Garmin Venu Sq 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The Verdict
Garmin's Venu Sq 2 and Samsung's Galaxy Watch 3 target different priorities. The Venu Sq 2 excels in battery longevity, delivering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode versus Galaxy Watch 3's measly 1.5 days typical usage. Its 40mm AMOLED display (320x360) feels appropriately sized for the fitness-focused form factor. At 38 grams, it's noticeably lighter than Galaxy Watch 3's 48.2-gram 41mm variant. Samsung's watch compensates with premium materials (stainless steel and titanium options), broader device compatibility through Tizen OS, cellular connectivity for independent calls and texts, and ECG functionality that Garmin omits. Galaxy Watch 3's 360x360 resolution matches typical expectations despite its larger bezels. For fitness enthusiasts prioritizing training metrics and multi-week battery life, Garmin wins decisively. However, Samsung's watch suits users deeply invested in Samsung ecosystems who accept daily charging and value health features like ECG. The $150 price difference is substantial. Garmin Venu Sq 2 is the practical choice for sport-focused tracking, while Galaxy Watch 3 appeals to those wanting premium styling and comprehensive smartwatch features despite battery compromises.
Who Should Buy
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
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 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
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 Sq 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 38 g | 48.2 g (41mm) / 53.8 g (45mm) |
| Case material | Aluminum bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer | 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 11 days (smartwatch mode), 26 hrs GPS | Up to 2 days (typical ~1.5 days) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40 mm (1.41 inches) | 41mm / 45mm |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 320 x 360 | 360 x 360 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin proprietary | Exynos 9110 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
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 Garmin products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Garmin Venu Sq 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.