Garmin Venu 2 vs Vivoactive 4 Differences Compared

Last Updated on June 16, 2022 by Senior Editor

Garmin Venu was released last year alongside Vivoactive 4, the difference between these two is that the Venu has an AMOLED display, is priced higher, and has shorter battery life. This year, there is a successor to Venu in Venu 2 which was released alongside Venu 2S – a smaller size option. These two spot the same appearance as Venu, but come with new features and improved battery life. It’s priced at $400, while the Vivoactive 4 is priced at $330. This review compares the difference between Garmin Venu 2 vs Vivoactive 4 to help you make an informed buying decision. So, let’s go!

Garmin Venu 2S vs Venu 2 vs Vivoactive 4: Full Specifications Compared

Please note that Vivoactive 4 comes in two sizes; Vivoactive 4 and 4S. So also, Venu 2 comes in two sizes; Venu 2 and 2S. The differences come in the dimensions and battery life. The smaller sizes are more compact but have shorter battery life than the bigger size models. Price is the same for both small and big size

Garmin Venu 2 vs Vivoactive 4 Features Review

Design

Mere looking at the appearances, you might not be able to tell which is Vivoactive 4 and Venu 2 as both smartwatches spot the same appearance. Both are circular in shape and have cases made of fiber-polymer. The straps are made of silicone and this can be changed with compatible straps. The bezel of both smartwatches spots a stainless steel material that leaves each of these two with a classic watch appearance just like your regular traditional watch. You get a 5ATM rating for both smartwatches, so it’s safe to wear any of these two to the shower or even to the pool.

Display – Venu 2 has a more colorful display

Vivoactive 4 has a transflective MIP display while Venu 2 has an AMOLED display. AMOLED is more colorful and gives a more satisfying viewing experience thanks to its high pixel density. On the other hand, the transflective MIP display is less colorful but easier to read outdoors especially under direct sunlight. Moreover, Venu 2 comes with an ambient light sensor that auto regulates its brightness which you won’t get with Vivoactive 4.

Health Tracking Features – Venu 2 has more health tracking features

Just like other Garmin smartwatches, both Vivoactive 4 and Venu 2 are fitness-focused – housing a deep variety of activity tracking features that can help you stay active and fit. There is a heart rate sensor, altimeter, compass, thermometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, and an inbuilt GPS on both Venu 2 and Vivoactive 4.

Each of these two will track all your basic activities such as your sleep, heart rate, steps, floors climbed, and all-day calories. There is also stress monitoring and Spo2 tracking that allows you to measure your blood oxygen level. Other features include hydration and respiration tracking as well fitness age and body battery energy monitor.

And with inbuilt GPS, you can track your outdoor activities with any of these two. There are lots of preset sport modes to choose from. Onscreen animated workout modes introduced to Vivoactive 4 is also available on Venu 2. This feature can coach you through some of your favorite workout modes, and can save you money on a subscription.

Despite the many activity tracking features that you get with any of these two, new features have been added to Venu 2 which are not available in Vivoactive 4. This includes;

1. There is now an onscreen muscle heat map that allows you to see which muscle is being worked out.
2. You will get a sleep score and insights that can give you a better understanding of your sleep.
3. There is also a Health snapshot that allows you to see very important tracked metrics at a glance. It will show your heart rate, heart rate variability, pulse ox., respiration rate and stress level at a glance. Then you can generate a report via the Garmin Connect app.
4. Venu 2/2S have more outdoor recreational profiles – Indoor climbing, bouldering and hiking have been added.

Music Storage and Garmin Pay

Both Vivoactive 4 and Venu 2 come with onboard music storage that allows you to take your favorite tracks with you. You can add your personal music and as well add your Amazon Music playlists. Both smartwatches also support Spotify and Deezer services. However, while the Vivoactive 4 has a 4GB storage capacity, the Venu 2S/2 has 8GB storage capacity that allows you to take more of your favorite music on the watch.

There is an NFC on both smartwatches that enable Garmin Pay which allows you to make non-contactless payments directly from any of these two.

Managing SMS, Calls and App Notifications

Both smartwatches will allow you to manage notifications you receive on your phone. You can enable apps you want to receive notifications from on the Garmin Connect app. So, when a notification arrives on your phone, you’ll get a vibration on the watch. You can also respond to SMS and call notifications with preset replies (Android only).

Battery Life – Vivoactive 4 has a longer battery life

One of the downsides to Venu was its short 5 days battery life which was far behind what you get with Vivoactive 4. However, with the Venu 2, you can expect up to 11 days of battery life with the bigger size and up to 10 days with the smaller size. It’s up to two weeks long battery life with Vivoactive 4. In other words, Vivoactive 4 still has a longer battery life than Venu 2 despite the improvement – no thanks to its AMOLED display.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Vivoactive 4 – Which is Better?

Venu 2 is a better smartwatch than Vivoactive 4. It has a more colorful display and it has more health tracking features. Although, it will cost you up to $70 more. On the other side, Vivoactive 4 is still a high-ranking smartwatch with a durable design, loads of features, and a longer battery life.

Meanwhile, the Venu 2 Plus which succeeds the Venu 2 comes with a microphone and speaker that enable Bluetooth calls. It also has a more durable build with support for three voice assistants and an impressive 9 days battery life. Though, it’s priced higher than the Venu 2.