Smartwatches / Compare

Garmin Venu 3S vs Garmin Vivoactive 6

A

Product A: Garmin

Venu 3S

95 of 150 known

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B

Product B: Garmin

Vivoactive 6

93 of 150 known

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All 150 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AGarmin Venu 3S

BGarmin Vivoactive 6

General

4 of 10 differ

Series

Venu1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Vivoactive1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

010-02785-01, 010-02785-02, 010-02785-00, 010-02785-03, 010-02785-041Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

010-02985-00, 010-02985-05, 010-02985-01, 010-02985-02, 010-02985-03, 010-02985-041Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

GTIN / EAN

0753759314781, 0753759314798, 0753759314774, 0753759314804, 07537593148118Maker spec sheet (PDF)cms-public.1ntersport.com/968279dd-dbfe-4eaa-b315-366e3c9b34a1/Datenblatt-Venu-3-Serie.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original Garmin six-page Venu 3/3S datasheet page 5 lists all five exact represented Venu 3S silicone SKUs and EANs. Separate Venu 3 and leather bundles excluded.

0753759342807, 0753759342814, 0753759342821, 07537593428388Maker spec sheet (PDF)asset.conrad.com/media10/add/160267/c1/-/de/003413014DS00/datenblatt-3413014-garmin-smartwatch-schwarz-grau.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original Garmin German specification sheet redistributed by Conrad, exact sold-SKU EAN table. 010-02985-00/01/02/03 map respectively to black/bone/green/pink. Later NZ -04/-05 combinations have no barcode here and do not inherit a variant barcode. EAN list identifies these original marketed packages, not every regional bundle.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

30 August 20236Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/reach-your-health-and-fitness-goals-with-new-venu-3-gps-smartwatches-from-garminRead 5 October 2026

1 April 20254Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/wearables-health/meet-vivoactive-6-the-latest-health-and-fitness-smartwatch-from-garminRead 5 October 2026Actual maker announcement. Planned purchase availability is corroborated by retrospective actual-release evidence below.

Status

Available1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Exact current maker NZ SKU is marked sellable and offers Add To Cart. No discontinued status inferred from successor launch.

Available1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Garmin Vivoactive 59Spec databasethe5krunner.com/specs/garmin/vivoactive-6Read 7 October 2026Exact General table explicitly names Vivoactive 5 as predecessor. Canonical existing product checked. No speculative successor stored.27Maker product pagegarmin.com/nl-NL/blogRead 23 October 2026Garmin's Dutch blog calls the vivoactive 6 the successor of the popular vivoactive 5.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Garmin Venu 411Reviewdigitec.ch/en/page/garmin-venu-4-tested-a-smart-combination-of-sport-and-health-40273Read 7 October 2026Own comparison of the author’s prior Venu 3S and the 41 mm Venu 4 explicitly identifies the predecessor. Existing catalog successor has 41 and 45 mm variants.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$449.996Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/reach-your-health-and-fitness-goals-with-new-venu-3-gps-smartwatches-from-garminRead 5 October 2026Original US maker launch explicitly available now with suggested retail price. Original colour packages share price. US amount excludes local sales tax. No euro VAT scope inferred from a retailer-hosted UVP table.

$299.995Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/wearables-health/meet-vivoactive-6-the-latest-health-and-fitness-smartwatch-from-garminRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly publishes unqualified US suggested retail 299.99 USD for original four finishes. Later colour/strap combinations do not inherit variant launch prices.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

NZ, US1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026NZ maker exact SKU pages establish NZ. Original US launch separately establishes US model availability. Variant rows explicitly retain NZ scope and do not inherit US from base.6Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/reach-your-health-and-fitness-goals-with-new-venu-3-gps-smartwatches-from-garminRead 5 October 2026

NZ, US1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Exact regional storefront establishes NZ. Original US maker launch separately establishes US.4Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/wearables-health/meet-vivoactive-6-the-latest-health-and-fitness-smartwatch-from-garminRead 5 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Silver stainless steel bezel with sage grey case and silicone band, Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel with French Gray Case and Silicone Band, Slate stainless steel bezel with pebble gray case and silicone band, Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel with Dust Rose Case and Silicone Band, Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel with Ivory Case and Silicone Band1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Slate with Black Band, Metallic Pink Dawn with Bone band, Lunar Gold with Bone Band, Metallic Jasper Green with Jasper Green Band, Metallic Pink Dawn with Pink Dawn Band, Slate with Pebble Grey Band1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Segment

Smartwatch1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Smartwatch1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

OS updates promisediYears of explicitly promised OS updates. A security-only support period does not establish an OS-upgrade promise.

Not available

Not available

Security updates untiliExact end date published for security-update support of this model. Do not calculate it from a stated number of years. A security-only period does not promise OS upgrades.

Not available

Not available

Case

6 of 8 differ

Case sizeiMarketed case-size options. The marketed size can differ from physical case height, such as ceramic editions. Base dimensions describe the smallest base-material case.

41mm2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026Exact maker selected case option 41 mm for all five represented Venu 3S finishes. Separate 45 mm Venu 3 SKUs are excluded.

42mm6Spec databasethe5krunner.com/specs/garmin/vivoactive-6Read 5 October 2026Published marketed single 42 mm case. Exact physical 42.2 mm comes from maker.

Case shape

Round1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Round1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Case materialiMaterial of the housing body, not just the bezel. Use Mixed when the maker describes a mixture of housing/frame materials. Read the published-material field for the parts and proportions.

Fibre-reinforced polymer1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Primary housing is fibre-reinforced polymer. Bezel metal is recorded separately in material description, not substituted for housing.

Fibre-reinforced polymer1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Case material (as published)

Fibre-reinforced polymer housing. Stainless steel bezel.1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Fibre-reinforced polymer housing. Anodised aluminium bezel.1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Exact General table distinguishes fibre-reinforced polymer housing from anodised aluminium bezel.

BackiMaterial of the back of the smallest base-material case. Other materials or regional editions can differ. See source notes.

