Garmin Venu Sq 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
Garmin Venu Sq 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch FE both deliver solid smartwatch experiences at competitive price points, though with different strengths. Garmin's offering excels with exceptional 11-day battery life in smartwatch mode and reliable health tracking including SpO2 and sleep monitoring, though it lacks ECG functionality. Samsung's Galaxy Watch FE counters with a superior AMOLED display (396x396 resolution vs 320x360), includes ECG capability, and runs the more versatile Wear OS 4 platform with broader app compatibility. Battery life favors Garmin significantly at 11 days versus Samsung's 30 hours typical usage. Weight-wise, Samsung is considerably lighter at 26.6g. For fitness-focused users prioritizing extended battery and Garmin's ecosystem, the Venu Sq 2 is the better choice. However, if you prefer smarter features, ECG readings, and a brighter display within a lighter package, Samsung Galaxy Watch FE offers superior versatility at a $50 lower price point.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Venu Sq 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS | Wear OS 4 (One UI Watch 5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 38 g | 26.6 g |
| Case material | Aluminum bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer | Aluminum |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM + IP68 |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode), 26 hrs GPS | Up to 30 hrs (typical usage) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40 mm (1.41 inches) | 40 mm |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 320 x 360 | 396 x 396 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin proprietary | Exynos W920 |
| RAM | — | 1.5 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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 FE
Pros
- Full Galaxy Watch experience at the most affordable Samsung price
- ECG, SpO2, and heart rate monitoring included
- Always-on Super AMOLED display
- Wear OS 4 with Google apps and Samsung health features
- NFC for Samsung Pay and Google Wallet
Cons
- Older Exynos W920 chip is slower than Galaxy Watch 7
- No skin temperature sensor
- Only Bluetooth — no cellular LTE option
- 40mm only — no larger size option
Related Comparisons
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 FE.