The Garmin Venu 3S (010-02785-02) promises a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch experience, blending fitness tracking with everyday smartwatch functionality. I’ve been wearing it for the past several weeks, putting its various features through their paces, and I’m ready to share my in-depth review.

First impressions were definitely positive. The French grey case and silicone band look and feel premium, making it a stylish accessory for daily wear. But it’s more than just a pretty face; it boasts an impressive array of health and fitness features.

Key Features

The Venu 3S packs a punch in terms of features. Beyond the stunning 1.2-inch AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the watch excels in fitness tracking. The integrated GPS is highly accurate, providing reliable data for various outdoor activities. The extensive selection of preloaded sports apps (over 30!) caters to a wide range of users. This includes dedicated apps for wheelchair users, a feature I appreciated. The built-in heart rate monitor, stress tracking, and sleep tracking capabilities provide a comprehensive picture of my health. And the sleep coaching feature, offering personalized insights and recommendations, is a standout. I found the animated on-screen workouts, accessible through the Garmin Connect app, to be both engaging and effective.

One notable addition is the built-in speaker and microphone, allowing me to make and receive calls directly from the watch when paired with my smartphone. The convenience is undeniable, especially when I’m on the go.

Another noteworthy feature is the skin temperature monitoring during sleep. This is a relatively new addition to smartwatches and provides an interesting insight into overall health. While the accuracy requires more data and comparison with other methods, the data trends are revealing.

Performance and Accuracy

The Venu 3S consistently delivered accurate data across all its fitness tracking features. Heart rate monitoring was reliable, even during high-intensity workouts. The GPS tracking proved accurate on my runs, cycling sessions, and walks, closely matching the distances recorded by other dedicated GPS devices. The sleep tracking was also impressive, providing detailed insights into my sleep stages, sleep score, and HRV status, which helps understand my readiness for physical activity. The battery life lived up to its advertised 10 days. In normal usage, I found it could comfortably last for a week before needing a recharge, which is excellent for a smartwatch packed with features.

The responsiveness of the AMOLED display was excellent, making navigation through menus and apps a smooth and enjoyable experience. The touchscreen functionality was accurate and intuitive.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Stunning AMOLED display, accurate GPS and health tracking, comprehensive suite of fitness features, long battery life, stylish design, built-in speaker and microphone, sleep coaching, skin temperature tracking.
• Cons: While minor, the watch faces could offer more customization options. The price point is relatively high compared to some competing smartwatches.

Final Verdict

The Garmin Venu 3S (010-02785-02) is a top-tier smartwatch that excels in both style and functionality. Its accurate fitness tracking, comprehensive health features, long battery life, and elegant design make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated and capable wearable. While the price might be a barrier for some, the value it provides in terms of features and performance makes it a worthy investment for those serious about their fitness journey and health tracking. I would highly recommend it.