Garmin Venu 3 vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
When comparing the Garmin Venu 3 to the Withings ScanWatch Nova, the Venu 3 takes the lead with its vibrant 1.4" AMOLED display. In real-world use, this means brighter colors and sharper text, making it easier for daily notifications and tracking. The ScanWatch Nova, while elegant, features a smaller 0.63" display, limiting its usability for notifications and smart features. The Garmin Venu 3 is the premium option here, boasting a 14-day battery life that significantly outlasts the 30-day battery of the Withings ScanWatch Nova. However, the ScanWatch Nova has the edge in clinical-grade health features, so if you prioritize health tracking in a stylish design, it could sway your decision. Ultimately, choose based on what matters most to you, whether it's display quality or health metrics. Key specs: Weight: 1.66 oz vs 2.22 oz and Display: 1.4" AMOLED vs 0.63" OLED.
Why compare these? Both the Garmin Venu 3 and Withings ScanWatch Nova are high-end smartwatches competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Garmin Venu | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (5,399 reviews) | 4★ (268 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI | Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass |
| Main Drawback | Lacks Multi-Band GPS (found in similarly priced Forerunner 265) | Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
Garmin Venu 3
iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Venu 3 vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
Garmin Venu 3
Withings ScanWatch Nova
| Criterion | Garmin Venu 3 | Withings ScanWatch Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(5,399)Amazon | ★4(268)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 45mm x 45mm x 12mm | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | 0.63 in (digital screen) |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (Analog hands always visible) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) |
GPS | GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS) | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | No (Not supported) |
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 | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes |
Health Features | Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation | ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) |
Workout Modes | Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) |
Storage | 8GB | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch |
Speaker Mic | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) | No (Notification alerts only) |
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 | Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) |
Weight | 47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only) | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands | Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width |
Extras | Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only) | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync |
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Garmin Venu 3
iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Pros
- Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI
- Built-in speaker and microphone for wrist calls and voice assistants
Cons
- Lacks Multi-Band GPS (found in similarly priced Forerunner 265)
- Plastic case body feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
0.63 in (digital screen)
Pros
- Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
Cons
- Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
Which one is better?
The Garmin Venu 3 is the better buy for most people - its 1.4" AMOLED display crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's smaller screen. That said, grab the ScanWatch Nova if you want superior health tracking features in a stylish package - it's 2.22 oz compared to Venu 3's 1.66 oz, but the design is more elegant.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Venu 3 if: you want a stunning 1.4" display for notifications, you prefer a smartwatch that lasts up to 14 days on a single charge, or you need built-in calling features.
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you value clinical-grade health metrics in a sleek design, you want a watch that can last 30 days on a charge, or you prefer a feel on your wrist.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Garmin Venu
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 5,399 reviews vs 268
→ Choose Garmin Venu
Bright 1.4" AMOLED Priority
Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI
→ Choose Garmin Venu
Elegant 'diver' aesthetic Priority
Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
→ Choose Withings ScanWatch
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Garmin Venu 3 edges ahead with a 4.5★ rating compared to 4★. However, Withings ScanWatch Nova remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Garmin Venu 3 or Withings ScanWatch Nova?
Garmin Venu 3 is the better choice if you prioritize bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui. Withings ScanWatch Nova wins if you value elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Garmin Venu 3 and Withings ScanWatch Nova?
Key differences: Garmin Venu 3 offers bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui, while Withings ScanWatch Nova stands out with elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Consider that Garmin Venu 3 lacks multi-band gps (found in similarly priced forerunner 265). Meanwhile, Withings ScanWatch Nova small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+What should I prioritize when choosing between these smartwatches?
Focus on the features that matter most for your daily use. Garmin Venu 3 stands out for bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui and built-in speaker and microphone for wrist calls and voice assistants. Withings ScanWatch Nova excels at elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass and clinical-grade health sensors (ecg, spo2, temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor. Check the spec table above for the complete side-by-side breakdown.
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