Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5: The Garmin Venu 3 and the Vivoactive 5 are two remarkable smartwatches that have captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and fitness buffs alike. Although they share some similarities, each watch has unique features that might make one more appealing than the other, depending on your needs.
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Making an informed decision is crucial when investing in a smartwatch, and we hope this comparison will help you make the right choice for your needs. So, let’s compare the differences between the Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5!
Specifications
| Venu 3 | Vivoactive 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Garmin | Garmin |
| Price | $449.99 | $299.99 |
| Dimensions | 45.4 x 45.4 x 12.2 mm | 42.2 x 42.2 x 11.1 mm |
| Weight | 47 g | 36 g |
| Screen Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Runtime/Battery Life | Up to 14 days | Up to 11 days |
| Memory | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker and Microphone | Yes | No |
| Built-in Maps | No | No |
| Built-in Sports App | 30+ | 30+ |
| Meditation Features | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair Mode | Yes | Yes |
| On-Screen Workout | Yes | No |
| On-Screen Muscle Maps | Yes | Yes |
| Jet Lag Adviser | Yes | No |
Design and Build
When comparing the Garmin Venu 3 and the Vivoactive 5, one of the key factors to consider is the design and build of these watches. Let’s take a closer look at the materials used, weight and pricing differences, appearance, size variations, display dimensions, and the use of AMOLED display technology.
Both watches have touchscreens with high sensitivity and user-friendly interfaces. They are also equipped with physical buttons on the sides. However, the buttons on the Venu 3 are made of stainless steel and have a better finish compared to the aluminum alloy buttons on the Vivoactive 5.
One additional physical button on the Venu 3 is dedicated to virtual assistant access. This button allows users to easily interact with their virtual assistant by connecting the watch to their smartphone. The Vivoactive 5 does not have this additional button.
Another difference worth mentioning is the sensor generations for heart rate monitoring. The heart rate monitoring sensor on the Venu 3 is a fifth-generation sensor, while the Vivoactive 5 has a fourth-generation sensor. Both sensors are capable of accurate heart rate monitoring, but the Venu 3’s fifth-generation sensor may provide slightly more advanced features and accuracy.
Garmin Venu 3
Material: Primarily plastic, with a stainless steel bezel for a premium look.
Weight: Ranges from 40g to 46g, depending on the size.
Display Size: Offers a larger 1.4-inch display with a higher resolution of 454 x 450 pixels.
Models: Available in two sizes, 45mm and a smaller 41mm (Venu 3S).
Vivoactive 5
Material: Mostly plastic, with an aluminum bezel.
Weight: Lighter at 36g.
Display Size: Features a 1.2-inch display with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels.
Models: Comes in one size, 42.2mm, which is thinner than both Venu 3 models.
Display Technology
Both watches use AMOLED displays, known for their bright, colorful, and high-contrast visuals. This technology has evolved to offer better sunlight readability and improved battery life compared to earlier models.
Materials Used
The Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 are primarily made of plastic, but there are some differences in the materials used for certain components.
The Vivoactive 5’s bezel is made of aluminum, while the Venu 3 features a stainless steel bezel. The textured design of the Venu 3’s bezel adds a touch of sophistication and enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.
The bezel texture also provides a tactile feel, making the Venu 3 more pleasing to the touch.
Pricing Differences
The Vivoactive 5 weighs approximately 36 grams, while the Venu 3 ranges from 46 to 40 grams depending on the size. The use of lighter materials, such as plastic, contributes to the overall weight reduction of both watches.
The Vivoactive 5 is priced around $299.99, while the Venu 3 is priced at approximately $459.99.
Appearance and Perceived Quality of Garmin Venu 3
The stainless steel bezel and buttons of the Venu 3 give it a more refined and upscale look compared to the Vivoactive 5.
The textured bezel of the Venu 3 adds to its premium aesthetic. Overall, the Venu 3 appears more high-end and sophisticated in terms of design and build quality.
Smart Features
The Venu 3 has an additional button specifically for activating the voice assistant, providing quick and easy access to this feature. This button is not present on the Vivoactive 5.
Comparison of Speaker and Microphone
One notable difference between the two watches is the availability of a speaker and microphone. The Garmin Venu 3 has a speaker and microphone, enabling you to make phone calls directly from your watch. The Vivoactive 5, on the other hand, does not have this feature.
Compatibility with iOS and Android
Both watches are compatible with iOS and Android devices through the Garmin Connect app. This allows you to sync all your activities and data to your smartphone for a more comprehensive overview. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, you can easily connect and benefit from the features offered by both watches.
Music Storage Capacity
If you enjoy listening to music while working out, the Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Vivoactive 5 have you covered. Both watches have music storage capacity, allowing you to download and listen to your favorite songs directly from your watch. However, it’s worth noting that the Venu 3 has a larger music storage capacity of 8GB compared to the Vivoactive 5’s 4GB.
Exclusive Features
Both watches offer exclusive features that set them apart. The Garmin Venu 3 introduces features like Body Battery, which measures your energy levels throughout the day, and Sunlight Exposure, which helps you optimize your sun exposure. These features provide valuable insights into your overall well-being and help you make informed decisions about your health.
Garmin Venu 3
Speaker and Microphone: Can play music and make phone calls.
Storage: Offers 8GB for music and apps.
Voice Assistant: Enabled through an additional button for ease of use.
