What are the distinctions between Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 3, and is it worth upgrading?
The highly-anticipated Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S, which are essentially the same except for size, have been released and are now available for purchase. This series includes many impressive new features, especially for those looking for a smartwatch for an active lifestyle. The Venu 3 offers all the basic features and also includes detailed and accurate health and fitness tracking. It combines the best features of the Venu 2 and Venu 2 Plus, with some additional bonuses. To find out more about the differences between the new watch and its predecessor, we have put together a comparison of the Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 3. Keep reading to discover how the two generations differ in terms of design, features, prices, and specifications.
and Features
The specifications and features of the Garmin Venu 2 and Garmin Venu 3 are compared.
| are two new smartwatches with advanced health and fitness tracking features
The latest additions to the Garmin smartwatch line are the Venu 3 and 3S, both equipped with cutting-edge capabilities for monitoring health and fitness. |
offer advanced health and fitness features
The Garmin Venu 2 and 2S provide advanced capabilities for monitoring health and fitness. |
|
|---|---|---|
| Display | Venu 3: 1.4-inch AMOLED, optional always-on 454 x 454 resolution Venu 3S: The display can be either 1.2 inches or AMOLED and has the option for an always-on feature. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
Venu 2: 1.3-inch AMOLED 416 x 416 resolution Venu 2S: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Dimensions and weight | Venu 3: 45 x 45 x 12mm 22mm band 47g Venu 3S: |
Venu 2: 45.4 x 45.4 x 12.2mm 22mm band 49g Venu 2S: |
| Build materials | Stainless steel bezel Fiber-reinforced polymer case Silicone band |
Stainless steel bezel Fiber-reinforced polymer case Silicone band |
| Battery | Venu 3:
The smartwatch mode lasts for a maximum of 14 days (or 5 days with the always-on display feature turned on). Maximum of 11 hours when using all-Systems GNSS mode and listening to music. Venu 3S: The smartwatch can last for up to 10 days in regular mode (or 5 days with always-on display turned on). |
Venu 2:
Possible rewording: Can be used for up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. Venu 2S: The smartwatch mode can last for a maximum of 10 days. “Enjoy GPS tracking and music for a maximum of 7 hours.” |
| IP rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Sensors |
The heart rate sensor of the Garmin Gen 5 is called Elevate. |
Garmin Gen 4 Elevate heart rate sensor GPS GLONASS Galileo Barometric altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Ambient light sensor Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth ANT+ Wi-Fi |
Bluetooth ANT+ Wi-Fi |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Smartwatch features |
Place and receive telephone calls. Reply or decline incoming calls with a text message (only available on Android). Manages and manipulates music on a smartwatch. |
Connect IQ-compatible Smartphone notifications Respond or decline a phone call with a text message (only available on Android) Manages and operates music on a smartwatch. |
| Colors | Venu 3:
A Whitestone case with a silver bezel. Black case with a slate bezel Venu 3S: Bezel in Soft Gold with options of French Gray, Dust Rose, or Ivory for the case. Sage Gray case with a silver bezel Gray case with a slate bezel |
Venu 2:
The bezel of the watch is silver with a Granite Blue case, or slate with a Black case. Venu 2S: The case options include a Slate bezel with a Graphite case, a Light Gold bezel with a Light Sand case, a Silver bezel with a Mist Grey case, and a Rose Gold bezel with a White case. |
and Display
Comparison of the Garmin Venu 2 and Garmin Venu 3 in terms of their design and display.
The Venu label is used by Garmin for their smartwatches that are geared towards everyday use rather than just fitness. This is evident in the simple and elegant designs of the watches, as well as the stunning AMOLED screens. When looking at the Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 3, you’ll notice that they have very similar designs and sizes.
Both sets come with a standard-sized version and a smaller option for those with smaller wrists. The Venu 2 is only slightly bigger than the Venu 3, while the Venu 2S is slightly smaller than the 3S. All four devices have stainless steel bezels, polymer cases, and Gorilla Glass protection for their screens. However, with thinner bezels, the Venu 3 and 3S have slightly larger displays compared to their predecessors. With a size of 1.4 inches and 1.3 inches respectively, their displays provide more space for on-device statistics and a more streamlined appearance.
Shoppers will observe the inclusion of a third button on the latest lineup of watches when viewed from the side. This additional middle button, originally meant to activate the speaker, debuted on the Venu 2 Plus. However, as the Venu 2 does not have a speaker or microphone, the previous model only has two buttons.
and Performance
Comparison of Features and Performance between Garmin Venu 2 and Garmin Venu 3.
