Editorial Excellence in Technology Reviews

Wearables · Fitness focused

Garmin Venu 4: Editorial Review

Score: 4.5 / 5 MSRP: $349 Test duration: 14 days

The Venu 4 pairs Garmin’s deep training metrics with a bright AMOLED display that stays readable outdoors. Real-world battery life hit 10–12 days with two GPS runs per week, notifications on, and always-on display disabled.

GPS lock is fast; multi-band performance kept routes clean in dense downtown testing. Health metrics—body battery, HRV status, training readiness—offer practical guidance. Smart features cover tap-to-pay, offline Spotify, and reliable notifications; the app store remains lean versus Apple/Google.

Speaker and mic suffice for quick calls, but this remains a fitness-first watch. No LTE option; for stand-alone connectivity you’ll need your phone nearby.

Strengths

  • 10–12 day battery in mixed use
  • Accurate GPS and HR tracking
  • Robust training/readiness metrics
  • Bright AMOLED with good outdoor visibility

Limitations

  • No LTE option
  • Speakers/mic are serviceable, not stellar
  • App ecosystem lighter than Apple/Google

Editorial Decision

For fitness-focused users who want long endurance, strong metrics, and a quality display, the Venu 4 is the balanced pick. If you need LTE or a richer app ecosystem, look to Apple/Pixel; for marathon training depth, the Forerunner line still leads.