Victor Hristov - Review Content Lead
![Victor Hristov - Review Content Lead](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/users/62-200/Victor-H.jpg)
victor.h@phonearena.com
Victor has always enjoyed putting words to paper. As a teenager, he went to video game clubs at 6 in the morning, but instead of playing Starcraft, he would immerse himself in phone reviews back in the day when phones still had buttons instead of touchscreens.
Victor has a BA in Russian Language & Literature from Sofia University, and he continued his studies in automated translation systems (like Google Translate). He then had a gig at TransPerfect, one of the biggest translation companies in the world, and another one, writing business articles. He traveled the world for a while, but nothing quite fulfilled his passion for technology, until he stumbled upon a job opening at PhoneArena. He eagerly joined the company in 2010 to write about mobile tech, one of his passions and personal obsessions.
Here, Victor has taken joy to explore mobile photography in greater depths and has become one of the hosts of our YouTube channel. Throughout the years, he has reviewed hundreds of smartphones, and has extensive knowledge of both the Android and iOS ecosystems. His current focus is on smartphone cameras and battery life, and he has become increasingly curious about the way that smartphones have changed our lives and have grown into a world-wide obsession. He usually has a bunch of phones lying around his desk, changing his daily driver every week or so.
You can always email him at victor.h@phonearena.com with questions and thoughts you have about phones.
Victor also has a personal passion for sports and outdoor activities. He grew up playing basketball, but more recently he’s found a passion for social latin dance and is constantly trying various other sports and activities, and is always up for a good fitness challenge. He shares his personal fitness journey over at Instagram under the “the.making.of.vic” handle.
Victor has a BA in Russian Language & Literature from Sofia University, and he continued his studies in automated translation systems (like Google Translate). He then had a gig at TransPerfect, one of the biggest translation companies in the world, and another one, writing business articles. He traveled the world for a while, but nothing quite fulfilled his passion for technology, until he stumbled upon a job opening at PhoneArena. He eagerly joined the company in 2010 to write about mobile tech, one of his passions and personal obsessions.
Here, Victor has taken joy to explore mobile photography in greater depths and has become one of the hosts of our YouTube channel. Throughout the years, he has reviewed hundreds of smartphones, and has extensive knowledge of both the Android and iOS ecosystems. His current focus is on smartphone cameras and battery life, and he has become increasingly curious about the way that smartphones have changed our lives and have grown into a world-wide obsession. He usually has a bunch of phones lying around his desk, changing his daily driver every week or so.
You can always email him at victor.h@phonearena.com with questions and thoughts you have about phones.
Victor also has a personal passion for sports and outdoor activities. He grew up playing basketball, but more recently he’s found a passion for social latin dance and is constantly trying various other sports and activities, and is always up for a good fitness challenge. He shares his personal fitness journey over at Instagram under the “the.making.of.vic” handle.
Recent articles by Victor
![Reader's Choice: Samsung dominates in 2024 Phone Awards!](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/165606-wide-two_800/Readers-Choice-Samsung-dominates-in-2024-Phone-Awards.jpg?1734017886)
Reader's Choice: Samsung dominates in 2024 Phone Awards!
Victor Hristov
![Phone Awards: These are the Best Smartphones of 2024](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/164368-wide-two_800/Phone-Awards-These-are-the-Best-Smartphones-of-2024.jpg?1733498045)
Phone Awards: These are the Best Smartphones of 2024
Victor Hristov
![Google Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: What are the differences](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6795-wide-two_800/Google-Pixel-8a-or-Samsung-Galaxy-S24-FE-What-are-the-differences.jpg?1733997433)
versus
![The phones with best speakers in 2024](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/132160-wide-two_800/The-phones-with-best-speakers-in-2024.jpg?1732283961)
The phones with best speakers in 2024
Victor Hristov
![The best budget 5G phones in 2024 [Buyer's guide]](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/125833-wide-two_800/The-best-budget-5G-phones-in-2024-Buyers-guide.jpg?1732281981)
The best budget 5G phones in 2024 [Buyer's guide]
Victor Hristov
![Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A15 5G: What's new?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6729-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-A16-5G-vs-Galaxy-A15-5G-Whats-new.jpg?1731686476)
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Samsung Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy A15 5G: What's new?
