Brief Summary
The video introduces the Garmin Venue X1, a new watch that blends features from the Forerunner/Fenix series with the Venue series, targeting consumers of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Key features include a flashlight, a large 2-inch display, a thin design, and offline mapping. The watch also incorporates training and race planning features, along with a variety of sport profiles. However, it lacks ECG functionality and multiband GPS, raising questions about its positioning within the Garmin lineup.
- Introduction of Garmin Venue X1
- Key features and comparisons
- Software and training capabilities
- Price and positioning in Garmin lineup
Introduction to Garmin Venue X1
The Garmin Venue X1 is introduced as Garmin's thinnest watch to date, featuring a 2-inch display. It aims to combine features from the Forerunner and Fenix series with the existing Venue series. This new watch targets consumers who might consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2 but desire a thinner device with more sports-focused functionalities. The original Venue series evolved from the Vivo Active series, which was also Garmin's thinnest watch at the time.
Key Features and Design
The watch includes a flashlight with four white light levels and one red light level, similar to Garmin's high-end Forerunner and Fenix watches. Its 2-inch display is larger than the Apple Watch Ultra. The Venue X1 is remarkably thin at 8mm, compared to the Venue 3's 12.5mm and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It comes with a nylon band, which is comfortable but can get wet. The battery life is shorter than the Venue 3 due to the thinner design and brighter display, estimated to be at least a 2000 nit display. The watch features the Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor, but ECG functionality is absent due to hardware limitations.
Software and Training Capabilities
The Venue X1 integrates software features from the Fenix 8 and Forerunner series, including full offline mapping with routable topoactive maps. It supports roundtrip routes and course loading with audible turn-by-turn notifications. Voice command and voice notes are also included, enhancing user interaction. Climb Pro is available for real-time ascent and descent tracking during hikes. Training features include training readiness and training status, similar to the Forerunner and Fenix series. However, it lacks some of the new running features found in the Forerunner 970, such as running tolerance and impact load. The watch supports race planning features, Garmin Share for wireless course sharing, and about 100 sport profiles.
Hands-On Tour and Settings
A hands-on tour of the watch demonstrates its flashlight function, customizable widget glances, and training metrics such as training readiness and status. The interface includes only two buttons, which may be a drawback for users accustomed to more buttons. The display can be set to always-on mode, which reduces battery life to about two days. The activity and app menu provides access to maps, voice commands, and sport modes. The map app includes various map layers and settings similar to the Fenix lineup. Sport mode settings allow for structured workouts, course navigation, and data page customization, with up to eight data fields per page. The watch also supports focus modes for sleep and activity, and music playback from Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
Price and Final Thoughts
The Garmin Venue X1 is priced at $799, which is higher than the Venue 3 but comparable to the Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8, considering its features. It features a titanium case and sapphire glass display. A notable omission is the lack of multiband GPS, although Garmin's GPS accuracy without multiband is generally high. The video concludes by noting that a full in-depth review will assess GPS accuracy, the optical heart rate sensor, and the watch's overall positioning within the Garmin lineup.