Fibre-reinforced polymer13Retailer pagebestbuy.com/site/garmin-venu-3s-gps-smartwatch-41-mm-fiber-reinforced-polymer-stainless-steel-and-french-gray-2023/10101797.pRead 7 October 2026Exact 010-02785-02 French Gray retailer row states the rear housing material. Typographical polymner is normalized to polymer. Sensor window and ECG contact material are excluded from this housing description.

Not available

Case dimensionsiPhysical case height, width and thickness. The source note states exclusions such as the heart-rate sensor protrusion.

Height41Width41Thickness12mm(1.6 × 1.6 × 0.5 in)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Height42.2Width42.2Thickness10.9mm(1.7 × 1.7 × 0.4 in)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Physical Size table gives 42.2 x 42.2 x 10.9 mm. Thickness inclusion of sensor projection is not separately stated.

Weight (case only)iWatch body without a strap. An unqualified published weight must not be assumed to exclude the strap.

27g(1 oz)12Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-US/compareRead 7 October 2026Maker comparison product ID 873214 explicitly separates 27 g from 40 g with the included band. The current NZ product page only publishes the latter. Digital Citizen independently says 27 g without the band. All five existing finish rows have the same 41 mm housing.

23g(0.8 oz)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Body-only mass explicitly precedes separate mass with included band.

Weight with strapiWatch with the stated strap attached. Strap material and case size belong in the source note. Reviewer measurements belong in measured fields.

40g(1.4 oz)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Exact maker 40 g with included silicone band. Leather package 34 g is excluded. Bare-body mass is not published and is omitted.

36g(1.3 oz)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Published complete watch mass with supplied silicone band. Leather packages excluded.

Durability

1 of 8 differ

Water resistanceiStatic water-pressure rating in atmospheres. It is not a safe swimming or diving depth. Diving limits are listed separately.

5ATM4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Swim 5 ATM, pressure equivalent to 50 m. It is not a supported scuba depth or dive-mode claim.

5ATM3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Water resistance standard

Not available

Not available

Dust and water rating

Not available

Not available

Dive rating

Not available

Not available

Max dive depthiMaker-rated depth for the stated diving use, not a conversion from the water-resistance pressure rating.

Not available

Not available

MIL-STD-810iMaker claim that the watch was tested against specified MIL-STD-810 methods. It is not a guarantee for every military-standard test.

Not available

Not available

MIL-STD-810 tests

Not available

Not available

Operating temperatureiPublished operating range. Source notes identify on-wrist limits and other operating conditions. Storage or charging limits are excluded.

Min-20Max50°C4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Published operating range. Separate 0 to 45 C charging range is not stored as operation.

Min-20Max60°C3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications printed page 87. Operating range is separate from USB charging 0-45 C.

Display

0 of 14 differ

Display type

OLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Published AMOLED. No LTPO panel, refresh limits or peak brightness inferred.

OLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Display type (as published)

AMOLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

AMOLED1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Screen sizeiPublished active display diagonal for a rectangular display, or diameter for a round display. Do not calculate it from pixels or display area.

1.2in(3 cm)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

1.2in(3 cm)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Resolution

390 × 390px1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

390 × 390px1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Pixel densityiPublished pixel density. A rectangular diagonal formula must not be applied to a round display.

Not available

Not available

Display area

Not available

Not available

Touchscreen

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Max refresh rateiHighest published display refresh rate in active operation.

Not available

Not available

Min refresh rateiLowest published display refresh rate, usually in always-on mode. It is not the active-use minimum unless stated.

Not available

Not available

Peak brightnessiMaker peak-brightness claim. It may apply to a small area or bright ambient light. Full-screen limits and battery/temperature conditions belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Minimum brightness

Not available

Not available

Always-on display

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Display cover

Gorilla Glass1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Gorilla Glass1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Display cover (as published)

Corning Gorilla Glass 31Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Corning Gorilla Glass 31Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Platform

8 of 15 differ

Platform

Proprietary15Reviewphonearena.com/reviews/garmin-venu-3-review_id6021Read 7 October 2026PhoneArena explicitly states that its sample is the smaller 41 mm Venu 3S despite the shortened review title. Its own software description identifies Garmin’s proprietary OS.

Proprietary11Spec databasegadgetsandwearables.com/technical-specs/garmin-vivoactive-6Read 7 October 2026Exact device Operating system row says Garmin proprietary. Current maker Connect IQ ecosystem corroborates. No Wear OS or Linux inference. Incorrect secondary screen size/bezel or training rows do not override maker facts.

OS at launch

Not available

Garmin proprietary OS11Spec databasegadgetsandwearables.com/technical-specs/garmin-vivoactive-6Read 7 October 2026Exact Daily smart features row labels operating system at launch Garmin proprietary. Launch firmware number is not stated and not guessed.

Software

Not available

Not available

Latest OS

Garmin firmware 17.0516Maker product pageforums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/healthandwellness/f/venu-3-series/429866/venu-3-series-software-version---17-05Read 7 October 2026Official Garmin staff states that version 17.05 for Venu 3/3S has reached 100% stable release. Later release searches found no qualifying newer stable version. Current access date defines the researched version.

Garmin software 18.2912Maker product pageforums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/healthandwellness/f/vivoactive-6-series/443701/vivoactive-6-software-version---18-29Read 7 October 2026Current exact-model announcement by Garmin-Zac states 18.29 at 100% Release. September 2026 rollout through Garmin Connect Mobile/Express. This is stable device software, not Connect IQ API level or GPS module firmware, and not a beta. No update was performed.

Works with

iOS, Android1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

iOS, Android1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Phone requirement

Compatible Bluetooth Android phone, or iPhone with iOS 18.2 or later for the current Garmin Connect app.17Maker product pageapps.apple.com/us/app/garmin-connect/id583446403Read 7 October 2026Garmin’s current App Store listing version 5.30 requires iOS 18.2. This is a current app requirement, distinct from launch compatibility. The watch manual confirms Android and iOS Bluetooth phones. A current numeric Android minimum could not be recovered from the support article.25Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact Venu 3 series Bluetooth phone compatibility Android/iOS. Current iOS minimum comes from the Garmin Connect developer App Store listing.

