Garmin has just introduced its new smartwatches, the Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 2S. We could speak in singular, since both smartwatches are essentially the same, except for the size, since the Garmin 2 has a 45.4-millimeter case and the Venu 2S stays at 40.4 millimeters. That results in different weights and screen dimensions.
In any case, both watches offer us an AMOLED screen protected by Gorilla Glass 3, geolocation, and a good batch of sports functions. Because while it is true that the Venu is the most lifestyle range of Garmin, the company does not abandon its sporty character. Let’s get to know them better right away, but not before noting that its price is $399.99.
Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 2S datasheet
| Garmin Venu 2 | Garmin Venu 2S | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and Weight | 45.40 x 45.40 x 12.20 mm 49 grams | 40.40 x 40.40 x 12.10 mm 38.2 grams |
| Screen | 1.3-inch AMOLED Resolution 416 x 416 pixels Gorilla Glass 3 Always on optional | 1.1-inch AMOLED Resolution 360 x 360 pixels Gorilla Glass 3 Always on optional |
| Strap | Silicone 135-200 mm | Silicone 110-175 mm |
| Geopositioning | GPS Glonass Galileo | GPS Glonass Galileo |
| Sensors | SpO2 Heart Rate Sensor Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Ambient Light Sensor | SpO2 Heart Rate Sensor Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Ambient Light Sensor |
| OS | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Waterproof | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Battery | Smartwatch mode: up to 11 days GPS mode with music: up to 8 hours GPS mode without music: up to 22 hours Power saving mode: up to 12 days | Smartwatch mode: up to 10 days GPS mode with music: up to 7 hours GPS mode without music: up to 19 hours Power saving mode: up to 11 days |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth ANT+ WiFi | Bluetooth ANT+ WiFi |
| Extra Features | Stores 650 songs Garmin Pay smart notifications | Stores 650 songs Garmin Pay smart notifications |
| Price | $399.99 | $399.99 |
The big brother and the little brother
Let’s start with the aesthetic section. Both watches are made of stainless steel and fiber-reinforced polymer. They weigh between 50 and 40 grams, depending on the size of the case, which can be 44 or 40 millimeters. Both include 18-millimeter silicone straps with a standard clasp and are water-resistant to five atmospheres, so they can be used for swimming.
For the display, Garmin has opted for a 1.1-inch and 1.3-inch AMOLED panel with 360 x 360 and 454 x 454-pixel resolution, respectively, which is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. The company has renewed the operating system interface, Connect IQ 4.0, to make it more friendly to this type of screen, take advantage of colors, add animations, etc.
To continue talking about differences, we can mention the battery. The fact that the Garmin Venu 2S is smaller means that it also has a smaller battery, although the differences in autonomy are not very significant. The larger model holds up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and the smaller one up to 10 days. However, the autonomy is considerably reduced if we use the integrated GPS chip more than necessary.
Very focused on sport
In terms of sports functions, both watches share options and features. Thus, they have real-time heart rate measurement, Spo2 sensor, sleep analysis, stress monitoring, menstrual cycle, hydration, and breathing. In that sense, nothing is missing.
One interesting feature is the Health Snapshot function, which records a two-minute session for key statistics such as heart rate, heart rate variability, pulse oximetry, respiration, and stress and then generates a report in the app that can be shared. It’s a simple way to know our fitness at a glance.
On the other hand, the watch can calculate our “physiological age”. As Garmin explains, “this feature makes use of chronological age, weekly high-intensity activity, resting heart rate and BMI or body fat percentage to calculate whether your body age is older or younger than yours.” Not only that, but it also offers tips on how to “take years off your age based on your fitness.”
In terms of sports monitoring, Garmin has implemented more than 25 sports apps and animated cardio, strength, yoga, pilates, and HIIT workouts. Also, it allows you to create personalized training sessions using more than 1,400 exercises and access Garmin Coach, a free personal trainer designed for most runners.
But also with a smartwatch feel
Let’s finish by reviewing the smart options of the smartwatch. The new Garmin watches have smart notifications that we can respond to from the watch as long as we use an Android cell phone.
We can also store music (up to 650 songs) or download songs from Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music. That will allow us to listen to music directly from the watch as long as we connect wireless headphones.
Finally, it is worth noting that the watches have NFC, so we can pay with them thanks to Garmin Pay, and security and tracking functions, among which are the option to send our GPS location to the contacts we want during certain outdoor activities, for example.
Prices and Availability of the Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 2S
The new Garmin Venu 2 and Venu 2S can be purchased at the official store for $399.99. The Venu 2 can be purchased in black and blue, while the Venu 2S is available in black, gold, gray, and white.
- Garmin Venu 2: $399.99
- Garmin Venu 2S: $399.99
