This Garmin watch is cheaper and arrives to overshadow the Apple Watch Series 9.

Garmin decisively dominates the sales of sports watches, but there is one category where this dominance slips away. Smartwatches, where the American brand does not achieve the supremacy that in this sector is much more spread out with brands such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Amazfit, Xiaomi or Fitbit among others. With the idea of climbing positions with an excellent quality price and having a watch that competes with the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Samsung Watch 6 among others, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 comes to the market. A statement of intent by Garmin to compete head to head with the best smartwatches on the market. This device arrives to consolidate the Vivoactive range as one of the most versatile and complete. With a series of significant improvements over its predecessor, the Vivoactive 4, this watch aims to be the perfect companion for both athletes and those looking for a device that takes care of the health section and want to stay active, connected. From its high-resolution AMOLED screen to its impressive battery life, the Vivoactive 5 is designed for those who do not want to compromise functionality for style or vice versa.

Main features of the Garmin Vivoactive 5

Screen: The Vivoactive 5 features a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen, protected by a sturdy Gorilla Glass 3. The resolution of 390x390 pixels ensures that colours are vibrant and texts are crisp.

Dimensions and weight: With dimensions of 42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1 mm, the watch is compact enough not to feel bulky on the wrist. The weight of 36g without strap and 50g with strap makes it comfortable to wear all day.

Battery: One of the most impressive features is its battery life. It can last up to 11 days in connected mode and up to 21 hours with the GPS activated, making it one of the most durable watches in its category.

Colours and materials: It is available in various colours such as grey, soft gold, metallic blue and metallic orchid. The watch body is made of fibre-reinforced polymer, while the strap is made of silicone, adding a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort.

Sports and health functions: In addition to basic activity tracking functions, the Vivoactive 5 also offers stress level tracking, sleep quality, and has more than 20 pre-installed sports applications.

Connectivity: The watch is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and offers smart notifications, including calls, messages and application updates. It is also compatible with Garmin Pay for contactless payments.

Price: With a launch price of ?299.99, the Vivoactive 5 positions itself as a mid-to-high range option, offering excellent value for money.

Who we recommend it for

This watch is ideal for those who are looking for a versatile device that allows them to keep track of their daily and sports activities, but who also want to enjoy smart features such as the Sleep Coach and nap detection. And all this with a great balance between quality and price.

Features we loved about the Garmin Vivoactive 5

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is not just a sports smartwatch, it's a comprehensive wellness and connectivity device. With a range of features that span from sports tracking to mental wellbeing and health, this watch is a versatile companion for any lifestyle.

• Body Battery energy monitor: This feature measures your energy levels throughout the day, helping you decide whether you're ready for your next activity or if you need to rest.
• Sleep coach: Offers a sleep score and personalised advice to improve the quality of your rest, including metrics such as HRV (Heart Rate Variability) status.
• Integrated sports apps: With over 30 pre-installed sports apps, this watch is ideal for all kinds of activities, from running and swimming to wheelchair user activities.
• Training benefits and recovery time: This feature helps you understand how each training session affects your body and how much time you need to recover.
• Morning report: A morning summary that gives you a complete view of your health and wellbeing, including your sleep, recovery and more.
• Smart notifications and messages: Stay connected with email notifications, text messages and alerts directly on your watch.
• Nap detection and heart rate variability status: These features allow you to track your naps and better understand your overall health through heart rate variability.
• Wrist heart rate sensor: This sensor allows you to monitor your heart rate in real time, both day and night.
• Stress control and menstrual cycle tracking: These features help you keep a record of your stress levels and menstrual cycle, offering useful advice for your wellbeing.
• Health summary and pulse oximeter: You will be able to track key health statistics and blood oxygen saturation.
• Meditation and mindful breathing: These guided practices help you reduce stress and improve your mental wellbeing.
• Wheelchair mode: Specific features for wheelchair users
• Garmin Coach: You will have training plans tailored to you.
• Physiological age: Allows you to assess your fitness compared to your actual age.
• Audio prompts for activities and interval creation: These features offer you audio prompts and allow you to create your own interval training session.
• Perceived effort and intensity minutes: These features allow you to record your perceived effort level and track minutes of moderate and high intensity activity.
• Activity tracking and VO2 max: You will have a tracking of your daily steps, calories burned and assess your physical condition.
• Connectivity with the Garmin Connect app and Contactless payments with Garmin Pay: These features allow you to consult your health data and make contactless payments.
• Music: You can download music and listen to it without the need to carry your mobile.

Pros

• Bright and clear AMOLED screen
• Impressive battery life
• Variety of smart features
• Elegant and comfortable design
• Price

Areas for Improvement

• The design may not be as attractive as other watches it competes with like Samsung or Huawei

Its Market Rivals

• Samsung Watch 6
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Fitbit Versa 3
• Huawei Watch 3 GT Pro
• Garmin Venu 3

Now you know, if you're looking for a sports smartwatch that offers an excellent combination of smart features and physical activity tracking capabilities, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 could be a good choice. Its AMOLED screen is definitely one of its strong points, and its battery life is another aspect that we really liked. However, if you're looking for more advanced training features, you might consider other models like the Garmin Venu 3.