Comparing Venu and Gear S3
When it comes to selecting the perfect smartwatch, the choice can be overwhelming. Two popular options in the current market are the Garmin Venu and the Samsung Gear S3.
Both Garmin and Samsung have well-established reputations in the wearable technology market. Garmin, initially known for its GPS systems, has expanded into fitness tracking and smartwatches, earning a strong following among sports enthusiasts. Samsung, a major player in consumer electronics, has built a reputation for quality and innovation with its Gear series of smartwatches.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will dive into the design and build, features and functionality, user interface and experience, price and value, and frequently asked questions for both the Garmin Venu and the Samsung Gear S3.
Design and Build
Garmin Venu
Materials: Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Polymer case, Silicone strap
Size: 43.2 x 43.2 x 12.4 mm
Weight: 46.3g
Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED, 390 x 390 pixels
Samsung Gear S3
Materials: Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, Stainless steel case, Silicone strap
Size: 49.0 x 46.0 x 12.9 mm
Weight: 63g
Display: 1.3-inch Fullcolor AOD, 360 x 360 pixels
Comparison of design and build quality
The Garmin Venu sports a slightly smaller and lighter design, with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The Samsung Gear S3 boasts a larger 1.3-inch Fullcolor AOD touchscreen display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ for improved scratch resistance. Both smartwatches use stainless steel casings and silicone straps for comfort and durability.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Venu
Operating System: Wear OS
Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Thermometer, GPS, Heart rate, and Pulse Oximeter
Battery Life: 5 days
Fitness Tracking: Calories, Cycling, Distance, Heart Rate, Oxygen Levels, Sleep, Steps, and Swimming
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+, and GPS
Samsung Gear S3
Operating System: Tizen
Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Heart rate, and GPS
Battery Life: 4 days
Fitness Tracking: Calories, Cycling, Distance, Heart Rate, and Steps
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS
Comparison of features and performance
The Garmin Venu utilizes Wear OS, while the Samsung Gear S3 operates on the Tizen platform. Both watches offer a wealth of fitness tracking capabilities, but the Venu’s additional Pulse Oximeter and swim tracking features offer an advantage over the Gear S3. Battery life is slightly longer on the Venu, providing up to 5 days of usage compared to the Gear S3's 4 days.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Venu
Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen
Navigation: Touchscreen and physical buttons
Apps: Available through Garmin Connect IQ
Customization: Watch faces, customizable widgets and data fields
Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
Samsung Gear S3
Display: 1.3-inch Fullcolor AOD touchscreen
Navigation: Touchscreen and rotating bezel
Apps: Available through Samsung Galaxy Apps
Customization: Watch faces, customizable widgets
Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both smartwatches offer vibrant, responsive touchscreen displays and user-friendly navigation. The Garmin Venu provides a blend of touchscreen input and physical buttons for navigation, while the Samsung Gear S3 adds a unique rotating bezel to its interface. Customization options and app availability differ by platform, with Venu users able to access Garmin Connect IQ, and Gear S3 owners downloading from Samsung Galaxy Apps.
Price and Value
Garmin Venu
Cost: $299
Value for money: Excellent fitness tracking and battery life, vibrant display
Samsung Gear S3
Cost: $350
Value for money: Solid build quality, unique rotating bezel, and extensive app store
Comparison of price and value
The Garmin Venu offers an excellent balance of price, fitness tracking capabilities, and display quality for $299. The Samsung Gear S3's higher price point of $350 reflects its durable build, unique rotating bezel, and extensive app availability, but may not be the ideal choice for swimmers or those seeking advanced fitness tracking features.
Conclusion
The Garmin Venu and Samsung Gear S3 each bring unique strengths to the table. If advanced fitness tracking and a longer battery life are priorities, the Venu may be the right choice. However, if a premium design and access to a wider variety of apps are more important, the Gear S3 may be more appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smartwatch has a better battery life?
The Garmin Venu has a battery life of up to 5 days, while the Samsung Gear S3 has a battery life of up to 4 days.
Which smartwatch is more compatible with different smartphones?
Both the Garmin Venu and Samsung Gear S3 are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
Which smartwatch is better for swimming?
The Garmin Venu offers swim tracking and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, while the Samsung Gear S3 does not have swim tracking features and has a water resistance rating of IP68.
Which smartwatch has a better display?
The Garmin Venu has a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, while the Samsung Gear S3 has a 1.3-inch Fullcolor AOD touchscreen display with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels.
Is GPS available on both smartwatches?
Yes, both the Garmin Venu and Samsung Gear S3 offer built-in GPS for tracking location data and fitness metrics.
