Garmin Venu X1 Review: The Ultimate All-in-One Smartwatch for Kiwis
First impressions matter, and the Venu X1 doesn't disappoint. The sleek, modern design is seriously appealing. It's comfortable to wear all day and night, whether you're hitting the gym or heading out for dinner. The AMOLED display is vibrant and crystal clear, even in bright sunlight. It's a significant upgrade from previous Venu models, making glancing at notifications and workout data a breeze. The always-on display is a welcome addition, though it does impact battery life (more on that later).
Garmin is renowned for its health tracking capabilities, and the Venu X1 continues that tradition. It boasts a comprehensive suite of features, including:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous and accurate, even during intense workouts.
- Sleep Tracking: Detailed analysis of your sleep stages (light, deep, REM) with insights and suggestions for improvement.
- Body Battery: A unique metric that gauges your energy levels throughout the day, helping you optimize your activities and recovery.
- Stress Tracking: Monitors your stress levels and provides relaxation reminders.
- Pulse Ox Sensor: Measures blood oxygen saturation, useful for altitude training and general wellness monitoring.
- Women's Health Tracking: Tracks menstrual cycles and predicts ovulation.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, the Venu X1 has you covered. It supports a wide range of sports profiles, including running, cycling, swimming, golf, yoga, and more. Built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking of your outdoor activities, and the watch automatically detects certain workouts, making it incredibly convenient. The performance metrics you receive are detailed and insightful, helping you to refine your training.
Beyond health and fitness, the Venu X1 functions as a capable smartwatch. You can receive notifications from your smartphone, control your music, make contactless payments (Garmin Pay), and even respond to messages with pre-set replies. The Garmin Connect app provides a wealth of data and insights, and allows you to connect with friends and participate in challenges.
The vibrant AMOLED display comes at a cost – battery life. With the always-on display enabled, you can expect around 19 days in smartwatch mode and 5 days in GPS mode. Turning off the always-on display extends these figures considerably. While not the best in class, it’s still respectable for a feature-rich smartwatch.
The Garmin Venu X1 is a fantastic smartwatch that seamlessly blends health tracking, sports tracking, and smart features. Its stylish design, vibrant display, and extensive functionality make it a compelling choice for Kiwis who want a versatile and reliable wearable. While the battery life could be better, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re looking for an all-in-one smartwatch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Venu X1 is definitely worth considering.
