Garmin Vivoactive 5 Purchase

I’m not sure if it can still be called a smartwatch, but I’ve decided to part ways with my Garmin vivosmart J HR+, which I’ve used for quite a while.

The new device I purchased is the Vivoactive 5. The official price was 39,800 yen (tax included). If I remember correctly, the vivosmart J HR+ was priced at just under 20,000 yen when I bought it, but considering I’ve been using it since 2019, I think it served me well. I was “satisfied” with its features, so I just ended up continuing to use it without thinking much about upgrading.

The reasons for upgrading this time are twofold: “the battery life has started to deteriorate a bit” and “I want to start properly tracking my life logs again.”

Although I was fairly satisfied with the vivosmart J HR+, I wasn’t happy with its thickness, which made me stop tracking sleep. As for the new Vivoactive 5, it provides a sleep score, so I plan to properly track my sleep data this time.

Vivoactive 5 specifications

Anyway, here are the specifications for now.

Specifications

Lens Material	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Bezel Material	Anodized Aluminum
Case material	FRP
Quick release band compatible	can be (20 mm)
Strap material	silicon
size	42.2x 42.2 x 11.1mm Suitable wrist size： 125-190 mm
Touchscreen	〇
Color display	〇
Large text display	〇
Wheelchair Mode	〇
Display size	1.2 inch diameter (30.4 mm)
resolution	390 x 390 pixel
Display Type	AMOLED（Optional always-on display mode）
weight	23 g (Standard band included: 36 g)
Waterproof rating（＊）	5 ATM
稼働時間	Smartwatch mode: Approx. 11 days Battery saving smartwatch mode: Approx. 21 days GPS mode: Approx. 21 hours Multi-GNSS mode: Approx. 17 hours Multi-GNSS + music playback mode: Approx. 8 hours
充電方式	Wired charging with Garmin’s proprietary charging cable
内蔵メモリ/履歴	4 GB

reference：https://www.garmin.co.jp/products/wearables/vivoactive-5-black/#specsTab

This time, what I prioritized was lightweight and compact design. I even seriously considered purchasing a smart ring and struggled over the decision for a while. Although I ultimately didn’t buy one, I still think it’s a device I’d like to try out at some point.

Anyway, after buying the watch, I realized that, including the band, it’s 5 grams heavier than my old vivosmart J HR+. However, since the thickness is completely different, the stress of wearing it has been greatly reduced. Among devices in the same health and wellness category, the Venu 3 weighs 47 grams with the standard band, and the Venu 3S weighs 40 grams. So, it’s the lightest in this category.

Of course, there are even lighter models if you include devices designed for women, but that’s a separate matter. After wearing it for about two weeks, I haven’t felt much of the discomfort that can come with wearing a watch all the time.

What the Garmin Vivoactive 5 can do

Since it’s an activity tracker, it can log exercise data. It tracks training logs for over 30 sports, including walking, cycling, yoga, running, strength training, and even activities for wheelchair users. As a daily life log, it automatically tracks health information such as steps, heart rate, respiration rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels, and stress levels.

Although the sensors seem to be from a previous generation compared to higher-end models, I’m upgrading from a lower-end model, so I have no complaints. As for GPS, I couldn’t track anything with the vivosmart J HR+, so it’s incredibly convenient now.

The downsides are that it doesn’t have an altimeter to track stair climbs and doesn’t support power sensors for cycling. As for not being able to make calls directly from the device, this wasn’t a significant issue for me since I usually use Shokz headphones.

What I prioritized was sleep tracking, so the fact that this entry-level, lightweight device provides a sleep score is a big plus. It even automatically detects naps and displays your remaining energy for the day as “Body Battery,” which is a great feature.

The “things it can’t do,” as mentioned above, are possible with the Venu 3S, but considering that there are no other major differences in functionality, it’s undoubtedly a “high-cost performance” device.

