Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 excels as an iPhone-centric fitness tracker with watchOS 10's superior app ecosystem, NFC payments, and cellular connectivity at an aggressive $249 price point. Its 18-hour battery requires daily charging, but the bright LTPO OLED display and seamless Apple integration justify the tradeoff for iOS users. Garmin Venu 2 Plus targets serious athletes with multi-GNSS tracking, SpO2 monitoring, and exceptional 9-day battery life,ideal for extended outdoor adventures. However, at $449 it costs nearly double while lacking cellular capability and offering a smaller app selection. Choose the Apple Watch SE 2 for everyday smartwatch convenience and value; select Garmin Venu 2 Plus if fitness analytics, battery endurance, and multi-day trips are priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) if…
- →Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- →Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- →Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
Buy the Garmin Venu 2 Plus if…
- →Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- →Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- →Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE 2 (2023)
Pros
- Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
- Compatible with all Apple Watch bands
- Gets latest watchOS features including Siri and Maps
Cons
- No always-on display
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensor
- Same battery life as pricier models — still needs daily charging
- S8 chip is not the latest — misses Double Tap gesture
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Pros
- Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
- 9-day battery with AMOLED is excellent
- On-watch music storage with Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer
Cons
- No cellular — phone calls require Bluetooth connection to phone
- No multi-band GPS — less precise in urban canyons
- $449 approaches Apple Watch Ultra territory
- Stainless steel bezel adds bulk at 51 g
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Garmin Venu 2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 51 g |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Stainless steel bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hrs, up to 36 hrs Low Power Mode | Up to 9 days (smartwatch), 24 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 43mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 416 x 416 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) or the Garmin Venu 2 Plus.