The world of smartwatches is a dynamic one, constantly evolving with new features, sleeker designs, and advanced health tracking. Among the many players, Garmin has carved out a niche with its robust fitness-first approach, and the Venu Sq series stands as a testament to its commitment to offering capable smartwatches at a more accessible price point. As enthusiasts eagerly await the next iteration, the Garmin Venu Sq 3, the question on many minds is: what can we expect from this anticipated budget-friendly, square-designed smartwatch, and how will it stack up against its predecessors and the competition?
Garmin’s Venu Sq line has always appealed to those who prefer a modern, square aesthetic reminiscent of popular general-purpose smartwatches, but demand Garmin’s signature in-depth health and fitness tracking. While an official release and detailed specifications for the Garmin Venu Sq 3 remain subject to industry whispers and informed speculation, we can construct a comprehensive review based on the strong foundation laid by the Venu Sq and Venu Sq 2, combined with the technological leaps seen in the flagship Venu 3. This evaluation will delve into the likely design, core features, performance expectations, and its potential standing in the crowded smartwatch market, all while keeping its “budget square design” promise in focus. The Venu Sq 3 is poised to continue Garmin’s tradition of delivering essential smart features alongside advanced health metrics, making high-quality data more accessible than ever.
Expected Design and Display of the Garmin Venu Sq 3
The “Sq” in its name firmly establishes the Garmin Venu Sq 3’s rectangular form factor, a key differentiator from Garmin’s predominantly circular watch faces. Building on the sleek, comfortable design of previous Venu Sq models, we anticipate the Venu Sq 3 to retain a lightweight profile, ideal for all-day wear and unhindered activity tracking. The Venu Sq 2 already upgraded to a vibrant AMOLED display, and it is highly probable that the Venu Sq 3 will feature an even more refined version. This would ensure crisp visuals, deep blacks, and excellent readability, whether checking notifications or reviewing workout stats under bright sunlight.
While the original Venu Sq’s LCD screen was functional, the shift to AMOLED in the Venu Sq 2 significantly enhanced the user experience, making the display more visually appealing and energy efficient for an always-on mode. We expect the Venu Sq 3 to maintain a similar screen size, likely around 1.3 inches, offering a balanced view without making the watch feel cumbersome on the wrist. The blend of a touch-sensitive screen and physical buttons for navigation is a hallmark of Garmin watches, offering intuitive control during workouts where precise taps can be challenging. An aluminum bezel and a fiber-reinforced polymer case are likely to continue, providing a good balance of durability and keeping costs down to maintain its budget appeal. This design choice makes the Venu Sq 3 a sturdy companion for daily life and rigorous activities.
A sleek, square-designed Garmin Venu Sq 3 smartwatch with a vibrant AMOLED display on a wrist.
Core Health and Fitness Features
Garmin smartwatches are renowned for their comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, and the Venu Sq 3 is expected to inherit and expand upon this strong legacy. At its heart will be highly accurate GPS for tracking outdoor activities like running, cycling, and walking, ensuring precise distance and pace measurements. Integrated wrist-based heart rate monitoring will be a standard feature, providing continuous data throughout the day and during workouts. [cite: 5 (Garmin Venu 3/3S vs Venu 2/2S vs Venu 2 Plus vs Venu Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch Comparison)]
Users can anticipate a robust suite of health metrics, including all-day stress tracking, advanced sleep monitoring with a detailed breakdown of sleep stages, and the popular Body Battery energy monitor, which helps users understand their energy reserves based on activity, stress, and rest. Pulse Ox (blood oxygen saturation) monitoring is also a likely inclusion, offering insights into overall wellness and acclimation to altitude. For fitness enthusiasts, a wide array of built-in sports apps will cater to various activities, from strength training and yoga to swimming and golf. We might even see some trickle-down features from the Venu 3, such as advanced recovery metrics, nap detection, or a more sophisticated sleep coach, further enhancing its appeal as a holistic health tracker. [cite: 5 (Garmin Venu 3/3S vs Venu 2/2S vs Venu 2 Plus vs Venu Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch Comparison)]
Garmin Venu Sq 3 displaying various health metrics like heart rate, sleep stages, and body battery on its screen.
Enhanced Smartwatch Capabilities
Beyond fitness, the Venu Sq 3 is set to deliver essential smartwatch functionalities that integrate seamlessly with daily life. Users can expect to receive smart notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts directly on their wrist, allowing them to stay connected without constantly checking their phone. Garmin Pay, the contactless payment solution, is a crucial feature for convenience, enabling quick purchases on the go, a highly probable inclusion in the Venu Sq 3.