Comparison of Vivoactive 5 and Venu 2 and 3

We’ve created a table comparing the main features of the Vivoactive 5, Venu 3, and the Venu 2, which is the previous generation of the Venu.

Feature	Vivoactive 5	Venu 2	Venu 3
Display	1.2-inch AMOLED	1.3-inch AMOLED	1.4-inch AMOLED
Resolution	390 x 390 pixels	416 x 416 pixels	454 x 454 pixels
Bezel Material	Anodized Aluminum	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Weight	38g	49g	50g
Battery Life	Up to 11 days	Up to 11 days	Up to 14 days
Battery Life with GPS	Up to 21 hours	Up to 22 hours	Up to 26 hours
Optical Heart Rate Sensor	4th Generation	4th Generation	5th Generation
Altimeter	×	○	○
Voice Assistant/Calls	×	×	○
Jet Lag Adviser	×	×	○
Stair Climb Tracking	×	○	○
Body Battery	○	○	○
Sleep Tracking	○	○	○
Stress Monitoring	○	○	○
Electronic Payment (Suica)	○	○	○
Price (Tax included)	39,800 yen	49,800 yen	60,800 yen

Venu 2 is indeed positioned as a mid-range model between Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3. While Venu 2 offers more features than Vivoactive 5, such as an altimeter and a larger display, it lacks some of Venu 3’s latest features, like voice assistant/calls and the jet lag adviser. Its price is also well-balanced, sitting between the other two models.

Both Venu 2 and Vivoactive 5 include essential health tracking features, but Venu 3 comes with more advanced functionality and more accurate sensors.

Additionally, Venu 2 can be purchased at a price not too far from Vivoactive 5. If you’re looking for more detailed comparisons, there are some excellent websites that cover this in-depth.

スマートウォッチ | Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5の比較

Garmin Venu 2 とGarmin Vivoactive 5 の比較を表示します。スマートウォッチランキング形式で、総合評価と各性能を比較してみましょう。

versus.com

Basic usage of Vivoactive 5

Device Operation

Button Operation

• Top button: Power on/off, start/stop activity, display control menu
• Bottom button: Return to previous screen, display settings menu

Touchscreen operation

• Swipe up and down: Scroll through menus and widgets
• Tap: Select or open a screen
• Swipe right: Return to previous screen

Initial Setup

1. Download the Garmin Connect app to your smartphone
2. Power on your watch and select your language
3. Scan the QR code displayed on your watch with your smartphone
4. Follow the instructions in the app to complete pairing

Basic Features

Watch Face

• Swipe up and down to display widgets (step count, heart rate, etc.)
• Widgets can be customized

Activity Tracking

• Record your daily steps, distance traveled, calories burned, and sleep data

Heart rate monitoring

• Heart rate widget allows you to check your current heart rate and past data

Activity Start

1. Press top button to open activity & app menu
2. Select desired activity
3. Press top button to start/stop

Other features

• Garmin Pay/Suica payment
• Sleep monitoring and sleep score
• VO2 Max measurement

The manual is available at the following URL
https://static.garmin.com/pumac/vivoactive5_OM_JA-JP.pdf

For now, you can simply press buttons, long-press them, and swipe the screen to get a feel for how to use it. While there are some negative opinions about the interface in product reviews and web articles, I didn’t find it to be a major issue.

In addition to the pre-registered watch faces, you can also create your own, so some learning is necessary for those operations. Additionally, wallet operations need to be done through Garmin Connect. For Android devices, you will need to charge Suica using a payment method that you have previously set up with Google Pay.

Connecting Vivoactive 5 to Garmin Connect

GARMIN CONNECT is Garmin’s dedicated app that allows you to manage your health and track activities in conjunction with Garmin devices. Below, I will introduce how to use it after connecting with the Vivoactive 5.

Synchronize and check your data

The Garmin Connect app allows you to easily sync data recorded by your vivoactive 5 and view detailed information.

