Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Vivomove 3 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£190Screen size:?Battery life:5 daysDisplay type:OLED

Garmin Vivomove 3 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 6 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.4

Technical score

30%

8.1

Review score ( 3 · 3)

Review score 30% · 8.1 · based on 3 written reviews + 3 videos
3 written reviews + 3 videos count as 4.3 of the 5 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
▲Better than 61% of smartwatches
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

6.4

Health

21%

8.2

Fitness

16%

5.8

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

4.0

Connectivity

9%

6.6

Display & Design

4%

5.1

Hardware

▲Better than 56% of smartwatches
8.1

Review score

Review score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (6)
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1
≈ estimated
1
Video reviews 1
estimated from the review
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 71% of smartwatches
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Vivomove 3

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

6.4

Health

21%

8.2

Fitness

16%

5.8

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

4.0

Connectivity

9%

6.6

Display & Design

4%

5.1

Hardware

6.4
Review score
Review score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (6)
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1
≈ estimated
1
Video reviews 1
estimated from the review
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.9

Overall score

40%

9.5

Price

7.7
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 70% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
?
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
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Battery life
5 days
Battery life
5 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 5 days which is shorter than that of 63.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.5% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
89 mAh
Battery power
89 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 89 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 99.4% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.2% of smartwatches.
Charge time
?
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Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
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Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
Compass
no
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
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What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Resolution
64x 132
Resolution
64x 132
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 64x132 which is lower than that of 97.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
183 ppi
Pixel density
183 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 183 ppi which is lower than that of 96.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
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What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
?
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Vivomove 3 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Calorie tracking
    Calorie tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    chemically strengthened glass
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • Hybrid watch design
    Hybrid design
    yes
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • 2 mm narrower band
    Width of band
    20.0 mm
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • 15 °C higher max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    60.0 °C
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    60.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer vs polycarbonate
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No gyroscope
    Gyroscope
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • 46.2% more expensive
    Garmin Vivomove 3 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£190 vs £130).
    £190 vs £130
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No gyroscope
    Gyroscope
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • 69 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    11
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (11 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    11 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 211 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    89 mAh days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (89 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    89 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 2 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    5 days
    This smartwatch offers 5 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    5 days vs 7 days
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    64 x 132
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 64x132, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    64x132 vs 352x430
  • 143 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    183 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (183 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    183 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2019
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2019 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2019
    2019 vs 2021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
La Bolsa del Corredor
≈ estimated
08/11/2019
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove 3 makes a good first impression with an elegant hybrid design, though the lack of GPS and NFC is a drawback.
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 3 · 3

Reviewers like the hybrid display and comfortable, stylish design, but find the controls fiddly and miss built-in GPS.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
07/02/2020
Hands-on review · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove 3 is a classic-looking watch with a hidden screen, better suited to everyday wear than serious athletes, since it has no GPS.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
29/11/2022
Hands-on review · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove 3 is a stylish hybrid for people who dislike bulky watches, but its tiny screen and fiddly tapping make it a weak race-day watch.
8.0
montre-cardio-gps.fr
≈ estimated
14/04/2020
Hands-on test · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe looks like a classic watch yet hides a colour touchscreen, but it is unreadable in strong sun and its menus take getting used to.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Vivomove 3

  • Elegant hybrid design that looks like a traditional analogue watch
  • Lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear, including sleep
  • Hidden touchscreen display that only appears when needed
  • Useful health metrics like 'Body Battery', stress, and hydration tracking
  • Simple and straightforward setup process with the Garmin Connect app
  • Interchangeable 20mm quick-release bands for easy style customization

What we don't like about Garmin Vivomove 3

  • Lack of built-in GPS (requires a connected smartphone for outdoor tracking)
  • Small OLED display can be difficult to read in direct sunlight
  • Fiddly touch controls and occasional lack of responsiveness in 'raise-to-wake'
  • Limited data display on-screen compared to dedicated fitness watches
  • Pulse Ox measurements sometimes fail to sync properly with the app
  • Battery life is shorter than some other hybrid competitors (approx. 5 days)

Verdict

The Garmin vívomove 3 is a hybrid smartwatch featuring a 44mm stainless steel bezel and a hidden 64 x 132 pixel monochrome OLED touchscreen that only appears when needed, allowing the physical analog hands to move dynamically out of the way. Key characteristics include a 5-day battery life in smart mode (with an additional week in watch-only mode), 5 ATM water resistance, and comprehensive health monitoring such as Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy levels, and all-day stress tracking. Main pros are its elegant traditional watch aesthetic, accurate heart rate and sleep tracking, and a lightweight, comfortable design for daily wear. However, notable cons include the lack of built-in GPS (requiring a connected smartphone for location data), the absence of Garmin Pay or music storage, and a small display that can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.

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