Are you struggling to choose between the Garmin Venu 3 and 3s? I’ve had a lot of time with both and have strong opinions about which one should be on your wrist. I’ve reviewed wearables and health technology for five years at Gadget Flow, so I’ve seen a lot of fitness trackers. However, Garmin is the only brand that consistently commands my respect. Not only are their multisport watches loaded with features, but they are also built like tanks and can actually withstand strenuous workouts (and life in general). A Garmin makes perfect sense if you take your fitness seriously. I was ecstatic when I had the chance to compare the Garmin Venu 3 to the 3S. These are not your typical rugged Garmin watches; rather, they are sleeker and more adaptable to your way of life. However, choosing between the two watches is difficult. I couldn’t decide which one was a better buy because they had similar tech and features. The goal of this blog is to help you sort through the information. The Garmin Venu 3 and the Garmin Venu 3S will be thoroughly compared today. So whether you’re after ease-of-use, or a gizmo that takes your fitness to the next level—you’ll discover which one covers all your bases here.
Design and Display: Garmin Venu 3 vs. 3S 3. Garmin Venu The Venu 3 is definitely designed to stand out, and design has a significant impact on how a smartwatch feels on your wrist. It provides vibrant, easy-to-read visuals thanks to its large 1.4-inch AMOLED display with crisp 454 x 454 resolution. It has a bold, statement-watch-like appearance thanks to the 45 mm case, which is ideal if you want your smartwatch to double as an accessory. However, it is also the heavier of the two models, weighing 50 grams. As someone with smaller wrists, I found it a little too much for me. I started to notice the weight after a while because it felt heavy. But if you like big displays and don’t mind the extra weight, this one stands out. Venu 3S from Garmin The Garmin Venu 3S is the sleeker, more subtle version of the Venu 3, which is a statement piece. Its 41 mm case is ideal for people with smaller wrists or for those who prefer a design that is less cluttered.
I could wear it all day without it feeling intrusive thanks to its lighter 38 grams. A big plus is that I even forgot I had it on while typing at work. The 1.2-inch AMOLED display is less sharp because it is smaller and has a lower resolution of 390 x 390. But I’ll be honest: I never had any trouble reading notifications or checking my stats. This is a better option if comfort is more important to you than size. Battery Life Between the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S For me, the battery is a deal breaker. I once owned a big-name smartwatch that only lasted eight hours. To ensure that it would last through my 4:30 p.m. workout, I had to charge it during the day. Never more. Fortunately, Garmin places a high value on battery life, and the Venu 3 and 3S perform admirably well well beyond the disappointing 8 hours. How do they compare? 3. Garmin Venu The Venu 3’s long battery life—up to 10 days in smartwatch mode—will please those who despise constantly charging their devices. That’s over a week of wear without worrying about a charger. However, there is a catch: the battery life drops to around 20 hours if you use the GPS continuously, such as during long runs, cycling sessions, or hiking. Still, that’s pretty standard for GPS-heavy use, and compared to many other smartwatches, it holds up well.
Venu 3S from Garmin Although the Venu 3S doesn’t last as long, I still consider 8 days in smartwatch mode to be a win. In addition, you will get approximately 18 hours, which is sufficient for the majority of workouts even if you use the GPS. The ability to set it and forget it means that I don’t have to worry about charging it every day. You only need to plug it in once a week and charge it. The 3S still provides solid longevity without adding bulk if you don’t need the longest battery life.
Garmin Venu 3 vs 3S: Smart Features
Smart features turn your watch into a true everyday companion. They assist you in managing your day with a single tap and go beyond just tracking workouts. Fortunately, the Venu 3 and 3S both have a lot of these useful features. Here’s how I see it: 3. Garmin Venu The Venu 3 has everything you would expect, including music storage with playback and contactless payments through Garmin Pay. Additionally, it has a speaker and microphone, allowing you to answer calls from your wrist even when your phone is nearby. These features really add up for someone like me who values mobility and connectivity on the go. Venu 3S from Garmin The Venu 3S keeps up with the times, offering the same smart features in a smaller package. The 3S is a great match if you want a smaller, more understated design without sacrificing functionality.
It has the same features, but it has a more streamlined appearance. Health Monitoring Between the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S Now let’s talk about the real reason you’re thinking about these smartwatches—the health monitoring capabilities. The Venu 3 and 3S provide precisely that, and if there is one thing Garmin excels at, it is the ability to monitor every aspect of your health. In addition, the two smartwatches are tied in this category, as are the smart features. The health monitoring capabilities of the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S watches are exactly the same. These are some: Morning Summary All over the internet, there has been a lot of discussion about Garmin’s Morning Report feature.
It basically serves as a summary of your sleep, recovery, HRV status, daily calendar, and other information. Additionally, you get it as soon as you awake. Even the parameters of what you want to see can be set. It sets the tone for my day and helps me fine-tune my workout for best results, so I truly look forward to it. Tracking one’s sleep The Venu 3 and Venu 3S are the first Garmin smartwatches to offer nap-tracking. That is correct! Prior to the release of these watches in 2023, Garmin watches only tracked sleep at night. The Venu 3 and 3S can now record those mid-afternoon power naps with the updated Sleep Coach and even provide personalized daily sleep summaries. I’ve come to really appreciate how my watch has encouraged me to get a few more snores after a particularly stressful day. Over 30 sports apps These watches support more than 30 sports, so you can wear them whether you like to swim, run, do yoga, or even pickleball.
The Garmin Connect App’s workout creation feature is my favorite. It allows me to send customized routines to my watch directly from more than 1,600 exercises. It’s like having a personal trainer available at all times to push me to new heights. Training Programs For some time, I’ve wanted to train for a marathon. Fortunately, I can get free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach on the Venu 3 and Venu 3S to help me reach my long-term objectives as I progress through my fitness levels step by step. For me, this is a dream. I don’t have to go to a trainer’s office several times a week to get a plan that fits my goals. Comparison of the Cost of the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S On Garmin’s official website, the Venu 3 and Venu 3S are both available for $449.99. However, I have heard that the Venu 3S is occasionally offered at lower prices throughout the year. Amazon currently offers the Venu 3 and the Venu 3S for $415.22 and $410.99, respectively, in particular colors. Keeping an eye on either watch on Amazon could get you a discount if you’re looking for a high-end multisport smartwatch without spending a lot of money.
The Decision: The One I Would Wear The Garmin Venu 3S is the one I’d choose because comfort is everything to me. The Venu 3 felt too heavy and bulky for my smaller wrists; the large display is impressive, but not if it weighs you down. However, the Venu 3’s larger display and case probably won’t be a problem for men or people with larger wrists. For me, it’s all about being comfortable and easy to use. I should point out that the Venu 3 has a longer battery life than the 3S. Depending on how you plan to use the watch, this could be a crucial feature for you. I find a battery life of 8 days to be more than adequate for someone who regularly exercises close to home. Additionally, since the smart and health features of both models are identical, the Venu 3S appeals to individuals who value style and comfort. However, if you value a larger display and longer battery life, the Venu 3 is a good but expensive option.
