Garmin has unveiled the Vivoactive 6, the newest addition to its series of GPS fitness watches. Key features on the hardware front include a sleeker design and an enhanced display, along with a long-awaited software update.
The Vivoactive 6 is priced at $299.99, succeeding the Vivoactive 5, which debuted at the same price in 2023. This model builds upon its predecessor by providing an extensive array of fitness features, but in a more compact form.
Though the design remains largely unchanged, the Vivoactive 6 is now thinner, measuring just 10.9mm in thickness, and has shed a few grams in weight. The 1.2-inch display (equivalent to 30.4mm) maintains its size, but Garmin claims it features an “even brighter AMOLED display,” which should enhance visibility in bright daylight conditions.
As with virtually all Garmin wearables, the Vivoactive 6 offers comprehensive sleep tracking and activity monitoring, supporting over 80 sports. Notably, it introduces advanced running dynamics for improved training insights, including a running power feature that was lacking in the previous version.
However, the standout update is the introduction of a smart wake alarm. Garmin has excelled at sleep tracking for years, utilizing its Body Battery feature to assess the balance between activity and rest. With Body Battery, users can see whether they’ve fully recovered, whether from a challenging workout or a late night.
The specifics of the new smart alarm are sparse, but Garmin indicates it will track your sleep stages and gently awaken you during a light sleep phase within a specified timeframe. This method is designed to prevent the harsh awakening that can leave you feeling groggy by waking you at a more opportune moment.
The Vivoactive 6 features a combination of two buttons and a touch screen, allowing for seamless data syncing with the Garmin Connect app on smartphones. Compatible with both Android and iPhone, it offers various smartwatch functionalities, including music playback, Garmin Pay, and notifications. Android users will also have the option to respond to messages via an on-screen keyboard.
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 will be available in four color options: Black/Slate, Bone/Lunar Gold, Jasper Green, and Pink Dawn. Pre-orders will commence on April 4.
