Garmin Venu 3 vs. Venu 3S: A Comprehensive Comparison [2025]

Garmin’s Venu series has long been celebrated for its fusion of advanced fitness tracking and smart features.

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm French Gray Case and Silicone Band

The latest additions, the Venu 3 and Venu 3S, continue this tradition, offering users a choice between two models that, while similar in many respects, cater to different preferences and needs.

This article delves into the distinctions between the Venu 3 and Venu 3S, providing a detailed comparison to help you determine which watch aligns best with your lifestyle.

Comparison Table

FeatureGarmin Venu 3Garmin Venu 3S
Case Size45mm41mm
Display Size1.4 inches1.2 inches
Resolution454 x 454 pixels390 x 390 pixels
Weight~47 grams~40 grams
Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode)Up to 14 daysUp to 10 days
Battery Life (GPS Mode)Up to 26 hoursUp to 20 hours
Strap Width22mm18mm
Health Monitoring FeaturesComprehensive (Heart Rate, Sleep, Stress, Body Battery, Women’s Health, ECG, Wheelchair Mode)Same as Venu 3
Smart FeaturesMusic, Garmin Pay, Notifications, Voice Assistant SupportSame as Venu 3
PricingCheck PriceCheck Price

Design and Display

Garmin Venu 3

  • Size: 45mm case diameter
  • Display: 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels
  • Weight: Approximately 47 grams
  • Strap: 22mm interchangeable bands

Garmin Venu 3 Slate Stainless Steel Bezel 1.4-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 45mm Black Case and Silicone Band

Garmin Venu 3S

  • Size: 41mm case diameter
  • Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels
  • Weight: Approximately 40 grams
  • Strap: 18mm interchangeable bands

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm Ivory Case and Silicone Band

The Venu 3 offers a larger display, which can be beneficial for readability and on-screen interaction. However, the Venu 3S, with its smaller and lighter design, is tailored for individuals with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more discreet wearable. Both models feature vibrant AMOLED screens that ensure clarity and sharpness.

Garmin Venu 3 Slate Stainless Steel Bezel 1.4-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 45mm Black Case and Silicone Band

Battery Life

Garmin Venu 3

  • Smartwatch Mode: Up to 14 days
  • GPS Mode: Up to 26 hours

Garmin Venu 3S

  • Smartwatch Mode: Up to 10 days
  • GPS Mode: Up to 20 hours

The Venu 3 boasts a longer battery life, making it suitable for users who engage in extended activities or prefer less frequent charging. The Venu 3S, while offering slightly less endurance, still provides substantial battery life that surpasses many competitors in the smartwatch market.

Health and Fitness Features

Both the Venu 3 and Venu 3S are equipped with Garmin’s latest health monitoring technologies, including:

  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous tracking with abnormal heart rate alerts
  • Sleep Tracking: Advanced insights with personalized sleep coaching
  • Stress Tracking: Real-time stress level monitoring
  • Body Battery Energy Monitoring: Assessing energy levels throughout the day
  • Women’s Health Tracking: Menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking
  • Wheelchair Mode: Tracking pushes and wheelchair-specific activities

Garmin Venu 3 Slate Stainless Steel Bezel 1.4-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 45mm Black Case and Silicone Band

Notably, both models support ECG functionality, providing users with the ability to monitor heart rhythms and detect potential irregularities. The inclusion of a wheelchair mode demonstrates Garmin’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that users with diverse needs are catered to.

Smart Features

Both watches come equipped with a suite of smart features, including:

  • Music Storage and Playback: Download and play music directly from the watch
  • Contactless Payments: Garmin Pay for convenient transactions
  • Smart Notifications: Receive calls, texts, and app alerts
  • Voice Assistant Support: Interact with your phone’s voice assistant via the watch

The integration of a microphone and speaker allows for on-wrist calls and voice assistant interactions, enhancing the hands-free experience.

Pros and Cons

Garmin Venu 3

Pros:

  • Larger display enhances readability
  • Extended battery life suitable for prolonged use
  • Ideal for users preferring a more substantial watch presence

Cons:

  • Heavier and larger, which may not suit users with smaller wrists

Garmin Venu 3S

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design offers comfort
  • Sleek appearance appeals to those favoring a minimalist look
  • All features of Venu 3 in a smaller package

Cons:

  • Slightly reduced battery life compared to Venu 3
  • Smaller display may be less convenient for some users

Conclusion

Choosing between the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding size, weight, and battery life. Both models offer an identical suite of health, fitness, and smart features, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching user experience.

Garmin Venu 3 Running GPS Smartwatch with AMOLED Display, Black | Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Up to 14 Day Battery Life, Body Battery Energy Monitoring with Signature Power Bundle