Garmin Just Announced Its Answer to the Apple Watch Ultra

In a surprising yet exciting move, Garmin just announced its answer to the Apple Watch Ultra — the all-new Garmin Venu X1. Designed to directly challenge Apple’s premium smartwatch, the Venu X1 brings a fresh perspective to wearables. It combines Garmin’s trusted fitness tech with modern aesthetics and some unexpected new features that make it stand out in the crowded smartwatch market.

Whether you’re an adventure lover, fitness freak, or just someone who likes stylish gadgets, the Garmin Venu X1 could be the smartwatch for you.

Garmin Venu X1 Takes Smartwatches In An Unexpected Direction

While many expected Garmin to simply imitate the rugged design of Apple’s Ultra series, Garmin Venu X1 takes smartwatches in an unexpected direction. It’s not just about bulk or toughness. Instead, the Venu X1 focuses on versatility — balancing performance, wellness tracking, and a modern look suitable for both office meetings and mountain hikes.

Here’s a detailed look at Garmin’s new smartwatch, which is being seen as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 competitor.

Sleek But Durable: A Design That Speaks to Everyone

The Garmin Venu X1 is not trying to be macho or flashy. Instead, it features a premium round dial (not square like Apple Watch) with a stainless steel bezel, Gorilla Glass DX lens, and lightweight titanium casing. It’s available in multiple colour options, including Midnight Black, Alpine Silver, and Earth Brown — all of which look sophisticated and sporty at the same time.

One unique insight? The Venu X1 doesn’t scream “adventure-only” like Apple Watch Ultra. It feels more inclusive — perfect for urban users who still enjoy weekend treks or cycling tours.

Bright AMOLED Display With Always-On Magic

This smartwatch features a stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a crisp resolution and always-on option. It’s easily visible even under direct sunlight — a big bonus for outdoor lovers. Garmin Venu X1 display rivals Apple Watch Ultra 2, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors, but in a round form factor that appeals to those who prefer the classic watch look.

Garmin Venu X1 Is More Than Just Fitness

Yes, we all know Garmin is famous for GPS and fitness tracking. But with the Garmin Venu X1, the company has added mindfulness, wellness, and body energy insights in a much deeper way.

Some of the standout wellness features include:

• Body Battery Energy Monitoring – Know when to push yourself and when to rest
• Sleep Score & Advanced Sleep Tracking – Includes REM, deep sleep, and personalized suggestions
• Stress Tracking – With relaxation reminders
• Pulse Ox Sensor – Measures blood oxygen at any time
• Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Tracking – Still rare in premium smartwatches

It’s Garmin’s most complete health-focused smartwatch yet.

Advanced Fitness & Outdoor Features – As Expected From Garmin

Now let’s talk about where Garmin truly shines — fitness and outdoor sports. The Venu X1 includes more than 30 preloaded sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and HIIT. And the built-in multi-band GPS ensures extremely accurate outdoor tracking.

For adventure enthusiasts, Garmin Venu X1 also comes with Topo maps, route planning, and real-time stamina tracking — giving it an edge over casual smartwatches.

It also supports Garmin Coach, which gives free, adaptive training plans for 5K, 10K, or half-marathon training.

Battery Life: Where Garmin Destroys the Competition

If there’s one area where Garmin takes on Apple Watch Ultra and wins, it’s battery life.

• Smartwatch Mode: Up to 16 days
• GPS Mode with Music: Up to 10 hours
• Battery Saver Mode: Up to 20+ days

This is miles ahead of Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 36-hour battery backup. Garmin users rarely worry about daily charging — which is a big relief for travelers and hikers.

Garmin Pay, Smart Notifications, and Music

The Venu X1 is also smart enough for your daily life. You can make contactless payments with Garmin Pay, sync Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music, and receive calls, messages, and calendar notifications right on your wrist.

It’s compatible with both Android and iOS, though some features work better on Android.

Garmin Venu X1 Price in India and Global Markets

The Garmin Venu X1 has been priced globally at around $499, which converts to approximately ₹42,000 in India. Though slightly more expensive than mid-range smartwatches, it undercuts the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which costs upwards of ₹89,900 in India.

For the features and battery life it offers, Garmin’s pricing feels reasonable — especially if you’re looking for something premium but not too flashy.

Should You Buy Garmin Venu X1?

If you’re someone who:

• Likes smartwatches but prefers a round, traditional look
• Needs great health, fitness, and sleep insights
• Travels or exercises outdoors frequently
• Hates charging watches every day

…then Garmin Venu X1 is easily one of the best smartwatches in 2025. It’s not trying to be an Apple copy. Instead, it offers a unique identity — something different, practical, and still stylish.

Garmin’s Best Shot at Premium Smartwatch Market

With the Garmin Venu X1, the brand has finally built a wearable that doesn’t only appeal to hardcore athletes. It’s a balanced, well-designed smartwatch that combines serious fitness tools with everyday comfort and long battery life.

So yes, Garmin just announced its answer to the Apple Watch Ultra, and it’s not a clone — it’s a serious competitor with its own strengths.

If you’re tired of the Apple vs Samsung routine and want something fresh yet reliable, the Garmin Venu X1 deserves your attention.

Quick Highlights – Garmin Venu X1 Specs

• Display: 1.4-inch AMOLED, always-on, Gorilla Glass DX
• Battery: Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode
• GPS: Multi-band with topo maps
• Fitness Modes: 30+ built-in activities
• Health Tracking: Body battery, sleep score, pulse ox, women’s health
• Smart Features: Garmin Pay, music apps, notifications
• Price: ~$499 globally / ~₹42,000 in India