Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9 – Which Should You Buy?
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Thinking about upgrading your smartwatch for better health insights or smarter productivity? You might be considering the Garmin Venu 3 and the Apple Watch Series 9. Both are packed with premium features and have built strong reputations. But which one fits your lifestyle and priorities better? This article breaks down their features to help you make the right choice.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Venu 3 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4″ AMOLED, 454 x 454 resolution | 1.9″ LTPO OLED, 396 x 484 resolution (45mm) |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 18 hours (Standard Use) |
| Charging Time | About 1.5 hours | About 1.5 hours |
| Processor | Custom Garmin Chip | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core |
| RAM | Not officially stated | 1GB RAM |
| Storage | 8GB | 64GB |
| GPS | Multi-Band GNSS | Precision dual-frequency GPS |
| Health Tracking | Advanced sleep, HRV, energy, nap detection | Blood Oxygen, ECG, Cycle Tracking |
| OS | Garmin OS | watchOS 10 |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant/Siri (depending on phone) | Siri (on-device, faster) |
| LTE Option | No | Yes |
| Compatibility | Android and iOS | iOS only |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Garmin Venu 3 features a lightweight, durable build with a stainless-steel bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer case. It’s circular and fits a traditional watch aesthetic. The Apple Watch Series 9 uses aluminum or stainless steel with a rectangular face. It feels premium and integrates well with Apple’s sleek design language.
Display and Visual Experience
Garmin offers a bright AMOLED display with a sharp 454 x 454 resolution. The always-on mode is efficient. Apple counters with a larger 1.9-inch LTPO OLED display that is vivid, fluid, and bright enough for sunlight use. Its advanced adaptive refresh rate helps conserve battery.
Battery Life and Charging
The Venu 3 is a clear winner for battery life, lasting up to two weeks in smartwatch mode. Even with continuous health tracking, it can stretch several days. The Series 9 offers about 18 hours of use, or 36 with low power mode, which is average for an Apple Watch. Both charge fully in under 90 minutes.
Performance and Speed
The Apple Watch Series 9 runs on the new S9 chip, providing smooth performance and enabling features like on-device Siri and Double Tap gestures. Garmin’s chip is optimized for battery efficiency but lacks the raw speed and responsiveness of Apple’s silicon.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Garmin Venu 3 excels in sleep tracking, nap detection, energy monitoring, and recovery insights. It’s tailored more for wellness-focused users. Apple focuses on comprehensive metrics too, with ECG, SpO2, and cycle tracking. However, Apple leans more on integration with iPhone apps.
Software and Ecosystem
watchOS 10 delivers a rich, customizable interface with seamless iPhone integration, Apple Fitness+, and app support. Garmin OS is more health-focused, less about third-party apps, and compatible with both Android and iOS. It’s simpler but more fitness-forward.
Smart Features and Notifications
Apple provides cellular connectivity, smooth call handling, and smart replies. On-device Siri also makes responses faster. Garmin supports calls and voice assistants (depending on phone), but lacks LTE. For Android users, Garmin is a better pick. For iPhone users, Apple is more seamless.
Navigation and GPS
Both watches provide accurate GPS, but Apple’s dual-frequency GPS improves precision in complex urban environments. Garmin’s multi-band GNSS is excellent for outdoor activities and endurance tracking, favored by athletes and hikers.
FAQ
Does the Garmin Venu 3 work with iPhones?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, although some advanced features may vary slightly between platforms.
Can I make calls from the Apple Watch Series 9?
Yes, you can make calls directly from the Series 9 if you have the GPS + Cellular model or if your iPhone is nearby for the GPS model.
Which watch is better for Android users?
The Garmin Venu 3 is the better choice for Android users because the Apple Watch Series 9 is not compatible with Android phones at all.
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is water resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming but not for high-pressure water sports or diving.
Does Garmin Venu 3 support music storage?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 supports onboard music storage with up to 8GB of space and can sync playlists from Spotify and other services.
Which has better sleep tracking features?
Garmin Venu 3 offers more advanced sleep tracking with nap detection, HRV, and sleep stage analysis, making it better for sleep-focused users.
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 faster than Garmin Venu 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 features a high-performance S9 chip which delivers smoother UI performance and faster voice assistant response.
Do either of these watches offer ECG?
Only the Apple Watch Series 9 offers an FDA-cleared ECG app. The Garmin Venu 3 does not currently support ECG.
How long does the Garmin Venu 3 battery last?
The battery can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and around 26 hours with continuous GPS usage, depending on settings and usage.
Can I use third-party apps on Garmin Venu 3 like on Apple Watch?
Garmin supports some third-party apps via Connect IQ, but the ecosystem is limited compared to the robust App Store on Apple Watch.