Some tech lovers held off on buying the Apple Watch Series 7 due to Garmin unveiling a few different smartwatches at the start of this year. One of those watches happened to be the Garmin Venu 2. The timing of Garmin’s release made many want to know not only what upgrades it got over the previous Garmin Venu, but also how it stacks up to the new Apple Watch Series 7.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the two are noticeably different, especially when you consider the many similarities across different models within the Garmin range. But because they are both such solid watches, these two may just become some of the best competitors in the smartwatch game.
In our head-to-head analysis of the Garmin Venu 2 vs Apple Watch Series 7, let’s see how they fare against each other.
Specs and Design
Both the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Garmin Venu 2 have different watch sizing options, so there are no one-size-fits-all issues for customers. The Apple Watch Series 7 comes in a 41mm and a 45mm option, and some do say the gap between the two is too large.
The Garmin Venu 2 offers a 45mm watch as well as the Garmin Venu 2S in 40mm. They also give customers the choice of the Garmin Venu Plus at 43mm.
Because Apple reduced the size of the bezel, the Series 7 has a screen size of 1.9 inches, which is significantly bigger than the standard 1.3 inches of the Venu 2. If you opt for the smaller Venu 2, you’ll get a screen size of 1.1 inches.
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 7 has an impressive display using Retina LTPO OLED 1000 nits and a resolution of 484 x 396 pixels. With the always-on display, this creates a beautiful and bright picture.
However, the Venu 2 got a serious upgrade alongside its Epix brother. The AMOLED touchscreen also offers an incredibly clear and bright picture both day and night with settings such as Always-On and Gesture-Mode.
Options
Apple gives you the choice of a few different finishes. You can choose between stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. The Venu 2 only offers stainless steel for the bezel.
Price Point
The Garmin Venu 2 and the 2S both can be priced out at $349. If you decide to upgrade to the Venu Plus, you take on an additional $100, totaling $449.
The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399, so the price points are not drastically different, if cost is a major factor in your decision. Of course, this depends on the case and watch band materials. A titanium model of the Apple Watch 7 with a leather strap will bump the price up to $849.
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Features and Operations
Let’s get to the good stuff. What features does one offer over the other that may sway users? Well, with both options offering lots of new technology and features, there is a lot to cover.
Battery
One significant advantage that Garmin has over the Apple Watch Series 7 is that on the smart mode, the Venu 2 can last up to 11 days. The Apple Watch Series 7, on the other hand, only lasts about 18 hours. This can be a game-changer for those who like to go camping and spend time in nature.
Apple did try to combat this issue by giving the Series 7 a new quick charge feature, which lets it charge up to 80% from zero in just 45 minutes. While this doesn’t fix the problem, it does bring a little more convenience.
Metrics
Garmin puts an emphasis on health which is why you can find a number of important tracking metrics and features built into your watch. From respiratory rate to hydration levels the watch has thought of it all.
You can also expect:
- Weight tracking
- Calorie intake tracking
- Body temperature monitoring
- Blood oxygen monitoring
The Apple Watch Series 7 does offer most of these things through their own apps but not all of these features are necessarily built-in. The Series 7 does offer a number of safety metrics, like being able to take an ECG at any time. Like the Venu 2, the Apple Watch offers sleep monitoring that tells you not just how much you sleep, but the quality of sleep you are getting.
Sports
Both watches offer a lot when it comes to sports, including trackers specific to individual sports. Garmin, though, may take the cake with its Venu 2 offering many niche features such as golfing maps and assistance to improve your putting game. The Venu also differentiates between indoor and outdoor recreation, since the exertion levels are noticeably different.
Apple Watch Series 7 offers many of the same sport tracking modes as earlier models but also gives users 3+ months of Apple Fitness. However, this is not incorporated into the watch, but is a separate add-on for users.
The Garmin Venu 2 Vs Apple Watch 7: Making a Choice
The truth is that putting these watches head-to-head makes for a pretty stiff competition. The Apple Watch Series 7 does provide great new specs, design, and functionality, but the Venu 2 has plenty of performance power as well. For most, Apple Watch products are easier to integrate into daily life because of the Apple system and the ease of syncing them with your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device. It’s also great for those looking for features outside of sports tracking.
The Garmin Venu 2 can get it all done, but what really sets this watch out is its sporting and health functions. Garmin takes health to a whole new level. If you’re serious about an activity and you don’t need to have synchronicity with your Apple products, it’s worth considering a Garmin Venu 2.
Last Updated on February 16, 2022
Brittany Collens is one of our top sports writers. She is also a professional tennis player which helps her authority on subjects such as health and fitness.
She has a degree in journalism and has previously written for well-established sports magazines in Massachusetts.
Brittany lives in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States.