Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your lifestyle, goals, and expectations from wearable technology. Whether you prioritize fitness tracking, smart features, or seamless smartphone integration, different models meet different needs. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers deep iPhone integration, sleek design, and advanced sensors for everyday use. In contrast, the Garmin Venu 3 is built for fitness-first users who value detailed health tracking and long battery life. This comparison outlines the key differences between these two popular models to help you decide which one better suits your preferences and daily routine.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Venu 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.9″ Always-On Retina LTPO OLED (up to 2000 nits) | 1.4″ AMOLED Touchscreen (416 x 416 pixels) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in Low Power Mode) | Up to 14 days (5 days with Always-On Display) |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Voice Assistant | Siri with on-device processing | Garmin Voice Assistant (limited functionality) |
| Processor | Apple S9 SiP | Garmin dual-core processor |
| RAM | 1GB | Approx. 1GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 8GB |
| Compatibility | iPhone only | iOS and Android compatible |
| GPS | Built-in with dual-frequency support | Built-in GPS |
| Heart Rate Sensor | 3rd-gen optical sensor with ECG, SpO2 | Elevate Gen 5 with ECG, SpO2 |
| Fitness Features | Activity rings, VO2 Max, AFib, temperature, etc. | Sleep coaching, nap detection, HRV, VO2 Max |
| Microphone/Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| LTE Option | Available | No LTE |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Series 9 features a sleek, premium aluminum or stainless steel case with a square display and interchangeable bands. It has a polished, modern look ideal for everyday wear or business settings. The Garmin Venu 3 has a round face and a more traditional watch design, made with stainless steel bezels and silicone bands, giving it a sportier feel. Both offer 5 ATM water resistance, but the Venu 3 leans more fitness-focused in appearance.
Display Quality
Apple uses a Retina LTPO OLED panel that reaches up to 2000 nits, making it extremely bright even in sunlight. It supports always-on mode and features smooth transitions thanks to adaptive refresh rates. The Venu 3’s AMOLED screen also delivers vibrant colors and sharp text, though with slightly lower peak brightness. Both displays are touch-sensitive and offer excellent visibility, but Apple’s screen is slightly larger and more fluid in operation.
Battery Life and Charging
The Venu 3 outshines the Series 9 in battery life. It can last up to two weeks on a single charge, or five days with the always-on display. The Series 9 typically needs daily charging unless Low Power Mode is enabled, which can extend it to around 36 hours. Garmin users will appreciate the convenience of fewer charges, especially on multi-day trips or during continuous health tracking.
Smart Features and Ecosystem
The Apple Watch excels in smart features with deep iOS integration. You get full access to notifications, Siri, Apple Pay, phone calls, and third-party apps. It also supports on-device Siri processing and Find My functionality. Garmin’s smart features include notifications, music storage, and Garmin Pay, but it lacks the seamless integration and third-party app support that Apple offers. However, it does work with both Android and iOS devices, offering more flexibility.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Garmin focuses heavily on wellness with sleep coaching, nap detection, HRV status, stress tracking, and Body Battery. It’s ideal for athletes or health-conscious users. Apple provides core fitness features like VO2 Max, heart rate tracking, fall detection, SpO2, and a new temperature sensor. The Series 9 also adds cycle tracking and ECG, but Garmin’s advanced insights and broader sensor suite make it more comprehensive for training.
Voice Features and Assistant
Apple’s on-device Siri in Series 9 enables fast voice responses even without internet, and it can handle messages, calls, smart home control, and more. Garmin has a basic voice assistant on the Venu 3, mainly for calling and simple commands. It supports Bluetooth calling too, but Siri offers a more powerful voice interface overall.
Software and Updates
The Series 9 runs on watchOS 10, known for its smooth interface, regular updates, and robust app ecosystem. It gets frequent feature updates and bug fixes directly from Apple. Garmin OS is reliable and fitness-focused but less dynamic. It receives updates for health tracking features but lacks a robust app store or dynamic UI changes.
Connectivity and App Support
Apple Watch supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and LTE (on select models). It pairs seamlessly with iPhones but does not support Android. Garmin Venu 3 offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and is platform-agnostic, supporting both iOS and Android. If you don’t use an iPhone, the Venu 3 is the more suitable choice.
FAQ
Does the Garmin Venu 3 work with iPhones?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 is compatible with both iPhones and Android smartphones. However, some features such as quick replies or voice assistant commands may be more limited on iOS than on Android.
Can I make phone calls with both watches?
Yes, both watches support Bluetooth calling. The Apple Watch Series 9 can also make and receive calls over LTE if you have the Cellular version. The Garmin Venu 3 only supports calling when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Which has better battery life, the Series 9 or Venu 3?
Garmin Venu 3 easily outlasts the Apple Watch Series 9. It offers up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, while the Series 9 typically lasts around 18 hours with standard use.
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 waterproof?
Yes, the Series 9 is water resistant up to 50 meters. It is suitable for swimming and showering but not for high-velocity water sports or diving.
Can I use Siri on Garmin Venu 3?
No, Siri is exclusive to Apple devices. The Garmin Venu 3 has a basic voice assistant that allows you to answer calls and issue basic commands, but it’s not as advanced or responsive as Siri.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 track sleep?
Yes, the Series 9 offers sleep tracking, including time asleep and time in each sleep stage. However, Garmin Venu 3 provides more detailed sleep insights and features like sleep coaching and nap detection.
Which is better for fitness tracking?
Garmin Venu 3 is better for advanced fitness and health tracking. It includes features like HRV status, Body Battery, nap tracking, and more in-depth workout analytics, making it ideal for serious fitness users.
Can I listen to music on both watches?
Yes, both watches support music playback and offline music storage. The Apple Watch integrates with Apple Music, while the Garmin Venu 3 supports services like Spotify and Amazon Music.
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 compatible with Android?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 only works with iPhones. If you’re an Android user, the Garmin Venu 3 is the better option since it supports both major mobile platforms.
Which is more suitable for casual users?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is better suited for casual users who want a stylish watch with smooth app support, smart notifications, and reliable daily tracking. The Venu 3 is more tailored to users focused on health insights and training metrics.