Comparing Venu and Forerunner 235
When it comes to choosing a fitness wearable or smartwatch, the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Venu are two popular options worth considering. Both devices are made by Garmin, a reputable brand known for its advanced, high-quality GPS technology and focus on outdoor sports and navigation. The company has a history of creating reliable, cutting-edge products to help athletes track their workouts and stay connected to the digital world.
Selecting the right watch is essential for meeting individual fitness goals and personal preferences. As such, this article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Venu, highlighting their design, build, features, functionality, user interface, user experience, price, and value for money.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is designed with a durable, lightweight build, featuring a silicone strap and a scratch-resistant glass screen. Some key specifications include:
- Weight: 42 grams
- Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 11.7 mm
- Display Resolution: 215 x 180 pixels
- Display Type: MIP (memory-in-pixel)
- Screen Size: 1.23 inches
- Screen Type: MIP
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Garmin Venu
The Garmin Venu boasts a sleek, modern design, sporting a stainless steel bezel, comfortable silicone band, and glass screen. Its specifications include:
- Weight: 46.3 grams
- Dimensions: 43.2 x 43.2 x 12.4 mm
- Display Resolution: 390 x 390 pixels
- Display Type: AMOLED
- Screen Size: 1.2 inches
- Screen Type: AMOLED
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Comparison of design and build quality
Although both smartwatches share similar water resistance and durable builds, differences arise in their screen types and display resolution. The Forerunner 235 utilizes a memory-in-pixel display, which is energy-efficient but comparatively dull, whereas the Venu offers a bright, high-resolution AMOLED screen for sharper visuals. Both watches have their pros and cons, and the ultimate choice comes down to personal design preferences and display priorities.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 235
As a dedicated fitness wearable, the Forerunner 235 offers several features to help users track and analyze their workouts. Key features include:
- Operating System: Proprietary
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer
- Battery Life: Up to 9 days in watch mode
- Fitness Tracking: Calories, distance, heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep, steps, swim tracking, and cycling tracking
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Compatibility: Compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones
Garmin Venu
The Venu, while also designed for fitness tracking, comes with additional smart features and several overall improvements. Some key aspects include:
- Operating System: Wear OS
- Sensors: GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, barometer
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days in smartwatch mode
- Fitness Tracking: Calories, distance, heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep, steps, swim tracking, and cycling tracking
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Compatibility: Compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones
Comparison of features and performance
Both the Forerunner 235 and the Venu offer a wide range of fitness tracking capabilities, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS functionality. However, the Venu provides additional features, like a barometer sensor and Wi-Fi connectivity, giving it a slight edge in terms of overall capabilities. Nevertheless, the Forerunner 235 has the advantage of longer battery life, lasting up to 9 days compared to the Venu’s 5 days.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 235
With a simple, user-friendly interface, the Forerunner 235 offers:
- Display: MIP screen with 215 x 180 resolution
- Navigation: Button-based interface
- Apps and Customization: Various apps and watch faces available through the Garmin Connect IQ store
- Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
Garmin Venu
Featuring a sleek and modern design, the Venu provides:
- Display: AMOLED screen with 390 x 390 resolution
- Navigation: Touchscreen and button-based interface
- Apps and Customization: Access to numerous apps and watch faces via the Garmin Connect IQ store
- Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
Comparison of user interface and user experience
While both the Forerunner 235 and Venu offer intuitive user interfaces, their overall experience varies. The Venu’s bright, high-resolution AMOLED display delivers a more appealing visual experience, and the combination of touch and button-based navigation adds to its ease of use. However, some users may prefer the Forerunner 235's tactile button navigation and energy-efficient MIP screen.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 235
With a retail price of $299.99, the Forerunner 235 provides excellent value for those looking for a reliable fitness wearable with a range of tracking features and a user-friendly interface.
Garmin Venu
At a similar price of $299, the Garmin Venu offers a more feature-rich experience and a visually appealing design, making it an excellent option for those seeking a balance between fitness tracking and smartwatch functionality.
Comparison of price and value
Given their similar price points, the ultimate deciding factor between the Garmin Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Venu will likely come down to personal preferences regarding their design and overall functionality. For those prioritizing battery life and a simpler interface, the Forerunner 235 may be the better choice. However, users seeking a more sophisticated experience with additional smart features should consider the Venu.
Conclusion
The Garmin Forerunner 235 and Garmin Venu are both remarkable products that cater to different preferences and requirements. When choosing between the two, carefully consider the aspects each watch excels in, such as battery life, display quality, and overall functionality. Ultimately, the best choice should be a watch that complements your individual fitness goals and personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which watch has better battery life, the Forerunner 235 or the Venu?
The Forerunner 235 boasts longer battery life, lasting up to 9 days in watch mode compared to the Venu’s 5-day battery life in smartwatch mode.
Can I use third-party apps with the Garmin Forerunner 235 or Garmin Venu?
Yes, both watches support various third-party apps and watch faces through the Garmin Connect IQ store.
Are the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Venu compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones?
Yes, both the Forerunner 235 and Venu offer compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones.
Do both the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Venu provide GPS functionality?
Yes, both smartwatches utilize GPS technology for tracking distance and location during workouts.
Are the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Venu waterproof?
Both the Forerunner 235 and Venu are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