Victor Hristov
![Best Garmin watches for sports and everyday use in 2024](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/118386-wide-two_800/Best-Garmin-watches-for-sports-and-everyday-use-in-2024.jpg?1731599343)
Best Garmin watches for sports and everyday use in 2024
Victor Hristov
![This has got to be the worst iOS feature](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/164569-wide-two_800/This-has-got-to-be-the-worst-iOS-feature.jpg?1731003916)
This has got to be the worst iOS feature
Victor Hristov
![Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review: Some improvements, but one red flag remains](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6725-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-A16-5G-Review-Some-improvements-but-one-red-flag-remains.jpg?1730474009)
![OnePlus 13 vs OnePlus 12: All the differences explained](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6683-wide-two_800/OnePlus-13-vs-OnePlus-12-All-the-differences-explained.jpg?1730382386)
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OnePlus 13 vs OnePlus 12: All the differences explained
Victor Hristov
![The dream smartphone will finally become reality in 2025](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/164288-wide-two_800/The-dream-smartphone-will-finally-become-reality-in-2025.jpg?1730314836)
The dream smartphone will finally become reality in 2025
Victor Hristov
![The embarrassing state of wireless charging on Android](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/164275-wide-two_800/The-embarrassing-state-of-wireless-charging-on-Android.jpg?1730289138)
The embarrassing state of wireless charging on Android
Victor Hristov
![Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch Series 10: Which one should you go for?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6434-wide-two_800/Garmin-Venu-3-vs-Apple-Watch-Series-10-Which-one-should-you-go-for.jpg?1728400924)
versus
![The Best Phones to buy in 2024](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/64576-wide-two_800/The-Best-Phones-to-buy-in-2024.jpg?1732091644)
The Best Phones to buy in 2024
Victor Hristov
![The most important innovation in foldable phones this year](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/163309-wide-two_800/The-most-important-innovation-in-foldable-phones-this-year.jpg?1728136822)
The most important innovation in foldable phones this year
Victor Hristov
![Samsung almost killed foldable phones](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/162286-wide-two_800/Samsung-almost-killed-foldable-phones.jpg?1728057620)
Samsung almost killed foldable phones
Victor Hristov
![I was wrong about the Apple Watch Series 10](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/163283-wide-two_800/I-was-wrong-about-the-Apple-Watch-Series-10.jpg?1727793701)
I was wrong about the Apple Watch Series 10
Victor Hristov
![Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Boringly great](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6558-wide-two_800/Apple-iPhone-16-Pro-Review-Boringly-great.jpg?1734096907)
![iOS 18 lets you make your iPhone home screen ugly, but this is exactly what you might want](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/162725-wide-two_800/iOS-18-lets-you-make-your-iPhone-home-screen-ugly-but-this-is-exactly-what-you-might-want.jpg?1726845739)
![Apple Watch Series 10 vs Series 9: All the differences explained](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6568-wide-two_800/Apple-Watch-Series-10-vs-Series-9-All-the-differences-explained.jpg?1727944850)
versus
![iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14: All upgrades explained](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6550-wide-two_800/iPhone-16-vs-iPhone-14-All-upgrades-explained.jpg?1734097044)
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iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14: All upgrades explained
Victor Hristov
![iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: All the upgrades](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6552-wide-two_800/iPhone-16-vs-iPhone-13-All-the-upgrades.jpg?1734097355)
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iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13: All the upgrades
Victor Hristov
![iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: All the differences](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6548-wide-two_800/iPhone-16-Pro-vs-iPhone-13-Pro-All-the-differences.jpg?1734097210)
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iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: All the differences
Victor Hristov
![iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro: What has changed?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6547-wide-two_800/iPhone-16-Pro-vs-iPhone-14-Pro-What-has-changed.jpg?1734096682)
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iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro: What has changed?
Victor Hristov
![iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16: All the differences](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6275-wide-two_800/iPhone-16-Pro-vs-iPhone-16-All-the-differences.jpg?1733997873)
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iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16: All the differences
Victor Hristov
![iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: What are the differences?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6315-wide-two_800/iPhone-16-Pro-vs-iPhone-15-Pro-What-are-the-differences.jpg?1734016120)
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iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: What are the differences?
