Comparing Venu and Fenix 5s Plus
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Venu are two popular and widely acclaimed smartwatches launched in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The Fenix 5s Plus is known for its robust build and feature-packed software, while the Venu caters to a more style-conscious audience with its sleek design and vibrant display. Choosing the perfect smartwatch is crucial as it accompanies the user throughout their daily activities and helps manage various tasks.
Garmin, an industry leader in GPS and wearable technology, has a stellar reputation for providing durable and reliable products. With its foundations in navigation technology, the company expanded into wearables and has consistently delivered gadgets that cater to fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, while maintaining impeccable quality standards.
This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Venu, looking at their design and build, features and functionality, user interface and user experience, price and value, and frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right smartwatch for your needs.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
- Materials used: Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover
- Size and weight: 42 x 42 x 15.4 mm, 65g
- Display/screen information: 1.2 inches, 240 x 240 pixels resolution, MIP display, touchscreen
Garmin Venu
- Materials used: Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover and stainless steel bezel
- Size and weight: 43.2 x 43.2 x 12.4 mm, 46.3g
- Display/screen information: 1.2 inches, 390 x 390 pixels resolution, AMOLED display, touchscreen
Comparison of design and build quality
Both smartwatches feature a sturdy build, but the Fenix 5s Plus has a more rugged appearance with its stainless steel bezel, while the Venu opts for a sleeker look with a stainless steel bezel and slimmer profile. The Fenix 5s Plus is slightly heavier than the Venu, which gives it a more substantial feel on the wrist. The main difference lies in the display technology: the Fenix 5s Plus uses a MIP display, known for its energy efficiency and always-on feature, while the Venu boasts a high-resolution AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
- Operating system: Wear OS
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, thermometer
- Battery life: Up to 7 days
- Fitness tracking: Calories, cycling, distance, heart, oxygen, sleep, steps, and swim tracking
Garmin Venu
- Operating system: Wear OS
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, thermometer, pulse oximeter
- Battery life: Up to 5 days
- Fitness tracking: Calories, cycling, distance, heart, oxygen, sleep, steps, and swim tracking
Comparison of features and performance
Both smartwatches run Wear OS and offer similar fitness tracking features like heart rate, sleep, and swim tracking. The Fenix 5s Plus has an edge in battery life, lasting up to 7 days compared to Venu’s 5 days. This might be due to the energy-efficient MIP display. However, the Venu includes an additional pulse oximeter sensor for monitoring blood oxygen levels. Both smartwatches are equipped with several navigation and connectivity features such as GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, but the Venu is limited to 5 ATM water resistance compared to the Fenix 5s Plus’s 10 ATM rating.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
- Display: MIP display with touchscreen
- Navigation: Via touchscreen and button controls
- Apps and customization: Access to Connect IQ store, customizable watch faces and apps
- Compatibility with smartphones: Android and iOS compatible
Garmin Venu
- Display: AMOLED display with touchscreen
- Navigation: Via touchscreen and button controls
- Apps and customization: Access to Connect IQ store, customizable watch faces and apps
- Compatibility with smartphones: Android and iOS compatible
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices provide a smooth user experience with easy navigation through touchscreens and button controls. The AMOLED display on the Venu ensures a visually appealing interface with crisp images, while the Fenix 5s Plus’s MIP display offers practical, power-efficient performance. Compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones ensures seamless connectivity and sync with the Garmin Connect app. Users can also personalize their watch faces and app layouts through the Connect IQ store for both devices.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s Plus
Cost and value for money: $799
Garmin Venu
Cost and value for money: $299
Comparison of price and value
There is a notable difference in price, with the Fenix 5s Plus priced at $799 and the Venu available for $299. The Fenix 5s Plus is a more rugged, feature-rich option targeted towards outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, whereas the Venu caters to those seeking a sleek and stylish smartwatch with a vibrant display. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preferences and specific requirements.
Conclusion
Based on the information and comparisons provided, the Garmin Fenix 5s Plus is best suited for those in search of a rugged and durable smartwatch with longer battery life, extensive navigation features, and high water resistance. On the other hand, the Garmin Venu is an ideal choice for users who value a sleek and stylish design, rich and vibrant display, and additional blood oxygen level monitoring. Both watches cater to different audiences and meet their specific needs effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smartwatch is better for outdoor adventures: Garmin Fenix 5s Plus or Garmin Venu?
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus is better suited for outdoor adventures due to its rugged build, longer battery life, extensive navigation features, and higher water resistance.
Is Garmin Venu suitable for fitness enthusiasts?
Yes, Garmin Venu offers an array of fitness tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and activity tracking, making it suitable for fitness enthusiasts.
Which smartwatch has better battery life: Garmin Fenix 5s Plus or Garmin Venu?
The Garmin Fenix 5s Plus offers better battery life, lasting up to 7 days compared to Venu’s 5 days.
Which watch has a better display: Garmin Fenix 5s Plus or Garmin Venu?
The Garmin Venu has a better display, featuring a high-resolution AMOLED screen that offers vibrant colors and crisp images compared to the Fenix 5s Plus’s MIP display.
Are both Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Venu compatible with Android and iOS?
Yes, both Garmin Fenix 5s Plus and Garmin Venu are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, allowing seamless connectivity with the Garmin Connect app.
