Garmin Venu 2 Plus review

Advantages of the Garmin Venu 2 Plus

• Impressive battery life for an AMOLED smartwatch
• Superior display quality with high resolution
• Music storage capability
• NFC payment option (supported by select banks)
• Variety of watch faces
• Accurate GPS using Garmin’s proprietary technology
• Extensive range of built-in workouts and training plans
• Built-in speaker and microphone for phone calls
• Easily replaceable straps for a premium new look
• Voice assistants: Google Assistant, Siri, and Bixby
• Stainless steel case
• 5ATM water resistance up to 50 metres

Disadvantages of the Garmin Venu 2 Plus

• Shorter battery life compared to non-AMOLED smartwatches
• Occasional inaccuracies in heart rate monitoring
• Limited third-party app selection
• Voice assistant requires button press to activate
• Premium price point

Design and Appearance

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is available in one size, with other sizes offered by the Venu 2 (45mm) and Venu 2s (40mm). Its 43.6mm case makes it a fairly large smartwatch.

Colour Options

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus comes in three colour variants, excluding strap variations:

• Silver/Grey (Silver bezel with Powder Grey case)
• Cream/Gold (Cream Gold bezel with Ivory case)
• Black/Graphite (Slate stainless steel bezel with Black case)

For this review, we tested the standard Black/Graphite model.

Size Variations

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is available in a single 43mm case size (precisely 43.6mm). The Venu 2 family includes the Venu 2 (45mm), Venu 2 Plus (43mm), and Venu 2S (40mm). The “Plus” designation reflects added features, not a larger size.

Three Buttons and Their Functions

• (A) Confirm and Power Button: Turns the smartwatch on/off or confirms actions (OK button).
• (B) Shortcut and Voice Assistant: A short press activates a custom function (set via the Connect IQ app); a long press triggers your phone’s voice assistant (Google Assistant, Siri, or Bixby) via Bluetooth.
• (C) Back/Settings Button: A short press navigates back one screen; a long press opens general settings.

Swapping Straps

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus typically comes with a standard silicone strap, easily interchangeable thanks to the Quick Release system. Explore over 100 Garmin Venu 2 Plus straps in steel, silicone, leather, or nylon at Smartwatch-straps.co.uk.

Display and Specifications

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is one of the few Garmin smartwatches with a 1.3" AMOLED display, boasting a 416x416 pixel resolution. This high-resolution screen is among the best on the market but consumes more power. Many brands, including Samsung, Apple, and Fitbit, offer AMOLED and non-AMOLED options to balance display quality with battery life.

Talking to Your Smartwatch

The middle button quickly activates the voice assistant, though you must press it first rather than issuing direct commands. It connects to your phone’s Google Assistant, Siri, or Bixby.

Built-in Microphone and Speaker

Unlike earlier Venu models, all Venu 2 series watches, including the Plus, feature a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling voice assistant functionality and phone calls.

Can You Make Calls with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus?

With its built-in speaker and microphone, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus supports phone calls. You can answer, end, or dial numbers directly from the watch.

Battery Life and Duration

Garmin claims the Venu 2 Plus lasts 24 hours with GPS active or up to 9 days in smartwatch mode with power-saving features. In practice, without power-saving mode, I charge it nightly, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 lasts about 2 days with similar use.

Easy Music Playback

With 4GB of storage, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus can hold up to 650 songs, including offline Spotify playlists. This allows music playback via Bluetooth earbuds or headphones without an internet connection, saving your data.

Sports Performance

Garmin’s extensive experience in outdoor and premium sports smartwatches shines through in the Venu 2 Plus, offering access to 1,600 exercises, advanced strength training, and detailed interval training analysis.

Garmin Connect IQ Store

The Garmin Connect IQ store (for Android and iOS) lets you download apps, maps, training plans, watch faces, music services, and more from Garmin or third parties to customise your smartwatch.

Can You Pay with the Venu 2 Plus?

Yes, but it depends on your bank. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus supports payments via Garmin Pay, currently compatible with select banks or credit cards. Check the list of supported banks for Garmin Pay.

Competing with Galaxy Watch 4 and Apple Watch

The Garmin Venu 2 series competes directly with the Apple Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch 4 (Classic). Priced similarly, these smartwatches offer comparable features, with a focus on expanding health and fitness tracking capabilities.

Software

Garmin uses its proprietary Garmin OS, allowing full control over features and customisations. Check for current software updates for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus Dimensions

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus measures 43.6mm wide, 43.6mm long, 12.6mm thick, and weighs 51g without the strap.

Length	43.6mm
Width	43.6mm
Height (Thickness)	12.6mm
Weight	51g
Water Resistance	5ATM
Screen Size	1.3 inch

What’s in the Box?

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus comes in a stylish, cube-shaped box, unlike the slim packaging of Samsung or Apple smartwatches. Included are:

• Smartwatch
• Charging cable (no adapter)
• Getting Started guide

For the most up-to-date manual, visit Garmin’s website for proactive updates and changes to the Venu 2 Plus’s operation.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus Review: Conclusion

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a feature-rich, unique smartwatch that rivals top competitors, excelling in specific sports tracking. Its durability and functionality make it worth the investment. Explore our Garmin Venu 2 Plus straps to give your smartwatch a fresh, stylish look.