Garmin vívoactive 4S First Impressions // Activities, Menus & Animated Workouts!

[@John_Hughes]

One of the most important smart watch features I have been considering is sleep monitoring. Would be awesome to see this incorporated into your reviews. Great job though!

[@dinalewis5708]

I've seeing a lot of watch reviews but this is the best one! thank you!!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@neilhardingham3653]

The best Vivoactive 4 video I have seen by a mile. Thank you.

[@DesFit]

Thanks! Glad it helped!

[@MitchHamer]

Thanks for adding your wrist circumference and showing some shots on your wrist. It definitely helps for picking between the 4 and 4s when buying online.

[@DesFit]

Glad it helped!

[@wipednwired]

Such a clear, organised, and thorough review, thank you!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing! Thanks!

[@Matoca9]

Excellent Absolutely critical to watch this multiple times. The manual isn't detailed enough! Great presentation. I saw at least a couple dozen or more things I had no idea I had on my Garmin! I've been searching for a week to figure out what they meant by yoga and pilates workouts! Who knew they had animations on my watch already! Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Glad it helped!! Thanks!

[@actwin66]

I like your reviews the most. You concisely list all the details without being partial, and with a clear voice too :D

[@subita1]

Thank you so much for this. i bought the vivomove 4s yesterday and manage to get the walk mode in but today, i wanted to return it as i could not even get it on but one it did, it went to some manufacturer mode and some graphic lines plus some hypnotic thing but this video got me to want to keep it and i have changed my clock face ect. Thanks again. ill save and watch it daily to master it

[@DesFit]

Enjoy your watch! Thanks!

[@brendonsmith5029]

Thanks for the info. I like your delivery and love my instinct, considering the 4s for my wife. Will watch (no pun intended) you earlier review. Keep up the good work.

[@DesFit]

Glad to help! Thanks so much!

[@rahulgoel8525]

Hi des, can you do a comparison of Samsung watch active 2 and Garmin vivoactive 4

[@Mg67890BFF]

i've had the samsung galaxy 2, whilst its pretty and full of features theres alot of Major issues that makes it frustrating to use as a running watch....so much potential but i would avoid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@brub5174]

@@Mg67890BFF thx for feedback

[@danielkerekes6627]

@@Mg67890BFF , would You explaind that Majos issues ?

[@tztech2382]

Thank you for all of these detailed reviews. I'm looking to break into the fitness watch world. If I'm going to drop a good chunk of change for one of these, I want to do my homework. This and other videos have been very helpful!

[@DesFit]

Glad they help! Thanks!

[@steves6557]

Very helpful, thank you for posting! 😊

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@sabeehamulla1322]

So glad I came across this, I just bought this 2 weeks ago and still trying to figure it out

[@DesFit]

Glad it helped!

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

I gave up. I hate it.

[@shadowscarnage]

This one looks pretty good and is on sale too. Thank you for the run down.

[@DesFit]

Sure thing

[@ladyjrider666]

Great video. Really like your review style. Thanks for sharing

[@blaauwbroekb]

Always fantastic and informative reviews. Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing! Thanks!

[@quintkuhl2827]

I really appreciate this very through review, i just ordered one for myself!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing! Enjoy your new watch!

[@jayeshpadake8904]

Gr8 review. Was about to buy FORERUNNER 245 music but now I will wait to buy Vivoactive 4 in India. Currently own Fenix 3 & Fenix 5x but they lack onboard music. Please do review of vivoactive 4 with strength training and let us know how it fared?

[@hayleyb8405]

Really liked your review, thank you, very helpful

[@DesFit]

Glad it helped! Thanks!

[@BleakVision]

Great as always!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@denisepowers4476]

Great first impressions video! Have you had the opportunity to do a full fitness review of the Vivioactive 4/4s? I was leaning towards getting the Samsung Active 2 but after watching your video on that watch am now leaning towards a Garmin Smartwatch since I rely more on the fitness tracking so need accuracy in that area. Trying to decide between the Vivioactive 4 and the Venu...

[@pspr33]

Great comprehensive review! 🙏

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@jayruns6425]

Wow, that Garmin Vivoactive 4s looks super sexy. Another greater banger video from the one and only Desfit 🙏🏾.