Not available

App store

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Voice assistants

Paired smartphone voice assistant5Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Overview hold Custom/Voice Assistant button activates assistant on paired phone. It is not an independent onboard assistant or generic Siri/Alexa compatibility promise.

Not available

Chipset

NXP i.MX RT5559Maker spec sheet (PDF)nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/IMXRT500EC.pdfRead 7 October 2026NXP exact orderable-part/marking table page 7 maps fitted photo mark to RT555. Family GPU/clock options not inherited into watch fields.23Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04542/Internal-Photos/Internal-Photos-6709359.pdfRead 7 October 2026Garmin FCC internal photos page 2 show the fitted NXP marking MRT555SFF. NXP IMXRT500EC Rev. 4 table 1 maps MRT555SFFOC to MIMXRT555SFFOC, the RT555 in FOWLP249. The RT595 is a distinct part. PhoneArena’s MediaTek MT6739 database claim conflicts with the actual board and its own review’s Unknown row. Device RAM and clock are not inferred.

Not available

Process

Not available

Not available

CPU cores

19Maker spec sheet (PDF)nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/IMXRT500EC.pdfRead 7 October 2026Fitted RT555 identified in actual Garmin FCC board photo. NXP block diagram has one Cortex-M33 CPU. Exact RT555 row disables the optional DSP, unlike RT595. One general CPU core. Component maximum clock is not transferred to watch runtime.

Not available

CPU configuration

AGarmin Venu 3S

Count	Core
1	Arm Cortex-M33

Source9Maker spec sheet (PDF)nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/IMXRT500EC.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact RT555 orderable-part row and block diagram establish the single Cortex-M33 configuration. No DSP core is included. Maximum frequency is omitted because the original part retailer lists 200 MHz while current family datasheet says up to 275 MHz, and exact watch clock is unpublished.

BGarmin Vivoactive 6

Not available

Max CPU clock

Not available

Not available

GPU

NXP 2.5D vector graphics processor9Maker spec sheet (PDF)nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/IMXRT500EC.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact RT555 table row enables Graphics. Datasheet Graphics/Multimedia identifies the 2.5D vector graphics unit. Fitted part is matched through actual board marking. No GPU clock, software acceleration guarantee or RT595 DSP inherited.

Not available

Low-power coprocessor

Not available

Not available

Memory

0 of 2 differ

RAMiKeep published GB values as stated. Convert a source explicitly labelled MB using 1000 MB per GB and preserve its original figure and unit in the note. Do not assume MB means MiB. Convert explicit MiB or GiB to decimal GB through their byte definitions, recording the conversion in the note. This normalization does not establish an exact physical byte count.

Not available

Not available

StorageiTotal built-in storage the maker states, in decimal GB. Space available to the user is lower and goes in the source note. A figure the maker gives only as available space is not stored.

8GB1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

8GB1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Health sensors

5 of 8 differ

Heart rate sensor

Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor (5th generation)1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 20268Maker spec sheet (PDF)cms-public.1ntersport.com/968279dd-dbfe-4eaa-b315-366e3c9b34a1/Datenblatt-Venu-3-Serie.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original maker datasheet names the fifth-generation HR sensor for Venu 3 series including Venu 3S. Current exact 3S SKU table independently lists Garmin ECG App support, with country, age, software and paired-phone requirements.

Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

ECG capabilityiElectrical heart sensing hardware with an ECG capability. The ECG app can require an eligible country, age and paired phone.

Yes2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026Current exact Venu 3S maker specification marks Garmin ECG App yes. Country eligibility, age, compatible phone and updated software required. Hardware capability and current app support do not assert ECG was enabled at 2023 launch.

No7Reviewlivescience.com/health/exercise/garmin-vivoactive-6-reviewRead 5 October 2026Exact hardware discussion expressly cannot take ECG readings.

Blood oxygen sensingiBlood-oxygen sensing capability. App availability and medical status vary by market.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Skin temperature sensingiA sensor or supported function that measures skin temperature. It is not a core-body thermometer.

Yes2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026Current exact maker Skin temperature yes. Current software function, not a core-body thermometer or launch claim.

No13Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-GB/which-watch/wellness-tracking/compareRead 7 October 2026Original current maker wellness comparison header identifies Vivoactive 6. Skin temperature cell is empty while adjacent Venu 4/X1 cells have checks. Tom’s Guide explicitly states no onboard skin-temperature sensor. Ambient/internal activity temperature and external tempe are separate. Original public var content table read.25Reviewtomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/i-wore-the-garmin-vivoactive-6-for-a-month-and-it-has-nearly-everything-i-want-in-a-smartwatchRead 7 October 2026Exact model review expressly states there is no onboard skin-temperature sensor. Independently corroborates the original maker wellness comparison matrix. Core/body and external ambient temperatures are different functions.

Blood pressure featureiPublished blood-pressure feature category. Hypertension notifications are not numerical blood-pressure readings.

Not available

Not available

Body composition sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin conductance (EDA)

No15Reviewphonearena.com/reviews/garmin-venu-3-review_id6021Read 7 October 2026The own review of the actual 41 mm Venu 3S explicitly excludes EDA sensing. ECG electrodes do not establish EDA.

Not available

Medical clearancesiNamed regulatory clearances and their jurisdiction. General water resistance or an ECG sensor does not establish medical clearance.

United States: FDA-cleared Garmin ECG App18Press releasegarmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/wearables-health/garmin-expands-ecg-app-to-additional-smartwatches-including-its-flagship-epix-pro-and-fenix-7-pro-seriesRead 7 October 2026Original October 17, 2023 maker release extends its FDA-cleared ECG App to the Venu 3 series. Exact Venu 3S maker specifications and the supported-model list corroborate. US use requires age 22 or older and eligible phone, country and software. Clearance is for the app. FDA K221774 corroborates the app identity.

