Apple Watch Series 7 vs Garmin Venu Sq 2
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 7 dominates with its superior LTPO OLED display, faster S7 processor, and comprehensive health suite including ECG functionality, making it the premium choice for iPhone users seeking seamless ecosystem integration. Garmin Venu Sq 2 counters with exceptional 11-day battery life in smartwatch mode versus Apple's 18-hour limitation, stronger fitness-focused software, and $150 price advantage. For fitness enthusiasts prioritizing battery endurance and sports tracking, Garmin delivers remarkable value. iPhone users valuing always-on display quality, faster performance, and advanced health metrics should invest in the Series 7. Different use cases, but Apple edges ahead for comprehensive capability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 7 if…
- →Largest Apple Watch display at the time with 20% more screen area than Series 6
- →IP6X dust resistance added for the first time in Apple Watch
- →Fast charging reaches 80% in about 45 minutes
Buy the Garmin Venu Sq 2 if…
- →11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- →AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- →Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Series 7
Pros
- Largest Apple Watch display at the time with 20% more screen area than Series 6
- IP6X dust resistance added for the first time in Apple Watch
- Fast charging reaches 80% in about 45 minutes
- Full-QWERTY keyboard leverages the larger display
- Crack-resistant front crystal is more durable than predecessors
Cons
- S7 chip is essentially an S6 rebrand — minimal speed improvement
- 18-hour battery life hasn't improved in years
- No skin temperature sensor — added in Series 8
- Titanium option was very expensive at $799+
Garmin Venu Sq 2
Pros
- 11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
- 25+ built-in sport modes with detailed workout analytics
- NFC for Garmin Pay contactless payments
Cons
- No ECG or skin temperature monitoring
- Square design is polarizing — not as elegant as round watches
- Garmin OS has far fewer third-party apps than Wear OS
- No cellular option — phone must be nearby for notifications
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Garmin Venu Sq 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 8 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 32 g (41mm Al) / 38.8 g (45mm Al) | 38 g |
| Case material | Aluminum / Stainless Steel / Titanium | Aluminum bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m), IP6X dust resistance | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode), 26 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 41mm / 45mm | 40 mm (1.41 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 352 x 430 / 396 x 484 | 320 x 360 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S7 SiP | Garmin proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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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 Series 7 or the Garmin Venu Sq 2.