Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Venu 2 Plus

Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 Plus are two Garmin smartwatches that are priced in a similar bracket. Both watches have been released in 2022. So, in a way, these watch models are the latest in their respective category of smartwatches. We look at the key features of Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 Plus. And, we look at the subtle differences between the Forerunner 255 standard edition and Venu 2 Plus smartwatch models. This should help you in taking a wise decision about your next smartwatch purchase.

Target Functionality

Forerunner 255 is a running watch. It is suitable for advanced runners. All features and functions of the Forerunner 255 watch are geared towards enhancing detailed activity and running tracking. Venu 2 Plus, on the other hand, is a complete smartwatch. It is ideally suited for people who are looking at Samsung Watch 4 or Apple Watch 6 or Apple Watch 7. Venu 2 Plus does incorporate many features that make it a premium Venu series smartwatch.

Display

One of the biggest advancements on Venu 2 Plus has to be the AMOLED display screen on the watch. AMOLED screens come with much better display experience and display resolution. Forerunner 255 comes with a memory-in-pixel or MIP screen. The difference between the AMOLED and MIP screens can be seen in the light of the following facts:

  • Forerunner 255 has a display size of 46 mm and Venu 2 Plus has a display size of 44 mm.
  • Forerunner 255 has a display resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. Venu 2 Plus has a much improved display resolution of 416 x 416 pixels.
  • Both watches have a display screen of 33 mm diameter.
  • Venu 2 Plus also has the touchscreen functionality. Forerunner 255 does not have touchscreen feature.

In terms of display parameters, Venu 2 Plus outscores the Forerunner 255 by a mile.

Glass

Both watches have display glass made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The third-generation Corning Gorilla Glass is specially made for the smartwatches.

Music

Forerunner 255 standard edition does not have music functionality.

  • That means you cannot manage music on the paired smartphone.
  • You cannot download personal audio content on the device storage of Forerunner 255.
  • You cannot stream music through apps like Spotify, Deezer or Pandora.

If you need music on a Forerunner 255, you will need to upgrade your purchase to the Forerunner 255 Music edition.

Venu 2 Plus can be used to manage music on the paired smartphone. It can store up to 650 songs on the device storage of the Venu 2 Plus smartwatch. Venu 2 Plus does support music streaming apps like the Spotify app.

If you are found of music, Venu 2 Plus is the preferred watch over the Forerunner 255 standard edition.

Device Storage

Forerunner 255 comes with 4 GB internal device storage. This storage is used for adding maps on the device. Venu 2 Plus smartwatch can store up to 200 hours of activity data. There is not much to choose between the Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 Plus in terms of device storage.

Multi-band Frequency

Forerunner 255 comes with a multi-frequency positioning sensor. The multi-frequency positioning sensor allows you to take GPS data from multiple satellites. Another way to say that is that the Forerunner 255 supports multi-band frequency. Multi-band frequencies allow you to improve GPS accuracy of your activity and running data. For runners, multi-band frequencies add an extra dimension of data and activity tracking accuracy.

Venu 2 Plus does not have a multi-frequency sensor on the watch. So, you will have to depend on the single satellite system source for GPS data.

This difference is critical for runners and triathletes.

Golf

Venu 2 Plus has the Golf app and allows you to play a game of golf through the watch. You can use all the Golf features on the Venu 2 Plus, including the Garmin Autoshot feature. Forerunner 255 does not have Golf support. You cannot download Golf app or golf course maps on the Forerunner 255 smartwatch.

Wireless Connectivity

Venu 2 Plus supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and ANT+ wireless connectivity. Forerunner 255 can work with Bluetooth and ANT+. Forerunner 255 does not support Wi-Fi.

Venu 2 Plus also supports the Bluetooth phone calling and voice assistant support function. Bluetooth calling is unavailable on Forerunner 255.

Battery

All the Forerunners have extended battery life. These watches come with better battery backup times.

  • Smartwatch mode – Forerunner 255 can last up to 14 days and Venu 2 Plus can last for up to 9 days.
  • GPS mode – Forerunner 255 can last up to 30 hours on the GPS mode and Venu 2 Plus can last up to 8 hours on the GPS mode.

On average, Forerunner 255’s battery backup is almost 60 percent higher than the Venu 2 Plus. The underlying thought behind better battery backup is to ensure that your battery does not tire out in the middle of extended running activities.

Physical Body

Forerunner 255 is slightly light-weight than the Venu 2 Plus. It has a weight of 49 g and the Venu 2 Plus has a weight of 51 g.

  • The physical body of the Forerunner 255 is made of fiber-enforced polymer. This includes the body, bezel and rear cover.
  • The physical body of the Venu 2 Plus is made of fiber-enforced polymer. The bezel is made of stainless steel. The rear cover of Venu 2 Plus is made of metal.

In terms of appearance, the Venu 2 Plus’s steel bezel lends a premium look to the watch.

Swimming

Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 Plus have an identical water rating of 5 ATM. A water resistance rating of 5 ATM implies that both watches can work up to a depth of 50 meters below water surface level. At a depth of 50 meters, the water pressure is 5 atmospheres or 5 ATM.

Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 Plus are suitable for pool swimming. However, both watches should not be used while diving or snorkeling. If you intend to use the watch for deep water diving, it would be prudent to go for a DIVE rated smartwatch. The Garmin Descent watches are DIVE rated smartwatches that can be used while diving.

Cost

Forerunner 255 standard edition costs $399 and the Venu 2 Plus costs $499. The steel bezel and AMOLED display make Venu 2 Plus costlier. From time to time, Garmin does bring out special offers for smartwatches. Keep an eye out for any discounted pricing offers from Garmin for the Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 Plus smartwatches.

Features

FeatureForerunner 255Venu 2 Plus
Heart Rate MonitoringYesYes
Pulse Ox Sensor for Oxygen SaturationYesYes
ThermometerYesYes (tempe sensor required)
Ambient Light SensorNoYes
Live Event SharingYes (Android devices)No
Run ProfilesRunning, Outdoor Track Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Trail Running, Virtual Running, Ultra RunningRunning, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running
Water Resistance Rating5 ATM or 50 meters below water surface level5 ATM or 50 meters below water surface level
Swimming ProfilesPool Swimming and Open Water SwimmingPool Swimming
Cycling ProfilesBiking, Indoor Biking, Mountain Biking, eBiking, eMountain BikingBiking, Indoor Biking
Outdoor Recreation ProfilesHiking, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, RowingHiking, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing
Gym ProfilesStrength, HIIT, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, Pilates, YogaStrength, HIIT, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, Breathwork, Pilates, Yoga
Women’s HealthYesYes

Summary

Forerunner 255 is an exceptional running watch. It includes additional running profiles and outdoor recreation profiles. Forerunner 255 offers advanced training and tracking metrics for runners. The core set of features between Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 Plus are similar. The essential differences lie in the intended target audience for each watch. Venu 2 Plus is a decent watch for someone looking at getting an Apple Watch 7 or Apple Watch SE.

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Helen Kurt - Contributor on TECHEPAGES.COM. Reach me on email.

Helen Kurt is a geeky nerd who loves to cover the wearables space. She has over 5 years of experience in the smartwatch domain. You can reach her on email at [email protected].