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Garmin Forerunner 265 and Venu 3 have some key differences. The Venu 3 is the newer model and brings useful upgrades like a built-in speaker, nap detection, and a refined heart rate sensor, while the Forerunner 265 focuses on advanced running performance metrics in a lightweight design. This comparison will walk you through key differences so you can confidently decide which one fits your needs best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Larger OLED Display:- Garmin Venu 3 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED display that provides more space for viewing metrics and notifications.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 has a 1.3-inch AMOLED display.
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Stainless-Steel Bezel:- Garmin Venu 3 includes a stainless-steel bezel that adds durability and a premium aesthetic.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 uses a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel.
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Stylish Design:- Garmin Venu 3 has a 12 mm profile that makes it slimmer and more comfortable for daily wear.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 measures 12.9 mm thick.
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ECG:- Garmin Venu 3 supports ECG functionality to help detect irregular heart rhythms like AFib.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 does not include ECG.
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Sleep Coach:- Garmin Venu 3 features a Sleep Coach that provides personalized recommendations to improve rest quality.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 does not have Sleep Coach.
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Nap Detection:- Garmin Venu 3 includes nap detection that automatically records and factors short rests into recovery tracking.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 does not track naps.
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Audio-Guided Meditation:- Garmin Venu 3 supports audio-guided meditation to assist in stress management and relaxation.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 does not offer guided meditation sessions.
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Built-in Speaker & Mic:- Garmin Venu 3 comes with a built-in speaker and microphone to make and receive calls directly from the watch.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 lacks calling functionality.
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Wheelchair Mode:- Garmin Venu 3 features a Wheelchair Mode that tracks push-based activity instead of steps.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 does not have a wheelchair-specific mode.
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Higher Resolution:- Garmin Venu 3 delivers 454 x 454 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 has lower 416 x 416 resolution.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
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| Display | 1.4-inch AMOLED, 454×454 | 1.3-inch AMOLED, 416×416 |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days smartwatch mode | Up to 13 days smartwatch mode |
| Processor | Latest-gen Garmin chipset | Latest-gen Garmin chipset |
| Bezel | Stainless steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Thickness | 12 mm | 12.9 mm |
| ECG (AFib detection) | Yes | No |
| Sleep Coach | Yes | No |
| Nap Detection | Yes | No |
| Audio-guided Meditation | Yes | No |
| Wheelchair Mode | Yes | No |
| Built-in Speaker & Mic | Yes | No |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if you:- Want the most complete health tracking features including ECG, nap detection, and Sleep Coach
- Prefer a premium design with a stainless-steel bezel and a larger display
- Need built-in speaker and mic for taking calls from your wrist
- Value wellness tools like audio-guided meditation and wheelchair mode
- Want an all-in-one watch for fitness, lifestyle, and daily communication
Check Garmin Venu 3 Best Price Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 if you:- Focus mainly on running performance and training analytics
- Prefer a lighter and sportier design over premium materials
- Do not need ECG, guided meditation, or calling features
- Want a lower-priced option while keeping AMOLED and long battery life
- Prioritize lightweight comfort for intense workouts
Check Garmin Forerunner 265 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Larger OLED Display | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Stainless-Steel Bezel | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Thinner/Stylish Design | Garmin Venu 3 |
| ECG (AFib Detection) | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Sleep Coach | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Nap Detection | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Audio-Guided Meditation | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Wheelchair Mode | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Built-in Speaker & Mic | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Morning Report | Garmin Venu 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance (5 ATM): Both watches are rated to 5 ATM, so they can be used for swimming and exposed to water without damage, which is important for tracking aquatic workouts and daily wear.
- Built-in GPS: Both devices include onboard GPS (and support for multiple satellite systems), allowing accurate tracking of outdoor running, cycling, and navigation without needing your phone.
- AMOLED / Color Display: Both models use a vivid color display (AMOLED or equivalent) for sharper visuals, making metrics, maps, and dashboards easier to read at a glance.
- Advanced Health & Fitness Metrics: Each watch offers a wide suite of health tracking (heart rate, sleep, stress, VO₂ max, etc.) and fitness metrics, which provides deeper insight into your body and training over time.
- Storage for Music / Media: Both devices allow storage of music (or media) on the watch itself, letting you leave your phone behind when exercising and still listen to your favorite tunes.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Garmin Venu 3 have ECG capability?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 includes ECG functionality to help detect potential signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and provides results directly on the watch and in the Garmin Connect app.
Can the Garmin Forerunner 265 make phone calls?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 265 does not have a built-in speaker or microphone, so it cannot be used to make or receive phone calls directly from the watch.
Which watch has a larger display between the Venu 3 and Forerunner 265?
The Garmin Venu 3 has a larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display compared to the Forerunner 265’s 1.3-inch AMOLED screen, offering more viewing area for data and notifications.
Does either watch support nap detection?
Only the Garmin Venu 3 supports automatic nap detection, which tracks short rest periods and factors them into recovery and sleep analysis.
Which model is better for running performance tracking?
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is designed with more advanced running metrics and training tools, making it better suited for dedicated runners compared to the Venu 3.
Do both watches have Morning Report?
Yes, both the Garmin Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 provide a morning report, but the Venu 3 includes additional wellness insights such as sleep coaching and recovery recommendations.
Is the Garmin Venu 3 slimmer than the Forerunner 265?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 is slightly slimmer at 12 mm thick, compared to the Forerunner 265 which measures 12.9 mm thick.
Does either watch have guided meditation features?
Only the Garmin Venu 3 offers audio-guided meditation sessions to help with relaxation and stress reduction.
Which watch has a premium stainless-steel bezel?
The Garmin Venu 3 includes a stainless-steel bezel for a more premium look, while the Forerunner 265 uses a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel.
Is there a wheelchair mode available?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 has a dedicated Wheelchair Mode that tracks push activity instead of steps, while the Forerunner 265 does not include this feature.