Alright, let’s cut through the marketing fluff. The smartwatch scene? It never sits still—brands keep one-upping each other. Garmin’s usually the go-to for hikers and data nerds, but with the Venu X1, they’re gunning for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 crowd. Honestly, this isn’t just a boring old upgrade—it’s Garmin flexing, big time.
So, this thing dropped in mid-2025, and it’s packing all the good stuff: smarter fitness tracking, a bunch of clever features, and a look that doesn’t scream “dad at a marathon.” Oh, and Garmin’s whole battery legend? Yeah, still going strong. If you want a watch that’s got both brains and some serious style points, the Venu X1 is honestly a no-brainer.
What’s hot about the Venu X1?
That Display, Though: Garmin went all-in with a massive, super-bright 2-inch AMOLED display. It’s seriously their best yet—crisp, huge, and makes everything from your step count to your missed texts pop.
Slim & Featherweight: Only 8mm thick (that’s basically wafer-thin for a smartwatch) and rocking a titanium back, so you won’t even notice it on your wrist. Garmin’s not known for “sleek,” but they’re pulling it off here.
Battery for Days: Up to 8 days in regular mode, or 2 if you’re one of those “always-on” screen people. Either way, it leaves most competitors in the dust. Charge anxiety? What’s that?
Stick around, because I’m about to unpack the Venu X1’s best features, the design vibes, and whether it lives up to the hype. Spoiler: it kinda does.
Design That Looks Good
Here’s the thing—Garmin used to make watches that looked like, well, fitness trackers. The Venu X1? Whole new vibe. You’ve got this 8mm titanium caseback that’s both fancy and practical. It’s light, but doesn’t feel cheap, and you can wear it to dinner without looking like you just ran a 5K.
Color-wise, you get Black or Moss (the green’s low-key fire). The titanium and nylon strap combo screams, “I’m classy, but also ready to climb a mountain.” The attention to detail here? Chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of watch you reach for whether you’re heading out for a meeting or hitting a trail.
That Jaw-Dropping Display
This is where the Venu X1 flexes. The 2-inch AMOLED screen is a total game-changer—the biggest display Garmin’s ever done, and it shows. Stuff is bright, colors pop, and it’s actually readable in sunlight (thank you, sapphire glass). From maps to heart rate stats, everything just looks better. Honestly, other watches are starting to look a little… dated next to it.
So yeah, Garmin’s not messing around. The Venu X1 is a statement piece—finally, something you’ll want to show off, not just hide under your sleeve.
Alright, here’s how a real person might spit that out:
So, the always-on display? Yeah, it’s handy. No more flailing your wrist just to check the time or see a notification—stuff’s just there, chillin’ on the screen. And even though the display’s bigger and, well, always on, Garmin somehow figured out how to keep the battery running for ages. Not even kidding, it lasts way longer than most of the competition. Witchcraft? Maybe.
Let’s talk features
because this thing’s a Swiss Army knife for your wrist. The Garmin Venu X1 isn’t just a pretty face; it’s packed with so much stuff, you’ll probably discover a new trick every week. Athletes, casual joggers, people pretending to care about their steps—there’s something here for everyone.
Navigation and mapping?
Oh, they went all-out. You get full-color, built-in topo maps right on your wrist. So if you’re the type who likes to get lost in the woods or just wants to flex your map game downtown, you’re covered. No need to mess around with sketchy third-party apps or half-baked navigation—this thing works, even when you don’t have a signal. If you’re out exploring, the Venu X1 has your back.
Alright, let’s ditch the brochure talk. Here’s how it goes:
Stay Connected, No Fuss
The Garmin Venu X1 isn’t just another chunk of plastic on your wrist. It actually does stuff you want—a speaker and mic right on the watch, so you can take calls (yep, straight from your wrist, like you’re in a spy movie) or bark quick commands without fumbling for your phone. Even works offline for some things, which is honestly a lifesaver when you just want to set a timer while your phone is buried under laundry.
Notifications
Of course. Texts, emails, social media chaos, calendar pings—you get buzzed for all of it, so you don’t miss anything important (or, let’s be real, anything uninformed your group chat throws at you). Tap to pay with Garmin Pay, so you can grab coffee after your run without digging for your wallet. Plus, you can load up your music and leave your phone at home—finally, pockets can stay empty on a jog.
Honestly, they nailed the “daily life meets fitness nerd” vibe with this thing.
All About That Fitness Grind
Garmin’s flexing here, not gonna lie. The Venu X1 tracks pretty much every way you can move your body, with over 100 activity profiles. So, whether you’re running, swimming, lifting, or doing something weird you saw on TikTok, you’re covered. The watch doesn’t just count steps—it spits out all sorts of numbers, charts, and performance metrics you can obsess over (or ignore, depending on your mood).
- Training Status, Load, and Effect: Comprehensive metrics to help optimize your training and understand its impact.
- Lactate Threshold & Performance Condition: Advanced physiological measurements for serious athletes.
- Daily Suggested Workouts: Personalized recommendations to guide your training.
- Real-time Stamina: Insights to manage your exertion levels during activities.
- Heart Rate Tracking: Continuous monitoring for accurate health insights.