Not available

Motion and environment sensors

1 of 9 differ

Accelerometer

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Accelerometer range

Not available

Not available

Gyroscope

Yes2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Barometric altimeter

Yes2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026

No6Spec databasethe5krunner.com/specs/garmin/vivoactive-6Read 5 October 2026Explicitly no barometric altimeter. No floor-climb sensor inherited from Venu.

Compass

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Ambient light sensor

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Depth gauge

Not available

Not available

Depth gauge rangeiPublished measurement range of the depth gauge, distinct from maximum diving depth and water-pressure resistance.

Not available

Not available

Water temperature sensor

Not available

Not available

Health and fitness

4 of 5 differ

Health featuresiSupported health functions with country, phone and subscription restrictions in the source notes. Upcoming functions are not counted as available.

Continuous heart rate, Heart rate alerts, Blood oxygen app, Heart rate variability, Sleep tracking, Sleep stages, Stress tracking, Cycle tracking, ECG app3Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026Exact current health rows and original launch corroborate continuous HR, high/low alerts, Pulse Ox, HRV, advanced sleep, stress and women health. Sleep stages explicitly in original manual. Pulse Ox and ECG, where present, are country-restricted. No training readiness or skin-temperature ovulation algorithm inferred.4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026

Continuous heart rate, Heart rate alerts, Blood oxygen app, Heart rate variability, Sleep tracking, Sleep stages, Stress tracking, Cycle tracking2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Exact Health & Wellness table and manual definitions. Sleep HRV and sleep stages are distinct. Body Battery is energy monitoring, not an inferred training-readiness score. Pulse Ox is wellness monitoring and unavailable in some countries.

Fitness featuresiSupported workout functions. A sport-profile name alone does not prove advanced metrics such as running power or running dynamics. Trackback follows the recorded route back to the start. A compass arrow that points straight to the start does not count.

Automatic workout detection, VO2 max, Recovery advice, Pool swim, Open water swim, Strength rep counting, Interval workouts, Golf courses, Running dynamics, Running power3Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026Exact current capability rows and manual activity chapters. Move IQ can auto-start timed walking/running after configured thresholds. Swimming is corroborated by recording chapters. Current manual page 51 explicitly supports wrist running power and running dynamics. These are current software features, not original launch promises. Straight-line Back to Start does not establish TracBack or course-following.4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026

Automatic workout detection, VO2 max, Recovery advice, Running dynamics, Pool swim, Open water swim, Strength rep counting, Interval workouts, Golf courses, Running power, Route navigation, Trackback2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Matching current maker technical table confirms named metrics. Sport-profile names alone are not metric evidence. Current exact owner manual separately confirms running power, course navigation and TracBack. No feature is borrowed from a sibling watch or conflicting secondary database.3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Current exact manual page 57 expressly supports running power from watch sensors or compatible dynamics accessory. Pages 70-73 support saved-course navigation and TracBack along the travelled route. These current software capabilities are not asserted as launch features.

Sport profilesiPublished count of distinct sport/activity profiles. A claim such as 180+ is not an exact integer count.

Not available

Not available

Dive modesiActual supported dive modes. Water resistance or a depth app alone does not establish decompression-capable scuba support.

Not available

Snorkel23Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 7 October 2026Exact current maker Activity profiles table, On the water row explicitly lists Snorkeling. Stored named surface-snorkeling activity profile only, as confirmed by main. No depth gauge, decompression, scuba gas mode or rated operating dive depth is implied. 5 ATM is not converted to safe diving depth.

External sensorsiTypes of external workout sensors the watch can pair with. GPS reception, phone data and built-in sensors do not qualify.

Heart rate strap, Power meter, Speed and cadence, Foot pod, Smart trainer4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact Wireless Sensors table, printed page 50, supports external heart-rate straps, power meters, speed/cadence sensors, foot pods and smart trainers. Additional published golf-club, eBike, light, radar and tempe accessories are not mapped because the schema has no corresponding enum slots. They are not built-in sensors or box items.

Heart rate strap, Speed and cadence, Foot pod3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Matching Wireless Sensors table. Vivoactive supports external HR, speed/cadence and foot pods. A generic ANT+ radio does not prove additional sensor classes.

Safety

0 of 6 differ

Fall detectioniAutomatic fall detection. Incident detection restricted to recorded workouts is not counted as general fall detection.

No4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Current manual limits Incident Detection to certain recorded outdoor activities. It requires a paired phone and data, and is unavailable in wheelchair mode. The schema excludes activity-only incident detection from general fall detection. CHIP’s broader Sturzerkennung label describes that restricted feature.

No14Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete Safety and Tracking Features section says incident detection only during certain outdoor GPS activities and requires a connected phone. Schema explicitly excludes workout-only incident detection from general fall detection. No all-day fall monitoring claimed. Current September maker update reserves new all-day fall detection for Venu 4.

Car crash detection

Not available

Not available

Emergency SOSiA manual emergency alert to emergency services or preset contacts. Source notes identify the recipient, paired-phone requirement and country limits. Satellite is listed separately.

Yes4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Assistance sends message/LiveTrack/GPS to configured emergency contacts through paired phone and Garmin Connect. Phone data plan and coverage required. App does not contact emergency services on behalf of user.

Yes3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Assistance sends location/message to configured emergency contacts through a paired phone with data coverage. No standalone satellite or cellular emergency call inferred.

Emergency sireniPublished or measured siren sound level in decibels. Audible distance alone does not establish this value. Measurement distance belongs in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Live location sharingiShares live location during supported use. A paired phone or data subscription may be required.

Yes4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Current LiveTrack chapter, configured sharing and connected phone required. Generic activity incident detection is not stored as all-day fall detection or vehicle crash detection. It is disabled in wheelchair mode.

Yes3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Safety/tracking sections require Garmin Connect, a paired compatible phone and data coverage.

Dedicated LED flashlightiA dedicated hardware LED flashlight. Lighting the display white is not counted.

