Comparing Venu and Forerunner 935
Garmin Forerunner 935 and Garmin Venu are popular smartwatches that cater to fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users. These wearables come from Garmin, a company known for its innovative GPS technology and sports gadgets. With a strong brand reputation, Garmin has produced a wide array of devices to cater to various consumer needs.
Choosing the right watch depends on individual preferences, fitness goals, and budget constraints. This article provides a detailed comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Garmin Venu, covering aspects like design, build quality, features, user experience, price, and value to make an informed decision on which device is the best fit.
Design and Build
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is designed with durability in mind, using a combination of plastic and silicone on its exterior. The watch weighs 49 grams and features a 1.2-inch display (240 x 240 resolution) protected by a chemically-strengthened glass that ensures resistance against scratches and impacts.
Garmin Venu
On the other hand, the Garmin Venu sports a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel bezel and silicone strap. It weighs 46.3 grams and also has a 1.2-inch display. However, Venu’s screen boasts a higher resolution (390 x 390) and is made with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 that provides additional durability and scratch resistance.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices are lightweight and comfortable to wear, the Venu’s design is more stylish, aimed at users who prefer a fashionable watch. The Forerunner 935 has a functional design for fitness enthusiasts. The Venu’s display offers crisper and more vibrant visuals, whereas Forerunner 935 has a simplified, clear display tailored for outdoor visibility.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is an advanced fitness tracker that runs on Garmin’s proprietary operating system. It includes sophisticated sensors such as accelerometer, GPS, gyroscope, barometer, and a heart rate monitor. The Forerunner 935 boasts up to two weeks of battery life and is equipped with features such as GPS tracking, multisport support, and smart notifications from connected devices.
Garmin Venu
The Garmin Venu, powered by Wear OS, offers an extensive range of fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep, steps, and calories tracking. It also has GPS, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Venu packs many additional features, like music playback, smartphone notifications, and support for third-party apps. However, the Venu’s battery life is shorter, lasting up to 5 days.
Comparison of features and performance
Both Garmin watches offer comprehensive fitness tracking and smart features to cater to diverse user requirements. The Venu has a slight edge in terms of features, thanks to the Wear OS platform and support for third-party apps. However, the Forerunner 935 is a better choice for serious athletes due to its extended battery life and multisport support.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 interface is simple and user-friendly, featuring customizable watch faces and widgets. The device can be controlled using its five physical buttons, providing a straightforward navigation experience. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices via the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
Garmin Venu
The Garmin Venu runs on Wear OS, offering a more interactive and customizable interface. It features customizable watch faces, widgets, and supports a wide range of third-party apps. Navigation is handled through its touchscreen display, complemented by two physical buttons. The Venu is compatible with Android and iOS devices, but lacks compatibility with Windows phones.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
While both watches provide excellent user experiences, the Venu is more versatile and customizable, thanks to the Wear OS platform. The Forerunner 935 is more focused on providing a streamlined experience for fitness enthusiasts. The compatibility with Windows phones might be an essential factor for some Forerunner 935 users.
Price and Value
Garmin Forerunner 935
Priced at $500, the Garmin Forerunner 935 offers excellent value for serious athletes who require advanced tracking features and long battery life. It is a great investment for those looking to improve their sporting performance and need a reliable fitness companion.
Garmin Venu
The Garmin Venu is available at a lower price of $299, providing an affordable option for users who prefer a more stylish watch with a wide array of features. The Venu is a suitable choice for casual users who want extensive fitness tracking and smartwatch functions at a lower cost.
Comparison of price and value
In terms of price and value, the choice between the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Garmin Venu depends on the user’s priorities. The Forerunner 935 offers a higher price to performance ratio for dedicated athletes, while the Venu provides better value for the more casual user seeking a feature-rich smartwatch with a stylish design.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Garmin Venu comes down to individual priorities and budget constraints. The Forerunner 935 is an excellent choice for serious athletes focused on advanced sports features and long battery life, while the Venu is an affordable and stylish option packed with various features, including smart notifications and third-party app support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Venu water-resistant?
Both watches offer water resistance up to 5 ATM, allowing users to use the devices while swimming or engaging in water sports.
Can I control music playback on the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Venu?
Yes, both watches support music playback control and storage, allowing users to listen to their favorite tracks while exercising.
Which watch is better for indoor training, the Forerunner 935 or Venu?
While both watches offer comprehensive indoor training support, the Venu’s high-resolution AMOLED display is better suited for indoor use and provides more vibrant visuals.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 935 and Venu support wireless payments?
Only the Garmin Venu supports NFC for wireless payments via Garmin Pay, while the Forerunner 935 does not.
What is the main difference between Garmin’s proprietary operating system and Wear OS?
Garmin’s proprietary operating system in Forerunner 935 is more focused on providing specific fitness features and a streamlined, straightforward experience for athletes. In contrast, Wear OS on the Venu allows for greater customization, third-party app support, and additional features like smartphone notifications.
