Garmin’s slim Venu X1 smartwatch gets $200 off in Amazon’s early Black Friday deal

If you want a fitness watch with a screen that is easy to read, Garmin’s Venu X1 is worth a look at $499.99. Amazon has reduced the Soft Gold model with the French Gray band from its displayed $699.99 list price, saving you $200.

The offer I checked was for a new watch sold and shipped by Amazon, with no coupon or Prime membership needed for that price. The retailer calls it an early Black Friday deal, but the $200 saving is against its list price, not a guarantee that it was selling for $699.99 immediately beforehand.

There is something to check before ordering: Amazon marks this as a “frequently returned item” without saying why. I would read the recent customer reviews and check the return terms alongside the size and features to make sure it suits you.

The Venu X1 can display maps during supported activities. Image: Garmin

The large AMOLED display makes room for maps and training data

The Venu X1 has a 2-inch AMOLED screen, a sapphire lens and a slim 7.9mm case, according to Garmin. The Soft Gold version pairs a titanium caseback with a French Gray nylon band. Its wide display gives maps and workout information more room than a smaller watch screen.

The back of the Soft Gold Venu X1. Image: Garmin

Built-in GPS and maps can help when you are out on a route, while Garmin lists more than 100 preloaded sports apps. There is a flashlight as well, plus a microphone and speaker for calls when the watch is paired with a compatible smartphone.

If you want extra satellite imagery and other downloadable map data, Garmin says that is offered through an Outdoor Maps+ subscription. The watch also tracks wellness metrics such as sleep and heart rate, but it is not a medical device and those readings are estimates.

The watch also has a built-in LED flashlight. Image: Garmin

Battery life depends heavily on how you use the screen

Garmin rates the Venu X1 for up to eight days in smartwatch mode, or up to two days with the display always on. Those are manufacturer estimates, so the battery life you see will depend on settings and activity.

That is useful context if you like having the screen visible all day. In its hands-on review, Wareable also reported roughly two days with the always-on display enabled and noted that the watch lacks ECG and multiband GPS. Those omissions may matter if you are comparing it with a more specialized Garmin.

At $499.99, the Venu X1 offers a sizeable reduction for someone who wants Garmin’s fitness features in a thin watch with a large rectangular display. Just make sure the Soft Gold/French Gray option is selected on Amazon’s listing, and check that the price and return terms still work for you before you buy.

Image credit: Garmin Rumors and Garmin.

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