Garmin Venu 2/2 Plus: The Smartwatch That Almost Does It All
Garmin’s Venu series occupies a fascinating space in the smartwatch market. It’s not quite a dedicated fitness tracker like its Forerunner siblings, nor is it a fully-fledged lifestyle smartwatch like the Apple Watch. Instead, the Venu 2 and its slightly more advanced cousin, the Venu 2 Plus, aim to strike a balance, offering robust health tracking features alongside smartwatch capabilities, all wrapped in a sleek, attractive package. But does it succeed? After weeks of rigorous testing, here’s our deep dive.
Performance-wise, both watches impress. The interface is fluid and responsive, and navigating through menus is a breeze. The heart rate sensor is accurate, and the GPS locks on quickly and remains consistent, even in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons. Sleep tracking is also top-notch, providing detailed analysis of sleep stages and offering insights for improvement. Battery life is a significant advantage; the Venu 2 easily lasts 5-7 days with moderate usage, while the Venu 2 Plus, with its added voice assistant functionality, manages a respectable 4-5 days.
Design is where the Venu 2 and 2 Plus truly shine. Both boast vibrant AMOLED displays that are bright and clear, even under direct sunlight. The stainless steel bezel and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens provide a premium feel, and the comfortable silicone straps are suitable for all-day wear. The Venu 2 Plus distinguishes itself with the addition of a microphone and speaker, enabling Bluetooth calling and voice assistant integration (Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby depending on your phone). While aesthetically pleasing, the display’s larger bezel compared to competitors might deter some.
Feature-rich is an understatement. Both watches offer a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate variability (HRV) status, Pulse Ox monitoring, stress tracking, body battery energy monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking. They also support a wide range of sports profiles, from running and cycling to swimming and golf. Garmin Pay allows for contactless payments, and the Connect IQ store provides access to a variety of apps and watch faces. The Venu 2 Plus further enhances the experience with its ability to make and receive calls directly from the watch and control your phone’s voice assistant. However, the Connect IQ store app selection is limited compared to Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.
The value proposition of the Venu 2 and 2 Plus is compelling, but not without caveats. They offer a premium experience with excellent health tracking and smartwatch features at a competitive price point. However, the limited app selection and the slightly less polished user experience compared to Apple Watch might be a deterrent for some users deeply integrated within their specific mobile ecosystem. Ultimately, the Venu 2/2 Plus excels at providing a comprehensive fitness and health tracking solution with smartwatch functionality, making it a great choice for users prioritizing data-driven wellness.
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Garmin Venu 2/2 Plus Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 92%
- Design: 93%
- Performance: 90%
- Quality: 91%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ GPS tracking is consistently accurate and reliable during outdoor activities.
- ✅ Battery life is excellent, lasting for several days with moderate use.
- ✅ The AMOLED display is vibrant and easy to read even in direct sunlight.
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Key Cons
- ❌ The Connect IQ store app selection is more limited compared to competitors.
- ❌ The bezel surrounding the display could be thinner for a more modern look.
- ❌ Smartwatch features do not match the polish of Apple Watch and Wear OS.
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