Garmin Venu 2 Review: A Versatile GPS Smartwatch with Advanced Health Monitoring and Fitness Features » Felix' Review

Garmin Venu 2 Review: A Versatile GPS Smartwatch with Advanced Health Monitoring and Fitness Features


With its sleek design, bright AMOLED display, and extensive range of functionalities, this smartwatch is a promising addition to the market. In this review, we will delve into the product details and explore various user experiences to help you make an informed decision.

I recently upgraded to the Garmin Venu 2 from a basic Garmin activity monitor, and so far, I am highly satisfied with its performance. The user interface is intuitive, making navigation a breeze. One of the standout features for me is its compatibility with speed and cadence sensors on my bikes, making it an excellent backup bike computer. Moreover, the wrist-based HRM broadcasting via ANT+ is incredibly convenient, especially during activities like commuting when I prefer not to wear a chest strap.

The sleep monitoring feature works effectively, providing valuable insights into my sleep patterns. Additionally, Garmin’s “body battery” feature is surprisingly accurate, giving me a comprehensive understanding of my energy levels. However, I do wish the sleep monitoring feature accounted for naps, as it currently only considers one period of sleep per 24 hours.

The battery life in smartwatch mode is impressive, lasting up to 11 days on a full charge. However, when engaging GPS and ANT+, the battery life significantly decreases. It would be beneficial if the watch adjusted battery life estimates when these features are activated and factored in habitual usage patterns. I encountered an issue during a bike ride where the watch died before completing the activity, despite showing two days of battery life remaining. Fortunately, I was able to rely on my Edge 830 for recording, but this highlighted the watch’s increased power consumption during activity tracking.

Stylish and Functional Design

Garmin Venu 2

 

Combining style and functionality in its design, the Garmin Venu 2 GPS Smartwatch offers a unique blend. Available in two colors, this smartwatch features a bright AMOLED display that is both visually appealing and easy to read. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or heading to the gym, the Garmin Venu 2 will suit your style.

Garmin Venu 2: Comprehensive Health Monitoring

Garmin Venu 2

 

Its advanced health monitoring features are one of the key aspects that set the Garmin Venu 2 apart. With extensive health tracking capabilities, including health snapshot, Body Battery energy levels, sleep score, fitness age, and stress tracking, this smartwatch provides a comprehensive picture of your overall well-being. While it’s important to note that this device is not a medical device, it offers valuable insights into your activity and metrics.

Garmin Venu 2: Diverse Fitness Features

Garmin Venu 2

 

Not limited to just being a smartwatch, the Garmin Venu 2 serves as a powerful fitness companion as well. With over 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, and golf, you can find new ways to keep your body moving. Additionally, you can create your own workouts or follow Garmin Coach free adaptive training plans to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Garmin Venu 2: Music and Connectivity

Garmin Venu 2

 

Downloading up to 650 songs and connecting with wireless headphones for phone-free listening is made possible with the Garmin Venu 2. Whether you prefer Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer, you can enjoy your favorite playlists right from your wrist. Furthermore, this smartwatch offers smart notifications, allowing you to stay connected and never miss a call, text, or social media alert.

Convenient Payment and Safety Features

Garmin Venu 2

 

Enjoy the convenience of Garmin Pay contactless payments, leaving your cash and cards at home. With a supported country and payment network, you can make purchases on the go with just a tap of your wrist. Additionally, the Garmin Venu 2 offers safety and tracking features, including incident detection during outdoor activities and assistance. In case of an emergency, your emergency contacts will receive a message with your live location.

Garmin Venu 2: Impressive Battery Life

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Impressive battery life is a highlight of the Garmin Venu 2, with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours in GPS mode with music. It also features rapid recharging and a battery saver mode for extended use. Whether you’re tracking your daily activities or embarking on a long outdoor adventure, the Garmin Venu 2 will keep up with you throughout the day.Overall, the Garmin Venu 2 GPS Smartwatch offers a stylish design, comprehensive health monitoring, diverse fitness features, music and connectivity options, convenient payment and safety features, and impressive battery life. It’s a versatile and reliable smartwatch that caters to both your fashion sense and your active lifestyle.

Pros:

  • The Garmin Venu 2 has a bright AMOLED display, allowing you to easily read the information on your watch.
  • The battery life of the Garmin Venu 2 is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
  • The Garmin Venu 2 offers extensive health monitoring features, including sleep tracking, stress tracking, and fitness age estimation.

Cons:

  • The battery life decreases significantly when using GPS and ANT+ features, which may be a drawback for users who engage in outdoor activities frequently.
  • The Garmin Venu 2 does not have a speaker or microphone, limiting its ability to take calls directly from the watch.
  • The watch does not have a hole map feature for golf, which may be a disadvantage for golf enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Overall, the Garmin Venu 2 is a fantastic fitness-focused smartwatch that also functions well as a daily wearable. Its impressive battery life, extensive health monitoring features, and compatibility with various sports apps make it a reliable companion for fitness enthusiasts. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as limited sleep monitoring functionality and battery life inconsistencies during GPS and ANT+ usage, the Venu 2 undoubtedly offers a comprehensive and enjoyable user experience. If you’re seeking a versatile smartwatch that prioritizes health and fitness tracking, the Garmin Venu 2 is definitely worth considering.

Questions & Answers:

Question: Can I listen to music on the Garmin Venu 2?

Answer: Yes, you can download up to 650 songs to your watch and connect wireless headphones for phone-free listening.

Question: Is the Garmin Venu 2 compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones?

Answer: Yes, the Garmin Venu 2 can be paired with compatible Android and Apple smartphones to receive smart notifications.

Question: How accurate is the sleep tracking feature on the Garmin Venu 2?

Answer: The sleep tracking on the Garmin Venu 2 is reported to be accurate, providing useful information about your sleep patterns.

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