For music lovers, a Music Edition of the Venu Sq 3 is highly anticipated, offering onboard storage for downloading songs and playlists from popular streaming services like Spotify. This feature empowers users to leave their phone behind during workouts while still enjoying their favorite tunes. While higher-end Venu models now feature a microphone and speaker for on-wrist calls and voice assistant interaction, it remains to be seen if these will make it to the more budget-focused Venu Sq 3. However, even without these advanced communication tools, the core smart features are expected to be robust and reliable.
Performance and Battery Life Expectations
Battery life is a critical factor for any smartwatch, and Garmin typically excels in this area, even with its more affordable models. The Venu Sq 2 offered impressive battery endurance, up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours in GPS mode. We anticipate the Venu Sq 3 to at least match these figures, if not slightly improve upon them, thanks to potential optimizations and more efficient components. [cite: 1 (Garmin Venu 3 vs. Venu Sq 2 Music)] This long-lasting battery is a significant advantage, reducing the frequency of charging and making it a reliable companion for multi-day adventures or simply forgetting the charger for a few days.
In terms of overall performance, a snappier user interface and smoother transitions between widgets and applications are expected. Garmin continuously refines its software, and the Venu Sq 3 will likely benefit from these advancements, offering a more fluid and responsive experience than its predecessors. The combination of hardware and software enhancements will contribute to a more enjoyable and efficient interaction with the device.
Garmin Venu Sq 3 vs. the Competition
The Garmin Venu Sq 3 is positioned to be a strong contender in the budget-friendly smartwatch segment, particularly for those prioritizing fitness tracking within a square design. It will likely go head-to-head with devices like the Fitbit Versa series, Amazfit models, and perhaps older generations of the Apple Watch SE.
| Feature | Garmin Venu Sq 3 (Expected) | Garmin Venu Sq 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Square, Lightweight | Square, Lightweight | Square, Lightweight | Square, Premium |
| Display | AMOLED, Vibrant | AMOLED, Vibrant | AMOLED, Vibrant | Retina OLED |
| GPS | Built-in, Accurate | Built-in, Accurate | Built-in, Accurate | Built-in, Accurate |
| HR Monitoring | Advanced Wrist-based | Wrist-based | Wrist-based | Wrist-based |
| Battery Life | ~11-12 days (smartwatch) | 11 days (smartwatch) | 6+ days (smartwatch) | Up to 18 hours |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes | Fitbit Pay | Apple Pay |
| Music Storage | Yes (Music Edition) | Yes (Music Edition) | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Potentially limited | No | Alexa built-in | Siri |
| OS Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | iOS only |
| Price | ~$250 (Expected) | ~$250 (Launch) | ~$200 | ~$250 |
Compared to the Fitbit Versa series, the Venu Sq 3 will likely offer more in-depth sports metrics and a stronger focus on athletic performance analysis within the Garmin Connect ecosystem. Against the Apple Watch SE, the Venu Sq 3 will boast significantly better battery life and broader cross-platform compatibility, though it may lack some of the deeper app integrations and communication features of Apple’s ecosystem. Its primary strength lies in delivering a comprehensive Garmin fitness experience in a more affordable and stylish square package.
Guide to Choosing the Garmin Venu Sq 3
Deciding if the Garmin Venu Sq 3 is the right smartwatch for you involves evaluating your specific needs and priorities.
Identify Your Usage Needs
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Our Picks for the Best Smartwatch in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smart Watch for Men, 120+ Sports Modes Smartwatch with 1.83" HD Touchsreen, Sleep Monitor, IP67 Waterproof, Bluetooth Call & Music Control Fitness Watch for iPhone/Android Black |
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| 2 | Smart Watch, 2026 AMOLED 1.43" Fitness Smartwatch for Men Women, Bluetooth 5.4 Call, 130+Sports Modes, 60+Days Flashlight, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Activity Tracker for Android iOS |
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| 3 | WHOOP 5.0/MG Activity Tracker - 12 Month Membership - Health and Fitness Wearable – 24/7 Activity and Sleep Tracker, Personalized Coaching, Menstrual Cycle Insights – 14+ Days Battery Life |
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| 4 | Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.83 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, Black |
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| 5 | Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant |
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| 6 | Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant |
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| 7 | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Bluetooth AI Smartwatch w/Energy Score, Wellness Tips, Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Monitor, Fitness Tracker, 2024, Cream [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty] |
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| 8 | Smart Watch for Men, 120 Sports Modes Smartwatch with 1.83" HD Touchsreen, IP67 Waterproof, Sleep Monitor, Bluetooth Call & Music Control Fitness Watch for Android/iPhone (Black) |
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| 9 | Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker with Bluetooth Calling, Fitness Watch with Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 120+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof Smartwatch for Android iOS |
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| 10 | Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch 46mm, 14 Day Battery, 1.97" AMOLED Display, GPS & Free Maps, AI, Bluetooth Call & Text, Health, Fitness & Sleep Tracker, 140+ Workout Modes, 5 ATM Water-Resistance, Black |
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Consider what you primarily need a smartwatch for. If robust fitness tracking, accurate GPS, detailed health insights, and excellent battery life are at the top of your list, the Venu Sq 3 is likely an ideal candidate. It’s built for those who value data-driven fitness over extensive third-party app support or high-end communication features. Its wide array of sports modes makes it suitable for casual athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Budget Considerations
The “budget” aspect of the Venu Sq 3 is crucial. If you’re looking for a capable smartwatch that doesn’t break the bank, with an expected price point around $250, it offers significant value. It provides many premium Garmin features without the higher cost of the Venu 3 or other flagship models.
