Today, we will be diving into the GPS capabilities of the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S. These smartwatches have gained popularity due to their well-rounded features. In this blog, we will explore the heart rate tracking performance, sleep stage tracking accuracy, GPS consistency, and oxygen saturation measurements of these watches.
Garmin Venu 3 vs. 3S: Garmin has recently unveiled its new fitness wellness-focused line of watches, the powerful Venu 3 series. Garmin has been a leading name in the world of sports watches, and their latest offerings, the Garmin Venu 3 GPS and 3S, are no exception. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two models.
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Specifications: Garmin Venu 3 vs. 3S
| Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Venu 3S | |
|---|---|---|
| Display: | 1.34 AMOLED, | 1.2″ AMOLED |
| Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Dimensions | 45 x 45x 12mm | 41 x 41 x 12mm |
| Weight | 47g | 40g |
| Build: | Stainless steel, polymer, silicone | Stainless steel, polymer, silicone |
| Battery Life: | 14 days (smartwatch), 26 days (saver), 11 hrs (GNSS+music) | 10 days (smartwatch), 20 days (saver), 8 hrs (GNSS+music) |
| IP Rating: | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Device storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Sensors: | Elevate, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc. | Elevate, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc. |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Compatibility: | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Garmin Pay: | Yes | Yes |
| Features: | Calls, Assistant, Notifications, etc. | Calls, Assistant, Notifications, etc. |
| Speaker | In-built | In-built |
| Microphone | In-built | In-built |
| Colors: | Silver, Slate, Soft Gold | Silver, Slate |
| Price | $449.99 | $449.99 |
Features and Functonality Garmin VENU 3
- Health Monitoring: The VENU 3 series boasts the fifth-generation heart rate and blood oxygen sensor. This ensures comprehensive sleep analysis by monitoring various indicators like daily exercise, naps, sleep HRV, and night sleep.
- Exercise Modes: With over 30 built-in exercise modes, the VENU 3 series is versatile. The Muscle Map feature provides clear animation guidance for muscle strength training.
- Meditation Guide: A new addition, this guide offers themes based on mood, playing music, vocals, and videos directly from the watch.
- Wheelchair Mode: This mode, designed with a new algorithm, offers multiple sports modes for wheelchair users. It also has a center of gravity shift warning to reduce sedentary sitting issues.
- Customizable Interface: The VENU 3 series offers a variety of surface styles. Users can also download more from the “Garmin Connect IQ” app.
- Sleep Analysis: The watch provides detailed sleep analysis, including a sleep score, duration, and comments on sleep quality. It also detects naps automatically.
- Health Metrics: The VENU 3 series can track blood oxygen concentration, which affects sleep quality and overall health. The weather interface provides detailed climate information, including body temperature, humidity, and wind direction.
Garmin Venu 3 vs. 3S: Key Differences
When it comes to sports watches, Garmin has always been at the forefront. Their latest offerings, the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S, are no exception. Let’s delve into the major differences between these two models, making it easy for school students to understand.
Size and Display: The first noticeable difference between the Garmin Venu 3 and 3S is their size. The Venu 3 is the larger model with a 1.34-inch AMOLED display, while the 3S is slightly smaller, boasting a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen. However, despite the size difference, both watches offer sharp and vibrant displays protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Wheelchair Adaptability: One of the standout features of these watches is their inclusivity for wheelchair users. When setting up the watch, users are asked if they use a wheelchair. If the answer is “yes”, the entire interface of the watch adjusts to cater to wheelchair users. Instead of tracking steps, it tracks wheel pushes, making it a unique and thoughtful feature.
Sleep and Recovery Insights: Both watches provide insights into your sleep patterns. They recommend how much sleep you need based on your daily activities. For instance, after an intense workout, the watch might suggest you need more sleep. This feature is especially helpful for those who want to understand their body’s recovery needs better.
Meditation Coach: Another exciting feature is the meditation coach. Instead of just being a timer, it’s an actual guide that helps users meditate. This feature is perfect for those new to meditation or those who want a guided experience.
Battery Life: In terms of battery life, the Venu 3 has a slight edge. It can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, while the 3S offers up to 10 days. This difference might be crucial for those who don’t want to charge their watch frequently.
Design Variations: While both watches are sleek and stylish, they come in different color options. The larger Venu 3 is available in two colors, whereas the smaller 3S comes in five different colors. This variety allows users to choose a watch that best fits their personal style.
