OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Venu 3S Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:10 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Garmin Venu 3S Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 16 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.0

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Technical score

30%

8.2

Review score ( 9 · 7)

Review score 30% · 8.2 · based on 16 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 5 more reviews are not scored yet.
▲Better than 85% of smartwatches
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

24%

8.2

Health

21%

9.1

Fitness

16%

6.2

Battery

14%

8.8

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

7.4

Hardware

▲Better than 85% of smartwatches
8.2

Review score

Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Grades by review (16)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 7 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1

11.1%

7.0

theverge.com

≈ estimated
1

8.9%

9.0

zdnet.com

Video reviews 5

4.4%

7.5

The Quantified Scientist

4.4%

9.0

Choice of the world

4.4%

9.0

Katie Garrison Fitness

4.4%

8.0

AbbyBReviewing

4.4%

7.0

Jack of All Master of None

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 78% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Venu 3S

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components:

24%

8.2

Health

21%

9.1

Fitness

16%

6.2

Battery

14%

8.8

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

7.4

Hardware

7.9
Review score
Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Grades by review (16)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 7 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1

11.1%

7.0

theverge.com

≈ estimated
1

8.9%

9.0

zdnet.com

Video reviews 5

4.4%

7.5

The Quantified Scientist

4.4%

9.0

Choice of the world

4.4%

9.0

Katie Garrison Fitness

4.4%

8.0

AbbyBReviewing

4.4%

7.0

Jack of All Master of None

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Venu 3S has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 93.2% of smartwatches.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components:

60%

8.0

Overall score

40%

8.9

Price

8.3
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
▲ Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Readings are for wellness use, not medical diagnosis.
ECG
yes
ECG
yes
▲ Better than 84% of models
This smartwatch supports ECG. 83.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Availability may vary by region or model version. May require a compatible phone, software version, or app setup.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
▲ Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
▲ Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
10 days
Battery life
10 days
▲ Better than 63% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 10 days which is longer than that of 63.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.7% of smartwatches.
Up to 20 days in battery saver.
Battery life in training mode
21 h
Battery life in training mode
21 h
▲ Better than 54% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 21 h in training mode which is longer than 54.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.9% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
21 h
Battery life with GPS on
21 h
▲ Better than 53% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on which is longer than 52.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.4% of smartwatches.
Battery power
259 mAh
Battery power
259 mAh
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 259 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 69.1% of smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
▲ Better than 71% of models
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
▲ Better than 58% of models
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
▲ Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
▼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
▲ Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.2 inch
Screen size
1.2 inch
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.2 inch which is smaller than the screens of 85.3% of smartwatches and equal to those of 8% of smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
Display type
AMOLED
▲ Better than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
390x 390
Resolution
390x 390
▲ Better than 61% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 390x390 which is higher than that of 60.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
460 ppi
Pixel density
460 ppi
▲ Better than 79% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 460 ppi which is higher than that of 79.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
500 nits
Display brightness
500 nits
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 500 nits of display brightness, which is lower than that of 70% of smartwatches and equal to that of 15.6% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
8 GB
Internal storage
8 GB
▲ Better than 68% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 8 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 67.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 12.1% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Venu 3S vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Availability may vary by region or model version. May require a compatible phone, software version, or app setup.
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
    VO2 max estimate typically requires an outdoor run or walk with GPS.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    paired phone required
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • 63.4% more popular
    Garmin Venu 3S has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (10 vs 6.1).
    10 vs 6.12
  • 10.2% better value for money
    Garmin Venu 3S has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.28 vs 7.5).
    8.28 vs 7.52
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Availability may vary by region or model version. May require a compatible phone, software version, or app setup.
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
    VO2 max estimate typically requires an outdoor run or walk with GPS.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync. Some models rely on third-party integrations.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • 610 m higher max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    9,144 m
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a higher maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (9144 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    9,144 m vs 8,534 m
  • 3 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    10 days
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 10 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Up to 20 days in battery saver.
    10 days vs 7 days
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.2 vs 5.0
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 134 ppi higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    460 ppi
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a higher pixel density than the average smartwatch (460 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    460 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 4 mm narrower band
    Width of band
    18.0 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (18 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    18.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • 10 °C higher max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    55.0 °C
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (55 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    55.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • 4 mm shorter watch height
    Height
    41.0 mm
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (41 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    41.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    paired phone required
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • 2 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2023
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2023 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    August 2023
    2023 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.20 inch
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.20 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 100 nits lower display brightness
    Display brightness
    500 nits
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has lower display brightness than the average smartwatch (500 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    500 nits vs 600 nits
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 2.38x more expensive
    Garmin Venu 3S is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£310 vs £130).
    £310 vs £130
  • 50 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    30
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (30 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 30 exercise modes.
    30 vs 80
  • No camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • 2.38x more expensive
    Garmin Venu 3S is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£310 vs £130).
    £310 vs £130
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 50 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    30
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (30 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 30 exercise modes.
    30 vs 80
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 41 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    259 mAh days
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (259 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Up to 20 days in battery saver.
    259 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.20 inch
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.20 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 100 nits lower display brightness
    Display brightness
    500 nits
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has lower display brightness than the average smartwatch (500 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    500 nits vs 600 nits
  • 0.4 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    12 mm
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    12 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Katie Garrison Fitness
≈ estimated
26/11/2024
Long-term review · 9 months of use
Verdict
Garmin Venu 3S offers a good mix of lifestyle features and workout tracking, though the strap and phone pinging are minor annoyances.
7.5
The Quantified Scientist
✓ explicit
05/11/2023
Scientific test · heart rate, sleep, GPS and blood oxygen
Verdict
Garmin Venu 3S is a solid all-round smartwatch with strong heart rate and GPS, but its blood oxygen readings disappoint.
9.6
AbbyBReviewing
✓ explicit
13/09/2023
Hands-on review · display, sleep, battery and call quality
Verdict
Garmin Venu 3S is highly recommended for its price, quality and battery life, despite pulse oximeter and sleep problems.
7.0
Jack of All Master of None
≈ estimated
06/09/2023
Feature walkthrough · smart features and phone integration
Verdict
Garmin Venu 3S is a decent pick for smartwatch newcomers, but a laggy touchscreen and limited iPhone support hold it back.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 9 · 8

