Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm French Gray Case and Silicone Band

Purchased as upgrade from Vivoactive 4 so it could be donated to person who had worn out a Vivoactive 3.
Color AMOLED screen is a game changer. Even without the screen always on it is tremendous because it brings alive the data. The output screens for daily/live data are reason enough to buy this (on sale, of course). Screen illumination is also pretty good outside.
The ekg feature isn’t as good as my KardiaMobile device, but it will should let me carry around rudimentary capabilities just by wearing a watch, without a need to carry the KardiaMobile device and an iPad/phone for output. Have needed it in the past, and this is another game changer.
Use mostly for daily time and cycling. The Sleep functions were a nice surprise, and I don’t mind reviewing them in the morning even though I didn’t really use them before now.
For cycling, the screen has to be changed to Always On, unlike the Vivoactive 3 & 4, but I’ve got a Garmin cycling computer for while-cycling data display without having to focus on a watch. The Varia radar warning on the Venue is also strong enough to use by itself, although the actual distance display really needs a cycling computer. It can be use while cycling, but I have a cycling computer for that because the large screen and the ability to have a good Varia distance output are far better (although I need the wrist device for Intensity Minutes, anyway).
The general watch faces are also a lot nicer than any I’ve had for the Vivoactives, even if you need to use gestures or actual screen touches. The gestures to toggle are also quite sensitive enough that I rarely need to do a screen tap. The simple screens included on the watch are quite good and can be edited from the watch. They are easily able to take the place of my favorite Mondrian Vivoactive design, which is saying something.
As usual, the Garmin manual is written for people who ALREADY KNOW how to use the watch, as are ALL Garmin manuals I’ve ever read. They really are a throwback to the 1970s and 80s DIY electronics genre. The best you can do is download the pdf and use at least an iPad to read them.
You’ll have to read elsewhere for a review of the Mobile App because I find it so complicated to connect that I just use the Garmin Express on Windows. Because I’m not a new user, I can’t evaluate how easy the Express app on a desktop is. The website data page is better (although different) than before, but let’s hope they don’t get hacked, again.
Battery life is excellent, and will continue to give longer usable charge even as the watch ages. I have a braided nylon band(s) for this, and I have had NO issues with keeping it on for days-on-end, either from low charge OR discomfort of the watchband. The ability to change night time colors and the useful/reworked sleep displays really make it useful to keep the watch on 24/at least 3. BTW, the watch STILL uses the same 4 dot recharging/data connection, so I anticipate a continuing need to buy new charging cables based on past experience with this design. It really is a weak point, and I’ll have to find my stash of silicone charging port covers.
Overall, it’s a great upgrade from the Vivoactive line without the price of the more sports-dedicated offerings. Upgrade means you already have your desktop setup, have spare cables, and know how things work. Can’t tell you about the learning curve on those things because I’m past them. Everything works well enough that even with an iPhone I would not trade this for an Apple watch.
I don’t use the watch as a music player, either. I’ve got separate players or my phone for that.
I would buy a replacement in a heart beat if I trashed this one!!

For my wife! From the sleek, stylish design to the incredible functionality, this smartwatch ticks every box for fitness tracking and everyday use. The display is vibrant and easy to read, even in direct sunlight, which is a huge plus for me.

Fitness tracking is spot-on — whether I’m running, biking, or swimming, the watch delivers accurate data and seamless GPS tracking. The heart rate monitor is super precise, and I love how it automatically tracks my workouts without me having to press a button. The built-in maps and route navigation are fantastic for outdoor activities, too!

The health monitoring features are a game-changer. The body battery feature is my favorite, helping me understand my energy levels throughout the day, and the sleep and stress tracking are invaluable for overall well-being. It’s like having a personal coach and wellness tracker right on my wrist.

The battery life is amazing—I can go days without needing a charge, even with heavy use. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear all day, making it perfect for both workouts and daily wear. Plus, it looks stylish enough to pair with any outfit.

In summary, the Garmin Venu 3S is an all-around winner! If you want a fitness watch that combines accuracy, style, and amazing health features, look no further. Highly recommend!

This is by far the best smart watch I have ever owned. Battery life is epic. So happy I bought this over the galaxy

Excellent watch and the upgrades from Venu 2 make this watch worth the extra cost. I have the Venu 2, got the 3 as a gift for my partner which enabled us to do daily side by side comparisons. He’s able to track naps, see photos on the watch, improved hr sensor, and more.

I wanted a basic fitness watch with a solid reputation and performance. This delivers. I wanted battery life in days, not hours. Basic notifications, sleep tracking, fitness tracking and it does those very well. And weather info and calls processing are also used regularly. Just a great device and dependable.

And works with the IPhone just fine. Have had this over a year, and owned a Venu 2 as well. I’m a Venu line fan for ever.