No19Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/08/garmin-venu-3-in-depth-review-more-sleep-analytics-power-meters-and-more.htmlRead 7 October 2026DC Rainmaker explicitly tested both sizes and distinguishes the screen flashlight from a dedicated LED. Current family manual independently says to turn on the AMOLED display as a flashlight.25Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Controls menu explicitly describes an AMOLED display flashlight.

No13Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-GB/which-watch/wellness-tracking/compareRead 7 October 2026Exact maker Built-in flashlight comparison row is absent for Vivoactive 6 and checked for Venu 4/X1. Current manual Using the Flashlight Screen explicitly turns the screen into a flashlight. No dedicated hardware LED inferred from the screen feature.26Reviewoutdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/gps-watch/garmin-vivoactive-6Read 7 October 2026Exact review Extra Features describes a screen-based flashlight and expressly contrasts it with dedicated LED flashlights on other Garmin watches. Original manual Using the Flashlight Screen and exact maker comparison matrix corroborate absence of a dedicated hardware LED.

Positioning

2 of 3 differ

PositioningiPublished satellite systems and signal bands. Do not infer bands from dual-frequency support alone.

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Exact published satellite-system sensor list. All-Systems runtime does not establish dual-frequency hardware.

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Dual-band GNSSiMaker-stated dual-frequency satellite reception. Supported constellations and signal bands are listed separately.

No19Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2023/08/garmin-venu-3-in-depth-review-more-sleep-analytics-power-meters-and-more.htmlRead 7 October 2026Own launch review explicitly covers both sizes and distinguishes multi-GNSS from multi-band reception. PhoneArena’s actual 41 mm review independently says there is no dual-band GPS support. This does not assert that a dormant chip feature is physically impossible.

No7Reviewlivescience.com/health/exercise/garmin-vivoactive-6-reviewRead 5 October 2026Exact review explicitly lacks dual-band GPS. No chipset-based assumption.

Offline mapsiMap data stored on the watch and usable without live phone data. GPX routes or breadcrumb tracks alone are not offline maps.

Not available

No15Reviewdcrainmaker.com/2025/04/garmin-vivoactive-6-details-hands-everything.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact base watch hands-on explicitly no maps on the watch and breadcrumb course trail instead. Current manual course/TracBack instructions corroborate. Garmin Google Maps Android phone app integration is not stored offline map data.

Connectivity

2 of 15 differ

BluetoothiPublished Bluetooth support for this model. The version is recorded separately. Unknown version does not mean the radio is absent.

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth version

Not available

Not available

Wi-FiiPublished Wi-Fi support for this model. The standard and bands are recorded separately. Unknown standard does not mean Wi-Fi is absent.

Yes26Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04542/RF-Exposure-Info/SAR-Report-6709373.pdfRead 7 October 2026The same radio-mode table lists Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n, so a Wi-Fi radio is fitted.

Yes16Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026The same compilation declares WLAN 802.11b/g/n, so a Wi-Fi radio is fitted.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 420Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/garmin-venu-3s-gps-smartwatch-41-mm-fiber-reinforced-polymer-stainless-steel-and-dust-rose-2023/6551504Read 7 October 2026Exact Venu 3S 010-02785-03 hardware row states N, normalized to Wi-Fi 4. FCC A04542 report independently tests 802.11 b/g/n. Model hardware function across the five represented finish packages. No rated throughput inferred.26Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04542/RF-Exposure-Info/SAR-Report-6709373.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact A04542 Venu 3S maker-filed SAR report, RF Output Power operating-mode table, explicitly lists WiFi 2.4 GHz 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n. Intrinsic radio capability corroborates exact Best Buy Venu 3S N row. No throughput or regional channel entitlement inferred.

Wi-Fi 416Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original maker-hosted commercial Vivoactive 6/A04951 certification compilation. Declared WLAN mode 802.11b/g/n HT20 establishes Wi-Fi 4. Wi-Fi 5/6/7 not inferred from firmware version. EU DoC independently maps A04951 to Vivoactive 6.

Wi-Fi bands

2.4 GHz4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact family specifications list 2.4 GHz radio alongside separate 13.56 MHz NFC. Current Venu 3S maker page explicitly has Wi-Fi. A04542 SAR report explicitly identifies Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz b/g/n modes, distinguishing those from BT and ANT. No 5/6 GHz band or universal regional channel permission inferred.26Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04542/RF-Exposure-Info/SAR-Report-6709373.pdfRead 7 October 2026Same exact radio-mode table expressly identifies WiFi 2.4 GHz, separately from Bluetooth. Native family manual lists 2.4 GHz radio and 13.56 MHz NFC. Regulatory numeric SAR and identifiers are not transferred across unresolved regional SKU scope.

2.4 GHz16Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026Commercial-model SUBTEL table expressly gives Wi-Fi 2412–2462 MHz. FCC RF inventory includes only WLAN 2.4 GHz. Regional enabled channels differ, but only 2.4 GHz band is published.

CellulariTrue when a cellular edition is sold. A variant row states whether that individual model has cellular hardware.

No15Reviewphonearena.com/reviews/garmin-venu-3-review_id6021Read 7 October 2026PhoneArena actually reviewed the 41 mm Venu 3S and explicitly excludes cellular. CHIP lists no SIM, eSIM or cellular. Maker calling requires a paired phone. All five represented finishes use the same noncellular hardware.

No16Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete A04951 declared transmitter inventory contains Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT and NFC, no cellular modem. Digital Citizen expressly says no LTE mobile connectivity available, with no sold cellular edition found across complete six-SKU maker range. Each NZ variant explicitly false.24Reviewandroidcentral.com/wearables/garmin/garmin-vivoactive-6-vs-google-pixel-watch-3Read 7 October 2026Exact comparison explicitly says LTE option is not available on Vivoactive 6 at all. Common maker full SKU inventory and declared A04951 radio modules corroborate marketed absence.

Network

Not available

Not available

4G bandsiPublished LTE bands for the stated regional cellular model. Do not transfer bands to another region or Wi-Fi-only model.

Not available

Not available

5G bandsiPublished 5G NR bands for the stated regional cellular model. RedCap support does not establish conventional full-bandwidth phone 5G.

