Pixel Watch 2 vs Venu 3: Which is a Better Bargain?

The Pixel Watch 2 is one of the best watches released in 2023, and so also is the Venu 3 – an impressive smartwatch with a remarkable battery life. While the Pixel Watch 2 succeeds the Pixel Watch and comes in a 41mm case size, the Venu 3 is a sequel to Venu 2, and it’s available in 41 and 45mm sizes. These two watches share many features in common which makes it quite difficult to decide which is a better bargain.

The interesting thing here is that both watches have AMOLED displays and onboard music storage. Each of these two also has a speaker and microphone that allows the watch to make and receive calls when connected to your phone (though there is an LTE model of the Pixel Watch 2 that can make and receive calls without a phone). Both watches also feature voice assistants and share many health-tracking features in common.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Garmin Venu 3 - Main difference

The main difference between the Pixel Watch 2 and Venu 3 obviously lies in the available sizes, price, storage capacity, battery life and operating system. While the Pixel Watch 2 is available in only 41mm size, the Venu 3 is available in 41 and 45mm sizes. Moreover, while the Pixel Watch 2 has 32GB storage, it’s 8GB on the Venu 3. The Pixel Watch 2 also runs on a richer Wear OS platform that gives you access to more apps while the Venu 3 runs on Garmin’s proprietary platform. Meanwhile, while the Pixel Watch 2 can only muster up to 24 hours of battery life, the Venu 3 will keep you going for up to 10 days.

And looking at the prices, despite running on a richer ecosystem and having bigger storage, the Pixel Watch 2 retails at $350 while the Venu 3 retails at $450.

Personally, as per appearance, I will go with the Venu 3 but when it comes to features, it’s the Pixel Watch 2. In all honestly, in my personal opinion, overall, I think the Pixel Watch 2 is a better watch than the Venu 3. But then, appearance and battery life are major deciding factors for me, and on that note, I will go with the Venu 3. Moreover, the option of size is also a leverage.

Pixel Watch 2 vs Venu 3 Full Specifications Comparison

[yith_woocompare_table products=”10294,10714,10738″]

Pixel Watch 2 vs Venu 3 Features Review

Prices

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Garmin Venu 3 prices

The Pixel Watch 2 comes in only 41mm size but comes in two models; LTE and Bluetooth models. While the LTE retails for $399, the Bluetooth model retails for $349. Meanwhile, both the 41 and 45mm sizes of the Venu 3 retails at the same $450.

Design

To start with, let’s take a look at the designs of both watches. You have a Pixel Watch 2 which unlike its predecessor with a stainless steel build has an aluminum frame. On the other hand, the Venu 3 like other Garmin watches has a case made of fiber-polymer with its stainless steel bezel slightly raised above the glass which I think makes it more attractive.

Garmin Venu 3 at a glance
The Venu 3 with its traditional watch appearance is a more attractive watch. Credit: Garmin

Looking at the glasses, the Pixel Watch 2 has a domed-shaped screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass 5. In contrast, the Venu 3, has a 2D Corning Gorilla Glass 3 which I also think looks more attractive. However, the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 being a higher version offers better drop protection.

Clearly, both watches are durably built. These two are swim-proof, thanks to their 5ATM rating. And when you talk of comfort, each of these is compact and lightweight. However, I personally think the Venu 3 is a finer and more attractive watch.

Display

Both the Pixel Watch 2 and Venu 3 have AMOLED-powered displays, so each of these two offers a very colorful display that’s easy to read. Interaction is also easy on both watches. These two offer touch-sensitive screens, though while Venu 3 has two physical buttons, the Pixel Watch 2 has a rotating button.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Garmin Venu 3 display

The 41mm unit of the Venu 3 has the same 1.2 inches display as the Pixel Watch 2 while the 45mm unit has a 1.4 inches display. Again, the option of size gives the Venu 3 an advantage over the Pixel Watch 2.

Health Tracking

In the health tracking department, both watches are well-equipped to track your daily activities. Each of these two will track your heart rate, calories, stress, blood oxygen and skin temperature. Both watches also feature ECG measurement and have inbuilt GPS that allows for outdoor route tracking.

As per accuracy, lots of publications have verged for Garmin, the same can also be said of Fitbit which powers the activity tracking features of Pixel Watches.

So in terms of health tracking features, I think there is no winner.

Music Storage

Onboard music storage is possible with both watches, though while the Pixel Watch 2 is equipped with 32GB, the Venu 3 has a meagre 8GB. Both watches will allow you to add your personal music to the watch, and the available music streaming services on the Venu 3 include Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music. Meanwhile, you will find Spotify, YouTube Music and Deezer apps as some of the best music streaming apps on Playstore.

Making and Receiving Calls

Garmin first introduced the ability to make and receive calls to the Venu 2 Plus, and that’s also possible with the Venu 3. Like the Pixel Watch 2, when connected to your phone, the Venu 3 can make and receive calls. Though the Pixel Watch 2 LTE model can make and receive calls without connecting to your phone.

As a result of the presence of a microphone, both watches feature voice assistants. You get Google Assistant on the Pixel Watch 2 while Venu 3 features Siri, Bixby and Alexa voice assistants.

Battery Life

Pixel Watch 2 vs Venu 3 battery life

Battery life is a major deciding factor for smartwatch lovers, and this is one area where the Pixel Watch 2 falls short. While the 41mm unit of the Venu 3 boasts up to 10 days of battery life, it’s up to 14 days with the 45mm unit. On the other hand, you will need to charge the Pixel Watch 2 daily as it only boasts up to 24 hours of battery life.

Conclusion

From all indications, both the Pixel Watch 2 and Venu 3 stand out in their respective ways. Each of these two boasts a sturdy design, awesome display and loads of health tracking features. However, the Pixel Watch 2 is $100 cheaper has a bigger storage and runs on a richer Wear OS platform. On the other hand, the Venu 3 boasts a far longer battery life and it gives you the option to choose your preferred size.
In all, it boils down to what interests you more.

Scroll to Top