We perform a quick comparison of capabilities of Garmin Vivoactive 6 and Venu 3. In less than 3 minutes, you can find if Vivoactive 6 ticks more boxes than a Venu 3 for you.
Let us hit the comparison below.
Main differences
- The most significant difference is Venu 3’s compatibility with the Garmin ECG app. Vivoactive 6 is incompatible with the Garmin ECG app.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 (42 mm) is slightly leaner than a Venu 3 (45 mm).
- The difference in size translates into better battery backup and higher display resolution in Venu 3.
- Vivoactive 6 supports QZSS and BeiDou GPS networks in addition to GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo networks. Venu 3 misses GPS sensors for QZSS and BeiDou.
- Venu 3 has in an in-built speaker and mic. Vivoactive 6 lacks both.
- Vivoactive 6 is priced at $299.99 and Venu 3 is priced at $349.99.
We look at these features in specific details below.
Size and Display
Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 6 support AMOLED display resolution. But, Venu 3 is slightly bigger at 45 mm size and Vivoactive 6 has a size of 42 mm.
Due to the size differences, Venu 3 has a higher display resolution than the Vivoactive 6.
- Venu 3 has a display resolution of 454 x 454 pixels.
- Vivoactive 6 has a display resolution of 390 x 390 pixels.
For the record, the size dimensions of Vivoactive 6 are 42.2 x 42.2 x 10.9 mm with a recommended wrist circumference of 125-190 mm. It comes with a 20 mm wrist band.
The size of Garmin Venu 3 is 45 x 45 x 12 mm with a recommended wrist circumference of 135-200 mm. It comes with a 22 mm wrist band.
Aside from this, you will not find any qualitative differences between display experience and feel of Venu 3 or Vivoactive 6 smartwatches.
The size difference also translates into incremental battery backup for Venu 3 as it houses bigger battery than a Vivoactive 6.
Venu 3 offers up to 14 days of backup on the smartwatch mode. Vivoactive 6 offers up to 11 days of battery backup on the smartwatch mode.
Garmin ECG
Venu 3 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app. You can use the Garmin ECG app to take on-demand electro cardiogram readings right off your wrist.
This may be a needed feature for people looking to observe cardiac health more closely and effectively. The ECG readings can be shared with a cardiac specialist.
Vivoactive 6 is incompatible with Garmin ECG app. So, there is no possibility of taking an ECG reading through a Vivoactive 6.
Suggested reading - Garmin Vivoactive 6 – Technical Specifications
GPS Sensors
Garmin Venu 3 has GPS sensors to connect to the GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite networks.
Vivoactive 6 includes GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou sensors. So, you could connect to the QZSS and BeiDou satellite networks with a Vivoactive 6 smartwatch.
For the uninitiated, QZSS is Japanese satellite network and BeiDou is China’s GPS satellite network.
For people in China, Japan or the far-eastern part of Asia, a Vivoactive 6 would offer more reliable and accurate GPS coverage than a Venu 3.
Speaker and mic
Venu 3 has an in-built speaker and mic. You can answer calls directly off your wrist using the Venu 3. For runners, this could be a useful feature to have.
Vivoactive 6 lacks an in-built mic or speaker.
Summary
The summary of main features differences for Venu 3 and Vivoactive 6 include:
- Wider GPS coverage on Vivoactive 6, especially for Asian users
- Garmin ECG app compatibility of Venu 3
- In-built speaker and mic in Venu 3
Based on these 3 factors, you could pick either a Venu 3 or Vivoactive 6.
Other Vivoactive 6 comparisons