Garmin Venu 4 Coming Soon: Key Improvements to Watch For

Expected Features of the Garmin Venu 4

The Garmin Venu 4 is expected to arrive soon, following the release of the Venu 3 in late August 2023. The Venu 3 has remained a popular choice among athletes due to its affordability and comprehensive features. With such high expectations, the Venu 4 will need to deliver significant improvements to meet or exceed what fans have come to expect.

Garmin hinted at the Venu 4 during a description of the Japanese Garmin golf app, suggesting it will include premium golf features similar to those found in the Garmin Venu X1. While official details are scarce, analyzing upgrades from previous models like the Venu X1, Fenix 8, and Vivoactive 6 can provide insight into what to expect from the Venu 4.

Display and Design Improvements

The Venu 4 is likely to retain the two AMOLED touch display sizes (1.2 and 1.4 inches) seen in the Venu 3. It should also include a mic and speaker for Bluetooth calling and pass-through commands. The watch will support all-systems GNSS tracking, though it may not feature dual-band GPS. Additional sensors like an altimeter and gyroscope for accurate workout tracking are expected.

The Venu 4 will likely include music storage, Garmin Pay, and at least the 5th-generation Elevate sensor with ECG and skin temperature readings. Core health and training tools such as Body Battery, Sleep Coach, and running dynamics will remain, along with recent additions like the Garmin Strength Coach.

Enhanced User Interface and Features

The user interface is expected to be more intuitive and logically designed than the Venu 3. The Venu 4 is also anticipated to receive new features inspired by the Vivoactive 6, such as move alerts, daily walking suggestions, and prebuilt cycling plans. The display brightness is expected to reach 2,000 nits, matching the Vivactive 6 and other high-end models.

On-watch voice commands, like "Start a run activity" or "Show my sleep summary," are likely to be included, based on features introduced in the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 570.

Desired Additions for the Venu 4

While the Venu 4 is expected to bring several improvements, there are features that enthusiasts hope for. A built-in LED flashlight could be added, as seen in the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970. More advanced training tools, such as training load and readiness, might be included if the price increases.

Breadcrumb navigation, which allows users to track their route, could be another welcome addition, even though it's typically reserved for premium models. The Venu 4 may also feature the next-generation Elevate sensor, potentially offering more accurate heart rate monitoring and new health metrics like HbA1c tracking.

New Workout Recommendations and Connectivity

Daily indoor workout recommendations could enhance the Venu 4’s appeal, especially for users who prefer structured routines. The inclusion of cellular data, such as 4G LTE calling or voice message check-ins, would make the Venu 4 more versatile for users seeking a phone-free workout experience.

A skinnier design, maintaining the two-week battery life, is another desired feature. The Venu 3 already boasts a stylish design, and the Venu 4 could build on that with a more compact form factor.

The Garmin Venu X1: A Preview of What's to Come

The Garmin Venu X1 sets a high standard with its ultra-thin design, large OLED display, and long battery life. It includes a built-in flashlight and excellent fitness tracking features, making it a strong contender in the smartwatch market. Its success highlights the potential for the Venu 4 to deliver similar, if not improved, features.