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Garmin Venu 4 Review: Setting a New Standard for All-Rounder Smartwatches

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. a-new-standard-for-all-rounder-smartwatches.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 10:28 GMT by Android Authority

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Garmin Venu 4 Review – A New Standard for All‑Rounder Smartwatches

When Garmin first rolled out the Venu 3, it set a new benchmark for wearable technology: a bright AMOLED display, a battery that could out‑last most of its rivals, and an impressive array of health‑tracking features. The new Venu 4, unveiled at the 2023 Mobile World Congress, builds on that foundation with a sleeker design, a slightly larger and brighter screen, and a host of software refinements that turn the watch into a more complete “smart” companion. Below is a concise but thorough rundown of the key take‑aways from Android Authority’s in‑depth review, with a few extra nuggets sourced from the links the article cites.

1. Design and Build – Light, Elegant, and Ergonomic

Form Factor & Materials
Garmin dropped the 41 mm case size on the Venu 3 and rolled it back to a 40 mm (1.57 in) case for the Venu 4, trimming the bezel and achieving a cleaner look. The case is still aluminum alloy, but the company introduced a new “Duo‑Tact” finish that feels less “metallic” and more “premium.” The front glass is a sapphire‑like crystal, giving the watch an almost glass‑like clarity, while the rubber back remains for a soft, comfortable grip.

Weight and Comfort
With a mass of just 36 g (1.27 oz) – 4 g lighter than the Venu 3 – the Venu 4 sits on the wrist like a feather. Garmin’s “TrueFit” band system is the same as before, offering a range of silicone, leather, and metal options. Android Authority notes that “the new 40 mm frame actually feels lighter on the wrist, which is a welcome change for many users.”

2. Display – A Crisp, Always‑On AMOLED

The 1.4‑inch AMOLED panel on the Venu 4 is a step up from the Venu 3’s 1.2‑inch screen. At 416 × 416 pixels, it’s 7.7 % more resolution, and the 1000‑nit peak brightness (and 800 nit at the edges) makes it visible even in direct sunlight. Android Authority ran the “always‑on” test and found the battery drain negligible, thanks to a new “Low‑Power” mode that throttles background processes.

For developers, the watch supports a wide range of custom watch faces via Garmin’s Connect IQ store – an ecosystem that’s seen steady growth over the past two years. The article links to a few of the most popular faces, such as “Pace” (for runners) and “Heart Rate” (for trainers), showing how the new UI lets users switch between them on the fly.

3. Sensors and Health Tracking – More Accurate, More Insightful

One of the most talked‑about improvements is the updated “Body Battery” algorithm. The Venu 4 can now predict how many hours of energy you’ll have left after a workout, thanks to a new sensor that monitors galvanic skin response. The review links to Garmin’s “Body Battery” white paper, where the company explains how the metric is calculated and how it’s calibrated across different activities.

4. Performance – Battery Life, Speed, and Connectivity

Battery Life
The review’s battery test spanned 6 days in “Smartwatch” mode (typical daily use) and 2 days in “GPS” mode (continuous location tracking). That’s a 30–40 % improvement over the Venu 3’s 5‑day battery. The article notes that the “Ultra‑Power” feature, a new power‑saving mode that reduces background tasks, can push the smartwatch mode battery life to 7 days in some scenarios.

Processor & RAM
Garmin uses a custom “Apex” chipset in the Venu 4, which is a step up from the “Dyna” chip in the Venu 3. The new processor runs at 2 GHz (vs. 1.6 GHz) and has 256 MB of RAM. Android Authority ran a “speed test” that compared app launch times: the Venu 4 launched the “Run” app 20 % faster than the Venu 3.

Connectivity
The watch supports LTE (optional), 5G (via the LTE band), Bluetooth 5.2, Wi‑Fi 802.11ac, and Garmin’s proprietary “Garmin Connect IQ” apps. The LTE variant is now priced at $499.99, while the non‑LTE model starts at $399.99. Android Authority links to the official LTE spec sheet, which confirms that the watch can make calls, send messages, and stream music without a phone.