Not available

Not available

NFCiSome regions sell an NFC edition, so it is per variant.

Yes7Press releasegarmin.com/vi-VN/newsroom/press-release/news-2023-nov-garminpay-releaseRead 5 October 2026Original maker Vietnamese Garmin Pay release explicitly lists the Venu 3 series, which includes Venu 3S, among NFC-integrated watches. Current exact Venu 3S SKU table independently marks Garmin Pay supported. No regional transit-card feature or universal bank compatibility inferred.

Yes16Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026Commercial-model certification Modules row explicitly NFC and 13.56 MHz. Maker Garmin Pay claim is separate.

Contactless payments

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Payment services

Garmin Pay1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Garmin Pay1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Ultra-wideband

Not available

No11Spec databasegadgetsandwearables.com/technical-specs/garmin-vivoactive-6Read 7 October 2026Exact UWB row expressly No. Complete manufacturer A04951 declared radio inventory independently lists NFC, ANT, Bluetooth BR/EDR/LE and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, with no UWB hardware. Model identity proved by original EU DoC. This is not inferred from another Garmin device.

Satellite

Not available

None16Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete declared transmitter inventory has no satellite transmitter. GNSS receivers do not imply communications. Safety manual needs phone data, and remote inReach features require a separate inReach communicator. Each base NZ variant has no standalone satellite communication.

ANT+

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Audio

3 of 4 differ

Speaker

Yes2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Microphones

Not available

017Reviewoutdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/gps-watch/garmin-vivoactive-6Read 7 October 2026Exact standard, only-size watch review Extra Features explicitly no microphone for calls. Gadgets & Wearables exact Microphone No and Android Central exact hardware omissions corroborate total absence. No voice recorder or local voice assistant in complete maker manual. Speaker value remains omitted because another review contradicts speaker absence.24Reviewandroidcentral.com/wearables/garmin/garmin-vivoactive-6-vs-google-pixel-watch-3Read 7 October 2026Exact Hardware and specs table Mic and speaker row No, and prose explicitly calls microphone a hardware omission. This corroborates zero physical microphones, not merely disabled voice calling. Inaccurate 390 x 309 typo in the display row does not override original maker resolution.

Calls on the watchiVoice-call capability of the marketed model, including sold cellular editions. Variant radio capability and paired-phone requirements still apply.

Phone only2Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly paired compatible smartphone required for call audio. No independent cellular calling inferred.

None14Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Receiving an Incoming Phone Call explicitly requires using the connected phone to talk. Accept/decline controls and Android text replies do not mean voice calls on the watch.

Music on the watchiPlays audio stored on the watch. Remote control of phone playback or streaming alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Controls

3 of 5 differ

ButtonsiPhysical controls used to operate the watch, excluding the rotating crown and strap-release buttons. A clickable rotating crown is counted only in Crown.

34Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026

23Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Printed page 6 complete overview diagram identifies START and BACK, two physical buttons.

Named operating buttonsiNames of operating buttons, excluding the crown and strap-release controls.

Action button, Back button, Custom/Voice Assistant button4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact named operating controls from Overview, printed page 6. Action, Back and Custom/Voice Assistant buttons. No names from newer watch manuals borrowed.

START button, BACK button3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Printed page 6 names START and BACK physical buttons in the complete overview diagram.

CrowniA crown that rotates to control the interface. A round push button that does not rotate is not a crown.

None21Reviewchip.de/test/Garmin-Venu-3S-im-Test_185043588.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact Venu 3S own review explicitly says it has no rotating crown. Its three push buttons remain separate controls.

None14Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete Overview and Using the Touchscreen describe only two push buttons START/BACK, taps and swipes. No rotating operating crown in the full controls inventory. A round push button does not count as crown.24Reviewandroidcentral.com/wearables/garmin/garmin-vivoactive-6-vs-google-pixel-watch-3Read 7 October 2026Design and display paragraph explicitly distinguishes Vivoactive 6 touchscreen and two hardware buttons from Pixel Watch 3 rotating crown. Original complete maker overview supplies the same control inventory.

Rotating bezeliPhysical rotation or touch gestures around the display edge. A fixed decorative bezel is None.

None22Reviewandroidcentral.com/wearables/garmin-venu-3-reviewRead 7 October 2026Review describes the absence of a bezel used for interface navigation, while separately describing the decorative metal bezel. It explicitly says the Venu 3S shares these features. The source tested the larger watch, so only this stated shared control feature is adopted.

None14Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete controls inventory uses two push buttons and touchscreen taps/swipes. Decorative anodised-aluminium bezel is fixed. No physical or touch rotation control in the complete operating instructions.

Gestures

Touchscreen swipes and taps, Raise and turn wrist to wake display4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Manual introduction and Touchscreen Tips describe swipes and taps. Display settings explicitly name raising and turning the wrist to wake the screen. No gestures from newer watches are added.

Raise and turn wrist to wake display, Cover display with palm to return to watch face and dim display14Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact manual touchscreen instruction and Display and Brightness Settings Wake On Gesture row. These gestures operate the display/interface. No double-pinch or voice gesture inferred.

Battery and charging

2 of 13 differ

Battery capacityiPublished battery capacity for the stated case size. Rated and typical capacity are distinguished in source notes.

220mAh23Regulatory filingfccid.io/IPH-04542/Internal-Photos/Internal-Photos-6709359.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original Garmin 361-00162-00 battery label in manufacturer FCC internal photos, page 1, states rated 220 mAh and 0.85 Wh. The label was visually read at 300 dpi. CHIP and MediaMarkt independently corroborate 220 mAh for the 3S. The larger watch and aftermarket cells are excluded.

220mAh16Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026A04951 FCC declared product accessory battery 361-00162-00 rating 3.87 V, 220 mAh. Stated component rating, not measured discharge or estimated from runtime. Original EU DoC explicitly connects A04951 to Vivoactive 6. Single-size base hardware only. Other model batteries are not transferred.

