Apple Watch Series 9 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5 – Which Should You Buy?
As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Apple Watch Series 9 & Garmin Vivoactive 5 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple’s latest smartwatch packed with high-end features like on-device Siri, advanced fitness tracking, and a vibrant always-on Retina display. The vívoactive 5 offers bright AMOLED screen, extensive battery life, and a focus on wellness insights. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
|
Processor:
|
|
Display:
|
|
Brightness:
|
|
Operating System:
|
|
Voice Assistant:
|
|
Connectivity:
|
|
Health Features:
|
|
Speaker & Microphone:
|
|
Internal Storage:
|
Charging Speed:
|
Battery Life:
|
Double Tap Gesture:
|
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Display Size | 1.9 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Resolution | 396 x 484 pixels | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 650 nits |
| Processor | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine | Garmin Proprietary |
| RAM | 1GB | Not disclosed |
| Storage | 64GB | Not disclosed |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 11 days (5 days with always-on) |
| Fast Charging | Yes (80% in ~45 minutes) | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, GPS | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS |
| Voice Assistant | On-device Siri | No |
| LTE Option | Available in GPS + Cellular models | No |
| Health Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate, Temperature | Heart Rate, Pulse Ox, Sleep, Stress |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Advanced + Nap detection |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| Body Battery | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | WR50 (Swimproof) | 5 ATM (Swimproof) |
| Case Material | Aluminum | Reinforced polymer |
| Buttons | Digital Crown + Side Button | 1 Physical Button + Touchscreen |
| Smart Features | Double Tap Gesture, UWB, Siri, Apple Pay | Sleep Coach, Meditation, Garmin Pay |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you:
Check Apple Watch Series 9 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch Vivoactive 5 if you:
|
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Always-On Display | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Display Size | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Higher Resolution | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Display Brightness | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Dual Speaker System | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Internal Storage | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Battery Life | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
| Fast Charging | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Wi-Fi | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Health & Fitness | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| UWB | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| On-Device Siri | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Double Tap Gesture | Apple Watch Series 9 |
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 compatible with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 only works with iPhones. It requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 17 or newer.
Can the Garmin vívoactive 5 be used to make or take phone calls?
No, the Garmin vívoactive 5 does not include a built-in microphone or speaker, so it cannot be used for calls.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 support ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 includes ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors for advanced health tracking, including irregular heart rhythm detection and blood oxygen saturation.
How long does the Garmin vívoactive 5 battery last on a single charge?
The Garmin vívoactive 5 can last up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and around 5 days with the always-on display enabled.
Can I use Garmin vívoactive 5 with an iPhone?
Yes, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, though some features may vary slightly across platforms.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 have built-in GPS?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 includes built-in GPS for outdoor workouts and navigation without needing your iPhone.
Is the vívoactive 5 suitable for swimming?
Yes, the Garmin vívoactive 5 has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it safe for swimming and showering.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 support fast charging?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 supports fast charging and can reach about 80% battery in roughly 45 minutes with the right charger.
Can I download music on the Garmin vívoactive 5?
No, the vívoactive 5 does not support local music storage. Music control is limited to controlling playback on a connected phone.
Which watch is better for long-term battery life without charging?
The Garmin vívoactive 5 is better for battery endurance, offering several days of use without needing to recharge, while the Apple Watch Series 9 typically needs daily charging.