Apple Watch SE vs Garmin Venu 2 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your lifestyle, fitness goals, and the kind of technology you prefer. The Garmin Venu 2 and Apple Watch SE cater to very different user needs and offer distinct strengths. Garmin Venu 2 is known for its advanced fitness tracking and long battery life, while the Apple Watch SE provides seamless integration with iPhones and a well-rounded smart experience. In this article, we will break down their key differences to help you decide which one fits your priorities best.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Venu 2 | Apple Watch SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.3″ AMOLED, 416 x 416 px | 1.78″ Retina LTPO OLED, 448 x 368 px |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 days (Smartwatch mode) | Up to 18 hours |
| GPS | Built-in, multi-GNSS support | Built-in GPS only |
| Processor | Unknown (custom Garmin chipset) | Apple S8 SiP dual-core |
| RAM | Not specified | 1GB |
| Storage | 4GB | 32GB |
| Health Sensors | HR, Pulse Ox, Sleep, Stress, Body Battery | HR, Fall detection, Emergency SOS |
| Music Storage | Yes, onboard + Spotify/Amazon Music | Apple Music streaming only |
| OS | Garmin OS | watchOS 10 |
| iPhone Compatibility | Limited (no iMessage or calls) | Full |
| Android Compatibility | Yes | No |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Garmin Venu 2 features a stainless steel bezel and a durable polymer case, giving it a premium fitness-first appearance. It has a 1.3-inch AMOLED display that looks vivid both indoors and outdoors. In contrast, the Apple Watch SE has a more modern rectangular design with aluminum casing and a larger screen-to-body ratio. Its Retina display is bright and responsive but lacks always-on functionality.
Display Quality
Garmin’s AMOLED screen offers excellent contrast and visibility, and it supports an always-on mode. Apple Watch SE uses a high-resolution Retina LTPO OLED that is crisp and smooth but turns off when inactive to conserve battery. For users who value at-a-glance information during workouts, Garmin offers the edge.
Battery Life
This is where the Venu 2 stands out. With up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and around 8 hours with GPS and music, it caters well to fitness-focused users. Apple Watch SE lasts about 18 hours per charge, requiring daily top-ups. Garmin is the better pick for those who travel or forget to charge often.
Fitness and Health Features
Garmin Venu 2 is packed with fitness features such as Body Battery energy tracking, sleep score, stress tracking, and Pulse Ox monitoring. It supports over 25 activity profiles and even advanced metrics like VO2 Max. The Apple Watch SE includes accurate heart rate tracking, fall detection, and emergency SOS but lacks more advanced metrics like SpO2 or recovery stats.
Smart Features and App Ecosystem
Apple Watch SE integrates deeply with the Apple ecosystem, offering iMessage, phone calls, Siri, Apple Maps, and access to a robust App Store. Garmin OS supports basic notifications, music playback, and Garmin Pay but feels limited compared to watchOS. Apple provides a more seamless smart experience overall.
Navigation and GPS
Garmin Venu 2 supports multi-GNSS systems including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for highly accurate location tracking during outdoor activities. Apple Watch SE offers reliable GPS but does not support additional satellite systems, which can make a difference for outdoor adventurers.
Music and Storage
Venu 2 offers offline music storage and supports services like Spotify and Amazon Music for phone-free workouts. Apple Watch SE can stream Apple Music but requires a cellular or Wi-Fi connection for full functionality. Storage-wise, Apple gives users more room for apps and media with 32GB compared to Garmin’s 4GB.
Platform Compatibility
Garmin Venu 2 works with both Android and iOS, but features like texting are limited on iPhone. Apple Watch SE only works with iPhones and lacks Android compatibility altogether. Garmin is more versatile, but Apple provides a richer experience for iPhone users.
FAQ
Is the Garmin Venu 2 compatible with iPhones?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 2 works with iPhones, but you will not be able to reply to texts or use features like iMessage and Apple-specific apps. It’s still fully functional for health tracking and notifications.
Can the Apple Watch SE track blood oxygen levels?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not include a SpO2 sensor. If blood oxygen tracking is important, consider the Apple Watch Series 8 or a Garmin alternative like the Venu 2.
Which watch lasts longer on a single charge?
The Garmin Venu 2 lasts significantly longer, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. Apple Watch SE typically lasts around 18 hours, requiring daily charging.
Can you make phone calls with the Garmin Venu 2?
No, the Garmin Venu 2 cannot make or receive phone calls directly. It can show call notifications, but you need your phone to complete the call.
Does the Apple Watch SE have an always-on display?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not include an always-on display. The screen turns off when not in use to preserve battery.
Which watch is better for Android users?
The Garmin Venu 2 is the clear choice for Android users since Apple Watch SE does not support Android at all.
Can either watch stream music without a phone?
Garmin Venu 2 can store and play music offline from apps like Spotify and Amazon Music. Apple Watch SE requires cellular or Wi-Fi to stream music from Apple Music.
Is the Garmin Venu 2 good for runners?
Yes, the Venu 2 is excellent for runners thanks to its accurate GPS, heart rate tracking, training metrics, and long battery life during GPS use.
Does the Apple Watch SE have fall detection?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE includes fall detection and Emergency SOS, which can contact emergency services if a hard fall is detected.