Claimed battery lifeiMaker endurance claims with distinct operating modes and case sizes. With solar describes augmentation of that estimate, not hardware capability. Use false for ordinary claims without solar augmentation, true for explicitly solar-aided claims, and omit it when solar qualification is unclear. Source notes state AOD, GNSS, music and solar conditions. Do not create a normal-use row from an AOD-only claim. Low power denotes the maker battery-saver mode. Keep its typical, light-use and always-on claims separate from standard-mode claims. GPS power saving identifies an intermediate reduced-accuracy GNSS saving preset. Source notes retain the maker's preset name and published conditions. Max battery GPS is the distinct maximum-saving claim. When the maker has only one GPS saving preset, it is GPS power saving.

AGarmin Venu 3S

Mode	With solar	Hours (h)
Smartwatch	No	240
Always-on	No	120
Low power	No	480
GPS	No	21
GPS, all systems	No	15
GPS, all systems with music	No	8

Source4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact manual Specifications/Battery Life Information for Venu 3S column, printed page 73. The 10-day smartwatch mode includes activity tracking and continuous wrist heart rate. All durations are maker up-to maxima. Always On is a separate 5-day claim. Battery saver, GPS-only, all-systems GNSS and all-systems with music have separate rows. Actual duration depends on notifications, GPS, connected sensors and other enabled features. No sibling-model runtime transferred.

BGarmin Vivoactive 6

Mode	With solar	Hours (h)
Smartwatch	No	264
Always-on	No	120
Low power	No	504
GPS	No	21
GPS, all systems	No	17
GPS, all systems with music	No	8

Source1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Exact size table distinguishes smartwatch, always-on and GNSS/music modes. Days convert exactly to hours. Current owner manual corroborates non-AOD modes.

Smartwatch mode (claimed)iMaker normal-use smartwatch claim without solar. A watch with only an explicit AOD-mode claim has no value here. Workloads differ and source notes must be read.

240h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

264h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

AOD battery life (up to)iMaker claimed smartwatch endurance with the always-on display enabled and without solar, for the base case. Source notes preserve workload and case conditions. This is a claim, not a measured test or an AOD-off estimate.

120h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

120h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

GPS mode (claimed)iMaker regular GPS/GNSS activity claim without solar, for the base case. AOD, multi-band, music and power-saving conditions have separate rows when published.

21h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

21h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Solar chargingiPublished solar charging hardware capability. An ordinary battery estimate without solar augmentation does not prove that the watch lacks solar charging hardware.

Not available

Not available

Charging methodiThe connection at the watch, not the cable end at the USB adapter. A proprietary inductive puck is not Qi unless interoperability is explicitly established.

Proprietary plug1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Proprietary plug1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Charging guidanceiPublished charging requirements, nominal estimates and compatibility guidance. Keep adapter ratings separate from power accepted by the watch.

Not available

Not available

Max charging power (watch)iPublished maximum charging power at the watch. Adapter rating or charger input power does not prove the power accepted by the watch.

Not available

Not available

Fast chargingiAn explicit fast-charging capability claim. A short charging time or high adapter wattage alone does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Quick charge claimiMaker claim for usage from a short charge. Source notes identify the usage workload, such as normal use or sleep tracking.

Not available

Not available

Charge 0 to 80% (claimed)iMaker claim for charging an empty battery to 80%. Charger and approximate qualifiers belong in source notes.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (claimed)iMaker advertised nominal full-charge duration. Approximate or theoretical maker estimates are allowed, with their conditions in source notes. Partial-charge intervals do not qualify. Measured 0 to 100% tests have a separate field.

Not available

Not available

Measured

1 of 4 differ

Peak brightness (measured)iReviewer measurement. Source notes state screen area, mode and ambient light. A small-area peak claim cannot be replaced with a full-screen measurement.

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-observed mixed-use endurance. Source notes state case size, AOD, workout use and whether it was a complete discharge. Extrapolation from partial discharge is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Battery tests (measured)iReviewer-observed endurance, with case size and test settings in source notes. Partial-discharge projections are not stored as measured endurance.

AGarmin Venu 3S

Test	Hours (h)
Other	83.3

Source10Measurementchip.de/artikel/So-testet-CHIP-Smartwatches_182876255.htmlRead 7 October 2026Linked CHIP method uses maximum brightness and a notification each minute, with time-lapse observation until battery shutdown.24Measurementchip.de/test/Garmin-Venu-3S-im-Test_185043588.htmlRead 7 October 2026CHIP’s actual 41 mm Venu 3S table gives 83:18 hours, tested November 7, 2023 with firmware 7.07. Linked method sets maximum display brightness, sends one phone notification per minute and records a time-lapse until battery shutdown. Review says no GPS. AOD and phone/radio settings are not explicit. Other represents this lab workload. The 86-hour larger watch is excluded.

BGarmin Vivoactive 6

Test	Hours (h)
GPS activity	20

Source20Reviewoutdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/gps-watch/garmin-vivoactive-6Read 7 October 2026Exact review Standard model, One size only. Review Battery Life explicitly measured 20 hours in GPS-Only mode. Published testing method runs activity recording from full charge until empty. General comparison method keeps default settings, with exact review GPS-only mode explicit. AOD brightness, firmware, temperatures, sensors/music are not separately published. No 7%/hour projection or maker 21 h claim substituted. Only this full-cycle GPS row stored, mixed-use complete endpoints unproved.21Reviewoutdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-gps-watch/how-we-testRead 7 October 2026Published method explicitly runs continuous activity recording from full charge until empty. This establishes actual complete discharge, not extrapolation from one-hour drain. Exact tested GPS-only mode and 20-hour value are in the model review.22Reviewoutdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-gps-watchRead 7 October 2026Battery Life method says everything kept at default settings in battery tests. Exact model review separately identifies GPS-only rather than all-systems for the stored observed 20-hour test. No unpublished screen setting inferred.

Full charge time (measured)iReviewer measurement from empty to full, not 0-80% or a charge from 5%. Source notes name the charger and case size.

Not available

Not available

Strap

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Lug widthiDistance between standard strap attachment lugs, not the decorative width of a proprietary strap. Unknown for custom connectors unless the maker publishes lug width.

