Garmin Venu X1 Smartwatch: Big Display, Small Case, Premium Features
Looking for a smartwatch that balances sleek design with advanced fitness features? The Garmin Venu X1 Smartwatch might just be the perfect fit. With its 2-inch AMOLED display and compact titanium case, the Venu X1 is Garmin’s boldest attempt yet to rival the Apple Watch Ultra 2. But does it live up to the hype? This post dives into everything you need to know—from its health tracking capabilities to battery life and performance—so you can decide if the Venu X1 is right for you.
Whether you’re upgrading your current Garmin, switching from Apple, or choosing your first fitness wearable, the Garmin Venu X1 Smartwatch offers a premium experience packed into a lightweight frame. Let’s explore why it’s generating so much buzz in the tech and fitness community.
Why the Garmin Venu X1 Smartwatch Stands Out
The most eye-catching feature of the Garmin Venu X1 Smartwatch is its 2-inch square AMOLED screen—the largest ever on a Garmin wearable. This bright, sharp display enhances visibility in both indoor and outdoor environments, making it ideal for workouts, maps, and quick glances throughout the day. Paired with a lightweight titanium case and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, this watch offers durability without the bulk.
Garmin has clearly designed the Venu X1 to compete with flagship models like the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The square design is a departure from the traditional round faces of most Garmin models like the Fenix 8 or Forerunner 970. Despite its more compact case, the Venu X1 still packs in a wide range of premium features including built-in voice control, a flashlight, and onboard full-color maps, which are rarely found in Garmin’s Venu lineup.
Health, Fitness, and Smart Features Packed In
The Garmin Venu X1 goes beyond aesthetics with serious fitness tracking capabilities. It supports over 100 activity profiles, offering customized insights whether you’re into HIIT, yoga, cycling, or trail running. With a pulse oximeter, heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and advanced recovery analytics, this smartwatch delivers comprehensive health insights trusted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
One standout feature is its voice command functionality. You can use it to start a workout or set a timer—all without touching your phone. While the Venu X1 doesn’t include ECG or multi-band GPS like some of Garmin’s more rugged watches, it still meets the needs of most users with accurate tracking and smart coaching suggestions. And thanks to its built-in speaker and microphone, you can take calls and interact with voice assistants directly from your wrist.
Garmin Venu X1 Battery Life and Trade-Offs
Battery life is a key concern for smartwatch buyers, and the Garmin Venu X1 Smartwatch delivers decent—but not best-in-class—performance. With the always-on display enabled, expect up to 2 days of battery life. Disable that feature and it stretches up to 8 days, which is respectable but shorter than models like the Fenix 8, which offers up to 7 days even with always-on active.
The Venu X1 also makes a few compromises in exchange for its streamlined form factor and brighter display. It lacks ECG monitoring and multi-band GPS, which may matter to high-performance athletes or those who train in challenging environments. However, for most users—especially those prioritizing design, comfort, and day-to-day health tracking—these omissions may not be deal breakers.
Garmin Venu X1 Smartwatch Release Date, Price & Final Thoughts
Garmin officially announced that the Venu X1 Smartwatch will be available on June 18, 2025, in sleek black and dark green finishes. Priced at $799.99, it’s clearly positioned as a high-end fitness and lifestyle wearable. While that price tag places it in competition with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Garmin brings its own value through specialized training features, robust hardware, and long-term software support.
So, is the Garmin Venu X1 worth it? If you’re looking for a premium smartwatch with a large, high-quality display, great fitness tracking, and a lightweight yet rugged design, the answer is a confident yes. It’s ideal for active professionals, serious fitness enthusiasts, and loyal Garmin fans who want a fresh take on wearable tech without sacrificing performance.