Garmin vivoactive 6 – Sporty smartwatch gets even sportier
With the vívoactive 6, Garmin has introduced the next generation of sporty smartwatches in the mid-price segment. In addition to more storage for music and apps, the vívoactive primarily offers athletes more – more running metrics and sports modes.
Garmin vívoactive 6 | Source: Garmin
Garmin has created a series with the vívoactive that has never fully fit into either the sports or lifestyle segment. Rather, it attempts to meet the demands of both target groups – at least partially. Supporting an active lifestyle is, after all, already reflected in the name of the vívoactive series.
Almost 1.5 years after the release of the vivoactive 5, Garmin has introduced the next generation with the vívoactive 6. While the appearance of the vívoactive 6 has changed little compared to its predecessor, the new internal components are designed to make the watch shine.
Garmin vívoactive 6 – Comparison to the Predecessor
| vivoactive 6 | vivoactive 5 | Forerunner 165 Music | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Display size | 1.20" | 1.20" | 1.20" |
| Resolution | PPI | 390 × 390 | 325 | 390 × 390 | 325 | 390 × 390 | 325 |
| Dimensions | 42.2 × 42.2 × 10.9 mm | 42.2 × 42.2 × 11.1 mm | 43.0 × 43.0 × 11.6 mm |
| Weight | 26 g without strap | 26 g without strap | 29 g without strap |
| Material (bezel) | Aluminum | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Material (case) | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Material (back) | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
The comparison shows that the new model and the predecessor differ only marginally. The most noticeable change is likely the redesign of the top button, which Garmin has placed on the right side of the case. Unlike the vívoactive 5, the button on the sixth-generation model is more prominent.
Garmin vívoactive 6 – New and Noteworthy
Garmin has largely borrowed from the feature sets of newer models for the improvements in the vívoactive 6. In mid-range models, entirely new features are usually not expected. Consequently, the increase in functionality is evolutionary and primarily visible in the watch’s athletic capabilities:
- Onboard Storage Doubled
Garmin has doubled the onboard storage of the vívoactive 6 from 4GB to 8GB. The larger storage primarily benefits the watch’s music features, as it is intended solely for storing MP3 files and offline streaming content. Apps also utilize this storage, but are generally much smaller than media data.
- Support for QZSS and BeiDou
With the addition of QZSS and BeiDou, the vívoactive 6 now supports these two Asian satellite positioning systems, complementing the well-known GNSS systems GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. Garmin had already made this support available to the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 at the end of last year. However, the vívoactive 6 does not offer multiband capabilities or SatIQ.
- Sleep Phase Alarm
With the vívoactive 6, Garmin integrates a sleep phase alarm into one of its wearables for the first time. While this feature is already well-established in the market – many competitors have been offering it for years – it is a welcome new addition for Garmin users. The alarm adjusts based on the individual’s sleep phase, aiming to provide a smoother and more natural wake-up experience before the actual alarm time.
- Support for Garmin Share
Garmin Share allows for easy data transfer between compatible devices – without the need for a smartphone or the Connect app. Positions, routes, and training data can be transferred directly from device to device. The devices must be within three meters of each other and have data sharing enabled.
- Running Metrics and Animated Workouts
The most significant feature upgrade of the vívoactive 6 is in the athletic domain. For the first time, users have access to advanced running metrics, which Garmin groups under the term “Running Dynamics.” These include vertical oscillation, stride length, vertical ratio, ground contact time, cadence, and running efficiency. These metrics are especially relevant for serious runners aiming to refine their technique and minimize the risk of injury. Running by performance offers an interesting alternative to the traditional heart rate-based training.
In addition to running metrics, the vívoactive 6 also features animated workouts – a well-known Garmin feature not available on the vívoactive 5. Users can benefit from visually guided exercises directly on their wrist.
It is surprising that Garmin continues to use the aging Elevate V4 sensor in the vívoactive 6. This means the watch lacks both EKG functionality and the algorithmic AFib detection – features that have become standard in comparable models from other manufacturers.
Almost secondary is the missing barometric altimeter. However, its absence is noticeable: without this sensor, neither floor tracking nor precise elevation profiles for activities in hilly or mountainous terrain can be recorded. For users focused on outdoor activities or structured elevation tracking, this could be a drawback.
Consistent Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the vívoactive 6 shows no significant change compared to its predecessor. Since both the display and battery remain unchanged, and many of the new features rely on existing sensors, the comparable battery life is understandable. For users, this means reliable endurance, but no significant progress in energy efficiency.
Prices and Availability
Like its predecessor, the vívoactive 6 is available in four color variants:
- Black / Slate
- Bone / Lunar Gold
- Jasper Green / Jasper Green Metallic
- Pink Dawn / Pink Dawn Metallic
The smartwatch is now available both online and in retail stores for a price of $299.99.
I am the creative mastermind behind this page, with a passion for both sports and technology. By combining these interests, I write about wearables and gadgets that can enhance your sports experience. As a regular consumer, I offer insights from the perspective of a genuine user.
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