In addition to being waterproof to 5 atmospheres (about 164 feet), it has basically every sensor you could want, including: GPS and GLONASS for satellite positioning, a barometric altimeter for elevation, a compass for positioning, a gyroscope and accelerometer for motion tracking, a thermometer, ambient light sensor, a heart rate monitor, and pulse oximeter. Changing straps is quick and easy there are plenty of classy leather type options in addition to the typical workout-focused straps.įortunately, it’s outdoorsier than it looks. It’s low-profile enough that it doesn’t catch on sleeves, and you could even get away with wearing it for formal occasions. The watch itself is understated and attractive. The Venu 2 is sleeker and more understated than Garmin’s other watches, such as the Fenix 6 seen here on the right.
It borrows heavily from its sports watches like the Fenix 6 and the Enduro - including its excellent widgets that provide just enough info - you just navigate it with a touchscreen now. In contrast, Garmin’s is simple and intuitive. The rest of the UI is navigated by touch, and it actually doesn’t suck! That may sound like a low bar to clear, but the vast majority of smartwatch user interfaces are objectively awful.
The bottom button is the back button, but it also doubles as a manual lap / set trigger, and long-pressing will get you into your settings. The top button is the activity start / stop button, and long-pressing will get you right to you a circle of shortcuts for settings and apps. There are only two physical buttons, both on the right side of the watch. It’s sharp and clear, and I was able to clearly read it even in bright, direct sunlight while running. Right up front, the watches have a bright and colorful OLED touchscreen. I thought the regular Venu 2 looked good on me, but smaller-wristed people should go for the S.
Both watches cost the same $400 and are effectively identical, but the 2S has a slightly smaller screen (1.1 inches versus 1.3 inches) and a nominally shorter battery life. The standard Venu 2 comes in at 45mm (1.77 inches), and the Venu 2S is 40mm (1.58 inches).
Buy for $399.99 from Amazon Buy for $399.99 from Garmin Buy for $399.99 from Best Buy