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The Garmin Venu and Epix are two popular GPS smartwatches that cater to different needs. If you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, it’s essential to understand the features and differences between these two models to make an informed decision.
The Garmin Venu is a sleek and stylish smartwatch designed for those who prioritize everyday functionality and style. On the other hand, the Garmin Epix is a robust and feature-rich watch tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the price, size, hardware, mapping and navigation, speakers and microphone, battery life, and display differences between the Garmin Venu and Epix, helping you find the ideal GPS smartwatch for your active lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- The Garmin Venu and Epix are GPS smartwatches with distinct features.
- The Venu is a stylish, everyday smartwatch, while the Epix is designed for outdoor activities.
- We will compare the price, size, hardware, mapping and navigation, speakers and microphone, battery life, and display differences between the two models.
- Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine which smartwatch is the best fit for you.
- Make an informed decision by understanding the differences between the Garmin Venu and Epix.
Price, Size, Hardware
When comparing the Garmin Venu 2 Plus and the Epix, there are notable differences in price, size, and hardware. Let’s take a closer look:
Pricing
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is priced at $449, making it a more budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the Epix starts at $899, with a Sapphire edition available at $999, catering to those seeking more premium features.
Size
When it comes to size, the Venu 2 Plus is smaller and more compact than the Epix, making it a comfortable fit for those with smaller wrists.
Hardware
The Venu 2 Plus features a touchscreen display along with three buttons for easy navigation. In contrast, the Epix offers a touchscreen display along with five buttons, providing additional functionality.
| Garmin Venu 2 Plus | Garmin Epix | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $899 |
| Size | Smaller | Slightly larger |
| Hardware | Touchscreen with 3 buttons | Touchscreen with 5 buttons |
Despite these differences, both watches offer similar display sizes and ensure optimal visibility during outdoor activities. Additionally, it’s important to note that the Venu 2 Plus is waterproof up to 50m, while the Epix has a higher waterproof rating of 100m, providing added protection during water-based activities.
With a better understanding of the price, size, and hardware differences between the Garmin Venu 2 Plus and the Epix, you can now make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.
Mapping & Navigation
When it comes to mapping and navigation, the Garmin Epix takes the lead with its comprehensive map features. It offers full maps that include trail and road heatmap data, cafes, and monuments, providing you with detailed information for your outdoor adventures. Additionally, the Epix allows you to load routes and courses from various sources, enhancing your navigation experience.
On the other hand, the Garmin Venu 2 series offers a more basic navigation functionality. It features a simple arrow that points towards a saved location or back to the starting point. While it may not have the extensive mapping capabilities of the Epix, the Venu 2 Plus supports Connect IQ, enabling you to use the DWMap app for basic course following.
“The Epix offers comprehensive maps with trail and road heatmap data, cafes, and monuments, while the Venu 2 series provides rudimentary navigation with basic arrow guidance.”
For those in need of advanced navigation features and detailed maps, especially for outdoor activities, the Garmin Epix proves to be the better choice. However, if you require basic navigation functionality with the ability to follow courses, the Venu 2 Plus with Connect IQ support can meet your needs.
Comparison of Mapping & Navigation Features
| Features | Garmin Venu 2 Series | Garmin Epix |
|---|---|---|
| Map Coverage | Rudimentary navigation with basic arrow guidance | Full maps including trail and road heatmap data, cafes, and monuments |
| Route/ Course Loading | Connect IQ support for basic course following with DWMap app | Option to load routes/courses from various sources |
| Additional Navigation Features | N/A | Details like ClimbPro for climbs |
Speakers & Microphone
When it comes to audio features, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus and Epix offer different options. The Venu 2 Plus is equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing for various functionalities such as music playback, call handling, and audio alerts. This means you can listen to your favorite tunes, answer calls, and receive audio notifications right from your wrist.
The Epix, on the other hand, does not have a built-in speaker for music playback or call handling. However, it features a beeper function that can provide sound alerts and notifications. While it lacks the audio capabilities of the Venu 2 Plus, the Epix still offers a convenient way to stay informed during your activities.
It’s important to note that both the Venu 2 Plus and Epix require a connected smartphone for full calling and texting functionality, as they do not have built-in LTE. This ensures that you can still stay connected on the go, but it does depend on having your smartphone nearby.
Now let’s take a look at a detailed comparison of the audio features:
| Smartwatch Model | Media Playback | Call Handling | Audio Alerts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Venu 2 Plus | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garmin Epix | ✓ |
As you can see, the Venu 2 Plus offers a more comprehensive audio experience with its built-in speaker and microphone, making it a great choice for those who enjoy listening to music and answering calls on their smartwatch. The Epix, while lacking these audio features, still provides audio alerts to keep you informed during your workouts and activities.
Next, we’ll explore the battery life of these two Garmin smartwatches to help you make an informed decision.
Battery Life
One of the important factors to consider when comparing the Garmin Venu and Epix is their battery life. The battery life of a smartwatch determines how long it can last on a single charge, providing convenience for users who engage in long activities or travel frequently without access to power sources.
