Garmin Venu Sq 2: A Smartwatch That Prioritizes Performance Over Aesthetics

Garmin has introduced the Venu Sq 2, marking its entry into the budget smartwatch segment in India. This model serves as the new generation of the original Venu Sq, which made its debut in 2020. The Venu Sq 2 brings several enhancements over its predecessor, offering improvements in both hardware and software, including a variety of new workout modes.

Additionally, Garmin has released a Music Edition of the Venu Sq 2 in India. This version allows users to sync as many as 500 tracks directly on the smartwatch through Amazon Music or a Spotify playlist. The company provided us with the standard model of the Venu Sq 2, which shares the same features as the Music Edition variant, apart from the capability for offline music listening via headphones.

The starting price for the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is Rs. 27,990 in India. This pricing is comparable to the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), available for Rs. 29,900 in India. There’s also the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series (Review), with a starting price of Rs. 27,999 in India. With this context, should you think about purchasing the Garmin Venu Sq 2? We’re here to help you decide.

Garmin Venu Sq 2 pricing in India

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is available in one 40mm size and is priced at Rs. 27,990. It comes in Cool Mint, Shadow Grey, and White color options. Additionally, the Music Edition variant of the Venu Sq 2 is priced at Rs. 33,490 and is available in Black, Ivory, and French Grey. Garmin provided us with the Cool Mint variant for review.

Design and specifications of the Garmin Venu Sq 2

The Venu Sq 2 features several essential design upgrades. The screen is larger than the previous version, now measuring 1.4 inches. Personally, I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the 40mm case, as it feels somewhat small on my wrist. As a regular user of the Apple Watch Series 7 (Review), I lean towards the 45mm size. I wish Garmin had provided more size options for the Venu Sq 2.

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 features a larger and brighter AMOLED display

In comparison to its predecessor, the Venu Sq 2 boasts a more luminous AMOLED display. The screen text is also more prominent, enhancing readability even in bright outdoor conditions. The square display is surrounded by a notably thick aluminum bezel on all sides, while the remainder of the case consists predominantly of plastic. Notably, the absence of a built-in speaker means you can’t answer phone calls or listen to voice messages from messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram directly on the watch.

Garmin retains two buttons on the right side of the Venu Sq 2, both of which support single and long-press functions. If you’re a first-time Garmin user, it might take a bit of time to get accustomed to the overall button functionality. A quick press of the upper button lets you set one of the various workout modes as a favorite.

The Venu Sq 2 includes two buttons located on the right side

The lower button can be used to revert to the main or previous screen, while a long press will open a menu to change watch faces or access the clock app. The touchscreen of the Garmin Venu Sq 2 allows you to scroll through various health and fitness data, referred to by the company as Glances, by swiping up or down on the main screen.

This watch also has an Always-On Display (AoD) feature, though I preferred using it without this battery-draining option. The display is meant to wake when you lift your wrist, but for some reason, my review unit often failed to do so, compelling me to use the buttons to activate it. This inconvenience also occurred during workouts, which became frustrating.

The back of the Venu Sq 2 houses Garmin’s new fourth-generation heart rate sensor along with the charging pins. Unfortunately, there is no inductive charging support like that found in the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or other smartwatches within this price range.

The Venu Sq 2 features an upgraded heart rate sensor

The silicone strap can be swapped easily by adjusting the small pin to remove it from one side and replacing it with any compatible 20mm variant. Moreover, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.

Software and application of the Garmin Venu Sq 2

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is compatible with both Android smartphones and iPhones. Users are required to download the Garmin Connect app, which can be accessed for free via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. While the watch itself offers basic customization options, I found that the app significantly enhances the user experience. Navigating through the list of workout apps is much more manageable on your phone’s larger screen, allowing you to add your favorites easily. The Garmin Connect app also allows for customization of the Glance screen and setting up Garmin Pay.

In addition to smartwatch customization, the Connect app offers a comprehensive overview of your health metrics. While basic information is accessible on the watch, I found the app’s interface to be substantially easier to interpret and more user-friendly.

