Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch (Black, 1.2 Inches)

How accurate is the GPS tracking on the Garmin Venu?

The GPS accuracy is highly reliable, connecting to multiple satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. Most users report distance measurements within 1-2% of actual distances. The watch connects to satellites quickly, typically within 30-60 seconds of starting an outdoor activity. GPS performance remains consistent even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or wooded trails.

Can I swim with the Garmin Venu?

Yes, the watch is designed for swimming with water resistance rated to 5 ATM (50 metres). It tracks pool swimming automatically, counting laps, strokes and calculating SWOLF scores. The device differentiates between swimming strokes and provides detailed metrics for each session. After swimming, the watch can be rinsed with fresh water and dried normally.

How does music storage work on this device?

The watch stores up to 500 songs directly on its 8GB internal memory. You can download playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (premium subscriptions required). Music transfers via Wi-Fi connection through the Garmin Connect app. Once downloaded, pair Bluetooth headphones to listen without carrying your phone during workouts.

What health metrics does the Garmin Venu monitor?

The device tracks heart rate continuously using optical sensors, monitors sleep stages including REM and deep sleep, measures stress levels through heart rate variability and calculates Body Battery energy levels. It also tracks respiration rate, menstrual cycles and provides VO2 max fitness level estimates. All data syncs to the Garmin Connect app for detailed analysis.

How long does the battery actually last in real-world use?

Battery life varies significantly based on usage patterns. With moderate use including daily activity tracking, occasional GPS workouts and smart notifications, expect 4-5 days between charges. Heavy GPS use with music playback reduces this to 6-8 hours of continuous activity tracking. Turning off features like always-on display and continuous heart rate monitoring extends battery life considerably.

Is the Garmin Venu compatible with both iPhone and Android?

Yes, the watch works with both iOS and Android smartphones through the Garmin Connect app. iPhone users get full functionality including smart notifications, music controls and activity syncing. Android users receive additional features like responding to text messages directly from the watch. Both platforms support automatic activity uploads to fitness apps like Strava.

What sports and activities can the watch track automatically?

The device includes over 20 preloaded activity profiles including running, cycling, swimming, golf, skiing, rowing and strength training. It automatically detects and starts tracking walks and runs when you begin moving. Each activity profile provides specific metrics relevant to that sport, such as stroke count for swimming or swing tempo for golf.

Can I customise the watch face and data fields?

The Connect IQ store offers thousands of custom watch faces, data fields and apps created by Garmin and third-party developers. You can download different analog and digital faces, add complications showing weather or calendar events and install specialised apps for specific activities. Data screens during workouts are fully customisable to show the metrics most important to your training.