The Garmin Venu 4 is a strong choice for users prioritizing comprehensive fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities, while the Withings ScanWatch Nova excels in medical-grade health monitoring and offers a longer battery life with a more traditional watch aesthetic. The best choice depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.
| Attribute | Garmin Venu 4 | Withings ScanWatch Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy | Expected to retain the Gen 5 heart rate sensor. Optical heart rate sensors are used. For the most accurate heart rate tracking during swimming, Garmin recommends using HRM-Swim or HRM-Tri heart rate monitors. | Clinically validated by medical institutions, tracks heart rate variability overnight. |
| Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Monitoring | Tracks blood oxygen levels. | Medical-grade oximeter for accurate SpO2 measurements. |
| ECG Capabilities | Expected to have ECG functionality, similar to the Venu 3. Garmin's ECG app allows users to record their heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). ECG readings from Garmin watches are said to be comparable in accuracy to single-lead electrocardiogram devices. | FDA-approved and clinically validated for detecting signs of AFib or irregular heartbeat rhythms in 30 seconds. |
| Sleep Tracking Quality | Offers advanced sleep tracking that provides detailed insights into sleep quality, helping users identify patterns and areas for improvement. Garmin's advanced sleep monitoring tracks sleep time and quality throughout the night. It considers sleep duration, average stress during sleep, time spent in sleep stages, and restlessness to provide a sleep score. | Tracks sleep cycles (light and deep), sleep duration, interruptions, and time to fall asleep and wake up. Provides a Sleep Quality Score and identifies breathing disturbances. |
| Activity Tracking Accuracy (steps, distance) | Expected to include advanced tracking tools for both casual users and serious athletes, offering detailed information to help everyone reach their fitness goals. | Tracks over 40 activities, evaluates performance using heart rate zones, estimates fitness level via VO2 max, monitors progress towards goals, automatically recognizes activities. Uses a 3-axis accelerometer for step tracking and connected GPS for distance tracking. |
| GPS Accuracy and Speed | May include multiband GNSS + SatIQ for better GPS accuracy and battery efficiency. | Uses connected GPS to map workout sessions and provide distance, elevation, and path data. |
| Battery Life (typical use) | The Venu 3 offers up to 14 days of battery life. Battery life depends on enabled features like activity tracking, heart rate, notifications, and GPS. | Up to 30 days of battery life on a single charge. Charging time is approximately 2 hours. |
| Display Type and Brightness | Features a hybrid display that ensures crystal-clear visibility indoors and outdoors. It may adopt microLED technology for improved brightness and energy efficiency. The display adapts to lighting conditions to ensure optimal visibility. | High-resolution grayscale OLED display with 14,504 pixels and a 282 PPI. Super-LumiNova indexes and hands for readability in the dark. |
| Water Resistance Rating | Has a water resistance rating of 50 meters (5 ATM). This means it is suitable for splashes, rain, showering, swimming, and snorkeling. | 10 ATM (100 meters), suitable for swimming and snorkeling. |
| Smartwatch Features (notifications, apps) | Expected to have enhanced smartwatch features, potentially including LTE connectivity and native voice control. Smart notifications allow users to receive calls, messages, and alerts directly on their wrist. It may also include Garmin Pay for contactless payments and built-in music storage. | Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with the Withings app, Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Google Fit. Provides smart notifications and calendar access. |
| Comfort and Fit | Sleek, lightweight, and durable, making it comfortable to wear all day. | Includes an Oyster metal bracelet that tapers from 20 mm to 18 mm for a secure and comfortable fit. Comes with extra straps for a casual look. |
| Durability and Build Quality | Anticipated to maintain or improve upon the robust build quality of its predecessors. This includes water resistance and durable materials to withstand daily wear and exercise. | Stainless steel case, ceramic and stainless steel rotating bezel, and anti-reflective sapphire glass. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |