OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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 3S Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£190Screen size:0.80 inchBattery life:5 daysDisplay type:OLED

Garmin Vivomove 3S Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 4 expert 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
▲ Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Technical score

30%

8.2

Review score

Review score 30% · 8.2 · based on 4 written reviews
4 written reviews count as 4 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
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components

24%

6.6

Health

21%

8.5

Fitness

16%

5.6

Battery

14%

6.7

Smart features

12%

4.0

Connectivity

9%

6.3

Display & Design

4%

4.0

Hardware

▲Better than 55% of smartwatches
8.2

Review score

Review score
8.2/ 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
▲ Better than 77% of models
Grades by review (4)
≈ estimated
2

20%

9.0

cadeausympa.fr

20%

8.0

quechoisir.org

estimated from the review
4 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 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 77% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Vivomove 3S

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
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components:

24%

6.6

Health

21%

8.5

Fitness

16%

5.6

Battery

14%

6.7

Smart features

12%

4.0

Connectivity

9%

6.3

Display & Design

4%

4.0

Hardware

6.4
Review score
Review score
8.2/ 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
▲ Better than 77% of models
Grades by review (4)
≈ estimated
2

20%

9.0

cadeausympa.fr

20%

8.0

quechoisir.org

estimated from the review
4 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.2
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
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components:

60%

6.9

Overall score

40%

9.5

Price

7.7
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
▲ Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
▼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
▲ Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
Cadence sensor
no
▼ Worse than 31% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Distance tracking may depend on phone GPS/app on some models.
Show more
Battery life
5 days
Battery life
5 days
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 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
?
Charge time
120 min
Charge time
120 min
▼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 120 min which is faster than 13.1% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 44.2% of smartwatches.
Show more
Operating system
Proprietary OS
Operating system
Proprietary OS
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This smartwatch runs Proprietary OS which is less advanced than the operating system in 53.5% of smartwatches and the same as that in 42.8% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
▲ Better than 58% of models
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
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
▼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
GPS
no
▼ Worse than 56% of models
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
Galileo support
no
▼ Worse than 39% of models
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
Compass
no
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
Screen size
0.8 inch
Screen size
0.8 inch
▼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 0.8 inch which is smaller than the screens of 98.3% of smartwatches.
Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
▼ Worse than 50% of models
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
▼ Worse than 98% of models
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
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 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
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
Internal storage
0 GB
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 0 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 73.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.4% of smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Vivomove 3S vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    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
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    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
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • 46.2% more popular
    Garmin Vivomove 3S has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (8.95 vs 6.1).
    8.95 vs 6.12
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    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
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    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
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass
    ▲ Better than 46% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • Hybrid watch design
    Hybrid design
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • 0.7 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    10.90 mm
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.9 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10.90 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 6 mm shorter watch height
    Height
    39.0 mm
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (39 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    39.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    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
  • 6.4 g lighter weight
    Weight
    38.6 g
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (38.6 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    38.6 g vs 45.0 g
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    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.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    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
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No coaching features
    Coaching
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 46.2% more expensive
    Garmin Vivomove 3S is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£190 vs £130).
    £190 vs £130
  • No coaching features
    Coaching
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • 65 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    15
    Category Benchmark
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (15 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    15 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 62% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 2 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    5 days
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 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
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • 0.6 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    0.80 inch
    ▼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (0.8 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
    0.80 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    64 x 132
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 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
  • 7 mm wider band
    Width of band
    29.0 mm
    ▼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (29 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    Uses proprietary/non-standard band connector.
    29.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    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
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    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
  • 4 GB less storage
    Internal storage
    0 GB
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    No local user storage for apps/media.
    0 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

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

Shop video
Not graded
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 5

The few reviewers agree on reliable health tracking and solid water resistance, with no clear complaints raised.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
thediaryofd.de
≈ estimated
20/05/2020
Personal test · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove 3S weighs 39 g and sits flat, making it a good everyday watch, but a sports watch is better for workouts.
8.0
quechoisir.org
≈ estimated
15/02/2024
Consumer test · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove 3S is a lightweight hybrid watch whose hands always show the time, but it has no GPS and a small touchscreen.
9.0
cadeausympa.fr
≈ estimated
13/12/2024
Hands-on test · Everyday hybrid
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove 3S is an elegant hybrid with a hidden screen, but it lasted three to four days in testing, short of Garmin's five-day claim.
9.0
blog.depau.es
≈ estimated
13/03/2020
Unboxing review · Everyday hybrid
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove 3S suits people who want daily activity and heart-rate tracking without distance or speed statistics, since it has no GPS.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Vivomove 3S

  • Elegant analog design that resembles a traditional watch rather than a bulky fitness tracker
  • Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, particularly suitable for smaller/petite wrists
  • Accurate tracking for core health metrics like heart rate, step counting, and body battery
  • Handy 'watch mode' that maintains basic timekeeping for an extra week after the smart features drain
  • Discreet smart notifications that appear only when the screen is activated by a tap or gesture
  • Wide range of wellness features, including stress tracking, hydration logging, and menstrual cycle tracking

What we don't like about Garmin Vivomove 3S

  • Unreliable touchscreen responsiveness, often requiring multiple taps to wake or navigate
  • Sub-optimal battery life in smart mode, with several users reporting it only lasts 2-4 days rather than the promised 5
  • Digital display is difficult to read in direct sunlight or bright outdoor conditions
  • Lack of built-in GPS requires a connected smartphone for accurate distance tracking during outdoor activities
  • Mechanical hands can occasionally become misaligned during vigorous activity, requiring manual recalibration
  • Sleep tracking data is sometimes reported as inaccurate or inconsistent by long-term users

Verdict

The Garmin Vivomove 3S is a 39mm hybrid smartwatch featuring a traditional analogue design with real ticking hands and a hidden 64 x 132 pixel OLED touchscreen that is only visible when needed. It offers a comprehensive suite of health monitoring tools, including wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy levels, and advanced sleep tracking, alongside connected GPS capabilities for outdoor activities when paired with a smartphone. Key pros include its elegant, non-bulky aesthetic, 5 ATM water resistance, and up to 5 days of battery life in smart mode with an additional week in watch mode. However, notable cons include the lack of built-in GPS, occasional touchscreen responsiveness issues, and a small monochrome display that can be difficult to read in bright sunlight.

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