★★★★★☆☆

Garmin Venu 3S Smartwatch - AMOLED Touchscreen

Category: Daily Productivity

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display with 390x390 Resolution
Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel for a Durable and Stylish Design
French Gray Case with a Comfortable Silicone Band
Android & iOS Compatibility via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Built-in GPS
Built-in Speaker and Microphone for Voice Commands and Calls
Animated On-Screen Workouts and Built-In Sports Apps
Sleep Coach, Activity Tracking, Body Battery™ Energy Monitoring, and Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitoring
Stress Tracking, Morning Report, and Water Resistance Rating of 50m
8 GB of Memory Storage Capacity
Long Battery Life with Up to 7 Days on a Single Charge

Overview and First Impressions

The Garmin Venu 3S is a sophisticated smartwatch that combines style, functionality, and advanced features in one package. The soft gold stainless steel bezel paired with the French gray case gives it a premium look and feel. Upon first glance, it seems well-made and durable, which aligns with Garmin's reputation for quality products.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the Garmin Venu 3S is exceptional. The watch feels sturdy and robust, thanks to its durable materials. The case is lightweight yet rugged, making it suitable for daily wear and outdoor activities. The soft gold bezel not only looks appealing but also provides a comfortable grip. However, one minor drawback is that the band might be slightly stiff at times when adjusting the fit.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process on the Garmin Venu 3S is straightforward and user-friendly. The companion app for smartphones makes it easy to configure settings, add fitness goals, and download apps. It took me just a few minutes to sync my Apple iPhone with the watch, and I could immediately access all essential features. The watch's intuitive interface makes navigation simple, even for beginners.

Display

The 1.2-Inch AMOLED display on the Garmin Venu 3S offers excellent clarity and color accuracy. It provides a sharp and vibrant image, making it ideal for watching videos, scrolling through social media, and checking notifications. The display is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, which makes it suitable for swimming and other water sports without compromising the watch's functionality.

Fitness and Health Tracking

The Garmin Venu 3S excels in fitness tracking with features like heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, and body battery™ energy monitoring. These functionalities help users better understand their physical condition and make informed decisions about their exercise routines. The sleep coach provides detailed insights into sleep patterns, which can be invaluable for improving overall well-being. The animated on-screen workouts are a fun way to stay motivated during workouts.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Garmin Venu 3S is impressive, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge. This extended battery life makes it convenient for users who don't want to constantly recharge their watch throughout the day. The watch's energy-efficient design ensures that it remains powered for long periods without frequent recharges.

Smart Features

The smart features of the Garmin Venu 3S are comprehensive and user-friendly. It supports voice commands through its built-in microphone, allowing users to make calls, send messages, and control other apps hands-free. The watch also offers a wide range of fitness apps and games, making it an engaging option for tech enthusiasts who enjoy gaming and fun activities.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Garmin Venu 3S connects seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It supports direct calls, text messages, calendar access, and music playback. The watch's compatibility with other Garmin devices ensures a smooth user experience across different products in the Garmin ecosystem.

Durability and Water Resistance

The durability of the Garmin Venu 3S is impressive, thanks to its water-resistant rating of 50 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports without compromising its functionality. The soft gold bezel also adds a level of protection against everyday wear and tear.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Premium build quality with a durable design
Long battery life lasting up to 7 days on a single charge
Comprehensive fitness and health tracking features
Water-resistant rating of 50 meters
User-friendly interface and intuitive setup process

Cons:

Stiff silicone band that might require some adjustment
Slightly higher price point compared to budget options

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The Garmin Venu 3S is an excellent smartwatch that combines style, functionality, and advanced features in one package. It offers a premium build quality, long battery life, and comprehensive fitness tracking features. The water-resistant rating makes it suitable for various outdoor activities, while the intuitive interface ensures a seamless user experience. Despite its higher price point, the Garmin Venu 3S is an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts who prioritize style, durability, and advanced health monitoring features.