The Venu 3 has all the same features as the Venu 2, with the added tools of the Venu 2 Plus. This includes a built-in microphone and speaker for making phone calls and using voice assistant, as well as music playback. The Venu 3 also has a quick-access flashlight, new watch faces, and the option to send photos via text (only available on Android). However, there are many other improvements on the latest model besides these essential smartwatch features.
The Garmin Venu 3 provides most of the top features found in the Venu 2 and Venu 3, including the ability to make phone calls and use voice assistants directly from your wrist.
In terms of wellness, the Garmin Venu 3 stands out for its strong emphasis on monitoring recovery and sleep. This was evident during our review of the device. A notable feature of the Venu 3 is its ability to automatically detect naps, a first for Garmin products. It also tracks HRV overnight and provides personalized sleep coaching with recommendations for improving sleep.
Garmin has enhanced the Body Battery feature and incorporated various new tools such as Recovery Time, Workout Benefit, Perceived Exertion, Morning Report, and a new Daily Summary (similar to Morning Report but in the evening) for training purposes on their device. Additionally, there are now more activity profiles available, as well as features specifically for wheelchair use, such as wheelchair push detection and wheelchair-specific activities. The Venu 3 now also includes Open Water Swim and Meditation activities. Users also have the option to personalize interval workouts and connect the Venu 3 with other sensors and power meters.
The most significant finding was that the Venu 3 showed a notable improvement in accuracy for both GPS and heart rate sensing. The current highest-quality heart rate sensor from Garmin is their Gen 5 Elevate model. We hope that in the future, the hardware will be approved by the FDA for recording ECGs. Currently, the Venu 2 Plus is the only Garmin device that offers this advanced health feature.
The Venu 3 has enhanced accuracy for its GPS and heart rate sensor, but it lacks the ECG app that is present on the Venu 2 Plus.
To poke around all its new features and tools, the Venu 3 also offers an updated user interface. The redesign streamlines navigation primarily by optimally organizing menus. We found the user experience greatly improved by the device’s recent widgets menu. Likewise, we also appreciated the new separation of sport profiles from other apps. The extra, customizable button (compared to the Venu 2) also positively impacts the usability of the watch.
Lastly, the Venu 3 continues to provide exceptional battery longevity, particularly in comparison to other top smartwatches. The Venu 2 also boasts impressive numbers. Nevertheless, the Venu 3 shows significant enhancements despite its bigger screen and additional functionalities.
What is the price difference and color options between the Garmin Venu 2 and Garmin Venu 3?
- Garmin Venu 2: $399.99
- Garmin Venu 2S: $399.99
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus: $449.99
- Garmin Venu 3: $449.99
- Garmin Venu 3S: $449.99
The Garmin Venu 2 was released in April 2021 with a price of $399.99. It is offered in a 45mm size in either Silver with Granite Blue or Slate with Black. For those interested in a smaller size, the 40mm model comes in Light Gold with Light Sand, Slate with Graphite, Silver with Mist Gray, or Rose Gold with White. In January 2022, Garmin launched the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, priced at $449.99. This model is only available in a 43mm size and comes in Cream Gold with Ivory, Silver with Powder Gray, or Slate with Black.
The Garmin Venu 3 has been released at a cost of $449.99, featuring additional functions. The 45mm Venu 3 comes in Silver with Whitestone or Slate with Black, while the 41mm 3S offers more choices such as Soft Gold with Ivory, Slate with Pebble Gray, Silver with Sage Gray, or Soft Gold with Dust Rose.
Is it worth upgrading from Garmin Venu 2 to Garmin Venu 3?
The latest Garmin smartwatch is definitely worth upgrading to for those who currently have a Venu 2 or an older model. It includes all of the useful smartwatch features found on the Venu 2 Plus, as well as some new tools such as automatic nap detection. Its advanced sensor accuracy, detailed recovery tools, and additional fitness tracking capabilities make it an excellent companion for workouts. With all that the Venu 3 has to offer, we do not recommend purchasing older models of the Venu at this time. The only exception may be the Venu 2 Plus if you can find a great deal, but even then, the Venu 3 is a significant improvement.
The Venu 3 provides numerous enhancements and fresh attributes that make it a worthwhile upgrade for shoppers.
On the other hand, the smartwatch market is consistently heating up with new tools, features, and devices landing constantly. Though a well-rounded fitness watch, the Venu 3 can’t really compete with wearables like the Apple Watch Series 9 (
When considering features for a smartwatch, it is important to compare Apple and Garmin before making a decision. The Venu 3 is a great choice for those looking for a combination of fitness tracking, smartwatch features, and long battery life.
Are you switching from the Venu 2 to the Venu 3? Share your thoughts in the poll provided.
