Garmin Vivoactive 6 – first Thoughts
A now-deleted Reddit post shows Garmin is on the verge of introducing the Vivoactive 6, an updated version of its mid-range smartwatch that brings a range of refinements. Following the separate leak of press renders by Gadgets & Wearables, it’s worth examining the key specifications and differences compared to its predecessor.
The Vivoactive series has always straddled the line between sports and lifestyle wearables, aiming to cater to both audiences. True to its name, the lineup focuses on supporting an active lifestyle while maintaining smartwatch functionality.
Approximately 18 months after the release of the Vivoactive 5 in 2023, the Vivoactive 6 is set to launch in the coming weeks. Good news, considering 18 months ago, we weren’t even sure the Vivoactive line would continue due to the success of the similar Venu line and, well, all of Garmin’s other highly similar products.
The new design remains essentially unchanged. Instead, Garmin has focused on enhancing the watch’s features to set it apart from its predecessor.
How the Vivoactive 6 Compares to Its Predecessor
Seemingly similar.
| Feature | Vivoactive 6 | Vivoactive 5 | Forerunner 165 Music |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Display Size | 1.20″ | 1.20″ | 1.20″ |
| Resolution (PPI) | 390×390 (325 PPI) | 390×390 (325 PPI) | 390×390 (325 PPI) |
| Dimensions (mm) | 42.2 × 42.2 × 10.9 | 42.2 × 42.2 × 11.1 | 43.0 × 43.0 × 11.6 |
| Weight | 26g (without strap) | 26g (without strap) | 29g (without strap) |
| Bezel Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Back Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
At first glance, the design of the Vivoactive 6 is nearly identical to the Vivoactive 5. The most noticeable change appears to be a redesigned upper button on the right side of the case, which is now more prominent than before.
Key Updates and Features
Rather than introducing revolutionary changes, Garmin has focused on incremental improvements, primarily enhancing the watch’s sports tracking capabilities.
Increased Onboard Storage
Internal storage doubled from 4GB to 8GB. This will be for media (music) rather than maps.
Expanded Satellite Support
The latest chipset is not next-generation but appears to be a newish model, adding BeiDou and QZSS satellite constellations. Garmin seems to use the new AIROHA AG3352 chipset which does not support Multiband and SatIQ. AG3352 is almost certainly more energy efficient than AG3335M (multi-band), but its specs give no info to support that claim.
Smart Alarm Functionality
Retail leaks via Flo suggest that the watch may feature a smart alarm system. Details on this remain sketchy, but its use could be related to Sleep Apnea or snoring.
Garmin Share Integration
Like most new Garmins going forward, the Vivoactive 6 is expected to support Garmin Share, allowing us to exchange data such as locations, routes, or workouts with nearby compatible Garmin devices using Bluetooth and without needing a smartphone.
Advanced Running Metrics & Animated Workouts
An interesting enhancement in the Vivoactive 6 is the addition of Running Dynamics, now considered ‘standard’, a suite of advanced running metrics that includes:
- Running power
- Vertical oscillation
- Stride length
- Vertical ratio
- Ground contact time
- Cadence
The last known piece of the jigsaw added to Vivoactive 6 is workout animations. This feature provides on-screen guided exercises, assisting users in improving their training routines and will mesh nicely with expansions of the same feature on Garmin Connect+.
It remains to be seen whether Garmin will introduce any features specifically designed to counteract prolonged sitting—whether through basic reminders or guided mobility exercises to encourage movement throughout the day.
More Updates
The following additions were reported by dcrainmaker
- Completely revamped/changed user interface (especially around settings/controls)
- Added about 50 sport profiles/apps
- Added Smart Wake Alarm
- Added PacePro
- Added Course/Route following
- Added Daily Suggested Workouts (Walk only)
- Added Mobility activity/sport profile (for flexibility & strength)
- Added Workout Animations (previously on Venu 3, but not Vivoactive 5)
- Increased data fields per page from 4 to 8
- Increased custom data pages allowed
- Added compass & compass fields
What’s Missing?
While the Vivoactive 6 brings some welcome enhancements, this is another new Garmin product that omits the Elevate Gen 5 sensor in favour of the previous model.
Battery Life & Performance
Garmin appears to have maintained the same battery life as the Vivoactive 5. Given that the display and battery tech remain unchanged and most new features rely on existing sensors, this consistency in battery performance is expected. However, we expect elements of the new Garmin menu interface, which could have taken more battery juice.
Pricing & Availability
The release is imminent and expected to be around $300.
Four colour variants:
- Black / Slate
- Bone / Lunar Gold
- Jasper Green / Jasper Green Metallic
- Pink Dawn / Pink Dawn Metallic
Take Out
This is a refreshed and professionalised update. It now feels more in line with some of Garmin’s other offerings, although, as noted in the comments, these changes could probably have been added to the previous model through software.
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maybe there’s bigger changes on the software side, AI assistant etc.?
IDK yet.
At the price point I indicate …perhaps not.
however vivoactive historically was one of those products where you would expect such features to be added. I suppose it becomes comparable to apple watch/smart watch competitors so that would be an argument for the sense in including such features shared by the competition
It would be great to finally see a faster CPU in Garmin watches – there was no progress since introducing the Fenix 7 series.
However for watches without mapping capabilities it probably doesn‘t matter so i don‘t have high hopes for this new Vivoactive.
Four colour options but no blue as depicted in image.
ty 🙂
sorry, wrong image, now corrected with the 4 correct ones
It’s official now. It also supports ANT+ – thought Garmin will start phasing it out already.
Bit of a meh upgrade. Most of those could just have been enhancements to the VA5 via firmware.
why do that and spoil a good sale?
Any idea if the ski tracking will work like the Vivoactive 4? As they removed the altimeter I heard the 5 couldn’t work out the difference between lifts and runs, however now that this watch has running power measurements it would suggest the watch is using the GPS to calculate elevation and might solve the problem of the ski tracking! Any info would be great.
That is one unattractive, cheap looking watch…old tech and the only really new SW feature is the smart alarm, which could probably be rolled out to every watch with an E4 and 5 HR sensor…if Garmin would be Coros, Apple or Suunto!!