Garmin Venu 2 Plus Review

Following hot on the heels of the Garmin Venu 2 comes the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, a welcome upgrade from one of the top smartwatch designers, over six months after the initial release. There is more to this new model than meets the eye, and it has a host of new and innovative features that will make it one of the top smartwatches to buy in 2023.

Impressive New Integrated Audio Transforms the Venu 2 Plus Experience

Perhaps the most noticeable change on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is the microphone added to the overall design, greatly boosting the potential of this smartwatch thanks to the added voice integration. Of course, not only does this mean you can now use the device to place a call from, but it also gives you the power of utilizing the voice assistant, opening up a whole world of possibilities.

Whether you want to control your music playlists at the sound of your voice, turn down the lighting in your smart home without leaving your chair, or even do a quick calculation, the voice assist is highly dependable.

This additional functionality transforms the watch from something you may only wear when working out or at work to a piece of tech that you can wear all day long and use for a wide range of tasks. It is actually a flagship model by Garmin in this respect, with no other watch in the brand’s line-up offering voice assistance, and, what’s more, it can support this across all three of the leading voice assistants, including Google Assistant, Siri by Apple and Bixby by Samsung.

What Are The Main New Features?

The Plus model of the Garmin Venu 2 has many similarities to its predecessor. However, it still has some notable differences worth pointing out. The previous version boasted two large and small cases. But the Plus comes between the 40-45mm cases with a singular 43mm case. However, it still weighs just a light 51g. It isn’t so big that it looks too large on the wrist, even for females. But still can accommodate all of the new tech that’s crammed inside.

The best new addition of hardware to the Plus is undoubtedly the microphone. This sits on the left-hand side, while the right side obtains a shiny new button. Enabling users to start the voice assist with a single press. This is an intelligent design move. Users will inevitably be inclined to use it much more than if it was tucked away as an app somewhere inside a menu.

When it comes to water resistance, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus performs just as well as the older models. With 5ATM lending itself to withstanding water from heavy rainfall, a shower, or even a dip in the pool. It’s not advisable to take it jet skiing or diving. That may be just a little more than it can handle.

ECG feature available on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus

You would need to setup the ECG App on your Garmin Connect.
The ECG (Electric Cardiogram) monitoring by Garmin has just been approved by the FDA. It is now available only with the Venu 2 Plus model because it needs a unique optic sensor ring added to the watch’s sensors. At the moment, only the Venu 2 Plus, has this ring. We believe that Garmin will add this to all it’s next releases as well. The ECG printout from the APP can be converted into a PDF file and shown to your cardiologist.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus Design

The smartwatch is available in a triad of colorways. So whether you like the darker slate look, shiny silver, or creamy golden tones, you’re sure to find a complementary color that is right for you. Each comes with a matching band created with silicone as standard. However, as with previous versions, you can splash out a little more and choose from leather or suede if you’ll be wearing it as your daily watch.

Garmin is notable for its quality screens, and the AMOLED display on this model is no different. With a variety of brightness features that are capable of self-adjusting depending on whether it’s daytime or night – you’ll always be able to see clearly.

One minor change that can also be overlooked is the addition of the speaker. The sounds created on previous models with no dedicated speaker were just little monotone beeps. Still, now there are many more harmonious tones flowing from the Garmin Venu 2 Plus as you navigate, use apps and receive calls.

What Is The Battery Life Like?

Many other models of smartwatches can quickly go flat after just one day of use. However, the Garmin devices have always had the energy to keep going much longer than their competitors. With the additional functionality added, it’s no surprise that the Venu 2 Plus has experienced a slight drop in battery life from earlier models, 9-10 days compared to 11 for the Venu 2.

However, the GPS battery life has been extended on this model by around 2 hours. Now lasting a full day with GPS switched on – ideal for various situations, especially outdoor and fitness enthusiasts.

The Always On mode will drain the watch faster than you’d like. So make sure it is set to off. And if you are using the blood oxygen sensor frequently, it will also impact battery life.

Is the Garmin Venu 2 Plus Good For Fitness Tracking?

Yes, this model was born to be a sports watch. Right there by your side whether you are walking, running, cycling, swimming, or spinning. It has an excellent GPS so you can map all of your routes, as well as fun animated workouts displayed on the screen.

Unlike some other watches, which can provide navigation turn-by-turn to your destination, this model has something called Return to Start. So if you just feel led to run in a new area or are keeping up your running regime on holiday, you will always find your way back home.

This model also boasts the latest optical monitor for taking your pulse. And the results are impressive and match up to dedicated heart monitors. It’s also a real treat to have the Venu 2 Plus create maps of muscle groups you have been focusing on. Furthermore, this pairs with a handful of yoga and Pilates exercise sessions.

Overall, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a real asset to just about anyone. Whether you are keen to use the new voice assist in making your life easier, or use it for keeping on track with your fitness regime. This watch is suitable for daily use and will last you more than a week without having to be charged.

Check out the release date on Venu 3. Could it be coming this year?

While you’re here, why not take a look at the Garmin Fenix 7?

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Last Updated on January 26, 2023

Emma Morris( Editor and Social Media Manager )

Emma brings over a decade of freelance copy and content writing experience and is our Editor, Social Media Manager, and regular contributor. Specializing in long-form content such as blogs, articles, lead magnets, and white papers, Emma also provides businesses with email marketing, website copy, and landing pages.