Amazon Cuts Garmin Venu 3 to $294.99, a 34% Record-Low Discount

Q: Why does the heavily discounted 2023 Garmin Venu 3 actually boast better battery life than its expensive successor?

Because the Venu 3 is doing less and carrying lighter hardware. Garmin rates the 45mm Venu 3 for up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, versus about 12–13 days for the 45mm Venu 4, and the gap largely comes down to extra power demands on the newer watch. The Venu 4 adds features that consume more energy, including a brighter AMOLED screen, a built-in LED flashlight, and dual-band or multi-band GPS. Dual-band GPS is especially important: it improves location accuracy, but it uses more power than the Venu 3’s simpler all-systems single-band GPS. The newer model also runs more advanced software tools and health features, which can add background processing and sensor use. Hardware design appears to play a role as well. Reports comparing the two models note that the Venu 4 has a heavier, more premium metal build, while the Venu 3 uses a lighter polymer case with a steel bezel. That does not automatically reduce battery life, but Garmin’s newer design priorities seem to favor added capability and materials over maximum endurance. In short, the Venu 3 lasts longer because it is the leaner device: fewer battery-hungry features, less demanding GPS, and a simpler overall package. The Venu 4 is more advanced, but those upgrades come with an energy cost.

2 articles · Updated · Android Central · Aug 24

$294.99 buys Garmin’s 45mm Venu 3 at Amazon after a $155 cut from $449.99, marking the smartwatch’s lowest recorded price.
The deal stands out because Garmin discounts on Venu and Forerunner models are usually scarce outside major sales, making this one unusually aggressive.
The older Venu 3 still offers up to 14 days of battery life, ECG, AMOLED display, NFC, GPS and a built-in microphone, and it even beats the newer Venu 4 on battery life and weight.
Its trade-off is software: buyers miss newer Venu 4 features such as Fitness Coach, Health Status, Sleep Alignment, a built-in flashlight and dual-band GPS.
At $205 less than the Venu 4, the discounted Venu 3 looks strongest for entry-level or self-guided athletes rather than shoppers chasing Garmin’s latest features.