Garmin reveals Venu X1 smartwatch set for June launch
- Garmin is launching the Venu X1, a premium smartwatch featuring a two-inch square display.
- The Venu X1 will offer advanced health tracking with over 100 activity profiles and a built-in microphone and speaker.
- With its release scheduled for June 18th, 2025, the Venu X1 positions itself as a strong competitor to other high-end smartwatches.
Garmin has announced its latest smartwatch, the Venu X1, which is set to be released on June 18th, 2025. This premium fitness watch features a two-inch square OLED screen and is noted for its incredibly slim profile, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. With a pricing of $799.99, the watch integrates high-end features while maintaining a sleek design. Unlike previous models, the Venu X1 offers full-color mapping and is equipped with over 100 activity profiles, catering to various health and fitness needs. In addition to its sizable display, which enhances usability, the Venu X1 comes with a titanium caseback and a scratch-resistant sapphire lens. The inclusion of a built-in speaker and microphone allows for phone calls and voice commands, increasing the device's functionality. Users can perform voice commands such as starting a running activity or setting a timer without needing to pair with a smartphone. However, some trade-offs in battery life and feature availability illustrate a departure from Garmin's earlier offerings like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970 watches. The watch claims a battery life of approximately two days with the always-on display active, extending up to eight days when the display is turned off. This is a notable difference compared to the Fenix 8, which provides seven days of always-on usage. Also, while it includes a built-in flashlight, it lacks some advanced health monitoring features like ECG support and multi-band GPS that are available in other Garmin models. The Venu X1, available in black and dark green upon launch, aims to broaden Garmin’s appeal in a competitive smartwatch market, particularly against industry leaders like Apple. With impressive specifications and functionalities, it seeks to attract fitness enthusiasts who value both style and performance. The combination of design and comprehensive health-tracking features aligns with the current consumer trend of wearable technology that monitors various health metrics, indicating Garmin's strategy to compete robustly in the fitness smartwatch segment.