Check your daily health data

You can check basic health indicators such as heart rate, respiration rate and steps.
It uses Garmin’s proprietary indicators such as Body Battery and Stress Score.
You can analyze your sleep score and sleep quality.

Stress score displayed on Vivoactive 5

Garmin’s Vivoactive 5’s stress score is calculated primarily based on heart rate variability. The device assesses the user’s stress level by analyzing heart rate variability. This assessment is used as an indicator for stress management and relaxation.

The Vivoactive 5 also takes into account data such as sleep and activity history to provide a “Body Battery” score that indicates the user’s body’s remaining energy. This score comprehensively evaluates stress, sleep quality, etc. and indicates the remaining energy for daily activities.

The health indicators are calculated using indicators determined independently by each smartwatch manufacturer, so reliability is at the discretion of the individual.

Managing your activity data

You can record and manage your activity data.
You can record over 30 types of activity data, including walking, running, and swimming, and you can also check the trajectory of your outdoor activities using GPS.

Leverage personalized features

By using Garmin Connect, you can make your device even more personal.
Charging your Suica card and other operations must be done through Garmin Connect.

Optimizing health management

You can receive advice on how to improve your sleep quality using a sleep coach and HRV status.
Your fitness age is displayed so you can receive advice on how to improve your exercise level that is tailored to you.
Menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking functions are also available for women.

Training Support

Check your weekly intensity and create a balanced training plan.
Send workouts and training plans to your device from the Garmin Connect website.

Data visualization and long-term analysis

The Garmin Connect app allows you to view visualized data in graphs and other formats.
You can see changes in your data over time and identify long-term trends, and your health metrics and activity data are stored semi-permanently for the life of your Garmin service, allowing you to track ongoing improvement.

Safety function settings

Use Vivoactive 5’s safety features to keep you safe during your activities.
Register emergency contacts and set them to share your location when needed.
Set up automatic SMS and email notifications if you get into an accident.

Manage, update and customize your device

Through Garmin Connect, you can set up your Vivoactive 5 and update and manage the software.
Using these features, you can get the most out of your Vivoactive 5 and Garmin Connect to help you manage your health and fitness goals.

Connect IQ and Vivoactive 5 integration

Connect IQ Overview

Connect IQ is the app store for Garmin smartwatches and fitness trackers. Available for many Garmin devices, including the Vivoactive 5, it allows you to download apps, widgets, data fields, watch faces and more to extend the functionality of your device.

How to use Vivoactive 5 and Connect IQ

Customize your watch face

• You can choose and install your favorite watch face from a wide range of designs. Customize the information displayed on the watch face (number of steps, heart rate, weather, etc.).

Add an app

• Add apps in various categories such as fitness, navigation, productivity, etc. Example: advanced exercise tracking apps, weather apps, calendar apps, games, etc.

Customizing Data Fields

• Customize the data fields you see during your activity – See more detailed data while running or cycling

Using widgets

• A small application that appears on the device’s home screen, allowing you to quickly check information such as weather, calendar, and news.

How to use Connect IQ

1. Install the Connect IQ app on your smartphone
2. Log in with your Garmin account
3. Find apps, widgets and clock faces compatible with your Vivoactive 5
4. Select the ones you like and tap “Free” or “Install”
5. Sync with your Vivoactive 5 to install the items you selected on your device

Recommended Use

• Install training apps tailored to your fitness goals
• Add widgets to help you in your daily life (weather, calendar, etc.)
• Customize data fields for your activities and use them to improve your performance
• Check out new apps and watch faces regularly to make the most of your device’s features

With Connect IQ, you can extend the capabilities of your Vivoactive 5 and customize it to fit your needs, helping you to better manage your health and fitness goals.

Garmin Express integration with Vivoactive 5

Garmin Express is computer software that connects and manages your VivoActive 5 to your computer.
We will explain the main integration features between Vivoactive 5 and Garmin Express.

