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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Maps and widgets:
The Forerunner 965 takes the lead with its built-in maps and the ability to follow or create routes, a feature absent in the Venu 3. This advantage caters to users seeking advanced navigation capabilities.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965
The Venu 3 introduces a useful widget allowing users to access the time and widgets while engaging in sports activities. This feature, lacking in the Forerunner 965, provides the Venu 3 with an additional point.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Training insights:
For training insights, the Forerunner 965 offers detailed metrics such as vertical ratio and stride length directly on the watch. The Venu 3 requires users to check the mobile or web app for the same information. This round goes to the Forerunner 965.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965
Auto sport detection:
The Venu 3 boasts an automatic sports detection feature for running and walking, initiating tracking without manual activation. The Forerunner 965 lacks this capability, providing the Venu 3 with an advantage in spontaneous workout tracking.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Post-training analysis and widgets variety:
In post-training analysis, both smartwatches display comprehensive information, but the Venu 3 provides additional details on training type and its benefits. This extra layer of insight tips the scale in favor of the Venu 3.
While both devices display VO2 Max, the Venu 3’s dedicated widget displaying running VO2 Max surpasses the Forerunner 965’s generic VO2 Max widget. This specialization earns the Venu 3 a point in this category.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Acclimation widgets and race calendar:
The Forerunner 965 introduces widgets for heat and altitude acclimation, features absent in the Venu 3. This advantage caters to users seeking specific acclimation insights.
The Forerunner 965 provides a race calendar feature, offering predictions for race times and tailored training plans. This functionality is absent in the Venu 3, giving the Forerunner 965 an edge for users planning and tracking races.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965
Cyclist level and weather information:
The Forerunner 965 includes a cyclist level metric, offering insights into one’s cycling proficiency. This feature, missing in the Venu 3, provides cyclists with valuable performance data.
Both smartwatches deliver weather information, but the Forerunner 965’s weather overlay on maps provides a more visually appealing and informative experience. This round goes to the Forerunner 965.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965
Jet lag widget and sleep metrics:
The Venu 3 introduces a dedicated jet lag widget, aiding users in managing and mitigating the effects of jet lag. This specialized feature, absent in the Forerunner 965, provides the Venu 3 with an advantage.
The Venu 3 offers a more detailed sleep tracking experience, providing insights into recommended sleep duration and acclimation strategies. This advantage in sleep metrics gives the Venu 3 an edge.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Light control:
The Venu 3 allows users to control and adjust compatible lights directly from the smartwatch, a feature not present in the Forerunner 965. This functionality provides added convenience and earns the Venu 3 another point.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Heart rate sensor and electrocardiogram (ECG):
Both smartwatches feature Garmin’s Elevate technology, with the Venu 3 incorporating Elevate 5 and the Forerunner 965 using Elevate 4. While both sensors provide accurate readings, the Venu 3’s Elevate 5 gains a slight advantage, offering improved precision due to its smaller size and reduced movement during activities.
The Venu 3 introduces ECG functionality, allowing users to monitor their heart’s electrical activity. This feature, absent in the Forerunner 965, gives the Venu 3 an advantage in heart health monitoring.
Winner: Garmin Venu 3
Garmin Venu 3 vs. Forerunner 965 “Pros and Cons”:
Garmin Venu 3:
Pros:
- Sleek Design: The Venu 3 boasts a sleek and stylish design, making it an appealing accessory for everyday wear.
- Lightweight: Weighing in at 46 grams, the Venu 3 is lighter, providing enhanced comfort during extended wear.
- Microphone and Speaker: The inclusion of a microphone and speaker allows for phone call capabilities directly from the smartwatch, adding to its versatility.
- Message Responses: The Venu 3’s keyboard feature for message responses provides a more flexible and convenient communication experience.
- Daily Goal Tracking: Engaging animations upon reaching daily goals enhance the overall user experience.