[@DesFit]

Thanks again, Joseph!

[@e79905]

Is it me or the bezel seems bigger than F245's? I'd like to see a comparison video with F245 :)

[@ericmoore5035]

One thing I find not really ever talked about with Garmin reviews is about the processor and the changes made there. Also about the touch responsiveness. My wife’s vivo active 3 has slight delays when scrolling between menus or have to touch the screen two time to get it to scroll. Is it just me or does anyone else kinda get that as well?

[@geoetheridge3981]

You are great! Amazing review! Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@moranmono]

I am really impressed from Garmin, their operating system look very good, better than the compilation

[@ItachiGT]

Have they improved on the heart rate sensor and GPS accuracy?

[@maricelg.7021]

I just ordered mine right now!!! Yeeey

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

I received the vivoactive 4s as a Christmas gift and was excited to use it, however I am still unable to gain anything from it other than time of day. I've tried set it to monitor during my workouts, it does nothing. It seems silly to wear it when I don't gain anything from wearing it. My regular watch is more beneficial to me.

[@DesFit]

Is your watch faulty where it doesn’t collect any heart rate for your workouts?

[@alejandraduerks8404]

Did you download the app and set it up

[@Andrew.Stuart]

Thanks for the review

[@DesFit]

Sure thing!

[@doubledoubleandfries]

What's the major difference between this and the vivo active 3??

[@svenja3591]

more workouts and the ability to play music

[@doubledoubleandfries]

@@svenja3591 "vivoactive 3 music" has music function. No better battery? brighter screen? Etc?

[@rosaputrieanindya268]

Thanks for the review..I also use vivoactive 4

[@Stephanie-ot5yu]

Super helpful! Still playing with mine and figuring it out.

[@sharongibneytaylor818]

I've had my Garmin Vivoactive 4S for two years & couldn't figure out how to utilize it. I'm an Android mobile user, so my choice was between Garmin & the Fitbit. I chose it for heart rate and swimming, though I haven't used it for that yet. Good video overview. If I may say, the presenter talks a little too fast & I'll have to view it several times. On my smartphone, The start/stop button blocked my view of the watch. I accidentally projected the video to my TV screen and that view was better! Thanks for giving me a start as to how to utilize my Garmin Vivoactive 4s. It is very attractive and I've purchased gold bands for dress occasions. Now, to wear & use the watch!

[@abacusit8132]

Do you have a comparison between vivoactive 3 and 4?

[@Shiiieru]

I'm thinking of buying either the 4s or the 245, waiting for your review specially on the swimming training!

[@TutonicKnight]

Man... I really feel like they hada great design with the normal Vivoactive 3. The change to the bezel in the music edition and this one make it look so much less stylish.

[@frumpd63]

Agree, it cheapens it terribly. I have the original VA3 and have to jump all the way to a Fenix to get a better looking watch.

[@rensversluijs]

Which one would you recommend? Fr 245 music or vivoactive 4s?

[@ulydoingthings]

Smashed that like button!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@smbrzozowska]

Thank you for the video. Can you please let me know how to pause an activity? Thx

[@DesFit]

Upper right hand key and then press again to restart 👍

[@beppe2285]

Does anyone know if Vivoactive 4 (45mm) display is always on?

[@DesFit]

Yup, it sure is.

[@Stasepirczyk]

very helpful video - thx!

[@DesFit]

Glad it helped! Thanks!

[@AC-tn1cy]

I was wondering where each exercise would fall under and I see now the little icon next to the exercise work (on the left) out on the phone app will indicate where a person would find it on watch (Pilates icon, weight lifting icon, etc etc) As Garmin will do that for us!

[@hendrikagassi4741]

Hi, your video always it good. I just have a question about the sleep tracker, what's do your think about accuracy? I know you is a running and maybe you don't mind about sleep tracker 😁 anyway thank Very much for the review.

[@fallenwout]

Can you rotate the watch/interface/straps upside down for wearing on your right wrist? So the buttons face towards you hand.

[@nae2287]

Does this watch have audio prompts and interval training like the 245?