Victor Hristov
![iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: All the differences explained](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6274-wide-two_800/iPhone-16-vs-iPhone-15-All-the-differences-explained.jpg?1734015501)
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iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: All the differences explained
Victor Hristov
![Garmin Fenix 8 vs Forerunner 965](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6543-wide-two_800/Garmin-Fenix-8-vs-Forerunner-965.jpg?1725386435)
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Garmin Fenix 8 vs Forerunner 965
Victor Hristov
![Garmin Fenix 8 Review: Superb, but costly](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6538-wide-two_800/Garmin-Fenix-8-Review-Superb-but-costly.jpg?1725371628)
Garmin Fenix 8 Review: Superb, but costly
Victor Hristov
![Google Pixel 9 PhoneArena Camera Score: Slightly better than the Pixel 8, but with some issues](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/160455-wide-two_800/Google-Pixel-9-PhoneArena-Camera-Score-Slightly-better-than-the-Pixel-8-but-with-some-issues.jpg?1727180134)
![Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Definitive Edition](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6485-wide-two_800/Google-Pixel-9-Pro-XL-Review-Definitive-Edition.jpg?1733312775)
![Google Pixel 9 Review: A bit pricier, but worth it](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6472-wide-two_800/Google-Pixel-9-Review-A-bit-pricier-but-worth-it.jpg?1729178653)
![Pixel 9 Pro Review: Google built the dream compact phone](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6484-wide-two_800/Pixel-9-Pro-Review-Google-built-the-dream-compact-phone.jpg?1729178606)
![New bombshell report details big increase in battery size for one new iPhone 16 model](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/161076-wide-two_800/New-bombshell-report-details-big-increase-in-battery-size-for-one-new-iPhone-16-model.jpg?1722595782)
![Garmin Venu 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Don't make a mistake!](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6435-wide-two_800/Garmin-Venu-3-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-Dont-make-a-mistake.jpg?1722535235)
versus
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 review: slightly refined, but falls short on battery life promises](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6343-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-review-slightly-refined-but-falls-short-on-battery-life-promises.jpg?1722521318)
![Apple should make an iPhone Mini again](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/160825-wide-two_800/Apple-should-make-an-iPhone-Mini-again.jpg?1722178811)
Apple should make an iPhone Mini again
Victor Hristov
![What is the point of the Galaxy Ring?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/160278-wide-two_800/What-is-the-point-of-the-Galaxy-Ring.jpg?1720636066)
What is the point of the Galaxy Ring?
Victor Hristov
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs Flip 5: All the differences explained!](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6299-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-6-vs-Flip-5-All-the-differences-explained.jpg?1721115869)
versus
![iPhone 15 eight months later: A workhorse that delivers, but here is how it could improve](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/160045-wide-two_800/iPhone-15-eight-months-later-A-workhorse-that-delivers-but-here-is-how-it-could-improve.jpg?1720008431)
![Motorola Razr Plus (2024) Review: Elevating style, eliminating issues](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6281-wide-two_800/Motorola-Razr-Plus-2024-Review-Elevating-style-eliminating-issues.jpg?1729178323)
![A privacy screen protector is the next big Gen-Z trend, but it might also keep thieves away](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/159089-wide-two_800/A-privacy-screen-protector-is-the-next-big-Gen-Z-trend-but-it-might-also-keep-thieves-away.jpg?1717675235)
![Sony Xperia 10 VI battery life is a mixed bag, but it is great for the one thing we do the most online](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/158740-wide-two_800/Sony-Xperia-10-VI-battery-life-is-a-mixed-bag-but-it-is-great-for-the-one-thing-we-do-the-most-online.jpg?1717085401)
![Sony Xperia 10 VI: Battery and Charging Test Results](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/158741-wide-two_800/Sony-Xperia-10-VI-Battery-and-Charging-Test-Results.jpg?1717084829)
Sony Xperia 10 VI: Battery and Charging Test Results
Victor Hristov
![Sony Xperia 10 VI: PhoneArena Camera Score](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/158738-wide-two_800/Sony-Xperia-10-VI-PhoneArena-Camera-Score.jpg?1717076790)
Sony Xperia 10 VI: PhoneArena Camera Score
Victor Hristov
![Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 6a: What's new in two years of evolution](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6294-wide-two_800/Google-Pixel-8a-vs-Pixel-6a-Whats-new-in-two-years-of-evolution.jpg?1716408336)
versus
![Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 15: Has the iPhone found its budget nemesis?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6293-wide-two_800/Google-Pixel-8a-vs-iPhone-15-Has-the-iPhone-found-its-budget-nemesis.jpg?1716406541)
versus
![Pixel 8a falls behind Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 in PhoneArena Camera Score, but beats mid-range arch-rival](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/158432-wide-two_800/Pixel-8a-falls-behind-Pixel-8-and-Galaxy-S24-in-PhoneArena-Camera-Score-but-beats-mid-range-arch-rival.jpg?1716030036)
![Xiaomi 14 Ultra takes over PhoneArena Camera Score, beating Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/157389-wide-two_800/Xiaomi-14-Ultra-takes-over-PhoneArena-Camera-Score-beating-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-and-iPhone-15-Pro-Max.jpg?1716186511)
![Samsung Galaxy A25 5G Review: Mr. Average](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6207-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-A25-5G-Review-Mr.-Average.jpg?1733993581)
![IKEA just made all fast chargers look way overpriced](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/156488-wide-two_800/IKEA-just-made-all-fast-chargers-look-way-overpriced.jpg?1710948354)
IKEA just made all fast chargers look way overpriced
Victor Hristov
![Garmin Vivoactive 5 Review: $300 well spent](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6055-wide-two_800/Garmin-Vivoactive-5-Review-300-well-spent.jpg?1710775843)
![Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: The new default Garmin sports watch](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6198-wide-two_800/Garmin-Forerunner-165-Review-The-new-default-Garmin-sports-watch.jpg?1710406132)
![How fast is wireless charging on smartphones in 2024?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/156217-wide-two_800/How-fast-is-wireless-charging-on-smartphones-in-2024.jpg?1710255145)
How fast is wireless charging on smartphones in 2024?
