Garmin Venu X1

Garmin's Venu X1, released on 18 June 2025, marks a significant evolution in the brand's smartwatch lineup. Priced at $1,499, it combines advanced fitness tracking with enhanced smart features, appealing to those seeking a versatile wearable.

The Venu X1 boasts a 2-inch AMOLED display—the largest Garmin has offered—delivering vibrant visuals with a resolution of 448 x 486 pixels. Protected by sapphire crystal, the screen is both durable and scratch-resistant. Despite its expansive display, the watch maintains a sleek profile at just 7.9 mm thick and weighs 40 grams with its ComfortFit nylon band, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

Functionality is a standout feature. The Venu X1 includes a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing users to make and receive calls directly from the wrist when connected to a smartphone. Voice command capabilities enable hands-free control, and Android users benefit from on-wrist text replies and photo viewing. With 32 GB of internal storage, there's ample space for music downloads from services like Spotify and Deezer, facilitating phone-free listening during workouts.

Fitness and health tracking are comprehensive. The watch incorporates Garmin's Elevate v5 heart rate sensor, Pulse Ox for blood oxygen monitoring, and features like HRV status, advanced sleep tracking with nap detection, Body Battery energy monitoring, and stress tracking. While it lacks on-demand ECG readings, the Venu X1 offers robust health insights suitable for most users.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Venu X1 includes full-colour TopoActive maps and dynamic round-trip routing, enhancing navigation during adventures. However, it does not feature dual-band GPS, which is present in some of Garmin's higher-end models, potentially affecting accuracy in challenging environments.

Battery life is respectable, offering up to eight days in smartwatch mode and approximately two days with the always-on display activated. While this is shorter than some other Garmin models, it surpasses the battery life of comparable smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

In terms of design, the Venu X1 is available in Black with a Slate Titanium Caseback or Moss with a Titanium Case, both featuring the ComfortFit Nylon Band. Its modern aesthetic, combined with a suite of smart and fitness features, positions it as a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance smartwatch that doesn't compromise on style or functionality.

This description was last updated June 2025.