A Quiet Launch That Shook the Wearable World

When Garmin announced the Venu X1 in the summer of 2025, it was a low‑key drop that caught even seasoned enthusiasts off guard. The watch’s bold, almost square design and a 2‑inch AMOLED display—larger than any Garmin had offered before—immediately set it apart from the company’s traditional lineup of Forerunner and Fenix models.

Design Meets Functionality

The Venu X1’s 7.9 mm thickness and 40‑gram weight make it one of the lightest watches in its class, while the new ComfortFit fabric band keeps it comfortable for all‑day wear and sleep tracking. The large screen, surprisingly, doesn’t compromise battery life as much as one might expect; with the always‑on mode disabled, users can expect up to eight days of endurance. Turning the display on with a twist is a subtle but effective feature that keeps the watch from draining as quickly as the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Feature Set: A Direct Competitor to Apple’s Ultra

  • AMOLED Display: The Venu X1 offers the largest screen in Garmin’s history, allowing up to eight data fields during workouts.
  • Speaker & Microphone: Built‑in voice call support and voice‑note recording bring it closer to the Apple Watch Ultra’s communication capabilities.
  • LED Flashlight: Positioned on the right side of the crown, the flashlight supports four white levels, a red level, and strobe mode—useful for outdoor safety.
  • Calculator with Tip Button: A small but thoughtful addition that eases the transition for users coming from Apple.

However, the watch does omit some high‑end features: no dual‑band GPS, no ECG support, and no cellular connectivity. These omissions are likely a trade‑off for the slimmer profile and larger display.

Battery Life: The Real Differentiator

Garmin’s emphasis on battery longevity shines here. While the always‑on mode cuts life to about two days—mirroring the Apple Watch Ultra’s limitation—disabling it pushes the Venu X1 to its 8‑day sweet spot. In GPS‑heavy scenarios, the watch delivers 14–16 hours of activity tracking, positioning it as a superior choice for athletes who need reliable endurance.

Market Position and Pricing

Priced at $599 (with a $200 discount currently available), the Venu X1 sits comfortably below the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and offers a compelling value proposition for fitness‑centric users. Its price point, combined with its feature set, makes it an attractive alternative for those who want Garmin’s robust tracking without the premium cost.

Final Verdict

The Garmin Venu X1 isn’t just a new watch; it’s a re‑definition of what a premium, fitness‑focused smartwatch can be. By marrying a large, crisp display with long battery life and a lightweight design, Garmin has carved out a niche that sits between its rugged Fenix line and the sleek Apple Watch Ultra. For developers and engineers who design wearables, the Venu X1 demonstrates that thoughtful trade‑offs—such as sacrificing multi‑band GPS for battery longevity—can resonate with a broad audience.

— Source: ZDNET