Victor Hristov
![Best budget and affordable phones in 2024: a buyer's guide](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/58696-wide-two_800/Best-budget-and-affordable-phones-in-2024-a-buyers-guide.jpg?1729866027)
Best budget and affordable phones in 2024: a buyer's guide
Victor Hristov
![Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Review: Is this sub-$200 phone good enough?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6175-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-A15-5G-Review-Is-this-sub-200-phone-good-enough.jpg?1729176966)
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Review: Compact powerhouse with a sprinkle of AI](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6090-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Review-Compact-powerhouse-with-a-sprinkle-of-AI.jpg?1729177683)
![Galaxy S24 Ultra has a revolutionary reflection-free screen: we test it against iPhone and Pixel](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/154672-wide-two_800/Galaxy-S24-Ultra-has-a-revolutionary-reflection-free-screen-we-test-it-against-iPhone-and-Pixel.jpg?1706733177)
![OnePlus is back!](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/154780-wide-two_800/OnePlus-is-back.jpg?1706550492)
OnePlus is back!
Victor Hristov
![Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G Review: cool looks on a budget](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6083-wide-two_800/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-13-5G-Review-cool-looks-on-a-budget.jpg?1706190504)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G Review: cool looks on a budget
Victor Hristov
![Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: when you go so cheap, you have to make some big compromises](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6082-wide-two_800/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-13-Review-when-you-go-so-cheap-you-have-to-make-some-big-compromises.jpg?1706190535)
![OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 11: All the differences explained](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6049-wide-two_800/OnePlus-12-vs-OnePlus-11-All-the-differences-explained.jpg?1706026214)
versus
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 11: All the differences explained
Victor Hristov
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Galaxy S24: all the differences explained](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6095-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-vs-Galaxy-S24-all-the-differences-explained.jpg?1707490306)
versus
![Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S23: What's new?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/5982-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-vs-Galaxy-S23-Whats-new.jpg?1707493892)
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Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Galaxy S23: What's new?
Victor Hristov
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: The best phones of 2024 so far](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6018-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-vs-iPhone-15-Pro-Max-The-best-phones-of-2024-so-far.jpg?1723029869)
versus
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro: Which one is the King of the Android space?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6019-wide-two_800/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-vs-Pixel-8-Pro-Which-one-is-the-King-of-the-Android-space.jpg?1721116081)
versus
![Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6084-wide-two_800/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-13-Pro-Review.jpg?1706190623)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review
Victor Hristov
![Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Review](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6085-wide-two_800/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-13-Pro-5G-Review.jpg?1706190611)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Review
Victor Hristov
![Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Review](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6086-wide-two_800/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-13-Pro-5G-Review.jpg?1706190665)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Review
Victor Hristov
![The Best Chinese Smartphones Coming in 2024: Ultimate Guide](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/152784-wide-two_800/The-Best-Chinese-Smartphones-Coming-in-2024-Ultimate-Guide.jpg?1700579037)
The Best Chinese Smartphones Coming in 2024: Ultimate Guide
Victor Hristov
![Garmin Venu 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Garmin crushes Samsung in this one area](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6023-wide-two_800/Garmin-Venu-3-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Garmin-crushes-Samsung-in-this-one-area.jpg?1699106418)
versus
![Blind Camera Comparison ULTRA-WIDE Edition Results: iPhone 15 Pro Max defeated by Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/151977-wide-two_800/Blind-Camera-Comparison-ULTRA-WIDE-Edition-Results-iPhone-15-Pro-Max-defeated-by-Pixel-8-Pro-and-Galaxy.jpg?1699027130)
![Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch Series 9: Garmin has one big advantage](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6022-wide-two_800/Garmin-Venu-3-vs-Apple-Watch-Series-9-Garmin-has-one-big-advantage.jpg?1699019707)
versus
![Garmin Venu 3 Review: Finally, a smartwatch with one-week battery life!](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/review/6021-wide-two_800/Garmin-Venu-3-Review-Finally-a-smartwatch-with-one-week-battery-life.jpg?1698684326)
versus