[@nae2287]

Any updates to this question?

[@pspr33]

It doesn't have a speaker so no audio feedback

[@paulirineomontano5074]

Nice review. Just a question, can you change the watch’s orientation for right hand such that the two buttons would be easier to access?

[@rhonavanniekerk1430]

Love my vivoactive 4s. Everything works perfectly except for one thing...I didn't know that some earphones...especially my JBL wireless earphones aren't compatible for this watch... I was very disappointed... Don't know which affordable earphones to buy now... I discovered this when the volume was on full blast... And I couldn't adjust it. The volume button doesn't work with earphones that are not compatible 😭

[@amybruce946]

Hi Rhona! I have the JBL Live500BT Headphones, are these the ones you have that don't work?

[@amie6587]

Ug this is annoying 😡 because I just bought both the watch and headset

[@alia7264]

PLEASE do a comparison between Apple Series 5 and Garmin vivactive 4!!! This would be serious and nessary due to the both being created

[@josh1992lanky]

AliNaby great idea

[@nadi0]

Hi des, can you do a size comparison between 4s and vivoactive 3? Thanks

[@allisonrecio1394]

Love the RunFOCO tee!

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@chrisbrennan2208]

Have you completed to full in-depth vid of this yet? I got one for Christmas and have been very much enjoying it.

[@npbhdk]

hi, how is the vibrate strength of the alarm compared to the vivoactive 3 music, since that was pretty useless and weak as an alarm :/

[@swipper74]

Des, does it measure VO2Max or offer any other firstbeat measurements/guidance? I'm assuming not as it appears to be missing a trail run option 😢

[@mikem2k6]

Shawn Lancaster At 5:55 there is the User Profile and the VO2 Max measurement 😉

[@swipper74]

@@mikem2k6 nice..missed that, wonder about all the other stuff? Thanks for pointing it out

[@gs-yl9bi]

Check it here: www.firstbeat.com/en/consumer-product/garmin/vivoactive-4-4s/

[@cerenademe9433]

Great overview/review - thank you! I wonder, does there happen to be a jump rope workout/activity in this watch?

[@DanieleCarletti]

Hey, you never published the in-depth review for the vivoactive 4?

[@DesFit]

You can check out my review of the Venu which is identical in functionality. The only difference being the OLED display vs the transflective on the VA4. The VA4 will get about one additional day of battery life than the Venu. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXqxc553pc53b6s

[@DanieleCarletti]

@@DesFit thanks for replying

[@DesFit]

Sure thing

[@cuneoitalia]

Wonderful video!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@damodarp2]

How to set the alert tone at the end of run walk interval switch It only vibrates and no alert tone or sound Do you know how to set it up?

[@eagleye74]

Great vid bro

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@hpplayer3]

nice review!

[@DesFit]

Thanks! Although this is more of an overview - the full review will come soon!

[@RolandsBriedis]

@@DesFit Thanks for an overview! When approximately You are planning to release a full review of VA 4s? :) Just want someone to tell how it is worn in day to day rhythm. And also the pros and cons. Thanks! Can't wait!

[@mistery00t29]

What is the watch you are wearing now during this review mate?

[@DesFit]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jInRqn96Z7p3gZI

[@balymzhenisbekova2129]

Best review ever😍 I wanna ask if is it capable of counting hear rate while swimming?

[@11maggiemae]

Please show how the swimming feature/workout app works. Thank you.,

[@Mike_Malloy]

Looking forward to the accuracy review. I'm not crazy about how wide that black bezel is on the watch face though. :/

[@ted363636]

Hi! I want to switch from Fitbit ecosystem as their Versa 2 without GPS is a disgrace and Ionic 2 is nowhere to be seen. But I do wonder if Garmin watches (as opposed to Fitbit) can show me sleep and other stats without syncing with a phone. I sync pretty rarely (don't care about notifications) so it would be great. Also, do Garmin watches know if I took them of for a night and don't count it as time asleep? Would be great if someone could answer :)

[@sensovision]

Thanks for the review! It's sad that there wasn't followup detailed review of it. I wonder if you tested it more and do you like battery life of 4S?

