverse themes, data displays, and motivational messages, tailoring the information to their preferences.