Garmin Venu Sq Review: An Advanced GPS Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker

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Garmin is known the world over for making some of the best smartwatches and activity trackers. The Garmin Venu Sq is no different from what the brand has been offering over the years. It boasts a long list of features that you’ll find helpful when jogging, sleeping swimming, or taking part in other physical activities.

Overview

The Garmin Venu Sq is one of the most affordable smartwatches from the brand. Its features are somewhat similar to that of the Garmin Venu. However, unlike its predecessor, the Garmin Venu Sq does not have an AMOLED display. Instead, it is fitted with a colour LCD screen that offers decent picture quality.

On the plus side, the Garmin Venu Sq has a larger battery than the Garmin Venu. According to Garmin, the Venu Sq offers up to 6 days (in smartwatch mode) and 14 hours (in GPS mode) of continuous usage on a single charge.

The Garmin Venu Sq has a 33.1 mm square touchscreen which allows for quick and easy customisation. That being said, you can manage the available apps based on your preference. The display is rounded along the edges, giving the device a stylish appearance.

To add to this, the Venu Sq has a user-friendly interface, so it’s very easy to operate. The menu even has a favourites list for frequently used applications. Not to forget that it has a host of fitness and health tracking features that you can count on when engaging in physical activities.

Moreover, there are more than twenty preloaded sporting apps that you can choose from. But that is not all; the Garmin Venu Sq can effectively plan your workouts. This device is 5 ATM rated, making it ideal for swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for something a little simpler and more suited to tracking data for gym goers rather than enthusiasts then we recommend taking a look at the Fitbit Luxe.

Features

SpO2 level monitoring

SpO2 level refers to the percentage of oxygen in your blood at a given time. The Garmin Venu Sq features reliable sensors that can monitor your blood oxygen levels. This function offers two modes; you can track your SpO2 levels continuously throughout the day or on the spot.

Nonetheless, you need to keep in mind that the Garmin Venu Sq is not a medically approved SpO2-level monitor. Still, the readings can help you know when your blood oxygen level is below the recommended limit.

Sleep tracking

The Garmin Venu Sq has a built-in sleep monitor that can track different stages of sleep. That way, you’ll know when you were light sleeping or in REM sleep after waking. On the flip side, the sleep app does not offer suggestions on how you can improve your sleep pattern.

Heart rate monitoring

Like most fitness trackers on the market, the Venu Sq can monitor your heart rate when taking part in physical activities such as jogging, swimming, walking, etc. To make it even more convenient, it will alert you if your heart is beating abnormally.

As such, you’ll be able to know if your heart rate is below or above the healthy limit. And the fact that it stores the readings means you can easily keep tabs on your heart.

VO2 tracking

In addition to its SpO2 level monitoring feature, the Garmin Venu Sq can track your VO2 levels. This is the measure of the maximum value of oxygen that the body uses when subjected to energy-taxing activities. The VO2 and SpO2 values determine your level of fitness.

Contactless payment

When linked to a compatible payment network, the Venu Sq can help you make online payments without using your smartphone.

Safety tracking

Featuring a built-in GPS, the Garmin Venu Sq can send your live location to loved ones during emergencies. All you have to do is program the device to meet the set parameters, and you will be good to go.

Preloaded workouts

The Venu Sq offers multiple workout profiles that can help users achieve their fitness goals. It can greatly assist you when indoor rowing, stair stepping, and can also help with breathwork. There are also workout programmes tailored for yoga and Pilates, so you are the one to choose.

Menstrual cycle tracking

With the Garmin Venu Sq, you can easily track your menstrual cycle by simply keying in the required data. After this, the watch will sync with your monthly cycle.

Smart notifications

The Garmin Venu Sq allows you to read your texts and emails when on the go. However, it does not have a built-in microphone, so you cannot answer calls.

Specs

Display Size: 33.1 mm

Water Rating: 5ATM

Battery Life: 6 days (smartwatch mode), 14hrs (GPS mode)

Display Resolution: 240 x 240 pixels

Touchscreen: Yes

Weight: 37.6 g

Design

The Garmin Venu Sq casing is made of fibre-reinforced polymer, while the bezel is aluminium built. Although the case material is not as durable compared to that of the Garmin Venu, it is designed to last and is equally lightweight. This means you can wear the watch for long hours without experiencing any discomfort.

The corning gorilla glass 3 from which the lens is made is designed to offer long-lasting service. Unlike the Garmin Venu which has a circular display, the Venu Sq features a square screen. Some users feel the screen is rather cramped. The straps on the Garmin Venu Sq can fit users with a wrist circumference of 125 mm to190 mm.

As earlier mentioned, the Venu Sq has a colour display that will allow you to make quick changes to the interface. Through this, you can prioritise the commonly used apps. Bear in that the Garmin Venu Sq is not Wi-Fi compatible like the Garmin Venu Sq Music Edition. The lack of an altimeter puts the Garmin Venu Sq a step below most smartwatches in its class.

Final Thoughts

The Garmin Venu Sq not only has advanced health and fitness tracking features but is also designed with every user’s need in mind. It’s lighter than the Garmin Venu but has a low-quality display compared to the former. With the large-capacity battery in place, you can use the Venu Sq for long hours in smartwatch mode without experiencing any problems.

The other fascinating thing about the Garmin Venu Sq is that it allows you to make contactless payments. More to this, it offers a long list of sports modes that you can use when engaging in outdoor and indoor activities. The Venu Sq is cheaper than the Garmin Venu but it lacks a few features that its predecessor has. If you are in search of a high-performance smartphone that is reasonably priced, the Garmin Venu Sq may just be what you need.