OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Vivomove Style review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:?Battery life:5 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Garmin Vivomove Style Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 16 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Vivomove Style
7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components

35%

6.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.0

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▲Better than 54% of smartwatches
7.7

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
▼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▼Worse than 56%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

24%

6.7

Health

21%

8.1

Fitness

16%

5.5

Battery

14%

6.5

Smart features

12%

4.1

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

▼Worse than 51%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

7.8

Popularity

Grades by review (16)
8 reviews + 8 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 51%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Garmin Vivomove Style

Based on 7 · 11

Reviewers praise the comfortable, stylish hybrid design and health tracking, but the small display and missing GPS draw criticism.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Vivomove Style

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

24%

6.7

Health

21%

8.1

Fitness

16%

5.5

Battery

14%

6.5

Smart features

12%

4.1

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

6.2
Reviews score
8.0
List score
?
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
▼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.7
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Distance tracking may depend on phone GPS/app on some models.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
5 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 5 days on a charge, which is shorter than 65.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
80 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 80 mAh battery, which is smaller than 99.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.1% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
90 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 90 min, which is quicker than 64.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 9.9% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 59.8% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
240x 240
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240 which is lower than that of 75.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 14.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
212 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 212 ppi, which is lower than 90.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.1% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 0 GB of internal storage, which is less than 76.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 23.5% of Smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media
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 Style vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • 30 min quicker charging
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (90 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch takes 120 min to charge from empty.
    90 min vs 120 min
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 51% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    7.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (16)
    8 reviews + 8 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • 30 min quicker charging
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (90 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch takes 120 min to charge from empty.
    90 min vs 120 min
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 19.5 g lighter
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (25.5 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    25.5 g vs 45 g
  • Hybrid watch design
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.6% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, nylon for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, nylon vs silicone
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • More frequent updates
    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
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • 2.36x more expensive
    Garmin Vivomove Style is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £110).
    £260 vs £110
  • 2 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2019 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2019
    2019 vs 2021
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No route support
    This smartwatch does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 54.4% of smartwatches support route support.
  • 77 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (13 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    13 vs 90
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 225 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (80 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    80 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 2 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (5 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    5 days vs 7 days
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • 114 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (212 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    212 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    240x240 vs 360x360
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 68.1% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No passcode
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 70.4% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No widget support
    This smartwatch does not support widgets, the average smartwatch does. 84.4% of smartwatches support widgets.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

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

7.0
Peter Herget & Gadgets Anonymous
≈ estimated
02/03/2022
Hands-on review · notifications, workouts and battery test
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Style is a well-designed hybrid with great battery life, but lacking two-way communication means it is not a true smartwatch.
6.0
Peter Herget & Gadgets Anonymous
≈ estimated
19/02/2022
Return decision · day 38 update · reset and battery notes
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Style was returned over the weak vibration motor and the lack of a shutdown mode, though still recommended for hybrid fans.
7.0
Peter Herget & Gadgets Anonymous
≈ estimated
15/01/2022
Day 5 update · sleep tracking and daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Style does more than its rivals for sleep overall, though the sleep score and several features are still missing.
8.0
iNandoTV
≈ estimated
11/01/2020
Final review · pros and cons, daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Style suits buyers who want a discreet traditional watch, though the strap, wake gestures and GPS hold it back.
8.0
Mike O'Brien
≈ estimated
04/01/2020
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Style is a light, stylish hybrid with a useful separate hand battery, though touch and sunlight visibility disappoint.
9.0
Mike O'Brien
≈ estimated
12/12/2019
Full review · feature tour, tests and pros and cons
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Style is an impressive hybrid with NFC payments and long battery life, though replies and night visibility are lacking.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
08/01/2020
Hands-on review · Dressy hybrid
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Style is a handsome hybrid whose screen stays hidden until needed, but it is fiddly for sports tracking, so it suits style-first buyers.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
04/06/2020
Hands-on review · Analog-style watch
Verdict
The Vivomove Style is a light, classic-looking watch that trades fitness features for design, and its dim screen is hard to read outdoors.
7.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
05/06/2020
Full review · Hidden-display hybrid
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Style suits style-conscious buyers who want basic fitness, but its dull screen is hard to read in bright sunlight.
8.0
nextrift.com
≈ estimated
18/05/2020
Quick review · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Style looks like a classic watch with five days of battery life, but missing Telegram alerts and a screen that struggles in bright sun hold it back.
8.8
chip.de
✓ explicit
18/11/2019
Lab test · Analog-hands hybrid
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Style looks like an ordinary watch with a screen easy to read in sunlight, but its five-day battery and missing second hand hold it back.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
14/02/2020
Full test · Everyday hybrid
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Style is a handsome hybrid that lasts five days, but its cluttered touchscreen interface and lack of GPS let it down.
9.0
focustech.it
≈ estimated
19/02/2020
Hands-on test · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Style is a handsome analog-looking watch for everyday health tracking rather than sport, since it relies on your phone for GPS.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Garmin Vivomove Style

  • Elegant analog design with hidden dual-color AMOLED touchscreen
  • Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear and sleep tracking
  • Supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments
  • Accurate activity and health tracking, including heart rate and Pulse Ox
  • Excellent companion app (Garmin Connect) for in-depth data analysis
  • Durable build with anodized aluminum case and Gorilla Glass 3

What customers don't like about Garmin Vivomove Style

  • Display is dull and very difficult to read in direct sunlight
  • Lacks built-in GPS, requiring a connected smartphone for outdoor tracking
  • Touchscreen responsiveness can be finicky or inconsistent
  • No onboard music storage or support for downloadable Connect IQ apps
  • Analog hands do not illuminate, making them hard to see in the dark
  • Battery life in smartwatch mode is relatively short (up to 5 days) compared to other Garmin models

Verdict

The Garmin vívomove Style is a 42mm hybrid smartwatch that blends traditional analogue aesthetics with modern technology, featuring a hidden 240 x 240 pixel dual AMOLED colour touchscreen protected by domed Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It offers comprehensive 24/7 health monitoring, including heart rate, Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy levels, and advanced sleep tracking, alongside essential smart features like Garmin Pay and connected GPS. Main pros include its lightweight aluminium design (35g), 5 ATM water resistance, and a versatile battery life that lasts up to 5 days in smartwatch mode plus an additional week as a standard timepiece. However, notable cons include the lack of built-in GPS and music storage, and a display that can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.

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