Garmin is shaking up its smartwatch game with the all-new Venu X1. This bold, premium watch brings a fresh design, advanced sports features, and a display that’s nothing short of impressive. But here’s the big question: Is it worth moving up from the Venu 3 now, or should you keep your cool and wait for the Venu 4 to drop?
Design & Comfort
The Garmin Venu X1 stands out immediately with its unique squircle display — a break from Garmin’s usual circular design. This 2-inch, 2,000-nit AMOLED screen offers a brighter, more vibrant view that makes outdoor readability a breeze.
It’s also incredibly light and comfortable, especially with its nylon strap. You’ll barely feel it on your wrist, which makes it perfect for long workouts or all-day wear. The Venu 3, on the other hand, keeps things more traditional with a round face and a stainless steel bezel — classy and functional, but without the bold flair of the X1.
Display & Features
One of the X1’s biggest wins is its brighter and larger display, allowing you to view maps, workout data, and notifications without squinting. It even packs a built-in LED flashlight and voice commands for hands-free control.
The Venu 3 still offers excellent clarity and an ECG feature that the X1 strangely leaves out. If heart health tracking is your top priority, the Venu 3 has the upper hand.
Battery Life
Battery performance is where the Venu 3 flexes its muscles. It delivers up to 14 days of life, while the X1 taps out around 8 days — shorter still if you use Always-On Display.
For GPS tracking, the Venu 3 also lasts longer, making it a better choice for those long hikes, marathons, or cycling adventures.
Sports & Training Tools
The Venu X1 is a dream for serious athletes. It comes loaded with advanced training tools, detailed running and cycling analytics, golf course maps, and preloaded road and trail maps for navigation.
The Venu 3 is still a solid performer for indoor and outdoor workouts, but it focuses more on general fitness rather than the full-throttle performance athlete.
Garmin Venu X1 vs Venu 3
Price Consideration
The X1 sits in a premium price bracket, which might be a tough pill to swallow if you’re a casual user. The Venu 3, while not cheap, gives excellent value for money — especially considering it may soon see a price drop when the Venu 4 arrives.
Conclusion — Upgrade or Wait?
If you want cutting-edge features, a stunning display, and next-level sports tools, the Garmin Venu X1 is the watch to beat. But if battery life, heart health tracking, and better value are your priorities, the Venu 3 is still an incredible choice.
And if you can hold on a little longer, the Venu 4 could bring the best of both worlds — so patience might just pay off.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Garmin Venu X1 better than the Venu 3?
The X1 has a brighter, larger display, advanced sports features, and a lighter design. However, the Venu 3 offers better battery life, ECG tracking, and more affordable pricing.
Q2: Does the Venu X1 have ECG?
No, the Venu X1 does not support ECG readings, which are available on the Venu 3.
Q3: Which Garmin watch has the best battery life?
Between these two, the Venu 3 wins with up to 14 days of battery life compared to the X1’s 8 days.
Q4: Should I wait for the Venu 4?
If you’re not in a hurry, waiting for the Venu 4 could be a smart move. It might combine the X1’s advanced features with the Venu 3’s strong battery performance.
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