Question about Garmin vivosmart 4

Hi, as far I know it works as GPS tracker only in combination with the phone gps using connect - the Garmin app. Once smartphone and Vivoactive are connected then the gps location is shared from phone to the garmin.
I think for that you would need more other models, but look that any gps onboard is only working when you start an activity trace. As far I could know , but better check on internet, the smartphone is the most reliable live gps tracking- with android for sure on google map - my places.
Hope it helps