Data synchronization and management

Syncing your activity data

Sync your activity data recorded by Vivoactive 5 to your computer for further analysis. See long-term trends and gain deeper insights.

Software updates

You can update your Vivoactive 5 firmware to the latest version.
This will add new features, improve existing features, and fix bugs.

Customize your device

Manage Watch Faces
You can transfer watch faces you’ve downloaded from the Connect IQ Store to your Vivoactive 5.
You can also install your own watch faces on your device.
Manage Apps and Widgets
You can add apps and widgets you’ve downloaded from the Connect IQ Store to your Vivoactive 5.
You can also easily delete apps and widgets you no longer need.

Creating and transferring training plans

Create custom workouts
Create your own personalized training plans on your computer and transfer them to your Vivoactive 5.
Design detailed workouts, including interval and strength training.

Backing up and restoring data

Backing up your device data
You can back up your Vivoactive 5 settings and activity data to your computer.
You can safely store your data when you reset or replace your device.
Restoring your data
You can restore your backed up data to a new device or to your Vivoactive 5 after a factory reset.

Transferring Music

Transferring music files
You can transfer music files from your computer to the Vivoactive 5.
You can listen to the transferred music with Bluetooth-enabled headphones.

Garmin Express is positioned as a UI conversion software that allows you to operate Connect IQ and Garmin Connect, which are often operated on smartphones, on a PC.
You have no choice but to use Garmin Express to transfer music, so it’s essential software for anyone who wants to store music on their device.

The Garmin Advantage

Overwhelming measurement accuracy and functionality

Garmin is originally a company that specializes in GPS technology, and its greatest strength is its highly accurate location measurement technology, which allows it to accurately record distance, speed, and routes during outdoor activities such as running and cycling.

ホンダジェットにも宿る ガーミンのDNA

ガーミンジャパンは６月24日、GPS（全地球測位システム）プロウォッチ「MARQ（マーク）」コレクションを発表した。ガーミンは1989年に米国で創業。新コレクションは創業30周年記念モデルで、同社がこ...

www.garmin.co.jp

Long-lasting battery

Thanks to our proprietary solar charging technology “Power Glass” and low power consumption technology, you can use it for a long time on a single charge. You don’t have to worry about running out of battery even during a full marathon or long trail runs.

Robust and waterproof

Specially designed for outdoor use, it has excellent shock resistance and waterproof performance. It is characterized by its toughness, allowing you to use it safely even in harsh environments.

Specialized Sports Features

It is equipped with specialized functions specialized for various sports such as running, cycling, swimming, golf, etc. For example, it can measure pitch and heart rate zones for running, and record scores and provide wind direction information for golf.

Differences from other smartwatches

Sport specific vs versatile

Garmin is primarily focused on sports and outdoor activities, while watches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are designed for more general-purpose everyday use.

Battery life

Many Garmin models boast battery life of days or even weeks, while other smartwatches often require daily charging.

Depth of data analysis

The Garmin Connect app enables in-depth analysis of athletic performance and health data, providing advanced information for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Physical button design

Many Garmin models are designed with physical buttons in addition to the touch screen, which allows for reliable operation even in sweat, rain or when wearing gloves.

These features give Garmin smartwatches an appeal that other brands lack, especially for users who value sports and outdoor activities.

lastly

I’ve gone on at length about the features and software, but as for my personal experience with the Vivoactive 5, I’m currently quite satisfied with its usability. I don’t need features like calls or replying to emails from a smartwatch, and since my main purpose is to log my life and record activities, I find it to be a highly accurate and versatile watch. Considering its multifunctionality and the fact that it costs under 40,000 yen, I’d say it offers overwhelming value for money.

On the flip side, I don’t think I would have been as satisfied with a smartwatch like the Apple Watch, which leans more towards everyday life functions. If I had to mention a drawback, it would be that, while I rarely use Connect IQ or Garmin Express, the fact that three different applications are required for device management can be a bit of a hassle.