18mm1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

20mm1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Quick-release strapiThe supplied strap can be detached through its quick-release mechanism. Compatibility with quick-release replacement straps alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Strap systemiPublished attachment system and compatible case sizes. Proprietary connectors are distinguished from standard spring bars.

Standard 18 mm quick-release spring bars4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Manual Changing the Bands, page 71, explicitly gives Venu 3S standard 18 mm quick-release bands and spring-bar instructions. The larger Venu 3 has 22 mm bands. This is distinct from QuickFit.

20 mm industry-standard quick-release bands18Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 7 October 2026Exact NZ sold SKU General Quick Release bands row explicitly Yes (20 mm, Industry standard). Existing supplied strap quick release and width preserved. Not QuickFit, and optional accessory fit range is not substituted for supplied 125–190 mm strap.

Strap materialiMaterial of the supplied strap for the stated package. Do not substitute material from another band sold separately.

Silicone1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

Silicone1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Strap

Silicone band1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026All five exact current NZ finish descriptions explicitly include a silicone band. This generic published name applies to those five rows. Optional leather packages and separately sold replacements are excluded.

Not available

Strap sizesiPublished wrist-circumference range for the stated strap or case. Source notes distinguish an overall compatible wrist range from one supplied strap size.

AGarmin Venu 3S

Wrist (min) (mm)	Wrist (max) (mm)
110	175

Source1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Included Venu 3S silicone band wrist range 110 to 175 mm. Optional replacement straps and larger-watch bands are not inherited.

BGarmin Vivoactive 6

Wrist (min) (mm)	Wrist (max) (mm)
125	190

Source1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Regulatory

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FCC ID

Not available

IPH-0495116Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026Commercial Vivoactive 6/A04951 identity and every original FCC test-report cover explicitly IPH-04951. Exact physical hardware identifier, no sibling radio certification.

SAR limb (US)iPublished limb/wrist SAR for the stated base regional model under the US regime. Other case sizes or radio versions can differ. Head or body SAR is excluded.

Not available

0.31W/kg16Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/Vivoactive%C2%A06.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original FCC SAR report FA482809, printed page 4 Statement of Compliance. Highest published US extremity summary 0.31 W/kg, 10 g at 0 mm, date of test 2024-09-18. Wrist exposure method uses back of watch against phantom, printed page 21. Not EU 0.38 limb or torso 1.05. US summary precision retained rather than substituting detailed WLAN cell 0.312.

SAR limb (EU)iPublished limb/wrist SAR for the stated base regional model under the EU regime. Other case sizes or radio versions can differ. Head or body SAR is excluded.

0.45W/kg4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact Venu 3S EU limb SAR 0.45 W/kg from manual Specifications. Venu 3S torso 1.94 W/kg and larger Venu 3 limb 0.36 W/kg are not substituted.

0.38W/kg3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact Specifications printed page 87 publishes EU limb SAR 0.38 W/kg for this hardware case.

Other certifications

Not available

EU RoHS 2011/65/EU and applicable amendments, EU Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, EU battery legislation 2008/98/EC as amended by (EU) 2023/154219Regulatory filingstatic.garmin.com/pumac/vivoactive%206_DoC-EU.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original signed manufacturer EU Declaration of Conformity, English first page. Exact Model Numbers A04951, vivoactive 6. Issued 2024-11-11, revised 2025-06-18. These are maker declared compliance claims, not medical clearances. No IP, military or diving standard inferred.

In the box

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In the box

Venu 3S, USB-C charging/data cable, Documentation1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Exact per-SKU In the Box tab lists watch, USB-C charging/data cable and documentation. Complete list has no mains adapter. Proprietary four-pin watch connector is not USB-C on watch.

Vivoactive 6, USB-C charging/data cable, Documentation1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Power adapter in boxiA mains/USB power adapter is supplied. A charging cable, inductive puck or charging dock alone does not count.

No1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

No1Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Complete exact-SKU box table has cable and documentation, no power adapter.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.garmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-001Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026

www.garmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-001Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026Public current maker page directly downloaded. Full exact-SKU specs and box tables read from GarminAppBootstrap. Boolean yes/no classes inspected. No authenticated data or bot restriction bypassed.

Spec sheet

www.garmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-001Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02785-00Read 7 October 2026Exact independent maker NZ GarminAppBootstrap Specs tabs read for all five represented 41 mm Venu 3S silicone SKUs. Original Garmin Venu 3/3S six-page datasheet and family manual separately corroborate the 3S column. 45 mm Venu 3 is excluded.

www.garmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-001Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/p/pn/010-02985-00Read 5 October 2026

Manual

www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdf4Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9CC4A873-E034-4A06-B2E0-636DCFE760EE/EN-US/Venu_3_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact current original maker Venu 3 series Owner Manual, 82 pages. Hardware, controls, health, activity, charging, safety and sensor chapters apply to Venu 3S. Size-specific runtime and SAR columns explicitly separated. No 45 mm Venu 3 values inherited.

www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdf3Owner's manualwww8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-8C2C402F-55AC-431F-9CF2-1442B89CE149/EN-US/vivoactive_6_OM_EN-US.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original exact owner manual, 102 pages. Printed page numbers used. No sibling model document.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year14Owner's manualfccid.io/IPH-04542/User-Manual/User-Manual-ISPI-6769765.pdfRead 7 October 2026Actual Garmin Important Safety and Product Information supplied with A04542 US Venu 3S states one year of consumer warranty for non-aviation products. US scope. Exact US retailers agree. NZ Noel Leeming and Dick Smith also state one year, but European terms are not generalized. Statutory rights are separate.

1year10Maker product pagegarmin.com/en-NZ/legal/consumer-limited-warrantyRead 7 October 2026Current NZ contractual non-aviation product warranty is one year from purchase. Complete text read in original public HTML var content data. Statutory rights remain separate. Original-country service and possible independent distributor terms are retained in the policy, not claimed identical for every market.

Both are also in the API. Back to all smartwatches.