- Pulse Oximeter: Measures blood oxygen saturation for health and acclimation monitoring.
- Sleep Coaching & Stress Tracking: Tools for holistic well-being management.
Alright, let’s get real for a second—yeah, the Venu X1 is packed with all sorts of health and fitness gizmos, but it skips out on stuff like multi-band GPS and ECG. Little bummer, especially if you’re one of those folks who need every bell and whistle. Some fancier Garmins or even a few competitors toss those in. But honestly? Most people won’t notice or care. The basics are spot-on and super reliable, so it’s not like you’re missing out unless you’re some hardcore feature junkie.
Innovative Additions: The Built-in LED Flashlight
Now, about that built-in LED flashlight—finally! Garmin’s snuck this into their top-shelf watches before (looking at you, Fenix crowd), and it’s an absolute lifesaver. Whether you’re fumbling for keys in a pitch-black hallway or jogging before the sun’s up, it just works. It’s such a simple thing, but man, once you have it, going back feels weird. Shoutout to Garmin for actually thinking about real-life use instead of just chasing specs.
The Power Within: Battery Life and Performance
Battery life? Oh, it slaps. The Venu X1 runs laps around the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and most other “premium” watches. You’re looking at, what, up to 8 days if you’re using it as a regular smartwatch? Even with the always-on display sucking up juice, you can push about 2 days. No more frantic hunts for a charger every night—just throw it on once in a while and you’re golden. Perfect if you’re the forgetful type or you leave the house for more than five minutes at a time.
GPS Accuracy and Reliability
And GPS? Fast lock, usually under half a minute. Doesn’t matter if you’re dodging tourists downtown or lost in the woods, it keeps up. Distance, pace, your route—it nails the details. Garmin’s been king of this game for a while, and the Venu X1 keeps that streak going. If you like your tech to work when you need it, this one’s got your back.
Competitive Landscape: Venu X1 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Garmin Venu X1 is unapologetically positioned as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, aiming to capture a segment of the premium smartwatch market. While both devices cater to the high-end user, they offer distinct advantages:
| Feature | Garmin Venu X1 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 2-inch AMOLED | 1.93-inch OLED |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 8 days | Up to 36 hours |
| Case Material | Titanium case and bezel | Titanium case and sapphire crystal |
| Navigation | Full topo mapping, built-in | Various navigation modes rely on third-party apps for detailed maps |
| Thinnest Profile | 8mm titanium caseback | 14.4mm |
| Weight (with strap) | 40g (with nylon strap) | 61.4g |
| Pricing (U.S.) | $799.99 | Starts at $799 |
The Venu X1 Ecosystem: Everything Just Clicks
Alright, so the Venu X1 is already a beast on its own, but honestly, things get way more interesting once you hook it up with Garmin’s whole suite of stuff. Whether you’re on Android or rolling with an iPhone, pairing is uninformed simple—Bluetooth does its thing, and boom, your stats are chilling in the Garmin Connect app. That app’s basically mission control for your health, workouts, sleep, whatever. You get way more detail than you probably need, endless graphs, and some surprisingly competitive community features. Oh, and if you’re the impatient type, Wi-Fi on the watch means updates and syncing happen fast. No more waiting around for your steps to show up.
Pricing & Availability: Not Exactly Pocket Change
So, about the price tag—yeah, it’s a spicy $799.99 (or £679.99 in the UK, and AU$ 1,499 if you’re in kangaroo land). Dropped in June 2025, right in the ring with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and those tank-like Garmin Fenix models. But here’s the thing: the Venu X1 flexes with slick materials, a ridiculous feature set, and battery life that won’t quit halfway through your weekend hike. If you’re hunting for something that can take a beating but still look sharp, this thing’s got some serious value.
Garmin Venu X1: The Mic Drop
Let’s be real, the Venu X1 isn’t just another shiny wrist thing. It’s got killer style, a punchy 2-inch AMOLED screen that’s brighter than your future, maps that help, and a battery that laughs at daily charging. It’s aimed at the hardcore fitness crowd and gadget nerds alike—people who want both looks and brains in their tech.
Sure, you don’t get multi-band GPS or ECG readings (yeah, a little disappointing), but the stuff it does nail—like that screen, tracking, and just being consistent—kinda make up for it. If you want a smartwatch in 2025 that doesn’t suck and looks good? Honestly, the Venu X1’s a tough one to top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the expected battery life of the Garmin Venu X1?
The Garmin Venu X1 offers up to 8 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and approximately 2 days when the always-on display (AOD) is active.
Does the Garmin Venu X1 support making and receiving calls?
Yes, the Garmin Venu X1 includes a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling users to make and receive calls directly from their wrist when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Is the Garmin Venu X1 waterproof?
The Venu X1 is designed with durability in mind and can handle sweat and light moisture.
What kind of display does the Garmin Venu X1 have?
It features a large 2-inch squared-off AMOLED display, which is Garmin’s largest and most vibrant screen on a smartwatch to date.
When was the Garmin Venu X1 released, and what is its price?
The Garmin Venu X1 was released in mid-2025, with pre-orders beginning and shipping commencing in June 2025. It is priced at $799.99 in the U.S.
