Garmin Venu 2/2 Plus: The Smartwatch That Almost Nails It All
Garmin has long been a dominant force in the fitness tracker market, but their Venu series aims for something more: a true smartwatch experience that doesn’t sacrifice the health and activity tracking they’re known for. The Venu 2 and 2 Plus represent the pinnacle of this ambition, offering a compelling blend of style, functionality, and performance. But does it stick the landing? Let’s dive in.
From a design perspective, the Venu 2 and 2 Plus are undeniably attractive. The AMOLED display is vibrant and sharp, easily visible even in direct sunlight. The aluminum bezel and comfortable silicone strap give it a premium feel, making it suitable for both workouts and more formal occasions. The Venu 2 Plus distinguishes itself with a third button, adding dedicated voice assistant control. Build quality is robust, with a solid feel that inspires confidence.
Performance is generally snappy. Navigating menus, tracking workouts, and receiving notifications are all handled smoothly. The integrated GPS is accurate and locks on quickly, even in challenging environments. Battery life is excellent, typically lasting several days with moderate usage, a significant advantage over many competitors in the smartwatch space. The Venu 2 generally outlasts the 2 Plus, owing to the lack of constant voice assistant readiness.
Feature-wise, the Venu 2 and 2 Plus are packed. Comprehensive health tracking includes heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, sleep analysis, and more. There’s also a wide range of sports profiles to choose from, catering to diverse activities. The Garmin Connect app is powerful and provides detailed insights into your data. The addition of a microphone and speaker in the Venu 2 Plus allows for phone calls and voice assistant interaction directly from the watch, a convenient, though not essential, upgrade. One minor gripe: while NFC payments are supported via Garmin Pay, its bank compatibility remains somewhat limited in some regions.
Ultimately, the Venu 2 and 2 Plus offer a compelling value proposition. They provide a comprehensive suite of features, excellent performance, and a stylish design. While the voice assistant integration on the 2 Plus is a nice-to-have, it comes at the cost of slightly reduced battery life. The Garmin ecosystem continues to be a significant strength, offering users an in-depth view into their fitness and wellness habits.
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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
- ✅ The vibrant AMOLED display is easily visible even in direct sunlight.
- ✅ Comprehensive health and fitness tracking provide valuable insights into wellness.
- ✅ Battery life is excellent, lasting several days with moderate usage.
Key Cons
- ❌ Garmin Pay’s bank compatibility remains limited in some regions.
- ❌ Voice assistant integration slightly reduces the Venu 2 Plus battery life.
- ❌ The abundance of features can be overwhelming for some users.