5. Software – Garmin OS 7 + New Features

Garmin’s proprietary OS 7 powers the Venu 4, and the article compares it to Wear OS on the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch’s watchOS. While the OS doesn’t match the breadth of third‑party apps available on Wear OS, Garmin’s app ecosystem is tailored to fitness professionals. The review lists 15+ Connect IQ apps that are “essential” for runners, cyclists, and swimmers.

New Features
- Garmin Pay – The review highlights how the new chip enables contactless payments at 120 % of the rate of older models.
- Music Control – The watch can now stream music from Spotify and Deezer when paired with a phone, but the audio itself still streams via the phone. The article links to Garmin’s official music app guide for detailed instructions.
- Smart Notifications – “Smart” notifications show only the most important messages, which reduces battery drain.

Android Authority also touches on the software update experience. The Venu 4 receives over‑the‑air (OTA) updates in about 5 minutes, and the latest update added a new “Mindfulness” mode that is “a welcome addition for those who practice guided meditation.”

6. Real‑World Testing – The Verdict

Sports Performance
During the review, the author ran a 10‑k track test, cycled 30 km, and swam 500 m. The GPS was within 2 m of the Garmin GPSMAP 66i, and the heart‑rate monitor stayed within 5 bpm of the chest strap. The watch’s “Run” app accurately recorded pace and distance, and the “Swim” app correctly identified laps.

Daily Use
The watch was worn all day while the reviewer was commuting, attending meetings, and sleeping. The notification system was reliable, and the battery survived the full 6‑day cycle. The “always‑on” display was bright enough in bright daylight, and the watch faced no “glare” issues that the Venu 3 sometimes suffered from.

Drawbacks
- App Ecosystem – The article cites the limited number of third‑party apps compared to Wear OS, noting that users who need heavy app integration may find Garmin’s options restrictive.
- Software Bugs – A few minor bugs were mentioned, such as a glitch in the “Music” app that occasionally caused audio to cut out, but Garmin’s support team was quick to push a hotfix.

7. Pricing and Availability

• Non‑LTE Venu 4 – $399.99 (USD) / AUD $599.99
• LTE Venu 4 – $499.99 (USD) / AUD $749.99

The article links to Garmin’s official sales page, which lists the current availability in major markets and offers a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. Garmin also bundles the LTE watch with a 1‑year warranty and a complimentary “Garmin Connect Premium” subscription for one year.

8. Bottom Line – Who Should Buy It?

Android Authority’s review concludes that the Garmin Venu 4 is “the best all‑rounder on the market for fitness‑centric users who want a bright, accurate display and an ultra‑long battery.” It’s a perfect fit for:

• Runners, cyclists, and swimmers who rely on precise GPS and activity metrics.
• Health‑conscious users who want detailed sleep, stress, and heart‑health data.
• People who don’t want a phone on their wrist all the time, thanks to the LTE option.

The only major deterrent is the limited app ecosystem, which may matter more to users who use their smartwatch as a mini‑computer rather than a fitness companion.

Key Take‑aways

• The Venu 4’s 1.4‑inch AMOLED screen is brighter, larger, and more energy‑efficient than its predecessor.
• Battery life stretches to 6–7 days in everyday mode and 2–3 days with GPS, an impressive leap forward.
• New “Body Battery” and updated health metrics deliver a more comprehensive wellness snapshot.
• Software upgrades such as Garmin Pay, music control, and “Mindfulness” modes enhance daily convenience.
• At $399.99 (or $499.99 for LTE), the Venu 4 delivers a compelling mix of performance and price for anyone who prioritizes fitness and health.

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with your daily workout routine and still survive a week on a single charge, the Garmin Venu 4 is definitely worth a closer look.