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus offers a battery life of 2-3 days in always-on mode, making it suitable for daily wear and most activities. In gesture-based mode, where the watch activates the display when you raise your wrist, the Venu 2 Plus can last up to an impressive 9 days on a single charge. This extended battery life in gesture-based mode allows users to conserve power while enjoying essential features.
On the other hand, the Garmin Epix boasts an even longer battery life compared to the Venu 2 Plus. In always-on mode, the Epix can last up to 6 days, making it suitable for those who require extended usage without frequent recharging. When switched to gesture-based mode, the Epix delivers an exceptional battery life of up to 16 days, providing peace of mind for users in outdoor adventures or long trips.
When it comes to GPS modes, the battery life of both watches varies. However, it is worth noting that the Epix generally offers a longer battery life overall, making it the preferred choice for users who heavily rely on the GPS features of their smartwatch.
Table: Battery Life Comparison
| Model | Always-On Mode | Gesture-Based Mode | GPS Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Venu 2 Plus | 2-3 days | 9 days | Varies |
| Garmin Epix | 6 days | 16 days | Varies |
As seen from the battery life comparison, the Epix offers a clear advantage in terms of longevity, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize an extended battery life. However, the Venu 2 Plus still delivers a satisfactory battery life for everyday use and is packed with other features that might suit the preferences of different users.
The AMOLED Display
Both the Garmin Venu and Epix feature a stunning 1.3″ AMOLED display, capable of displaying 65K vibrant colors and offering a resolution of 416×416 pixels.
The Epix leverages its AMOLED display to its fullest potential, delivering exceptional clarity and detail for mapping, post-workout summaries, and charts/graphs, ensuring you have a comprehensive overview of your fitness data.
While the Venu 2 Plus also boasts an impressive AMOLED display, it falls slightly behind the Epix in terms of display customization and dedicated sleep mode. Nonetheless, the Venu 2 series has addressed burn-in issues commonly associated with AMOLED displays, providing a reliable and long-lasting visual experience.
| Feature | Garmin Venu | Garmin Epix |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.3″ AMOLED | 1.3″ AMOLED |
| Colors | 65K | 65K |
| Resolution | 416×416 px | 416×416 px |
| Mapping & Navigation | Basic arrow pointing towards saved locations or back to the start | Full mapping with trail and road heatmap data |
| Post-workout summaries, charts, and graphs | Less display customization | Comprehensive visual representation of fitness data |
| Dedicated Sleep Mode | Lacks a dedicated sleep mode | – |
With their impressive AMOLED displays, both the Garmin Venu and Epix offer visually stunning experiences. However, the Epix outshines the Venu when it comes to display functionality and customization. Choose the smartwatch that best suits your preferences and requirements for an immersive visual experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when comparing the Garmin Venu and Epix, it’s evident that they each offer unique features and cater to different needs and budgets.
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a GPS smartwatch with touchscreen functionality. With its smaller size and waterproof capability of up to 50m, the Venu 2 Plus is well-suited for various water sports and activities.
On the other hand, the Garmin Epix provides advanced training features and full mapping capabilities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Its higher price point reflects the extensive functionality and detailed maps it offers, allowing users to navigate trails and discover new routes with ease.
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Venu and Epix depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your budget, desired features, and intended use to make the best decision. Whether you prioritize affordability and touchscreen functionality or advanced training features and extensive maps, both the Venu and Epix are reliable options to enhance your active lifestyle.
FAQ
How much do the Garmin Venu and Epix smartwatches cost?
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is priced at $449, while the Epix starts at $899, with a Sapphire edition available at $999.
What are the differences in size between the Garmin Venu and Epix?
The Venu 2 Plus is smaller than the Epix, but both have similar display sizes.
Are the Garmin Venu and Epix waterproof?
The Venu 2 Plus is waterproof up to 50m, while the Epix has a higher waterproof rating of 100m.
What mapping and navigation features do the Garmin Venu and Epix offer?
The Epix offers full maps, including trail and road heatmap data, cafes, and monuments. The Venu 2 Plus has rudimentary navigation with a basic arrow pointing towards a saved location or back to the start.
Do the Garmin Venu and Epix have speakers and microphones?
The Venu 2 Plus has a speaker and a microphone, allowing for music playback, call handling, and various sounds. The Epix has a beeper function but cannot play music or handle calls.
What is the battery life of the Garmin Venu and Epix?
The Venu 2 Plus has a battery life of 2-3 days in always-on mode and 9 days in gesture-based mode. The Epix offers a battery life of 6 days in always-on mode and 16 days in gesture-based mode.
How does the display on the Garmin Venu and Epix compare?
Both the Venu and Epix use a 1.3″ AMOLED display with 65K colors and a resolution of 416x416px. The Epix utilizes the display better for mapping, post-workout summaries, and charts/graphs. The Venu 2 Plus lacks a dedicated sleep mode and offers less display customization compared to the Epix.
Which Garmin smartwatch is the better option overall?
The best option depends on your specific needs and budget. The Venu 2 Plus is a more affordable option with touchscreen functionality, while the Epix provides advanced training features and full maps. Consider your preferences and requirements to determine the best fit for you.