In the world of fitness-oriented smartwatches, Garmin has established itself as a prominent player, offering a range of devices catering to different needs. In this in-depth comparison, we will dissect the features, capabilities, and overall performance of two titans from Garmin’s lineup: the Garmin Venu 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 965.
As we navigate through their specifications and functionalities, we aim to help you make an informed decision on which smartwatch aligns better with your preferences and requirements.
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Size and Weight:
Size: The battle kicks off with a consideration of size, as both smartwatches boast a 1.4-inch display. However, the Venu 3 measures 44 inches, while the Forerunner 965 is slightly larger at 47 inches. Despite the bigger screen on the Forerunner 965, the Venu 3 takes the lead in this category due to its smaller size, which results in less bezel space and a lighter overall weight.
Weight: Continuing the comparison, the weight of these devices becomes a crucial factor for users seeking comfort during wear. The Venu 3, weighing in at 46 grams, outshines the Forerunner 965, which registers at 50 grams. The Venu 3’s lighter profile contributes to a more pleasant user experience, earning it another point in this round.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Battery Life:
Moving on to battery life, both smartwatches exhibit a 10% battery consumption during an hour of GPS activity with music playback. However, the Forerunner 965 excels in daily battery efficiency, providing an extra 4 to 5 days compared to the Venu 3. This extended battery performance, while maintaining similar usage patterns, grants the Forerunner 965 an advantage in this category.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965
Microphone and Speaker:
The Venu 3 introduces a feature absent in the Forerunner 965 – a built-in speaker. This addition allows users to engage in phone calls directly from the smartwatch, offering enhanced communication capabilities. As a result, the Venu 3 secures victory in this round.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Message Responses:
Both smartwatches support responding to messages with predefined responses. However, the Venu 3 introduces an extra layer of convenience by incorporating a keyboard, a feature not present in the Forerunner 965. This innovation provides users with a more versatile messaging experience.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Daily Goal Tracking And Stress Tracking:
In the realm of daily goal tracking, both devices measure steps and floors climbed. While the Forerunner 965 covers the basics, the Venu 3 enhances the user experience with engaging animations upon goal achievement. This additional visual feedback tilts the scale in favor of the Venu 3.
Both smartwatches include stress tracking features, allowing users to monitor their stress levels. However, the Venu 3 introduces a unique metric called “Body Battery,” indicating recovery status after periods of rest. Although the Forerunner 965 provides stress data, the absence of the Body Battery feature gives the Venu 3 an edge in this aspect.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Display Brightness:
Examining display brightness, both devices offer configurable settings, but the Venu 3 provides more manual brightness levels. Additionally, the Venu 3 includes an automatic brightness feature, enhancing visibility in varying lighting conditions. This gives the Venu 3 a slight advantage in display brightness.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3.
Straps:
In the realm of straps, the Venu 3 employs standard 22mm straps, while the Forerunner 965 lacks QuickFit bands but allows for their attachment. The debate between the convenience of QuickFit bands and the affordability and versatility of standard straps results in a draw in this category.
Personalization:
Both smartwatches offer customization options, but the Venu 3 provides a more extensive range of watch faces. Additionally, the layout of applications on the Venu 3 is perceived as slightly more organized. Hence, the Venu 3 clinches victory in personalization.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Menus and Controls:
Analyzing menu structures, the Venu 3 stands out for its well-organized arrangement of activities and applications. While the Forerunner 965 maintains functionality, the Venu 3’s more intuitive design earns it a win in this category.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Controls And Fluidity:
Navigating controls, the Forerunner 965 offers the convenience of adding numerous controls. Although the Venu 3 lacks an airplane mode, its sleek control interface gives it a marginal advantage in this round.
In terms of fluidity, the Venu 3 exhibits smoother performance compared to the Forerunner 965. This enhanced responsiveness contributes to a more seamless user experience.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Accessibility:
The Venu 3 incorporates a wheelchair mode, enhancing accessibility for a broader user base. This feature, absent in the Forerunner 965, provides an accessibility advantage to the Venu 3.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
GPS Precision:
Both smartwatches demonstrate excellent GPS precision, but the Forerunner 965 offers additional options, including multi-band and Ultra Track modes. These advanced GPS features give the Garmin Forerunner 965 an edge in this category.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965
Sports Features And Swimming:
The Forerunner 965 excels in sports-oriented features, offering specific modes for activities like triathlon and aquathlon. In contrast, the Venu 3 lacks these specialized modes. This round decisively goes to the Forerunner 965.
Diving into swimming capabilities, the Forerunner 965 outshines the Venu 3 by enabling the measurement of swimming technique sessions. This feature, absent in the Venu 3, grants the Forerunner 965 an advantage in swim tracking.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965
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