Garmin Vivoactive 6: An Encouraging Revision That Might Lack a Crucial Enhancement
Garmin is set to unveil the Vivoactive 6, the highly awaited successor to the well-received Vivoactive 5. Initial leaks indicate a combination of thrilling new functionalities alongside some regrettable exclusions. While the upcoming model is projected to introduce improvements in aesthetics, performance, and fitness monitoring, it may also perpetuate a troubling trend in Garmin’s 2025 collection — foregoing the latest Elevate v5 heart rate sensor, which curtails advanced health tracking capabilities such as ECG.
Here’s a detailed overview of what we know to date about the Garmin Vivoactive 6 and its implications for fitness fans and smartwatch users.
A Recognizable Design with Minor Enhancements
Recent leaks from Gadgets & Wearables and Fitness Tracker Test suggest that the Garmin Vivoactive 6 will largely preserve the design language of its forerunner. It will boast a 42mm case size along with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, an aluminum bezel, and two side buttons — with one designed to be more prominent for ease of use.
The watch will come in four color variations: Black, Bone, Jasper Green, and Pink Dawn. These fresh shades provide the Vivoactive 6 with a revitalized look while preserving its athletic yet chic charm. The device will also be slightly more streamlined than the Vivoactive 5, measuring 10.9mm thick in contrast to 11.1mm, while retaining a lightweight frame at 26g (excluding the strap).
Projected Performance and Battery Longevity
In terms of performance, the Vivoactive 6 is anticipated to match the battery longevity of its predecessor — offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and approximately 5 days with the always-on display (AOD) activated. This should be more than adequate for the majority of users, especially for those who prefer not to charge their devices nightly.
New Features to Anticipate
Despite the incremental nature of this update, Garmin is reportedly introducing several exciting features to enhance the user experience:
– Increased music storage: The Vivoactive 6 is expected to provide 8GB of onboard storage, doubling the Vivoactive 5’s capacity, allowing users increased space for offline playlists from Spotify or YouTube Music.
– Smart alarm: A new “smart alarm” feature is on the horizon, which might operate similarly to Fitbit’s version — waking users during a light sleep stage within a set time frame for a gentler wake-up process.
– Workout animations: This feature, already seen in other Garmin models, will assist users with on-screen animations during exercises — perfect for indoor training.
– Improved GNSS tracking: The inclusion of BeiDou and QZSS satellite systems will enhance location precision, particularly in urban settings or regions with limited GPS visibility.
– Running-oriented metrics: New tools like running power, running dynamics, and Garmin’s PacePro pacing strategy will attract runners seeking more detailed performance analytics.
The Major Disappointment: Absence of Elevate v5 Sensor
The most disappointing revelation may be that the Vivoactive 6 will reportedly continue with the older Elevate v4 heart rate sensor. This implies that the watch will not support ECG (electrocardiogram) readings or other advanced health indicators like skin temperature monitoring — features that have become increasingly prevalent in rival fitness devices.
The Elevate v5 sensor, which debuted in higher-end Garmin models such as the Venu 3 and Fenix 8, offers enhanced accuracy and extra health-monitoring features. Its exclusion in the Vivoactive 6 suggests that Garmin may be reserving this technology for its premium range, despite the rising demand for such features in mid-range wearables.
No Barometric Altimeter — Yet Again
Another significant absence is the lack of a barometric altimeter, a feature that was also absent in the Vivoactive 5. This restriction hinders the watch’s capacity to monitor elevation gain during hikes or stair climbs, which could deter outdoor enthusiasts.
A Pattern in Garmin’s 2025 Offerings?
The choice to forgo the Elevate v5 sensor in the Vivoactive 6 might indicate a broader trend in Garmin’s 2025 strategy. The recently launched Instinct 3 also omitted new health sensors, raising concerns that Garmin is more aggressively segmenting its product line — preserving advanced features for high-end models while keeping entry-level and mid-range devices more basic.
This strategy could backfire, especially as competitors like Fitbit, Apple, and Samsung are increasingly integrating advanced health functionalities into their mainstream products.
Final Thoughts: A Reliable Yet Cautious Upgrade
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 seems to be a reliable update to an already well-regarded smartwatch. With refined design elements, expanded fitness capabilities, and improved satellite tracking, it remains a compelling choice for those new to Garmin’s ecosystem or in search of a versatile fitness watch.
However, the absence of the Elevate v5 sensor and ECG functionality is a missed chance that might let down users seeking a more future-ready device.
