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You want a smartwatch that fits your active lifestyle but also helps manage your health throughout the day. You might be wondering if it’s worth upgrading from your current Garmin Venu 2 or if the new Garmin Venu 3 truly offers meaningful improvements. Both watches are popular among fitness-focused users who appreciate advanced health tracking and sleek AMOLED displays. But now that Venu 3 is out, the real question is simple. Which one should you buy?
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Venu 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4″ AMOLED, 454×454 resolution | 1.3″ AMOLED, 416×416 resolution |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days (Smartwatch mode) | Up to 11 days (Smartwatch mode) |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced with nap detection | Basic overnight tracking only |
| Microphone & Speaker | Yes (Bluetooth calling, voice assistant) | No |
| Wheelchair Mode | Yes | No |
| ECG App Support | Yes (region-limited) | No |
| Multisport Tracking | Wider support including wheelchair-specific | Limited compared to Venu 3 |
| Stress & Body Battery | Improved with HRV status | Basic stress tracking |
| Operating System | Newer Garmin OS version | Older version |
| RAM | 2GB RAM (better multitasking) | 1GB RAM |
| Processor | Faster, smoother transitions | Slightly slower performance |
Design and Construction
Garmin Venu 3 looks quite similar to the Venu 2 but features a slightly larger display. The 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is more vibrant and easier to read in sunlight. Both models offer a stainless-steel bezel and silicone bands, but Venu 3 comes with a slightly more refined finish and additional size options, including Venu 3S for smaller wrists.
Display Quality
The resolution bump on the Venu 3 makes icons and data look sharper. It is more immersive for workout animations, maps, and health dashboards. Venu 2 still has a crisp AMOLED display, but side-by-side, the Venu 3 shows improved clarity and brightness.
Performance and Processing Speed
Venu 3 offers a more responsive experience due to its updated processor and increased RAM. Menu transitions feel faster and smoother. When using multiple apps or starting workouts quickly, the difference becomes noticeable. Venu 2 can lag slightly under heavier use.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Venu 3 introduces advanced sleep tracking with nap detection and personalized sleep coaching. It also supports wheelchair mode, making it more inclusive. The ECG app provides heart rhythm assessments (if supported in your region), which Venu 2 lacks. Both track steps, calories, and respiration, but Venu 3 offers richer data insights.
Smart Features
One of the biggest upgrades is the built-in microphone and speaker on Venu 3. You can take Bluetooth calls and interact with voice assistants, which makes it more practical for day-to-day use. Venu 2 misses this entirely and only offers smart notifications.
Battery Life
Garmin Venu 3 provides up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, beating Venu 2’s 11-day life. With GPS and music playback, the differences remain consistent. This improvement allows more continuous health tracking without frequent charging.
Workout and Sport Modes
Both watches support a wide range of workouts, but Venu 3 expands on that with updated sports modes including wheelchair-specific tracking. It also includes on-screen workouts with more animation details and improved guidance compared to Venu 2.
User Interface and Experience
The Garmin OS on Venu 3 feels cleaner and more intuitive. Navigating between widgets, adjusting settings, and launching features is quicker and more fluid. Venu 2 still performs well, but lacks the latest enhancements in usability that come with Garmin’s latest software.
FAQ
Is the Garmin Venu 3 worth upgrading from Venu 2?
If you want better sleep tracking, Bluetooth calling, a faster interface, and new health features like ECG or nap detection, then yes. Venu 3 is a meaningful upgrade.
Can Garmin Venu 3 make calls?
Yes, Venu 3 has a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to take and make Bluetooth calls when paired with your phone.
Does Garmin Venu 3 support ECG?
Yes, it includes ECG functionality, but it is only available in select regions where Garmin has regulatory approval.
Is the display size very different between the two?
Venu 3 has a slightly larger display at 1.4 inches compared to Venu 2’s 1.3 inches. The improvement is small but adds more clarity and screen space.
Which has better sleep tracking?
Venu 3 offers more advanced sleep tracking. It can detect naps, give personalized coaching, and analyze sleep stages more deeply.
Can you use Garmin Pay on both models?
Yes, both Venu 3 and Venu 2 support Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
Does the Venu 2 support Bluetooth calls?
No, Venu 2 lacks a microphone and speaker, so it does not support Bluetooth calling.
Which watch has better battery life?
Venu 3 lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, while Venu 2 offers up to 11 days. Venu 3 holds a clear edge in battery performance.
Is the Venu 3 better for wheelchair users?
Yes, Venu 3 includes a wheelchair mode that tracks pushes instead of steps, making it more accessible for all users.
Do both watches have GPS?
Yes, both have built-in GPS. However, Venu 3 may offer slightly improved performance due to newer internal components.