Garmin has expanded its smartwatch lineup with the introduction of the Venu 3 and the Vivoactive 5.
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While both devices offer a range of features tailored for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users, they cater to slightly different preferences and needs.
This article provides an in-depth comparison between the two models, highlighting their key differences, advantages, and potential drawbacks.
Key Differences
- Garmin Venu 3 offers premium materials, a larger screen, longer battery life, ECG monitoring, built-in speaker/mic for calls, and advanced cycling features.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a lighter, more budget-friendly option with essential fitness and health tracking features but lacks ECG, an altimeter, and advanced cycling metrics.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4-inch AMOLED (454 x 454 pixels) | 1.2-inch AMOLED (390 x 390 pixels) |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel | Anodized Aluminum |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced Polymer | Fiber-reinforced Polymer |
| Weight | ~47g | ~36g |
| Case Size | 45mm | 42.2mm |
| Band Size | 22mm interchangeable | 20mm interchangeable |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 14 days | Up to 11 days |
| Battery Life (Battery Saver Mode) | Up to 26 days | Up to 21 days |
| Battery Life (GPS with Music) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (Suitable for swimming) | 5 ATM (Suitable for swimming) |
| GPS | Yes (Multi-GNSS support) | Yes (Multi-GNSS support) |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes (24/7) | Yes (24/7) |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced sleep tracking | Advanced sleep tracking |
| ECG Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Pulse Ox Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Body Battery Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone & Speaker | Yes (Supports calls & voice assistant) | No |
| Music Storage | Yes (Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer) | Yes (Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer) |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | Yes (Contactless payments) | Yes (Contactless payments) |
| Cycling Features | Advanced (Power meter connectivity, Smart Trainer control) | Basic (No power meter or Smart Trainer support) |
| Barometric Altimeter | Yes (Tracks elevation, stair count) | No |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Color Options | Silver/Whitestone, Slate/Black | Orchid, Slate/Black, Cream Gold/Ivory, Navy |
Design and Build
- Case Size: 45mm
- Display: 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels
- Materials: Stainless steel bezel with a fiber-reinforced polymer case
- Weight: Approximately 47g
- Band: 22mm interchangeable silicone bands
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- Case Size: 42.2mm
- Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels
- Materials: Anodized aluminum bezel with a fiber-reinforced polymer case
- Weight: Approximately 36g
- Band: 20mm interchangeable silicone bands
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The Venu 3 offers a larger display and a more premium stainless steel construction, providing a robust feel. In contrast, the Vivoactive 5 is slightly smaller and lighter, making it comfortable for prolonged wear, though its aluminum bezel may be more susceptible to scratches.
Battery Life
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 14 days
- Battery Saver Mode: Up to 26 days
- GPS Mode with Music: Up to 11 hours
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 11 days
- Battery Saver Mode: Up to 21 days
- GPS Mode with Music: Up to 7 hours
The Venu 3 offers a longer battery life, which is advantageous for users who prefer less frequent charging. However, the Vivoactive 5 still provides substantial endurance suitable for most daily activities.
Features and Sensors
Common Features
- Display: Both models feature vibrant AMOLED touchscreens with optional always-on modes.
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM, suitable for swimming and showering.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi support.
- Health Monitoring: Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress tracking, Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitoring, and Body Battery energy monitoring.
- Smart Features: Smartphone notifications, music playback and control, Garmin Pay, and compatibility with Android and iOS devices.
Distinctive Features
- Garmin Venu 3:
- ECG App: Allows users to record electrocardiograms.
- Barometric Altimeter: Tracks elevation changes, beneficial for hiking and stair counting.
- Microphone and Speaker: Supports on-wrist calls and voice assistant interaction.
- Advanced Cycling Features: Supports power meter connectivity and smart trainer control.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5:
- Lacks ECG Functionality: Does not support electrocardiogram recordings.
- No Barometric Altimeter: Does not track elevation changes or stair counting.
- No Microphone and Speaker: Cannot handle on-wrist calls or voice assistant features.
- Limited Cycling Features: Does not support power meter connectivity or smart trainer control.
The Venu 3 is equipped with more advanced sensors and features, catering to users seeking comprehensive health metrics and enhanced smart functionalities. The Vivoactive 5, while lacking some of these advanced features, still offers a robust set of tools suitable for general fitness tracking.
Price and Color Options
Garmin Venu 3
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- Colors:
- Silver bezel with Whitestone case
- Slate bezel with Black case
Garmin Vivoactive 5
- Check Price
- Colors:
- Metallic Orchid bezel with matching case
- Slate bezel with Black case
- Cream Gold bezel with Ivory case
- Metallic Navy bezel with Navy case
The Vivoactive 5 is more budget-friendly, offering essential features at a lower price point, while the Venu 3 provides premium features and materials at a higher cost.
