During a recent trip to cover the CES 2026 in Las Vegas, I accumulated a staggering 65,000 steps while wearing the Garmin Venu 4. This smartwatch, known for its comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities and stylish design, served as my constant companion throughout the four-day event. The experience not only highlighted the features of the device but also provided personal insights into my own activity and endurance levels.
Performance and Battery Life
The Garmin Venu 4 performed admirably, particularly regarding its battery life during GPS tracking. Each day, I initiated a walking workout to log my efforts as I navigated the bustling convention center and the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas. On the first day, the device recorded GPS data for an impressive ten hours and eight minutes, leaving me with nearly 25% of battery life by the end of the day. Garmin claims that the 45mm model should provide between 17 and 19 hours of battery when using multi-GPS, though my experience suggests it might slightly fall short in real-world conditions.
Despite this, I found the Venu 4’s performance consistent and reliable across all days. The long battery life ensured that I could rely on it without the constant worry of running out of power, even during the most demanding days of the event.
Comfort and Usability
Comfort is often a concern with smartwatches, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Venu 4. Weighing only 56 grams with the silicone strap, I wore it on my right wrist to accommodate a traditional watch on my left. Despite the unusual setup, the Venu 4 was comfortable throughout the day. The soft, stretchy strap did not irritate my skin, even during intense sweating, which can often be a drawback with silicone materials.
The device also houses a bright AMOLED display, ensuring easy readability in various lighting conditions, which proved useful while traversing the convention center.
Tracking Accuracy and Data Insights
While the Garmin Venu 4 excelled in many areas, I did encounter some discrepancies in distance tracking due to non-walking transport methods. For instance, on the second day, a Lyft ride contributed to my step count, inflating the distance covered. Similar occurrences happened on subsequent days when I used the Las Vegas monorail and taxis, leading to inflated distance metrics.
Despite these hiccups, the overall data captured was impressive. Over the four days, I burned a total of 8,500 calories, averaging about 2,125 calories per day. Additionally, I lost approximately 26 liters of water, underscoring the importance of hydration in the desert climate.
Elevation and Activity Levels
Interestingly, my time in Las Vegas included an elevation gain of about 1,702 feet, nearly equivalent to the height of the One World Trade Center. I consciously opted to take the stairs whenever possible, both to increase my calorie burn and to navigate the crowded venues more efficiently. This decision contributed significantly to my overall activity levels and provided a sense of accomplishment.
In summary, my experience with the Garmin Venu 4 during CES 2026 was largely positive. The device’s tracking capabilities, combined with its design and comfort, make it an excellent choice for both fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike. Despite some minor inaccuracies in distance tracking, the Venu 4 remains a reliable companion for anyone looking to monitor their activity levels in real-time.
As I look ahead to future events, I would not hesitate to wear the Garmin Venu 4 again, provided the duration of my outings does not exceed approximately 12 hours. If longer days are anticipated, I might consider switching to the Garmin Instinct 3, which is known for its exceptional battery longevity.