User-Friendly Notifications: Both watches are designed to be user-friendly, offering insights in simple language. For instance, after a workout, the watch might suggest, “You trained twice today, consider sleeping a bit longer tonight.” Such straightforward notifications make it easy for users, especially students, to understand their health metrics.
Design and Display
Both watches come in two sizes: 41mm (Venu 3S) and 45mm (Venu 3). They are priced at $449.99, with a leather edition available for $549.99. One of the standout features is the bright AMOLED screen, which is becoming a staple in Garmin’s new devices. The Venu 3, the 45mm version, boasts a 1.4-inch screen size and a sleek stainless steel bezel. Its design is reminiscent of the Garmin Forerunner 965, but it’s tailored more for general fitness enthusiasts rather than hardcore athletes.
Weight and Usability
The 45mm Venu 3 weighs a mere 47 grams, making it a lightweight option. Unlike some smartwatches, it doesn’t rely solely on touch. The interface has been revamped with attractive icons, lighting effects, and movement animations.
The main difference between the VENU 3 and VENU 3S is their size, weight, and battery life. The VENU 3 has a 45mm diameter and 1.4-inch screen, while the VENU 3S is slightly smaller with a 41mm diameter and 1.2-inch screen.
Buttons and Operation
Both models have three metal physical buttons on the right side, with a touch screen for operations. The left side houses a speaker/microphone hole for calls and voice assistants.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Venu 3 outlasts the 3S. The Venu 3 can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, while the 3S offers up to 10 days. However, both watches provide impressive battery life compared to other smartwatches in the market.
Health and Wellness Features
The Venu 3 series shines in its health metrics. With advanced sleep algorithms, not only does it track sleep, but it also provides insights on how to achieve optimal rest. It’s one of the first devices to consider daily naps in its analysis.
Furthermore, the watch can handle phone calls, thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker. This means you can answer calls without taking out your phone. Additionally, you can send and receive text messages, including multimedia files, which look vibrant on the AMOLED screen.
Fitness Tracking
For those into pilates, yoga, gym workouts, and more, the Venu 3 series offers comprehensive tracking. Animated instructions guide users through exercises, and there’s access to Garmin Coach training plans. While it doesn’t have features like maps or train running, it does support activities like indoor running, swimming, cycling, and over 30 other integrated applications.
Sleep Stage Tracking
The Garmin Venu 3 offers sleep stage tracking, allowing users to monitor their sleep patterns. I tested the sleep stage tracking performance over seven nights using a reference device called the Z EEG headband. The results were quite promising.
The Venu 3 accurately detected deep sleep, with a 93% agreement with the reference device. While there were some minor deviations in light sleep and REM sleep detection, the overall performance was satisfactory. It’s important to note that sleep stage tracking is an approximation, and there are better devices in the market for more detailed insights.
GPS Tracking
The Garmin Venu 3 and 3S excel in GPS tracking, a crucial feature for outdoor activities. During my tests, I cycled the same route multiple times to assess the consistency of the GPS signals. The results were impressive.
The watches acquired GPS signals almost instantly, and the signals remained consistent along the route. Although there were minor deviations in some areas, the overall performance was good. The Garmin Venu 3 is among the better watches in terms of GPS tracking capabilities.
Additional Features
The watch supports Garmin Pay, music, fall detection, and more. A notable addition is the inclusion of sports activities tailored for wheelchair users, helping them monitor their health and muscle strengthening exercises.
Conclusion: Garmin Venu 3 vs. 3S
One of the standout features of these watches is their adaptability for wheelchair users. When setting up the watch, users are asked if they use a wheelchair. If the answer is “yes“, the interface of the watch adjusts accordingly. Instead of tracking steps, it tracks wheel pushes, making it more inclusive and user-friendly.
Both watches also come with a new heart rate monitor, the gen 5, which offers accurate readings. They also provide insights into your sleep patterns, recommending how much sleep you need based on your daily activities.
Another exciting feature is the meditation coach. This isn’t just a timer; it’s an actual guide that helps users meditate, making it perfect for those new to meditation.
The Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S are versatile watches that cater to a broad audience. Whether you’re into hardcore sports or just want to monitor your health, these watches offer a plethora of features. They stand as strong competitors to devices like the Apple Watch, especially with their impressive battery life and AMOLED displays.
