Garmin released Venu X1 in June 2025. This marks the next release of Venu smartwatches after Venu 3 was released last year.
Venu X1 is priced at $799.99 while Venu 3 is still available at $449.99. How does the difference of $350 compare for the two watches? Let us dig deeper to find the changes brought in the Venu X1 series smartwatch.
Main differences
- Venu X1 has a box or square shape; Venu 3 has a round display.
- Venu X1 uses Sapphire glass in the display. Venu 3 is using 3rd generation Corning Gorilla Glass.
- Venu X1 comes with new sensors for QZSS and BeiDou GPS networks. This improves GPS performance in China, Japan, and the fast-east part of Asia.
- Venu 3 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app; Venu X1 is incompatible with the Garmin ECG app.
- Venu X1 is thinner and lighter than the Venu 3 smartwatch.
- Venu X1 comes with 32 GB storage; Venu 3 has 8 GB internal storage.
- Venu X1 offers lower battery backup than Venu 3.
Let us look at some core differences in detail below.
Display
Garmin Venu 3 and Venu X1 use AMOLED display. The display is bright and lively on both smartwatches.
However, Venu X1’s display is made of Sapphire glass and Venu 3 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
The Sapphire display glass is rugged and offers scratch resistance. Sapphire is one of the hardest available minerals in the world.
Sapphire display watches offer hassle free long period of ownership.
Slim watch
Venu X1 is thinner and lighter than Venu 3. Venu X1 has 7.9 mm thickness and Venu 3 is 12 mm thick. Venu X1 weighs 40 g and Venu 3 weighs 47 g.
Apart from this, Venu X1 comes with nylon band and Venu 3 uses Silicon band.
GPS
Garmin Venu X1 and Venu 3 offer support for GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo GPS networks.
Venu X1, additionally, includes sensors for QZSS and BeiDou GPS networks of Japan and China respectively. You can expect better GPS performance on Venu X1 when it comes to China, Japan and other Asian countries.
Garmin ECG
Garmin Venu 3 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app. Venu X1 is incompatible with the Garmin ECG app.
Garmin ECG app is FDA approved app that allows the wearer to take ECG readings on demand. The ECG can be shared with a specialist for help.
Some users find the Garmin ECG app useful in detecting any heart rhythm issues through continuous monitoring.
Battery
An interesting facet of Venu X1 is that it offers lower battery backup than Venu 3. Venu X1 offers almost 50 percent lower battery backup.
For example, Venu X1 can last up to 8 days on the smartwatch mode and Venu 3 could stretch up to 14 days.
Similar backup differences are reported on other modes as well.
Summary
The additional cost of Venu X1 can be attributed to the following:
- Sapphire display glass.
- Slimmer appearance with nylon watch band.
- Higher internal storage of 32 GB.
- Box or square display.
- Improved GPS performance for China, Japan, and other Asian countries.