How does Garmin’s newly launched Venu 3 Smartwatch stack against the premium big brother, the Epix Pro (Gen 2)? Let us break down their differences!
Before diving deep, please note that both watches cater to distinct audiences.
While the Garmin Venu 3 is designed as a versatile smartwatch for everyday use with a sprinkle of outdoor activity, the Epix Pro is a rugged multisport marvel explicitly tailored for runners, athletes, and those who revel in challenging terrains and demanding adventures.
It is crucial to recognize the significant price disparity, too: the Epix Pro comes with a price tag more than double that of the Venu 3.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Epix Pro: Pricing
Garmin Venu 3:
The Venu 3 is priced at $449.99 / £449.99 / AU$749.99. This is a standard price regardless of the size, whether the 45mm Venu 3 or the 41mm Venu 3S.
Compared to its predecessor, the Venu 2, this pricing seems to reflect adding new features and improvements.
Epix Pro (Gen 2):
The Epix Pro is more on the premium side. The 42mm and 47mm versions are priced at $899.99/£829.99, while the 51mm version will set you back $999.99/£929.99.
Opting for additional premium features, like the sapphire crystal lens and titanium bezel, can increase the price by roughly $100/£100.
Where to Buy?
Garmin Venu 3:
- Garmin Venu 3: View on Amazon
- Garmin Venu 3S: View on Amazon
Garmin Epix Pro:
- View on Amazon
Garmin Venu 3 vs Epix Pro: Specs Comparison
| Product | Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Epix Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Shape: Round Body: Fiber-reinforced polymer Strap: Silicone | Shape: Circular Body: fiber-reinforced polymer with steel rear cover Strap: Silicone |
| Display | 41mm: 1.4 inch AMOLED 45mm: 1.2 inch AMOLED | 1.3” AMOLED |
| Resolution | 41mm: 390 x 390 pixels 45mm: 454 x 454 pixels | 416 x 416 pixels |
| Dimension | 41mm: 41 x 41 x 12 mm 45mm: 45 x 45 x 12 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm |
| Weight | 41mm: 40 g 45mm: 47 g | 78 g (case only: 55 g) |
| Storage | 8GB | 32GB |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-FI |
| Software | Garmin OS | Garmin OS |
| Sensors | GARMIN ELEVATE WRIST HEART RATE MONITOR, PULSE OX BLOOD OXYGEN, Altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Ambient Light sensor, Temperature Sensor | Heart rate, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, SpO2, Ambient Light sensor |
| Onboard GPS | GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO multi-frequency positioning |
| Speaker & Mic | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Battery Life | Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days display always-on) Battery Saver Smartwatch mode: Up to 26 days GPS-Only GNSS mode: Up to 26 hours | Smartwatch: Up to 16 days GPS Only: Up to 42 hours |
| Price | Both: $449.99 | starting at $900 |
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Garmin Venu 3 vs Epix Pro: Review
Design & Display
Garmin Venu 3:
The watch showcases an AMOLED screen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. A stainless steel case and a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel further enhance its durability. Two size variants, 45mm and 41mm, cater to different wrist sizes.
Epix Pro (Gen 2):
The watch also features an AMOLED screen, which outperforms the MIP display found on the Fenix Series.
The design here is more versatile. Initially available in only a 47mm size, the new Epix Pro now comes in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes.
Notable is the addition of an LED flashlight. The back of the watch houses a new optical heart rate sensor. Standard and sapphire editions differ by lens material and bezel type.
Both editions are water-resistant, up to 10 ATM.
Health & Activity Tracking
Garmin Venu 3:
The watch brings advanced sleep features, including the Sleep Coach, which gives personalized sleep advice and automatic nap detection.
For fitness enthusiasts, especially those in wheelchairs, the Venu 3 introduces wheelchair-specific workout profiles.
These profiles consider metrics like the number of daily pushes and weight-shifting alerts.
Epix Pro (Gen 2):
Health and fitness features are vast. Besides tracking many indoor and outdoor activities, the Epix Pro offers general wellness monitoring.
Innovations like the Hill and Endurance scores provide feedback on your readiness for hilly events or endurance challenges.
Garmin has also honed its heart rate tracking capabilities for better accuracy during workouts.
Other Features
Garmin Venu 3:
One highlight is the built-in speaker and microphone that enables users to make and receive calls directly from their wrist, making it comparable to some of the top-tier Apple Watch models.
Epix Pro (Gen 2):
The Epix Pro shines with its large AMOLED screen as a smartwatch, making it more than just a fitness watch.
Features like Garmin Pay, Connect IQ access, and Red Shift mode enhance its utility. An integrated music player is also compatible with popular streaming services like Spotify and Deezer.
Battery Life
Garmin Venu 3:
Battery life is impressive, with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode for the 45mm model. If used in GPS-only mode, it can last up to 26 hours.
On the other hand, the smaller 41mm Venu 3S has a slightly reduced battery life: 10 days in smartwatch mode and 21 hours in GPS mode.
Epix Pro (Gen 2):
Garmin has managed to balance display quality and battery life effectively. With the screen set to always-on, the Epix Pro can last up to six days, though intensive usage can reduce this.
When using Raise to wake, the battery life extends considerably, making it a reliable companion for those on the move.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Epix Pro: Which Should You Buy?
Buy Garmin Venu 3 if…
- Everyday and Fitness Integration: You want a versatile smartwatch for daily activities with an occasional outdoor adventure. The Venu 3 provides a great combination of lifestyle and fitness features.
- Accessibility: You appreciate the new wheelchair-focused fitness features, offering more inclusivity.
- Communication: Receiving and making calls from your wrist is important for you.
- Battery Life: Unlike some competitors, you want a watch that can last up to two weeks without needing a daily or bi-daily charge.
- Budget: Cost is a consideration, especially when Epix Pro’s price is more than double the Venu 3’s.
Buy Epix Pro if…
- Athletic Focus: You’re a dedicated athlete seeking cutting-edge metrics.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: You need a watch with advanced GPS features and full-color maps for your adventures.
- Premium Quality: You’re looking for a top-of-the-line outdoor watch and willing to invest in the best.
- Size Variety: You appreciate having size options for your wrist, ensuring a comfortable fit with the AMOLED screen experience.
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