Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Garmin Venu 2
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE offers seamless iPhone integration, faster performance via the S8 chip, and NFC payments, making it ideal for Apple ecosystem users seeking fitness basics. Garmin Venu 2 excels as a dedicated sports watch with 11-day battery life, always-on AMOLED display, SpO2 monitoring, and superior GPS capabilities for serious athletes. Apple's 18-hour battery requires daily charging, while Garmin's multi-day endurance suits outdoor enthusiasts. SE provides better general smartwatch features and app variety at lower cost; Venu 2 delivers specialized health metrics and training tools at premium pricing. For casual fitness tracking and notifications, Apple Watch SE delivers better value. For athletic performance and extended battery life, Garmin Venu 2 justifies its higher price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (2022) if…
- →Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- →Crash Detection included at this price point
- →Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
Buy the Garmin Venu 2 if…
- →Stunning AMOLED display with always-on option
- →11-day battery life outperforms most AMOLED smartwatches
- →Comprehensive fitness tracking with 25+ sport profiles
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Pros
- Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- Crash Detection included at this price point
- Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
- Family Setup lets kids use it without an iPhone
- Full access to the Apple Watch app ecosystem
Cons
- No Always-On display — screen goes dark when wrist is lowered
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensors
- Thicker bezels than Series 8 make the screen feel smaller
- 18-hour battery still requires nightly charging
Garmin Venu 2
Pros
- Stunning AMOLED display with always-on option
- 11-day battery life outperforms most AMOLED smartwatches
- Comprehensive fitness tracking with 25+ sport profiles
- Health Snapshot for quick 2-minute wellness checks
- Garmin Pay for contactless payments via NFC
Cons
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- No cellular option — requires phone for notifications
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- Third-party app ecosystem is limited
- $399 is expensive for a non-cellular watch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Garmin Venu 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 49 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 11 days (smartwatch), 8 hrs GPS with music |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 45mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | AMOLED Always-On |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 416 x 416 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Garmin custom SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
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 (2022) or the Garmin Venu 2.