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Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Venu 2 Plus are two advanced fitness smartwatches designed for health tracking, workout guidance, and smartwatch functionality in one device. Garmin Venu 3 is the more premium and feature-rich model with upgraded sensors, a sharper display, and expanded health tracking capabilities. Garmin enu 2 Plus remains a capable and stylish option with solid performance and voice assistant integration. This comparison will walk you through key differences so you can confidently decide which one fits your needs best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Garmin Venu 3 features a newer generation processor that improves menu loading speed and smoothness during navigation.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus uses an older processor that remains responsive but is slower in transitions.
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Display:
- Garmin Venu 3 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED display that provides sharp colors and excellent outdoor readability.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus includes a 1.3-inch AMOLED display with slightly lower resolution and brightness.
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Elevate 5 HR Sensor:
- Garmin Venu 3 has the Elevate 5 heart rate sensor that increases accuracy during varied activities and high-intensity training.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus uses the Elevate 4 sensor, which provides reliable but less advanced readings.
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All-Systems GNSS:
- Garmin Venu 3 supports All-Systems GNSS with SatIQ to balance GPS accuracy and battery consumption automatically.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus supports Multi-GNSS without SatIQ optimization.
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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 Venu 2 Plus has lower 416 x 416 pixels resolution.
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Nap Detection:
- Garmin Venu 3 has a Sleep Coach with nap detection that provides tailored rest recommendations based on your daily activity.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus offers standard sleep tracking without nap detection or coaching.
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Morning Report:
- Garmin Venu 3 includes a Morning Report that summarizes sleep, readiness, and planned workouts each day.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus does not feature a morning summary.
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Battery Life:
- Garmin Venu 3 includes a battery that lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode to reduce charging frequency.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus lasts up to 9 days in smartwatch mode.
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Faster UI:
- Garmin Venu 3 has upgraded hardware that enables a more responsive and fluid interface.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus performs smoothly but is slower in certain transitions.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Garmin Venu 3 |
Garmin Venu 2 Plus |
| Display |
1.4-inch AMOLED, 454×454 resolution |
1.3-inch AMOLED, 416×416 resolution |
| Battery Life |
Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) |
Up to 9 days (smartwatch mode) |
| Processor |
Newer generation for faster UI |
Previous-gen processor |
| RAM |
Higher capacity for smoother performance |
Standard RAM |
| Heart Rate Sensor |
Elevate 5 |
Elevate 4 |
| GPS |
All-Systems GNSS with SatIQ |
Multi-GNSS |
| Sleep Tracking |
Includes Sleep Coach with nap detection |
Standard sleep tracking |
| Morning Report |
Yes |
No |
| Recovery Feedback |
Yes |
No |
| Wheelchair Mode |
Yes |
No |
| Image Previews for Notifications |
Yes |
No |
| Extra Button & Flashlight |
Yes |
No |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if you:
- Want the latest Garmin health and fitness features like Sleep Coach, Morning Report, and Recovery Feedback.
- Need longer battery life for extended use without charging.
- Prefer faster performance with a smoother UI experience.
- Value advanced tracking like All-Systems GNSS with SatIQ and Elevate 5 sensor.
- Benefit from accessibility features like wheelchair mode and image previews.
Check Garmin Venu 3 Best Price
Buy the Garmin Venu 2 Plus if you:
- Prefer a more compact design that still offers an AMOLED display.
- Want integrated speaker and microphone for calls and voice assistant use.
- Do not need the latest health and recovery features.
- Are looking for a more budget-friendly Garmin smartwatch.
- Value proven performance from an established model.
Check Garmin Venu 2 Plus Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Elevate 5 HR Sensor |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| All-Systems GNSS |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Longer Battery Life |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Sleep Coach with Nap Detection |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Morning Report |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Recovery Feedback |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Wheelchair Mode |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Image Previews |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Faster UI |
Garmin Venu 3 |
FAQ
Is the Garmin Venu 3 newer than the Garmin Venu 2 Plus?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 is the newer model and comes with upgraded hardware, improved health tracking, and more smart features compared to the Garmin Venu 2 Plus.
Does the Garmin Venu 3 have better battery life than the Venu 2 Plus?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, while the Venu 2 Plus lasts up to 9 days in the same mode.
What is the difference in heart rate sensors between the two models?
The Garmin Venu 3 uses the Elevate 5 heart rate sensor for more accurate readings in different conditions, while the Venu 2 Plus uses the older Elevate 4 sensor.
Do both watches support advanced GPS tracking?
The Garmin Venu 3 supports All-Systems GNSS with SatIQ for optimized accuracy and battery use, while the Venu 2 Plus supports Multi-GNSS without SatIQ.
Which watch is better for sleep tracking?
The Garmin Venu 3 offers Sleep Coach with nap detection and personalized recommendations, while the Venu 2 Plus has standard sleep tracking without coaching or nap detection.
Does the Garmin Venu 3 have features that the Venu 2 Plus does not?
Yes, the Venu 3 includes Morning Report, Recovery Feedback, Wheelchair Mode, Image Previews in notifications, and an extra button with flashlight, none of which are available on the Venu 2 Plus.
Can both watches make calls?
Only the Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a built-in microphone and speaker for making calls directly from the watch when connected to a compatible smartphone. The Venu 3 does not have this calling feature.
Which watch has the bigger display?
The Garmin Venu 3 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with higher resolution, while the Venu 2 Plus has a 1.3-inch AMOLED display with slightly lower resolution.
Is the user interface faster on the Garmin Venu 3?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 has upgraded processing power and more RAM, resulting in smoother animations and faster menu navigation compared to the Venu 2 Plus.
Which watch is better for accessibility features?
The Garmin Venu 3 is better for accessibility because it includes Wheelchair Mode and features like Image Previews that make interaction easier, while the Venu 2 Plus lacks these functions.