Venu Sq 2 is a second-generation Venu smartwatch in a square shape. Venu 2 is the regular second-generation smartwatch of Garmin.
Venu 2 was released in April 2021 and Venu Sq 2 was released in September 2022. So, Venu Sq 2 is a newer watch variant. The first-generation Venu Sq smartwatch was released in the year 2020.
Which of these two smartwatches, Venu 2 or Venu Sq 2 should you buy?
We look at the main differences, features, and capabilities of Venu Sq 2 and Venu 2 series smartwatches below.
Main differences
The main differences between Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 are shared below.
- Venu 2 is costlier than Venu Sq 2 by $150. This is based on the list price of both smartwatches.
- Venu Sq 2 has a square shape while the Venu 2 has a round display screen.
- Venu Sq 2 is sleeker and lighter than Venu 2.
- Venu Sq 2 offers limited music functionality while Venu 2 offers complete music features.
- Venu 2 supports Wi-Fi connectivity. Venu Sq 2 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Venu 2 has higher device storage than Venu Sq 2.
- Venu 2 has a barometric altimeter and gyroscope while Venu Sq 2 lacks these sensors.
- The bezel of Venu 2 is made of stainless steel while the bezel of Venu Sq 2 is made of anodized aluminum.
We look at these details and other features of Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 below.
Display specifications
Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 use the third-generation Corning Gorilla Glass in the display screen. Both watches use AMOLED display technology for brighter and clearer display quality.
The difference in display resolution of Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 can be attributed to the difference in size and shape of both smartwatches.
We look at all the display specifications of Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 below.
| Display specifications | Venu 2 | Venu Sq 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display lens | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Display shape | Round | Square |
| Display size | 1.3″ or 33 mm | 1.41″ or 36 mm (square shape) |
| Display type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Display resolution | 416 x 416 pixels | 320 x 360 pixels |
| Pixel density | 320 ppi | 341 ppi |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes | Yes |
| LED Flashlight | No | No |
| Color display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 share display technology and specifications. There is a marginal difference in display resolution of both watches due to difference in smartwatch size.
Physical specifications
Venu 2 is costlier than Venu Sq 2. A part of the incremental cost seems to have been used to offer better hardware specifications on the Venu 2 smartwatch.
We look at the physical specifications of Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 in a side by side comparison below.
| Specifications | Venu 2 | Venu Sq 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Watch size | 45.4 x 45.4 x 12.2 mm | 40.6 x 37.0 x 11.1 mm |
| Thickness | 12.2 mm | 11.1 mm |
| Watch weight | 49 g | 38 g |
| Watch body | Fiber-enforced polymer | Fiber-enforced polymer |
| Bezel | Stainless steel | Anodized aluminum |
| Band size | 22 mm | 20 mm |
| Band material | Silicone | Silicone |
| Recommended wrist circumference | 135-200 mm | 125-190 mm |
| Device storage | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Water rating | 5 ATM (50 Meters) | 5 ATM (50 Meters) |
| Swimming profile | Pool Swimming | Pool Swimming |
| Wireless connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Multi-band GPS | No | No |
| SatIQ technology | No | No |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric altimeter | Yes | No |
| Gyroscope | Yes | No |
| Thermometer | Yes, with tempe sensor | Yes, with tempe sensor |
| Garmin Elevate Heart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse OX SpO2 sensor | Yes | Yes |
| iOS compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Android compatible | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Charger | Garmin wire and pin charger | Garmin wire and pin charger |
There are some significant differences in the device specifications of Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2. We will reiterate these below for a ready reference:
- Venu 2 has sensors for the Gyroscope and barometric altimeter.
- Venu 2 has a device storage of 8 GB and Venu Sq 2 has an internal storage of 4 GB.
- Venu Sq 2 lacks the Wi-Fi connectivity option.
- The steel bezel of Venu 2 looks premium in comparison with the anodized aluminum bezel of Venu Sq 2.
There are multiple differences in device specifications of Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2. The list above captures all these for your quick study and reckoning.
Music
Venu Sq 2 has limited music functionality. It can be used to control music on the paired smartphone. Venu Sq 2 cannot be used to store music files locally on the watch.
Venu 2 has full music functionality that is embodied by the following music features:
- Venu 2 can be used to control music on the paired smartphone.
- Music files can be stored locally on the smartwatch storage.
- You can control smartwatch music directly from Venu 2.
In most cases, music on the smartphone is sufficient for people. For folks who prefer to carry music on the watch for offline listening, Venu 2 offers the flexibility to store music locally on the watch.
Venu Sq 2 does not have the feature to store music files locally on the watch storage.
Battery
There is absolutely no difference in the backup offered by Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2 battery. We look at the battery backup provided by both watches in different watch modes below.
| Watch mode | Venu 2 backup | Venu Sq 2 backup |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 11 days | Up to 11 days |
| GPS mode without music | Up to 22 hours | Up to 26 hours |
| GPS mode with music | Up to 8 hours | |
| All-Systems GNSS mode | Up to 20 hours | |
| Battery saver mode | Up to 12 days | Up to 12 days |
There are hardly any differences in the amount of the battery backup provided by Venu 2 and Venu Sq2 .
Other features
Apart from the main features discussed above, there are incidental features that may differ between Garmin Venu 2 and Venu Sq 2.
We list these differences below:
- Venu 2 has on screen workout animations and workout muscle maps.
- Venu 2 can detect Run/Stand/Walk status.
- Venu 2 can pair with the Garmin Golf app.
- Venu 2 has additional profiles for Hiking, Indoor Climbing, and Bouldering.
Costs
Venu 2 comes at a list price of $399.99 while the Venu Sq 2 has a list price of $249.99. From time to time, you will get discounts on the Venu 2 series smartwatch.
Final verdict
Venu Sq 2 is a very decent watch for the price it comes at. We do suggest getting a Venu Sq 2 if you do not need a Gyroscope, barometric altimeter and offline music storage.
Venu 2 becomes a decent proposition if it is available at a discount of $50-100. Trust me, you can definitely get discounts on Venu 2. These discounts have stretched up to $100 cuts on the list price.
Suggested reading
The following smartwatch comparison studies have been written by our team members to help you pick the right watch.
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