Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Garmin Venu 3
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 delivers excellent everyday performance and seamless iOS integration at an aggressive $249 price point, featuring watchOS 10, NFC payments, and cellular connectivity. Garmin Venu 3 targets fitness enthusiasts with superior health monitoring (ECG, SpO2, skin temperature), exceptional 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode, and always-on AMOLED display—though it weighs significantly more at 47g and lacks cellular. SE 2's 18-hour battery requires nightly charging, limiting its appeal for travelers. Venu 3's $449.99 price reflects its premium sports focus and advanced biometrics. For iPhone users prioritizing daily convenience and payment features, SE 2 is exceptional value. Serious fitness trackers or multi-day adventurers should invest in Venu 3's comprehensive health suite and legendary battery endurance.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Garmin Venu 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 47 g |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 5 ATM |
| 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 14 days smartwatch mode, 26 hours GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 1.4 inch |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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 3
Pros
- Outstanding 14-day battery life with AMOLED display
- Comprehensive health tracking including ECG and skin temperature
- Built-in speaker and microphone for calls
- Advanced sleep coaching and nap detection
- Multi-band GNSS for accurate GPS tracking
Cons
- No third-party app ecosystem like Wear OS
- Limited smartwatch features compared to Apple/Samsung
- No cellular connectivity option
- Garmin Pay supports limited banks
Related Comparisons
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 3.