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**The Garmin Venu X1: A Surprising Contender in Garmin’s Lineup**
For over a decade, veteran Garmin users have grown accustomed to the company’s release cycles and product updates. However, the sudden announcement of the Garmin Venu X1 took even the most seasoned fans by surprise. This new model marks a significant shift for Garmin, targeting users who value a bold design and a vibrant, expansive display—features that seem aimed directly at competing with the Apple Watch Ultra.
The Venu X1 distinguishes itself with an almost square form factor and a stunning two-inch AMOLED screen, the largest ever seen on a Garmin smartwatch. This substantial screen real estate allows users to view up to eight data fields during workouts, delivering crisp, easily readable stats at a glance—an especially welcome feature for those who need quick access to information during physical activities.
Despite its departure from Garmin’s traditional five-button setup, the Venu X1 maintains a focus on athletic users. Previous Venu models leaned heavily on touchscreen controls, which required an adjustment period for those used to more physical buttons. The X1 continues this trend with just two hardware buttons, but adds the ability to assign three shortcuts, making it easier to quickly access functions such as voice commands, flashlight, or alarms—features that enhance practicality during workouts or everyday use.
**Standout Features: Display, Flashlight, and Everyday Utility**
Garmin’s decision to equip the Venu X1 with a two-inch AMOLED display pays off in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. The vivid screen is not just larger than that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but also delivers information in a format that’s easy to read, even in challenging conditions. This makes it particularly attractive for users who want maximum visibility of their fitness stats or notifications.
Another notable addition is the integrated LED flashlight, positioned conveniently on the side of the watch. With four white light levels and a red light mode