Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The Verdict
Garmin's Venu 2 Plus delivers significantly better battery longevity at 9 days versus Samsung's 1.5-2 day typical usage, a critical advantage for those seeking fewer charging cycles. Samsung counters with ECG functionality, cellular connectivity, and a slightly lighter 48.2g frame (41mm model). Both feature AMOLED displays with always-on capability, SpO2 monitoring, and 5ATM water resistance. The Venu 2 Plus uses a custom Garmin processor optimized for efficiency, while the Galaxy Watch 3 relies on the Exynos 9110. Resolution favors Garmin at 416x416 pixels versus Samsung's 360x360. Battery performance is the decisive factor here. If you charge your watch weekly without fail and value ECG plus cellular calling, the Galaxy Watch 3 suits smartphone-dependent workflows. However, most users will appreciate skipping chargers for over a week with the Venu 2 Plus, which maintains comprehensive health tracking and costs just $50 more. The Garmin wins for daily wearability and practical convenience.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 if…
- →Physical rotating bezel provides tactile, satisfying navigation
- →Premium stainless steel build with classic watch aesthetics
- →ECG and SpO2 monitoring were cutting-edge at launch
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Pros
- Physical rotating bezel provides tactile, satisfying navigation
- Premium stainless steel build with classic watch aesthetics
- ECG and SpO2 monitoring were cutting-edge at launch
- Fall detection with automatic SOS alerts
- Thinner and lighter than Galaxy Watch (2018)
Cons
- Tizen OS is now discontinued — no new app development
- Battery life of 1.5 days typical requires frequent charging
- Older Exynos 9110 is noticeably slower than W920
- Heavy at 48-54 g — uncomfortable for sleep tracking
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Venu 2 Plus | Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 51 g | 48.2 g (41mm) / 53.8 g (45mm) |
| Case material | Stainless steel bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case | Stainless Steel / Titanium |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 9 days (smartwatch), 24 hrs GPS | Up to 2 days (typical ~1.5 days) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 43mm (1.3 inches) | 41mm / 45mm |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 360 x 360 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Exynos 9110 |
| 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 Garmin products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.