In the world of smartwatches, names like Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch often dominate the conversation. However, there’s a dark horse in the race that deserves some attention – the Garmin Venu 3. In this article, we’ll delve into why the Garmin Venu 3 has become a favorite for many despite its less mainstream status. With improvements in design, health tracking, and workout functionality, this smartwatch is making waves.
Garmin Venu 3 Specs
Design and Display
The Garmin Venu 3 boasts some notable design upgrades compared to its predecessors. It features three buttons on the right side, adding more convenience to its interface. On the left, there’s a speaker, enabling users to answer phone calls and interact with voice assistants directly from the watch. The most striking change is its 1.4-inch AMOLED display, an enhancement from the previous 1.3-inch version. The stainless steel bezel surrounding the display adds a touch of elegance to the design. These changes contribute to a sleeker and more premium feel.
Enhanced Health Tracking
One of the key reasons why the Garmin Venu 3 stands out is its exceptional health-tracking capabilities. Sleep tracking, in particular, has received a significant overhaul. Unlike many other smartwatches that simply provide data on REM and deep sleep, Garmin offers more. It includes a sleep coach to guide users on improving their sleep quality and offers sleep recommendations. Moreover, the Venu 3 now features all-night HRV (Heart Rate Variability) tracking, both during sleep and daytime naps. HRV tracking provides insights into your body’s stress levels and recovery, making it a valuable addition for those serious about their health and well-being.
Body Battery and Jet Lag Advisor
The Garmin Venu 3 introduces a unique feature called “Body Battery.” This feature serves as an indicator of your overall energy level and readiness for various activities. It factors in your sleep, stress, and physical activity to help you make informed decisions about your daily routines. Additionally, the watch comes with a Jet Lag Advisor, which assists travelers in adjusting to different time zones. While this feature may not be applicable to everyone, it showcases Garmin’s commitment to offering comprehensive solutions for various lifestyles.
Morning Briefing and Customization
Waking up to a smartwatch that offers a morning briefing is a pleasant surprise. The Garmin Venu 3 provides users with essential information like weather, time, sleep duration, and daily schedule right at their fingertips. The ability to customize this briefing ensures that users receive the information most relevant to them. It’s a thoughtful addition that simplifies the start of your day.
Pricing and Availability
The Garmin Venu 3 comes in two sizes, 41 millimeters for the 3s and 45 millimeters for the 3, catering to different preferences. Best Buy offers both sizes, along with various color options. Remarkably, the pricing remains the same for both sizes at $449. Best Buy is a reliable source for purchasing tech products, offering options for online ordering with free shipping or in-store pickup, making it convenient for customers.
Accuracy Testing
Accuracy is paramount for a smartwatch, and the Garmin Venu 3 doesn’t disappoint. Despite lacking dual-band GPS, it delivers impressive accuracy in tracking your activities. The watch’s GPS performance is highlighted by its ability to accurately measure distances even on challenging tracks with multiple turns. Additionally, the optical heart rate sensor demonstrates commendable accuracy, particularly during steady-state runs. While there may be slight lag during high-intensity workouts, it still performs admirably.
Workout Functionality and Insights
Garmin has significantly enhanced the workout functionality of the Venu 3. The watch offers insightful data on your workouts, including workout benefits and recovery time suggestions. For example, it provides guidance on how specific activities can improve your fitness levels, such as increasing VO2 max or promoting fat burning. This level of detail helps users understand the rationale behind their workouts, fostering a more informed approach to fitness.
Battery Life
The Garmin Venu 3’s battery life is another area where it excels. With a claimed battery life of up to 14 days, it outperforms many competitors. Real-world usage confirms that users can expect around 10 to 11 days on a single charge. This impressive battery life means you won’t have to worry about daily charging, making it a practical choice for those with active lifestyles.
Drawbacks: Smartwatch Integration
While the Garmin Venu 3 offers many advantages, it does have one significant drawback – its smartwatch integration. Unlike its competitors, it lacks a seamless integration with smartphones. Users need to download a third-party Garmin app to access additional features and apps, which are limited compared to other smartwatches. Voice assistant integration, especially on iPhones, can be slow and cumbersome. The limited app selection may deter users who rely heavily on third-party apps for their smartwatch experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the Garmin Venu 3 is a compelling smartwatch choice for those who prioritize health and fitness tracking. Its design improvements, enhanced health tracking features, workout insights, and remarkable battery life make it a standout option in a crowded market. While it may not offer the same level of smartwatch integration as some of its competitors, it strikes a balance between fitness and smart functionality. For users seeking a comprehensive health and fitness companion on their wrist, the Garmin Venu 3 deserves a closer look. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the underdog can be the top choice.
