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Garmin Venu 3 vs 3S – Which Should You Buy?

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Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S have some key differences. The Venu 3 is the newer model and brings useful upgrades like a built-in speaker, nap detection, longer battery life and a refined heart rate sensor. The Venu 3S is more compact and lightweight, ideal for smaller wrists or users who prioritize comfort. This comparison will walk you through key differences so you can confidently decide which one fits your needs best.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Built-in Speaker and Microphone:

  • The Garmin Venu 3 has a advanced built-in speaker and microphone for voice calls and voice assistant support to enhance communication and convenience.
  • Garmin Venu 3s has basic speaker & microphone for calls or voice assistant use.
Winner:

Garmin Venu 3

 

Display Size:

  • Garmin Venu 3 features a larger 1.4-inch display with thinner bezels to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
  • Garmin Venu 3s has a 1.2-inch display.
Winner:

Garmin Venu 3

 

Advanced Sleep Tracking:

  • The Garmin Venu 3 includes advanced sleep tracking with sleep coaching and nap detection for better rest optimization.
  • The Garmin Venu 3s has standard sleep monitoring without coaching.
Winner:

Garmin Venu 3

 

Battery Life:

  • Garmin Venu 3 provides up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch Mode and 26 hours in GPS mode to ensure extended usage time.
  • Garmin Venu 3S offers up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 21 hours in GPS mode.
Winner:

Garmin Venu 3

 

Higher Resolution:

  • Garmin Venu 3 delivers 454 x 454 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
  • Garmin Venu 3S has lower 390 x 390 resolution.
Winner:

Garmin Venu 3

Specs at a Glance

Feature Garmin Venu 3 Garmin Venu 3S
Display Size 1.4-inch AMOLED 1.2-inch AMOLED
Resolution 454 x 454 pixels 390 x 390 pixels
Case Size 45mm 41mm
Weight Approx. 47g Approx. 40g
Battery Life (Smartwatch) Up to 14 days Up to 10 days
Battery Life (GPS) Up to 26 hours Up to 21 hours
Charging Time Around 60 minutes Around 60 minutes
Storage 8GB internal 8GB internal
Processor Latest-gen Garmin chipset Same chipset
Always-On Display Yes Yes
Water Resistance 5 ATM 5 ATM
Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if you:

  • Want a larger and sharper display for easier readability.
  • Need longer battery life for extended trips or workouts.
  • Prefer a bold look with a 45mm case size.
  • Use GPS activities frequently and want longer tracking hours.
  • Don’t mind a slightly heavier watch for added screen space.

Check Venu 3 Best Price

Buy the Garmin Venu 3S if you:

  • Have a smaller wrist and prefer a more compact smartwatch.
  • Want the same features in a lighter, more elegant form.
  • Prefer the soft gold and ivory aesthetic for a refined look.
  • Don’t need extra screen space and are happy with 1.2 inches.
  • Want a slightly lower price without sacrificing core features.

Check Venu 3S Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Built-in Speaker and Microphone Garmin Venu 3
Design Garmin Venu 3
Display Size Garmin Venu 3
Higher Resolution Garmin Venu 3
Case Size Garmin Venu 3
Weight Garmin Venu 3
Battery Life (Smartwatch) Garmin Venu 3
Battery Life (GPS) Garmin Venu 3

FAQ

Does the Garmin Venu 3 have a larger screen than the Venu 3S?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen while the Venu 3S features a smaller 1.2-inch AMOLED screen, making the Venu 3 better for users who prefer larger visuals.

Is there any difference in performance between the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S?
No, both watches use the same processor and deliver identical performance in terms of responsiveness, tracking, and app usage.

Which watch has better battery life, the Garmin Venu 3 or Venu 3S?
The Garmin Venu 3 has longer battery life with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, compared to up to 10 days for the Venu 3S.

Are both the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S suitable for small wrists?
The Garmin Venu 3S is better suited for small wrists due to its 41mm case size, while the Venu 3 has a 45mm case that may feel large for some users.

Do both models support phone calls and voice assistants?
Yes, both the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S include a microphone and speaker to allow phone calls and access to voice assistants when paired with a smartphone.

Is the ECG feature available on the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S?
ECG functionality is not available at launch but is expected to be added through a future software update on both the Venu 3 and Venu 3S.

Can I swim with either the Garmin Venu 3 or Venu 3S?
Yes, both watches have a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning they are safe for swimming and showering.

Do the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S support music storage and playback?
Yes, both models come with 8GB of internal storage, which can be used for storing music, playlists, and apps.

Are there any exclusive features on the Garmin Venu 3 not found on the Venu 3S?
No, both models include the same health, fitness, and smart features. The differences are mainly in size, display resolution, and battery endurance.