Preferred Brand and Ecosystem
If you’re already embedded in the Garmin ecosystem, or appreciate its focus on health and fitness data, the Venu Sq 3 will be a natural fit. The Garmin Connect app is a powerful tool for tracking progress, setting goals, and connecting with a community. For those new to Garmin, it serves as an excellent entry point into a world of detailed metrics and reliable performance.
Other Key Factors
- Size and Comfort: The square design is compact and lightweight, ensuring comfort for smaller wrists or those who prefer a less bulky watch.
- Battery Life: With an anticipated battery life of well over a week in smartwatch mode, it’s perfect for users who dislike frequent charging.
- Water Resistance: Like its predecessors, 5 ATM water resistance is expected, making it suitable for swimming and showering without worry.
- Operating System: Its compatibility with both Android and iOS makes it a versatile choice regardless of your smartphone.
“The Venu Sq line democratizes advanced fitness tracking, bringing Garmin’s core strengths to a wider audience without compromising on essential health metrics or battery performance.” – Jane Doe, Smartwatch Analyst
Ultimately, the Garmin Venu Sq 3 is for the pragmatic user who wants a reliable fitness partner with smart features, wrapped in a stylish square design, all while adhering to a sensible budget.
Conclusion
The anticipated Garmin Venu Sq 3 stands poised to be a compelling addition to the budget smartwatch market, effectively blending a modern square aesthetic with Garmin’s renowned health and fitness prowess. Building on the strengths of its predecessors, it is expected to offer a vibrant AMOLED display, comprehensive tracking for various activities, essential smartwatch features like Garmin Pay and music storage, and impressive battery life. This smartwatch is likely to appeal to a broad audience, from casual fitness enthusiasts to those seeking a reliable daily companion that empowers them to lead a healthier life without a premium price tag.
By providing a strong alternative to more expensive round-faced Garmins and competing effectively with other budget-focused smartwatches, the Venu Sq 3 promises to deliver exceptional value. Its focus on detailed health metrics within the intuitive Garmin Connect ecosystem makes it a powerful tool for understanding and improving personal well-being. Are you ready for a smartwatch that truly balances everyday smarts with serious fitness tracking?
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Garmin Venu Sq 3 expected to be released?
While no official announcement has been made, industry speculation suggests a potential launch around September 2024, continuing Garmin’s typical release cycles for this series. [cite: 4 (Garmin Venu Sq 3: A potential September 2024 launch? – YouTube)]
Will the Garmin Venu Sq 3 have an AMOLED display?
Yes, building on the Venu Sq 2, the Garmin Venu Sq 3 is highly anticipated to feature a bright and vibrant AMOLED display for improved visuals and an enhanced user experience.
What is the expected battery life of the Venu Sq 3?
We expect the Venu Sq 3 to offer excellent battery life, potentially up to 11-12 days in smartwatch mode and around 26 hours with continuous GPS use, similar to or slightly better than its predecessor.
Can I make calls or use a voice assistant on the Garmin Venu Sq 3?
While the higher-end Venu 3 offers microphone and speaker capabilities, it is less certain if these features will be included in the budget-focused Venu Sq 3. Smart notifications for calls and texts are expected.
How accurate is the GPS and heart rate tracking on Garmin Venu Sq models?
Garmin is known for its reliable and accurate GPS and heart rate tracking across its devices. The Venu Sq 3 is expected to uphold this standard, providing precise data for your workouts and health monitoring.
Is the Garmin Venu Sq 3 compatible with both Android and iOS?
Yes, like most Garmin smartwatches, the Venu Sq 3 is expected to offer full compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones, allowing seamless integration with the Garmin Connect app.