Vivoactive 5
Storage: Limited to 4GB.
No Speaker or Microphone: Lacks the ability for voice calls or using voice assistants.
Sports, Fitness, and Health Functions
When it comes to sports and fitness tracking, both the Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Vivoactive 5 offer a wide range of supported activities. Whether you enjoy running, cycling, swimming, or participating in triathlons, these watches have you covered.
One key feature to consider is the outdoor tracking capabilities. Both watches are equipped with GPS for accurate distance tracking and mapping capabilities. Whether you’re exploring new running routes or cycling through unfamiliar terrain, you can rely on the precise GPS accuracy of both watches.
If you’re a triathlete or interested in triathlon training, both the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 offer advanced features to enhance your training. These watches can track multiple sports in a single session, allowing you to seamlessly transition from swimming to cycling to running. They also provide detailed metrics for each leg of the triathlon, including swim metrics, bike power metrics, and running dynamics.
For indoor exercise enthusiasts, both watches offer comprehensive tracking and compatibility with gym equipment. You can track your indoor workouts, such as treadmill running or stationary cycling, and easily sync the data to the Garmin Connect app for a complete overview of your fitness journey. The watches also have built-in activity profiles for a variety of indoor exercises, making it convenient to track your progress.
Garmin Venu 3
Barometric Altimeter: For tracking elevation, useful in activities like skiing or hiking.
Training Animations: Shows video animations for correct exercise techniques.
Power Meter Compatibility: Syncs with devices like Garmin’s Vector pedal system.
Jet Lag Guide: Offers advice for adjusting to new time zones.
Vivoactive 5
No Barometric Altimeter: Cannot track floors climbed or live altitude differences.
Limited Training Animations: Lacks video guides.
No Power Meter Support or Jet Lag Guide.
The Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 offer a wide range of sports, fitness, and health functions to cater to different user needs.
Both watches have advanced GPS tracking capabilities for accurate distance, pace, and route tracking during outdoor activities.
They also provide heart rate monitoring to help users track their intensity levels and optimize their workouts.
Additionally, both watches offer sleep tracking, stress tracking, and body battery monitoring to provide comprehensive insights into overall health and well-being.
Compatibility with Cycling Power Meters in Venu 3
The Venu 3 is compatible with cycling power meters, such as Garmin’s own Vector Pedal System. With this compatibility, users can track their cycling power output in watts and access additional cycling-specific metrics.
Jetlag Advisor Feature Exclusive to Venu 3
Exclusive to the Venu 3, the Jetlag Advisor feature helps users adjust to new time zones by providing personalized recommendations for sleep, exercise, light exposure, and nutrition. This feature can be especially useful for frequent travelers or individuals experiencing jet lag.
Inclusion of Barometric Altimeter in Venu 3
One notable difference is the inclusion of a barometric altimeter in the Venu 3, which allows for the tracking of elevation changes during activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing.
This feature enables the Venu 3 to count floors climbed and provides more accurate data for specialized activity modes.
Comparison of Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy
The Venu 3 boasts Garmin’s latest Elevate heart rate sensor of the fifth generation, while the Vivoactive 5 uses the fourth-generation sensor.
Based on various tests, the Venu 3 generally offers slightly more accurate heart rate monitoring than the Vivoactive 5.
Both watches provide reliable heart rate data for tracking workouts and monitoring overall fitness levels.
Sleep Coaching and Energy Level Monitoring
The Garmin Venu 3 takes sleep tracking to the next level with its sleep coaching feature. This feature analyzes your sleep patterns and provides personalized insights and recommendations to improve the quality of your sleep. Additionally, the Venu 3 monitors your energy levels throughout the day, helping you optimize your activities and rest periods for better overall performance.
GPS Accuracy
Both the Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 utilize GPS chips for accurate tracking during outdoor activities. While the GPS chips are similar, it’s worth noting that the Venu 3 lacks Multiband support, which can affect the accuracy of the GPS signal in challenging environments with obstructed views of the sky.
Battery Life
Both watches offer different battery modes to optimize battery life based on usage. In SmartWatch mode, the Vivoactive 5 can last up to 11 days, while the Venu 3 can last up to 14 days. In the Energy Saver mode, the Vivoactive 5 can last up to 21 days, while the Venu 3 can last up to 26 days. During continuous GPS tracking with music playback, the Vivoactive 5 can last up to 8 hours, while the Venu 3 can last up to 11 hours.
Conclusion!
After comparing the Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5, it’s like looking at two sides of the same coin, each tailored to different lifestyles and needs. The Venu 3 is the tech-savvy friend, packed with advanced features such as a speaker, microphone, and voice assistant, perfect for those who love having the latest gadgets.
Its stainless steel touches also add a bit of luxury to your wrist. On the flip side, the Vivoactive 5 is the more laid-back companion, with its lighter, smaller design making it a comfortable buddy for daily wear. It’s also kinder to your wallet, which is always a plus. For the adventurers and fitness enthusiasts, the Venu 3 is like a supportive coach, offering an altimeter for those mountain hikes, animated workouts for a bit of fun in fitness, and compatibility with cycling power meters for the serious bikers.
And if you’re a jetsetter, the Venu 3’s Jetlag Advisor is like having a personal travel assistant on your wrist. Each watch has its own charm, catering to different aspects of our lives.