[@DesFit]

The Venu is about the same in regards to all the functionality so you could check out my in-depth review of that for more details. The battery life is pretty decent in the 4S - around 3-5 days depending on how many hours of GPS usage. If you're tracking mainly indoor activities more like 4-6 days. Thanks!

[@sensovision]

@@DesFit Thanks for the response, and yes I've watched your Venu review too as I have it on my list of candidates along with 4 and 4s(just worry a bit that 4 would be too big for my wrist). Thanks again for help!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing!

[@fallingrock0]

Worth it to upgrade from a VA3?

[@frumpd63]

Also wondering this

[@mikeballer08]

I didn't see anything to warrant an upgrade from my VA3 Music

[@Deadomen123]

UI looks slightly less sluggish than VA3 and bezel is nicer than in VA3 Music, but yeah... I don't think I would upgrade it.

[@Pat_sen]

im thinking about getting either the va3 music oder this vivo4s running cycling snowboarding.. which one to get

[@trumani13]

how's the vibration feature? Still on my apple watch, but would be tempted to switch back to garmin if they improve their vibration motor

[@sophiebrisson835]

I love this watch, I bought it a couple of weeks ago! I just have one question, how do you sync a workout on your watch. I've added the Yoga for runners workout and when I click on the icon on the upper right hand side that looks like a phone with an arrow it says that it's connected to my watch but I can't find it under Yoga and workouts on my watch. Would you be able to help with this?

[@Zlatski_]

Absolutely love your videos. Can I get your advise? . Im looking to upgrade my Samsung gear sport but not sure what to get. I do a lot of gym based exercises weight training and treadmill running. I also want something that I can use for everyday and not just for exercise. The Vivoactive 4 is my first choice but again can I get your opinion what you think seams you test and review alot of different watches. Thanks

[@superkg2]

So the best feature I see coming from a VA3 is they moved the menu access to a physical button. So many times water/sweat, brushing up against would inadvertently change my settings, watch faces, etc... This looks to solve that.

[@DesFit]

Yes, I wasn’t a huge fan of the single button and with just one additional button, it has made things much more friendly.

[@Ty-mh3ey]

I have an iPhone 📱 will I be able to still listen to music thru it with headphones and if so any kind headphones?

[@StreetHitzEnt]

With the sensor option can you connect an external chest strap like the Polar H10? Also is it possible to transfer the Garmin workout data over to Samsung Health?

[@linouzz1732]

thanks god, this is the most useful video so far, i like how Des go through unbox and intro things... coz he is the few who let us take a good look at the product .... not just focus on his/her own ass face 👍 👍

[@mikephilpot]

Any pointers on how to get a correct HR reading while fast walking? I can't seem to get an accurate reading.

[@angfonimo8568]

Hi sir, which Garmin watch you can recommend for me, I like listening music while doing workouts like yoga, pilates, cardio, strength, dancing can be tract the GPS, sleep, heart rate and calories, waterproof can wear while Swimming in the beach or in the pool. Please help me to decide what I need to buy for myself. Thank you

[@przemysawborecki9787]

Hi Des! Are You going to make some first impressions and reviews of Legacy Hero Series watches I'm pretty interested to hear your opinion before buying!

[@DesFit]

Not unless they send me one. I’ve spent a bunch on all the watches that have been released and there are still more to come!

[@przemysawborecki9787]

@@DesFit Sounds reasonably , thnx for reply! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that You'll get some review package from Garmin with it :).

[@kathrynbustamante2476]

Does the letters & numbers are the same size on the 1.1 inch display & 1.3 inches display or its different?

[@suttineepoolsup2832]

Thanks for sharing all the interesting details. Is this Vivoactive 4S good for hiking as well?

[@ulydoingthings]

Yeah I would like to know as well for hikes. Maps, elevation, pace and anything else please.

[@suttineepoolsup2832]

@@PIANOTEQUE Thank you

[@richardjones3932]

Can you tell me how I switch the phone call button on don't seem to be receiving calls thank you

[@TheDeanoo79]

How accurate is the step counter?

