Garmin Venu SQ 2 – Prod and Cons Review

A Budget-Friendly Smartwatch Packed with Fitness Features

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is a compelling option for fitness enthusiasts and casual users seeking a versatile smartwatch without breaking the bank. This square-faced wearable combines robust health tracking, a vibrant AMOLED display, and impressive battery life. After testing the Venu Sq 2, here’s a detailed look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

PROS

Stunning AMOLED Display

The Venu Sq 2’s 1.41-inch AMOLED touchscreen is a significant upgrade from the original’s LCD, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals with a 320 x 360 resolution. It’s easy to read indoors and outdoors, even in bright sunlight, and supports an always-on mode (though this impacts battery life). The display’s clarity enhances the user experience, from navigating menus to viewing fitness stats.

Exceptional Battery Life

Garmin claims up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and real-world testing confirms it delivers around 9-10 days with regular use, including GPS tracking and notifications. This far surpasses competitors like the Apple Watch SE (1-2 days) and Fitbit Versa 4 (6 days), making it ideal for those who dislike frequent charging.

Comprehensive Fitness Tracking

The Venu Sq 2 excels in fitness monitoring, offering over 25 sports modes, including running, swimming, cycling, and HIIT. Built-in GPS provides accurate tracking for outdoor activities, while features like heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, and advanced sleep analysis deliver detailed health insights. The Health Snapshot feature, which records a two-minute session of key metrics (heart rate, stress, SpO2), is a standout for quick wellness checks.

Lightweight and Comfortable

At just 38 grams, the Venu Sq 2 is comfortable for all-day wear, including during sleep. The silicone band is adjustable, and the 5 ATM water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and showering. Its sleek design blends well with casual and semi-formal settings.

Smart Features and Customization

The watch supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments and smart notifications for texts and calls. The Garmin Connect app is robust, offering in-depth data analysis and customization options like watch faces and widgets via the Connect IQ Store.

CONS

Limited Smartwatch Features

While the Venu Sq 2 handles basic smart functions well, it lacks advanced features like a speaker or microphone for calls or voice assistant interaction, which are available in the pricier Venu 2 Plus. Third-party app support through Connect IQ is also limited compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS devices.

No Altimeter

Unlike higher-end Garmin models, the Venu Sq 2 doesn’t track floors climbed, which may disappoint users who prioritize elevation data for hiking or stair-based workouts.

Price Increase Over Predecessor

The Venu Sq 2 is $50 more than the original Venu Sq. The Music Edition’s additional $50 for onboard music storage feels steep when competitors like the Apple Watch SE include it standard.

Uncomfortable Silicone Band

Some users find the included silicone band stiff, particularly during exercise. A nylon band option exists but costs an extra $70, adding to the overall expense. You can still buy bands on Amazon for ~$10.

VERDICT

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is a stellar choice for fitness-focused users seeking a reliable, budget-friendly smartwatch. Its vibrant AMOLED display, long battery life, and robust tracking features make it a strong competitor against the Fitbit Versa 4 and Apple Watch SE. However, its limited smartwatch capabilities and lack of an altimeter may deter those wanting a more comprehensive device. If you prioritize fitness tracking and battery life over advanced smart features, the Venu Sq 2 is a fantastic value.