- Stress Tracking with Body Battery: The addition of the Body Battery metric offers a unique insight into recovery status, improving stress tracking functionality.
- Display Brightness: The Venu 3’s automatic brightness and multiple manual levels ensure optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Personalization: Extensive customization options for watch faces and an organized menu layout cater to individual preferences.
- Fluidity: The Venu 3 exhibits smoother performance and enhanced responsiveness for a seamless user experience.
- Accessibility: Incorporation of a wheelchair mode enhances accessibility for a broader user base.
- GPS Precision: While lacking advanced GPS features, the Venu 3 provides precise location tracking for standard activities.
- Heart Rate Sensor (Elevate 5): The Elevate 5 sensor, with its smaller size and reduced movement during activities, offers improved heart rate accuracy.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): The ECG functionality enables users to monitor their heart’s electrical activity, contributing to heart health monitoring.
Cons:
- Limited Sports Features: Lacks specialized modes for activities like triathlon and aquathlon, making it less suitable for dedicated athletes.
- Swimming Tracking Limitations: Unable to measure swimming technique sessions, limiting its effectiveness for swim tracking enthusiasts.
- Map Functionality: The absence of built-in maps and advanced navigation features limits its suitability for users requiring detailed navigation.
- Advanced Training Insights: Post-training analysis and detailed metrics are more limited compared to the Forerunner 965.
Garmin Forerunner 965:
Pros:
- Extended Battery Life: The Forerunner 965 offers 4 to 5 days more battery life than the Venu 3, making it ideal for users prioritizing longer usage between charges.
- Advanced Sports Features: Specialized modes for activities like triathlon, aquathlon, and detailed metrics for running and cycling cater to serious athletes.
- Swimming Capabilities: Ability to measure swimming technique sessions enhances the swim tracking experience.
- Built-in Maps: The inclusion of built-in maps and navigation features makes it suitable for users who require advanced navigation capabilities.
- Widgets Variety: A wide range of widgets, including weather information and training insights, provides comprehensive at-a-glance information.
- Race Calendar: The race calendar feature offers predictions for race times and tailored training plans, ideal for users planning and tracking races.
- Cyclist Level: The cyclist level metric provides insights into cycling proficiency, appealing to cycling enthusiasts.
- Jet Lag Widget: The dedicated jet lag widget aids users in managing and mitigating the effects of jet lag, catering to frequent travelers.
- Sleep Metrics: While not as detailed as the Venu 3, the Forerunner 965 provides sleep tracking insights.
- Light Control: The Venu 3 allows users to control compatible lights, adding a layer of convenience for smart home integration.
Cons:
- Heavier Design: Weighing in at 50 grams, the Forerunner 965 is slightly heavier, potentially impacting comfort during wear.
- Lack of Microphone and Speaker: The absence of a microphone and speaker limits communication functionalities compared to the Venu 3.
- Less Sleek Design: The design may be perceived as more utilitarian, and less stylish compared to the Venu 3.
- No Keyboard for Message Responses: Message responses are limited to predefined options, lacking the flexibility of a keyboard.
- Limited Daily Goal Tracking Animations: While it tracks daily goals, the Forerunner 965 lacks the engaging animations present in the Venu 3.
- No Body Battery Metric: The absence of the Body Battery metric means less detailed insights into stress and recovery.
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Reasons to choose Garmin Venu 3:
- Everyday Elegance: The Venu 3’s sleek design and stylish appearance make it a perfect choice for individuals who prioritize a smartwatch that seamlessly transitions from workouts to daily wear.
- Lightweight Comfort: Weighing only 46 grams, the Venu 3 ensures a lightweight and comfortable experience, making it suitable for all-day wear without sacrificing comfort.
- Communication Convenience: With a built-in microphone and speaker, the Venu 3 allows users to make phone calls directly from the smartwatch. This feature is ideal for those who value quick and convenient communication on the go.
- Versatile Message Responses: The inclusion of a keyboard for message responses provides users with a versatile and interactive messaging experience, offering more flexibility in communication.
