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Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Fenix 8 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 Fenix 8 is a rugged, adventure-ready model with cutting-edge durability and long battery life. This comparison will walk you through key differences so you can confidently decide which one fits your needs best.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Fenix 7 |
|---|
| 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 28 days (smartwatch mode) |
| Processor | Latest-generation Garmin wearable chip | New high-performance Garmin chipset |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB | 32 GB |
| Build | Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced case | Titanium bezel, sapphire crystal lens |
| Weight | 46 g | 68 g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Garmin Venu 3 features a newer generation Garmin processor that improves interface responsiveness and reduces menu lag.
- Garmin Fenix 8 uses an older generation processor, which is slightly 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 Fenix 8 includes a 1.3-inch AMOLED display with slightly lower resolution and brightness.
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Speaker & Microphone:- Garmin Venu 3 includes a built-in speaker and microphone to make Bluetooth calls and interact with voice assistants without a phone in hand.
- Garmin Fenix 8 does not include a microphone or speaker for calls.
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ECG:- Garmin Venu 3 supports ECG functionality to detect irregular heart rhythms for early health monitoring.
- Garmin Fenix 8 does not have ECG capability.
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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 Fenix 8 has lower 416 x 416 pixels resolution.
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Meditation Mode:- Garmin Venu 3 supports Meditation Mode that provides guided breathing and relaxation exercises to manage stress.
- Garmin Fenix 8 does not include a dedicated meditation mode.
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Nap Tracking:- Garmin Venu 3 features nap tracking that automatically logs short rest periods to help improve recovery metrics.
- Garmin Fenix 8 does not have automatic nap tracking.
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Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| AMOLED Display | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Built-in Speaker & Microphone | Garmin Venu 3 |
| ECG Support | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Meditation Mode | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Nap Tracking | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Design | Garmin Venu 3 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if you:- Want a brighter AMOLED display for vibrant everyday viewing.
- Need built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice assistant use.
- Value health-focused features like ECG, meditation mode, and nap tracking.
- Prefer a lighter watch for all-day comfort.
- Focus more on wellness and lifestyle tracking than extreme sports.
Check Garmin Venu 3 Best Price Buy the Garmin Fenix 8 if you:- Need extreme durability with titanium bezel and sapphire crystal.
- Want the longest battery life for multi-week adventures.
- Require advanced outdoor and multisport tracking features.
- Prefer a watch optimized for rugged environments and expedition use.
- Need extra storage for maps, routes, and offline music.
Check Garmin Fenix 8 Best Price |
What They Have in Common
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches include continuous optical heart rate sensors, allowing users to track heart rate during workouts and throughout daily activities, which is fundamental for training zones, recovery insights, and health monitoring.
- GNSS Positioning: Each model provides built-in satellite positioning (GPS/other GNSS), enabling accurate tracking of routes, distances, and pace without needing a phone, which is crucial for running, cycling, hiking, and navigation.
- Waterproofing: They are water-rated and support swim modes, meaning users can safely wear them during swimming or other water activities and record stroke, laps, and related metrics.
- Notification Features: Both support Bluetooth connection to a smartphone to show notifications, control music, and interact with phone apps, making the watches useful beyond just fitness tracking.
- Advanced Health Metrics: Each watch offers sensors and algorithms to monitor blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and sleep patterns, providing deeper wellness insights.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Garmin Venu 3 better for everyday wear than the Garmin Fenix 8?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 is lighter and has a sleeker design, making it more comfortable for all-day wear, while the Garmin Fenix 8 is bulkier and better suited for rugged use.
Does the Garmin Fenix 8 have a better processor than the Garmin Venu 3?
Yes, the Garmin Fenix 8 has a newer high-performance chipset that improves speed and efficiency, especially for maps and advanced training features.
Which watch has the brighter AMOLED display?
The Garmin Venu 3 has a brighter and slightly larger AMOLED display with higher resolution, offering better visibility in most lighting conditions.
Can both watches make phone calls?
No, only the Garmin Venu 3 includes a built-in speaker and microphone for Bluetooth calls, while the Garmin Fenix 8 does not support this feature.
Do both watches support ECG functionality?
No, only the Garmin Venu 3 supports ECG to help detect irregular heart rhythms, while the Garmin Fenix 8 does not have this capability.
Which watch is more durable?
The Garmin Fenix 8 is more durable due to its titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens, designed for extreme outdoor conditions, compared to the stainless steel bezel of the Venu 3.
Do both watches have nap tracking?
No, nap tracking is available on the Garmin Venu 3 but not on the Garmin Fenix 8.
Which watch has better battery life?
The Garmin Fenix 8 has a much longer battery life, lasting up to 28 days in smartwatch mode compared to up to 14 days on the Garmin Venu 3.
Do both watches offer Sleep Coach?
Yes, both models include Sleep Coach, but the Fenix 8’s version is more tailored for endurance and expedition recovery.
Which watch should I choose for outdoor adventures?
The Garmin Fenix 8 is better suited for outdoor adventures due to its rugged build, longer battery life, and advanced navigation features.
