Garmin Venu 3 vs. 3S – What’s new in the new range of Garmin smartwatches?

I admit that, since I started using smartwatches to train, I no longer know how to live without them. The level of detail about the information and physical performance they provide makes me want to improve myself a little more every day. And, in addition to the sports features, the truth is that they make some everyday actions more comfortable, such as checking the weather, checking if new messages have arrived, or activating an alarm to wake me up in the morning. For this reason, I am always comparing the most interesting models, with the aim of helping you choose the most suitable one for you. Today I am going to focus on the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S models. 

A priori, we can think that, since they are from the same range, they will have more similarities than differences. However, the truth is that just by seeing them it is easy to distinguish them. I have to admit that, aesthetically, I have had a curious feeling. At first glance, I found the Garmin Venu 3 to have a sportier look, while the Venu 3S has a more toned-down design. However, looking closely, I see that they are not that different; Perhaps the size of the screen greatly influences this perception. And, be careful, because the Venu 3 is the first Garmin smartwatch in which you can see the photos sent directly to your mobile phone on the same screen, as long as the smartphone is Android.

Some of the most important differences between the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S have to do with screen size or battery life, in addition to design. However, there are also many similarities between the two, which is logical considering that they are the new generation of Garmin smart watches. In fact, they are the first from the brand that integrate a microphone and a speaker to make or receive calls if you have your smartphone nearby.

But, as you know, the best way to decide which of the two smartwatches is more interesting is to compare them. Below, we show you a table in which we list its main characteristics, which we then analyze in detail. Let’s go there!

Garmin Venu 3 vs 3S – Comparison Table

In this table, you can see a quick comparison to detect the most important differences between the two Garmin smartwatches that are the subject of this review:

Size makes design change

As I mentioned in the introduction, at first glance they seemed like two quite different smartwatches. However, analyzing them in detail, I think that this difference is due, above all, to the size of the screen. The Garmin Venu 3 seems like a more sporty smartwatch, because its screen is 1.4 inches, compared to the 1.2 inches that the Venu 3S screen measures. In fact, the Venu 3S is the lite version of the Venu 3, and for that reason it is also lighter. This makes the bezel of the Venu 3 a little wider, and that’s what gives it the sportier look.

As for colors, it should be noted that the Venu 3 is only available in black and white, while the 3S can be purchased in gray, beige, pink, green and gold. This range of matte colors also greatly softens the look of the Venu 3S, which has a more delicate design than the Venu 3. Otherwise, both have a silicone strap and a stainless steel bezel, and in both cases the screen is AMOLED. They also have the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Battery life, the other big difference

Aside from size, battery life is the other big differentiating element between the two Garmin smartwatches. The Garmin Venu 3 can work for 14 days as a smartwatch, compared to 10 days for the Venu 3. If we activate the battery saving mode, the duration increases to 26 days in the Venu 3 and 20 days in the 3S. And, if we use it with all systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo), the battery lasts 20 and 15 hours respectively. Of course, as you know, the autonomy also depends on the use we make, but, under the same conditions, that of the Garmin Venu 3 is superior.

What sports functions do they measure?

We now look at the performance of smartwatches when measuring sports parameters. It should be noted that both have about 30 sports applications, animated training sessions and have the Garmin Coach function, with which you can keep more exhaustive control of your activity. In addition to the basic functions, such as the step or calorie counter, they allow you to monitor sports activities such as gym training, athletics, golf, hiking, climbing, kayaking, cycling and swimming, among others. In fact, the two Garmin smartwatches have a resistance of 5 ATM, which means that they can be submerged about 50 meters, although in fresh water.

Health monitoring

In addition to regulating physical activity, Garmin smart watches also allow you to keep track of your health status. To do this, both measure sleep quality, track your menstrual cycle, measure heart rate and blood oxygen saturation to detect abnormalities, and help you manage your stress level.

Likewise, in two minutes they show you a report with various statistics related to your health. And, to help you reduce stress, they have guided breathing sessions that you can practice. As a curiosity, I liked to see that Garmin smartwatches offer interesting tips to help reduce jet lag, or that they measure how naps benefit your daily performance.

What other features do Garmin smartwatches have?

You already know what the sports performance and health capabilities of the two Garmin smartwatches are, but it’s also interesting to see what other features they have. For example, both watches are compatible with Garmin Pay, Garmin’s payment gateway that works with NFC technology for contactless payments. In addition, they include a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can answer or make calls whenever you have your phone nearby.

Speaking of mobile, both the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S are compatible with Android and iOS, although it is only with Android phones that they can be synchronized to the point that you see, on the screen, the photos that arrive on your mobile. In terms of connectivity, both are compatible with Bluetooth, WiFi and ANT, so there are no relevant differences in this regard.

Garmin Venu 3 vs 3S: Which smartwatch is more worth it?

After having verified the differences and similarities between the two Garmin Venu series 3 smartwatches, it is time to decide which one is more worth it. Remember in the introduction we said we thought there would be more similarities? Fundamentally, this was because the two smartwatches have the same price, which led us to think that there would be no differences between them beyond color. Instead, we see that the size of the screen and the watch itself, along with battery life, are the two most important differences there are.

Taking into account that the price is the same in both, we would tell you that the Garmin Venu 3 is more interesting because its battery lasts longer. It is true that there are only two colors to choose from, and that it is larger than the Venu 3S, but if these are not aspects that matter much to you, the quality-price ratio is better.

If you have a smaller wrist, you may find the Garmin Venu 3S more comfortable, although you should keep in mind that its autonomy is slightly reduced. Of course, if you don’t usually use many features like GPS, the battery life is still pretty good. Therefore, think about what are the priority aspects for you and, based on them, choose which one to stay with. What is clear is that the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S have more similarities than differences, so you can rest assured, because with either of them you will have complete control of your physical condition.