[@kayblossom8505]

Have just received my vivomove sport but thinking of replacing it with this. Is there anyway to make the screen look more analog (such as digital settings /layouts)

[@RyanHicks]

Do you think this is worth upgrading from a vivoactive 3 music? With prime day coming up they are likely to do 50% off and I've had my vivo 3m for a year now and really enjoy it. I'm just not sure which size I should go with if it is worth upgrading.

[@barsatay]

Hey Ryan..what did you end up buying? I had the same question..m using the vivoactive 3 music for a while now..was thinking of upgrading..

[@CR-lz6tt]

Do you get that Garmin Vario Light with, when you purchase the watch?

[@DesFit]

Thats sold separately

[@lw5217]

Does it have the performance data feature? Do you find it useful and worthy? Thank you!

[@DesFit]

The vivo and Venu series won't have the training and performance features of the Forerunner/Fenix line. Some of the data is pretty good, like recovery time, VO2 Max, and race predictor, but training status can get a little wonky from time to time. Hope that helps. Thanks!

[@chantalbell9804]

Hi Des, I have a crazy question - do you happen to know if the watch would work well while swimming with waterproof Bluetooth earbuds? I'm wondering if the distance underwater between arm and ear would be too long for Bluetooth (I read somewhere that most underwater Bluetooth devices, such as mp3 players/iPods, sit about a foot away for good connectivity, and connection gets worse the further the distance) plus there's of course going to be all the arm movement, in and out of water, splashing etc. Thank you very much for your informative videos! With all these awesome smartwatches available, you're really helping me so much to work out which one's best for me to choose !

[@mujomujo3567]

Great video. What do you recommend for a similar GPS watch in the same price range or lower, but without the animated workout. I was thinking the amazfit but after your review on their GPS and HR monitor issues, I am reticent. I am only using it for running, indoor workout, pool swim. Thanks

[@gsurge22251]

Which would you recommend this watch or apple watch se.

[@DesFit]

What types of activities do you like to do?

[@SuperChicolatino]

Hi des what smart watch is more accurate for fitness tracking and calories detail etc thank

[@marciosantana36]

Does anyone know what is the bluetooth version on VA 4 and 4/s?

[@paigebehan3364]

How is it when it’s paired with a IPhone? I have an iPhone 10. I got the Apple Watch series 3 a while ago. But I got it more for fitness and I’m now looking for a watch compatible with my iPhone and my series 1 air pods. Will this watch be good with both those things?? Btw I appreciate the review!!!

[@juliette4159]

Hi Des! Love the video, thank you so much for it. You didn't mention the battery life of the watch, though, was it okay?

[@NerdyMeathead]

I just bought the active 3 . I actually love it for what it does. Do you think I should return it for this ?

[@lastbriteSon]

No, just upgrade later. Price will be lower too.

[@lisahudson8883]

Great review! Strongly considering the Garmin 4s- big upgrade from a Fitbit Charge HR2. Question: I have not found a fitness tracker that includes equestrian activities. Do you know of one? My Fitbit is giving me "credit" for some of the horse's steps, which is not very helpful. Any suggestions?

[@DesFit]

Thanks! Fitbit devices are a bit notorious for counting steps when you're not really taking them, although, I can imagine there is quite a bit of feedback while riding a horse. And no, I don't think I've ever seen a device with a dedicated activity profile for equestrian activities. However, you can always just use an Other or generic workout profile to track those activities.

[@911sunkan]

Can you get a Moutanbike activity on the device? Its so annoying that you have to change the activity type In garmin connect after every bikeride to MTB or road...

[@KeraM_007]

What Is better vivoactive 4s or Huawei watch GT2 pro ?

[@coollis]

I do crossfit...which garmin should i get??

[@briannaswan127]

also curious

[@broadwaygymnast]

Thankyou for your in depth explanations and showing how everything works/can be personalised. I’ve been researching and think this is the watch for me but would love your opinion. Everything I’m up with except for one question re music control... I know it can control the music on my phone but can I set it up to control music (iTunes)on my iPad? I’m a group fitness instructor and this is key feature I am looking for before taking the plunge into smartwatches.

[@ArtzFenix]

Hope you post one of the new Garmin Venu.