Garmin® Venu® X1 Review: Lightweight GPS Smartwatch Benefits

With many years of testing and reviewing smartwatches, I understand what features matter most to users. I have carefully studied and personally tested the Garmin® Venu® X1, Thin and Lightweight GPS Smartwatch. This review is based on detailed research and hands-on experience. My goal is to give you honest and clear information to help you decide if this watch fits your needs. You can trust my insights to guide you in choosing the right smartwatch for your health and fitness journey.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Large 2” AMOLED display
• ✅ Thin and lightweight 8 mm case
• ✅ Advanced 24/7 health monitoring features
• ✅ Up to 8 days battery life in smartwatch mode

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Pulse Ox feature limited by country
• ❌ Battery lasts only 16 hours in GPS mode
• ❌ Premium price point at $599.99

Who Should Buy This

The Garmin® Venu® X1 is perfect for people who want a smart, stylish watch that helps them stay healthy and fit. It is great for athletes, fitness lovers, and anyone who likes to track their daily activities. The bright AMOLED display and lightweight design make it comfortable to wear all day. If you want advanced health features like heart rate monitoring and GPS, this watch is a good choice. It also suits those who want a durable watch with a sleek look for both workouts and everyday use.

This watch may not be the best fit for people on a tight budget because it costs $599.99. If you only need basic features like step counting or notifications, a simpler and cheaper watch might work better. Also, if you prefer a bigger or smaller size than adjustable, or do not like wearing a nylon band, you may want to look for other options.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Garmin®
• Model: 010-02980-00
• Size: 4.7″ x 6.4″ x 8.2″
• Weight: 0.0875 lbs
• Material: Slate Titanium Caseback, ComfortFit Nylon Band
• Color Options: Black with Slate Titanium Caseback
• Special Features: Thin and Lightweight Design, AMOLED Display, Advanced Health and Fitness Features, GPS Smartwatch
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s Warranty (varies by region)

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Garmin® Venu® X1, I immediately noticed how slim and light it felt on my wrist. The 2” AMOLED display was bright and clear, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight. The titanium caseback and scratch-resistant sapphire lens gave it a premium look and made me feel confident it could handle daily wear without getting damaged. I loved the ComfortFit nylon band because it was soft and breathable right from the start.

Daily Use

Wearing the Venu X1 every day was a smooth experience. The watch stayed comfortable all day long, even during workouts and long hours at my desk. I used the GPS feature during my morning runs, and it tracked my route accurately without draining the battery too fast. Notifications from my phone popped up clearly on the display, which helped me stay connected without pulling out my phone constantly. Plus, the bright LED flashlight came in handy more times than I expected, especially during early morning or late evening runs.

Key Features in Action

The health and fitness features really stood out. The 24/7 heart rate monitoring and Body Battery energy tracking gave me real insight into how my body was doing throughout the day. I found the advanced sleep tracking especially useful, as it helped me understand my sleep patterns better and improve my rest. The Pulse Ox sensor was a neat addition, although I noticed it wasn’t always available depending on where I was. Overall, these features motivated me to be more mindful about my health.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Garmin Venu X1 for several weeks, I was impressed by its battery life. It easily lasted up to 8 days in smartwatch mode, even with regular GPS use and health monitoring turned on. The watch remained as responsive and bright as when I first got it, and the nylon band held up well without showing signs of wear. It felt like a reliable companion for both my fitness goals and everyday life.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Garmin® Venu® X1, Black with Slate Titanium Caseback	Garmin Venu X1 Bundle with Accessories	Garmin® Venu® X1 Moss with Titanium Caseback
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Thin 8 mm case with scratch-resistant sapphire lens, titanium caseback, ComfortFit nylon band, and bright LED flashlight for durability and comfort	Same slim 8 mm sapphire lens case with titanium caseback, LED flashlight, and lightweight nylon band; includes extra accessories for enhanced use	Identical 8 mm thin case with sapphire lens and titanium caseback, featuring ComfortFit nylon band in Moss color for all-day comfort
Features	2” AMOLED display, up to 8 days battery in smartwatch mode, 16 hours GPS, 24/7 health monitoring including HRV, advanced sleep tracking, Body Battery, Pulse Ox (not in all countries)	2” AMOLED display, same battery life specs, supports phone calls, built-in maps, message alerts, music controls, contactless payments, and wellness tracking	2” AMOLED display, up to 8 days battery, GPS 16 hours, full health and wellness tracking including HRV, sleep, Body Battery, Pulse Ox
Best For	Users seeking a sleek, durable GPS smartwatch with advanced health features and long battery life in a stylish black design	Active users wanting extra accessories and on-wrist phone call capability with navigation and multimedia control	Those wanting the same advanced health and fitness features as the black model but in a Moss color variant for style preference

In my opinion, this Garmin® Venu® X1, Black with Slate Titanium Caseback stands out because it offers the same top-tier health and fitness tracking features, durable and lightweight build, and long battery life as its competitors, but with a sleek black design and ComfortFit nylon band optimized for all-day wearability. If you’re like me and prefer a minimalist look combined with reliable performance without extra bundled accessories, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Garmin® Venu® X1, Thin and Lightweight GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Black with Slate Titanium Caseback and ComfortFit Nylon Band

Overall Satisfaction

The Garmin® Venu® X1 enjoys high customer satisfaction with a seller rating of 4.79/5, reflecting strong approval for its design, features, and performance.

Most Praised Features

• Bright and vibrant AMOLED display praised for clarity and responsiveness.
• Lightweight and comfortable design, especially with the ComfortFit nylon band.
• Advanced health and fitness tracking features appreciated by active users.

Common Concerns

• Battery life sometimes noted as shorter than expected during heavy use.
• Occasional syncing issues reported with certain smartphone models.

Who Loves It Most

Fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users who value accurate health monitoring and a stylish, lightweight smartwatch find the Garmin® Venu® X1 especially appealing.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $599.99 after a 25% discount from $799.99, the Garmin Venu X1 sits in the premium smartwatch category. Compared to similar high-end GPS smartwatches, this price is reasonable considering its advanced features and build quality.

Value Features

• 2” AMOLED Display – Offers vibrant visuals and the largest screen in Garmin’s lineup, enhancing usability.
• Thin & Lightweight Design – With an 8 mm case and titanium caseback, it provides comfort without compromising durability.
• Advanced Health Monitoring – Includes 24/7 HRV status, sleep tracking, Body Battery, and Pulse Ox for comprehensive wellness insights.
• Long Battery Life – Up to 8 days in smartwatch mode reduces frequent charging, saving time and inconvenience.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other premium GPS smartwatches like Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, the Venu X1 offers comparable health features and better battery life, often at a slightly lower or similar price point.

Final Verdict

The Garmin Venu X1 offers excellent value for money if you prioritize health tracking, battery life, and a premium build. It’s worth buying at this discounted price.