The Garmin Connect app is rich in features and user-friendly

I preferred using the app over the watch’s UI as the latter isn’t as smooth or easy to navigate. When compared to Apple’s watchOS, it offers a noticeably smoother experience and more touchscreen functionalities. I believe Garmin needs to focus on refining the user interface of this watch. The Venu Sq 2 also supports various third-party applications, which can be installed through the Connect IQ Store app.

Although the watch’s UI may not be the best, I was impressed by its features. The Health Snapshot is a standout, allowing the watch to record your essential stats in one accessible location. This log includes critical information regarding heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress levels, heart rate variability, and breathing. Users can access this log through the Garmin Connect app or simply by swiping on the main watch screen.

Performance and battery life of the Garmin Venu Sq 2

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 comes equipped with over 25 built-in indoor and GPS workout modes. It covers the fundamentals, such as cycling, running, and walking, as well as more demanding workout categories like High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Pilates.

The step counting feature of the watch is strikingly accurate. I manually counted 1,000 steps to test the accuracy, and the Garmin Venu Sq 2 recorded 12 additional steps compared to my manual count. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 7 counted 16 extra steps. The Garmin Venu Sq 2 does a commendable job of distinguishing between slower movements in a vehicle and actual walking. However, it’s not perfect, as I observed the watch added roughly 300 steps during an 11km drive. The Apple Watch inaccurately classified the moving car as walking, adding around 550 steps.

Garmin asserts that the new fourth-generation heart rate sensor provides accurate readings, and I was surprised by its accuracy, closely resembling that of a pulse oximeter. The same goes for SpO2 readings. However, I advise relying on the Garmin Venu Sq 2 for reference only regarding heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen measurements, always opting for medical devices for precise results.

The readings from the Garmin Venu Sq 2 nearly match those of a pulse oximeter

The Venu Sq 2 also includes sleep tracking, providing a score upon waking. The watch was accurate in distinguishing between actual sleep and my merely lying on the bed while scrolling through social media. Both my sleep and wake times were accurately tracked (yes, I made an effort to log the times and verify).

If the sleep score is low, the watch provides recommendations to enhance your sleeping habits, such as going to bed earlier. This score factors in not merely the hours slept but also your bedtime. For instance, on one occasion when I slept for eight hours but went to bed at 2 am, the watch suggested I retire earlier the following night.

Regarding battery life, I would rate the Venu Sq 2 exceptionally well. The company claims it can last up to 11 days on a single charge, and with battery saver mode activated, it can stretch up to 12 days.

Garmin Venu Sq 2 claims to deliver a battery life of up to 11 days

The impressive battery life allowed me to test the sleep tracking feature without concern for the battery depleting too quickly. I also logged several Health Snapshot entries and engaged in about an hour of various workouts. In total, the battery life—with the display brightness set to maximum—lasted around nine days. Though it may not be the absolute best available, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 certainly offers superior longevity compared to the Apple Watch Series 7 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.

Conclusion

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 stands out as one of the most budget-friendly smartwatches released by the company in 2022. It does not compromise on the quality of features, particularly regarding the accuracy of the new heart rate monitoring sensor and blood oxygen measurement system. With features like Health Snapshot, you receive a comprehensive overview of key health metrics without needing to assess each one separately. There’s an array of preset workout modes, and to make the experience more engaging, users can access complimentary coaching sessions through the app. The battery life is also remarkable, with the Garmin Venu Sq 2 sustaining a lengthy duration on a single charge given my regular activity level while wearing it.

Given its attributes, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 resembles more of a smart fitness tracker than a smartwatch. Although it excels in battery performance and health and fitness functionalities, it falls short in the software experience. The UI requires an upgrade, and Garmin could certainly benefit from drawing inspiration from Apple or Samsung’s interfaces. Additionally, the style of the Venu Sq 2 does not exude a premium feel for its price point. The minimalist design may appeal to some, yet I suspect many users might find it somewhat underwhelming. Moreover, the singular dial size limits options for individuals like myself who appreciate its features yet desire different sizing.

In summary, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 presents itself as a solid choice for anyone seeking a smartwatch focused on precise health and fitness measurements along with excellent battery longevity. Others might prefer to explore options like the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series.