TRAINING EFFECT

Venu 2 Plus doesn't have the Training Effect function so you can't see that data.

It's software or hardware

I reached out to customer support regarding adding training effect as I used to have it on my fenix 5x plus that died, and the response I got was 

"you can request it but the vivoactive and venu devices do not have that feature, it is on our running and outdoor devices"

When I said that this is a multisport watch the reply was 

"the device has a running option but it is not a running device...that would be the forerunner devices"

That is a pretty weak response.  Especially for how much this watch costs.  I can't thinking of anything in one of the forerunner devices from a hardware perspective that would exist that would prevent Garmin from calculating the training effect.  My guess it's just a way to get people to buy the more expensive Fenix line.  However, the Fenix line doesn't have great smartwatch capabilities.  I've been a fan of Garmin, but this is really disappointing and will leave me thinking twice when I need to purchase another device.

What smartwatch functions are you missing in the Fenix and Forerunner lines?

I've had the Venu 2 for 4 days to replace my dead fenix 5x plus.  When I bought my fenix, I was able to get it for around $500 or so.  To replace it with the new version with sapphire glass (now an option with solar) it's between $900 and $1000.  I can't justify that for a watch that will only last 3-4 years and has a non-replaceable battery or nearly $200 to have it replaced.  I tried to use a replacement battery following instructions from a youtube video, got it to work for day and then the battery died.  Wasn't worth the hassle. I'm not a pro athlete, but a bit more than a weekend warrior, so I figured this was a nice compromise.

As for the venu 2 and this is my assessment 4 days in.  

Things I miss from from my fenix 5x plus (again, this is 4 days in, so I may find more)

• Sapphire Glass (i'm definitely going to scratch this sucker up)
• Training effect data
• Longer battery life (but can't complain too much about a week on a charge when compared to other smart watches like my wife's samsung galaxy watch which can only go a day)

I never used the onboard maps much.  If I knew I was going somewhere where I needed a map and wouldn't have service, I've downloaded offline google maps

Things that the Venu 2 plus has over the Fenix for me

• lightweight
• Speakphone
• Compatibility with phone smart assistant
• quicker navigation with touch screen (can read entire email messages with a swipe as one example)

I haven't tried the onboard training coaches, and doubt I will.  

I wish it had the ability to do text to speech or some way to type in replies to messages other than the pre-filled ones (same feature as the fenix).  With a touch screen, it should be easier for garmin to implement with a software update.

Sorry, I meant to say I bought the Venu 2 Plus that has the speaker phone