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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Garmin Venu 3
The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the flagship option, delivering unmatched features like a 10 ATM water resistance rating that’s perfect for divers, while the Garmin Venu 3 is a more lifestyle-focused smartwatch with a refined UI. In real-world use, the fēnix 8's 16-day battery life easily outlasts the Venu 3's 14 days, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or busy schedules. What matters most here is that the fēnix 8 comes packed with multi-band GNSS for superior GPS accuracy, which is crucial if you're into serious outdoor sports. Meanwhile, the Venu 3’s lighter weight at 1.66 oz makes it a comfortable everyday wear, but it sacrifices some durability and advanced GPS features, which could be a dealbreaker for serious athletes or adventurers.
⚖️ Weight: 2.58 oz vs 1.66 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 8 GB💧 Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100m) vs 5 ATM (50m)
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Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
★4.6
(1,856)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass
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Garmin Venu 3
★4.5
(5,399)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Garmin Venu 3
Display1 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Garmin Venu 3
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
32GBWinner
Garmin Venu 3
8GB
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (7 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Garmin Venu 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g)
Garmin Venu 3
47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)Winner
Water Resistance
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters
Garmin Venu 3
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Garmin Venu 3
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
★4.6(1,856)Amazon
Garmin Venu 3
★4.5(5,399)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) | Garmin Venu 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,856)Amazon | ★4.5(5,399)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Garmin OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm | 45mm x 45mm x 12mm |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available; 1000 nits peak brightness | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 454 x 454 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H thermal/shock/water tested; Leakproof inductive buttons; Metal sensor guard | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor; Depth sensor (up to 40m) | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor |
Health Features | Body Battery energy monitoring; Sleep Score and advanced sleep monitoring; HDR (High Dynamic Range) Heart Rate; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot | Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation |
Workout Modes | Advanced Strength Training (sport-specific); Recreational Scuba Diving (Single Gas); Apnea Diving; HIIT; Trail Run; Ultra Run; Triathlon; Skiing; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); and 100+ others | Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others |
Storage | 32GB | 8GB |
Speaker Mic | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Voice Notes) | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls) |
Calls | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (7 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days | Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) |
Weight | Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g) | 47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone); QuickFit 22mm compatible | Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; Garmin Messenger app; Outdoor Maps+ (subscription optional); SkiView Maps | Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only) |
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Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Rating:★4.6(1,856)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available; 1000 nits peak brightness
Display Size:1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters
Durability:MIL-STD-810H thermal/shock/water tested; Leakproof inductive buttons; Metal sensor guard
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor; Depth sensor (up to 40m)
Health Features:Body Battery energy monitoring; Sleep Score and advanced sleep monitoring; HDR (High Dynamic Range) Heart Rate; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Advanced Strength Training (sport-specific); Recreational Scuba Diving (Single Gas); Apnea Diving; HIIT; Trail Run; Ultra Run; Triathlon; Skiing; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); and 100+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Voice Notes)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (7 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable)
Weight:Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone); QuickFit 22mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; Garmin Messenger app; Outdoor Maps+ (subscription optional); SkiView Maps
✓ Pros:
- • Stunning 1.4" AMOLED display with efficient 16-day battery life
- • Legitimate dive computer features (rated to 40m) with leakproof buttons
- • Built-in LED flashlight and speaker/mic add massive daily utility
- • Comprehensive offline mapping and best-in-class GPS accuracy
- • Advanced strength training plans tailored to specific sports
✗ Cons:
- • High price point compared to previous generations and competitors
- • No LTE/Cellular option for standalone calls (requires phone nearby)
- • Titanium models with Sapphire glass command a significant premium
- • Proprietary charging cable (not wireless/Qi standard)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Garmin Venu 3
Rating:★4.5(5,399)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel
GPS:GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS)
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation
Workout Modes:Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others
Storage:8GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands
Extras:Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only)
✓ Pros:
- • Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI
- • Built-in speaker and microphone for wrist calls and voice assistants
- • Latest Elevate Gen 5 sensor supports FDA-cleared ECG app
- • Dedicated Wheelchair Mode tracks pushes rather than steps
- • Excellent 14-day battery life significantly outperforms Apple/Samsung
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Multi-Band GPS (found in similarly priced Forerunner 265)
- • Plastic case body feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
- • No LTE option available (phone required for calls/safety)
- • Gorilla Glass 3 is older tech compared to Sapphire or newer Gorilla Glass
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the better buy for most people - its 16-day battery life crushes the Venu 3's 14 days. That said, grab the Venu 3 if you want something lighter at 1.66 oz and don’t need the extensive outdoor features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) if: you dive frequently and need a 10 ATM rating, you want the longest battery life of 16 days, or you're serious about outdoor sports with advanced GPS.
Choose the Garmin Venu 3 if: you prefer a similar-weight watch at 1.66 oz, you want a user-friendly interface for daily wear, or you need basic health tracking features without the similar-weight-duty specs.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) excels if you value stunning 1.4" amoled display with efficient 16-day battery life. Garmin Venu 3 is better if you prioritize bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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