Reviewers like the sports features, battery and light, comfortable size, but smart features and apps disappoint and the controls frustrate many.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

telegraph.co.uk
24/03/2025
Not graded yet
9.0
zdnet.com
≈ estimated
27/02/2026
Daily-wear test · Health and wellness
Verdict
The Garmin Venu 3S is an elegant, long-lasting health watch that takes calls and plays music from the wrist, but it has a limited app library.
womanandhome.com
26/07/2024
Not graded yet
9.0
ciclista.net
≈ estimated
02/11/2025
Year-long test · Cycling and sleep
Verdict
The Garmin Venu 3S is a sturdy, sharp watch that lasts 7 to 10 days between charges, but it needs its own charging cable.
8.2
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
04/08/2025
Sport watch test · Wheelchair mode
Verdict
The Garmin Venu 3S is a solid sports watch with a dedicated wheelchair mode and accurate heart-rate readings, but its menus are unusual and its smart features are limited.
fitness-tracker-test.info
27/08/2023
Not graded yet
lesnumeriques.com
20/05/2024
Not graded yet
9.5
www2.u-trail.com
≈ estimated
04/05/2025
Buying guide · Sport and recovery
Verdict
The Garmin Venu 3S suits thin wrists and everyday sport, with animated workouts and calls from the wrist, though the review offers no test results.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Venu 3S

  • Exceptional battery life, often lasting 7–10 days on a single charge.
  • Bright and clear AMOLED touchscreen display that is easy to read even in sunlight.
  • Stylish and compact 41mm design with diverse color options like soft gold and sage gray.
  • Highly accurate GPS and heart rate tracking performance across various sports.
  • Useful health features including advanced sleep coaching, nap detection, and body battery monitoring.
  • Integrated speaker and microphone for taking calls and accessing phone voice assistants.

What we don't like about Garmin Venu 3S

  • High price point compared to other fitness trackers and entry-level smartwatches.
  • Steeper learning curve for setup and customisation compared to more 'plug-and-play' options like the Apple Watch.
  • Inconsistent sleep tracking accuracy for some users, occasionally missing wake-up times.
  • No onboard LTE option, requiring a nearby smartphone for calls and texts.
  • Limited third-party app selection compared to Wear OS or watchOS ecosystems.

Verdict

The Garmin Venu 3S is a premium 41mm health-focused smartwatch featuring a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and a 5 ATM water resistance rating. It offers up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode (5 days with always-on display), and includes advanced sensors such as the Elevate V5 heart rate monitor, Pulse Ox, and a barometric altimeter. Key characteristics include a built-in speaker and microphone for on-wrist calling and voice assistant access, alongside more than 30 preloaded sports apps and specialized features like sleep coaching, nap detection, and wheelchair-specific tracking. Main pros are its lightweight 40g design, exceptionally accurate GPS and heart rate tracking, and deep 'Body Battery' energy monitoring insights. However, notable cons include its high premium price, the lack of on-watch mapping or breadcrumb navigation, and limited smart functionality for iPhone users who cannot respond to texts directly from the device.

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