- Engaging Daily Goal Tracking: The Venu 3 enhances the experience of reaching daily goals with engaging animations, adding a motivational aspect to fitness tracking.
- Comprehensive Stress Tracking: The addition of the Body Battery metric provides users with a holistic view of stress and recovery, allowing for better management of overall well-being.
- Adaptive Display Brightness: The Venu 3’s automatic brightness and multiple manual levels ensure optimal visibility in various lighting conditions, catering to users who value display clarity.
- Extensive Personalization: Offering a wide range of customization options for watch faces and an organized menu layout, the Venu 3 allows users to tailor the smartwatch to their unique preferences.
- Smooth User Experience: With fluid performance and enhanced responsiveness, the Venu 3 delivers a seamless user experience, making navigation and interactions more enjoyable.
- Accessibility Features: The inclusion of a wheelchair mode enhances accessibility, making the Venu 3 a suitable choice for a diverse user base.
- Precise Heart Rate Monitoring: The Elevate 5 sensor, with its smaller size and reduced movement during activities, provides accurate and reliable heart rate monitoring.
- Heart Health Monitoring with ECG: The introduction of ECG functionality allows users to monitor their heart’s electrical activity, contributing to comprehensive heart health monitoring.
Reasons to choose Garmin Forerunner 965:
- Extended Battery Life: The Forerunner 965 stands out with an impressive 4 to 5 days of additional battery life compared to the Venu 3, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize longer usage between charges.
- Advanced Sports Features: Designed with specialized modes for triathlon, aquathlon, and detailed metrics for running and cycling, the Forerunner 965 is the go-to choice for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Swimming Excellence: With the ability to measure swimming technique sessions, the Forerunner 965 provides an enhanced swimming experience, making it ideal for swimmers who want detailed insights into their performance.
- Built-in Maps for Navigation: The inclusion of built-in maps and advanced navigation features caters to users who require detailed navigation capabilities, whether for outdoor adventures or urban exploration.
- Comprehensive Widgets Variety: The Forerunner 965 offers a wide range of widgets, including weather information and training insights, providing users with comprehensive at-a-glance information for better planning.
- Race Calendar Planning: The race calendar feature offers predictions for race times and tailored training plans, making the Forerunner 965 an excellent choice for users planning and tracking their races.
- Cyclist-Focused Features: The cyclist level metric provides insights into cycling proficiency, appealing to cyclists who want specific performance data related to their favorite activity.
- Jet Lag Management Widget: The dedicated jet lag widget aids users in managing and mitigating the effects of jet lag, making the Forerunner 965 an ideal choice for frequent travelers.
- Sleep Tracking Insights: While not as detailed as the Venu 3, the Forerunner 965 provides sleep tracking insights, offering users valuable information on their sleep patterns.
- Smart Home Integration with Light Control: The Forerunner 965 allows users to control compatible lights, adding a layer of convenience for those looking to integrate their smartwatch with their smart home.
Conclusion:
In this exhaustive comparison, both the Garmin Venu 3 and Forerunner 965 showcase impressive features, catering to diverse user preferences. The Venu 3 excels in areas such as size, weight, microphone, message responses, daily goal tracking, stress tracking, display brightness, straps, personalization, menus, controls, fluidity, accessibility, GPS precision, and heart rate sensor precision.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 965 takes the lead in battery life, sports features, swimming capabilities, maps, widgets, training insights, auto sport detection, post-training analysis, widgets variety, acclimation widgets, race calendar, cyclist level, weather information, jet lag widget, sleep metrics, and light control.
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Venu 3 and Forerunner 965 depends on individual priorities and use cases. Users focusing on everyday wear, messaging, and general fitness tracking may lean towards the Venu 3, while those seeking advanced sports features, navigation, and in-depth training insights might find the Forerunner 965 to be the better fit. Check out the latest prices here: the Garmin Venu 3 and Forerunner 965.
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