Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Garmin Venu 3 have some key differences. Garmin Venu 3 is the newer and more advanced model with upgraded hardware and expanded health-tracking capabilities, while Garmin Vivoactive 5 remains an attractive option at a lower price. This comparison will walk you through key differences so you can confidently decide which one fits your needs best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Garmin Venu 3 features a newer, faster processor that improves menu navigation and app responsiveness.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 uses a standard processor, which provides adequate performance.
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Stainless-Steel Bezel:
- Garmin Venu 3 includes a stainless-steel bezel that enhances durability and gives a more premium appearance.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 uses a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, which is lighter but less premium.
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Display:
- Garmin Venu 3 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED display that allows more data fields and easier on-screen interaction.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display.
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ECG:
- Garmin Venu 3 supports ECG functionality to help detect potential atrial fibrillation.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 does not include ECG capability.
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Barometric Altimeter:
- Garmin Venu 3 has a barometric altimeter that measures elevation changes for activities like hiking and climbing.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 does not have a barometric altimeter.
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Speaker & Microphone:
- Garmin Venu 3 comes with a built-in speaker and microphone that enable phone calls and voice assistant use.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 lacks a speaker and microphone.
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Internal Storage:
- Garmin Venu 3 supports 8 GB of internal storage to hold more music, apps, and watch faces.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 has 4 GB of internal storage.
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Battery Life:
- Garmin Venu 3 features a larger battery that lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode to reduce charging frequency.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
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Jet-lag Advisor:
- Garmin Venu 3 includes a jet-lag advisor that provides light and sleep recommendations for faster travel recovery.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 does not include a jet-lag advisor.
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Higher Resolution:
- Garmin Venu 3 delivers 454 x 454 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 has lower 390x 390 pixels resolution.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Garmin Venu 3 |
Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
| Display |
1.4-inch AMOLED |
1.2-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution |
454 x 454 pixels |
390 x 390 pixels |
| Brightness |
Brighter display with enhanced visibility |
Standard AMOLED brightness |
| Processor |
Newer, faster processor |
Standard performance processor |
| Bezel |
Stainless-steel bezel |
Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel |
| Heart Rate Sensor |
Elevate 5 HR sensor |
Elevate 4 HR sensor |
| ECG Support |
Yes (AFib detection) |
No |
| Barometric Altimeter |
Yes |
No |
| Speaker & Microphone |
Yes (calls and voice assistant) |
No |
| Internal Storage |
8 GB |
4 GB |
| Battery Life |
Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) |
Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode) |
| Jet-lag Advisor |
Yes |
No |
| Buttons |
3 buttons with animations |
2 buttons, no animations |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if you:
- Want the most advanced health tracking including ECG and Elevate 5 HR sensor.
- Need a brighter, larger AMOLED display with higher resolution.
- Prefer a premium stainless-steel bezel and more durable build.
- Value built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice control.
- Want longer battery life and extra features like jet-lag advisor.
Check Garmin Venu 3 Best Price
Buy the Garmin Vivoactive 5 if you:
- Want a capable AMOLED Garmin at a lower price.
- Do not need ECG, altimeter, or speaker functions.
- Prefer a lighter watch with a smaller display.
- Focus on essential fitness tracking and smartwatch functions.
- Are upgrading from an older Garmin on a budget.
Check Garmin Vivoactive 5 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Stainless-steel bezel |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Larger AMOLED display |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Brightness |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Higher resolution |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Elevate 5 HR sensor |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| ECG (AFib detection) |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Barometric altimeter |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Speaker & microphone |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Internal storage |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Battery life |
Garmin Venu 3 |
What They Have in Common
- AMOLED Touchscreen: Both the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3 feature bright AMOLED touchscreens, making it easy to view data even in bright sunlight.
- Health Monitoring: Each watch includes 24/7 heart rate tracking, SpO2 monitoring, and sleep tracking, allowing users to stay on top of their overall wellness.
- Fitness Tracking: Both models support a wide range of workout modes, from running and cycling to yoga and strength training, making them versatile fitness companions.
- GPS and Navigation: Each watch has built-in GPS for accurate distance, pace, and route tracking during outdoor activities without needing a phone.
- Smartwatch Features: Both offer music control, smartphone notifications, and contactless payments via Garmin Pay, enhancing everyday convenience.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Garmin Venu 3 have ECG capability?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 supports ECG functionality for atrial fibrillation detection, while the Garmin Vivoactive 5 does not include this feature.
Which watch has the larger display?
The Garmin Venu 3 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED display that provides more space for data fields, compared to the 1.2-inch AMOLED display on the Garmin Vivoactive 5.
Is there a difference in heart rate sensor technology?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 uses the newer Elevate 5 HR sensor for improved tracking accuracy, while the Garmin Vivoactive 5 uses the Elevate 4 HR sensor.
Which model is better for outdoor visibility?
The Garmin Venu 3 supports higher display brightness for better sunlight readability, whereas the Garmin Vivoactive 5 has standard AMOLED brightness.
Do both watches have a barometric altimeter?
No, only the Garmin Venu 3 includes a barometric altimeter for accurate elevation tracking, while the Garmin Vivoactive 5 lacks this feature.
Can either watch make calls or use a voice assistant?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 has a built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice assistant use, but the Garmin Vivoactive 5 does not have these functions.
Which watch offers more internal storage?
The Garmin Venu 3 comes with 8 GB of internal storage, while the Garmin Vivoactive 5 has 4 GB, allowing the Venu 3 to store more music and apps.
How does the battery life compare?
The Garmin Venu 3 can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, while the Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers up to 11 days under similar usage.
Is the bezel material different between the two?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 features a stainless-steel bezel for a more premium build, while the Garmin Vivoactive 5 uses a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel.
Do both models include the jet-lag advisor feature?
No, the Garmin Venu 3 has a jet-lag advisor that offers light and sleep recommendations for travel recovery, but the Garmin Vivoactive 5 does not have this tool.
