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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:
- Apple Watch Series 9 has the S9 SiP with a 4-core Neural Engine that speeds up system performance and enables advanced features like on-device Siri.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 uses a proprietary chipset designed for low-power consumption and daily tracking.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Display:
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED 1.9 inch display that maintains high visibility in all lighting conditions.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Brightness:
- Apple Watch Series 9 supports up to 2000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 reaches around 650 nits, sufficient for general use but dimmer in sunlight.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Operating System:
- Apple Watch Series 9 supports watchOS 10 that integrates with Apple’s ecosystem and supports a wide range of third-party apps.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 runs on Garmin OS, which focuses on fitness with limited app support.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Voice Assistant:
- Apple Watch Series 9 supports on-device Siri that processes commands quickly without internet connection.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 does not support any voice assistant.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Connectivity:
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, and GPS that support seamless pairing and tracking.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS but lacks the newer Bluetooth version.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Health Features:
- Apple Watch Series 9 has ECG, Blood Oxygen, heart rate, and temperature sensors that enhance health monitoring.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 tracks heart rate, SpO2, stress, Body Battery, and sleep but does not include ECG or temperature sensors.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Speaker & Microphone:
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes a microphone and dual speakers that allow phone calls and Siri interaction.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 does not include a microphone or speaker.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Internal Storage:
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes 64GB of internal storage that enables music downloads, app installs, and podcasts without your phone.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 has 4GB of storage, mainly for offline music and activity data.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Charging Speed:
- Apple Watch Series 9 supports fast charging that reaches 80% in about 45 minutes.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 does not support fast charging and charges at a standard rate.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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Battery Life:
- Apple Watch Series 9 comes with up to 18 hours of battery life that requires daily charging.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode for extended use without frequent charging.
Winner:
Garmin vívoactive 5
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Double Tap Gesture:
- Apple Watch Series 9 features double tap gesture that enables one-handed control for common actions.
- Garmin vívoactive 5 does not support gesture-based input.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
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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:
- Want advanced features like ECG, Blood Oxygen, and temperature sensing.
- Need smart features such as on-device Siri, UWB, or LTE connectivity.
- Prefer a premium, customizable design with higher screen brightness and resolution.
- Rely on fast charging and rich app support via the Apple ecosystem.
- Use an iPhone and want seamless syncing and integration.
Check Apple Watch Series 9 Best Price
Buy the Apple Watch Vivoactive 5 if you:
- Want a smartwatch with exceptional battery life that lasts over a week.
- Focus more on health, sleep, and stress tracking than smart assistant features.
- Prefer a watch that works with both Android and iOS.
- Need a more budget-friendly option with strong wellness tools.
- Don’t require advanced smart features like LTE, Siri, or UWB.
Check Garmin Vivoactive 5 Best Price |
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.