Garmin Fenix 6 Pro First Impression

I recently upgraded from my Apple Watch 5 to a Garmin Fenix 6 Pro and here are my first impressions. I’ll do a deeper dive into the differences between the Apple Watch and the Garmin shortly.

The Models

Before I get started let me just address the minefield that is Garmin’s naming of its watches and just how confusing it is. So there’s the Fenix 6, 6S, 6 Pro, 6 Pro Solar, 6 Sapphire, 6S Pro, 6S Pro Solar, 6S Sapphire, 6X Pro, 6X Pro Solar and 6X Sapphire. Wow, that’s a lot of different models.

After lots, and lots of reading it can be broken down to:

• If it has an “S” its the small model.
• If it “X” it large.
• If it doesn’t have “Pro” or “Sapphire” then its the basic model which is drastically cut down on features (like including maps).
• If it has “Solar” it can be charged up by solar energy.
• If it’s “Sapphire” it’s got a sapphire screen rather than Gorilla Glass.

As I said it’s a minefield trying to work it out and I hope that helps.

Why the Fenix 6 Pro

So why upgrade from an Apple Watch? So to start with I really like the Apple Watch and part of the reason I got it was to see how fit (or unfit) I am.

I like the data that I can get (I’m geeky like that). The Apple Watch provides heart rate, speeds, resting heart rate, cadence etc but was I getting enough? Coupled with the fact that the Apple Watch battery won’t see my through some of the long runs I have planned (including the ultra) was the Apple Watch the right tool for the job?

So I started looking at what else was out there. Soon I came across Garmin. I’d already had heard of them and knew they were the main brand to go for and I quickly zeroed in on the Fenix 6 Pro it had all the features I was looking for and more (even features I didn’t know existed).

Before making the plunged I looked at a couple of other models as well.

I looked at the Garmin Forerunner 945 and this was a serious contender, its cheaper, the same size and all the functionality I wanted. However, the display was slightly smaller and it doesn’t hold quite as much music. While the price wasn’t that much cheaper I thought it was better the spend that little bit extra.

I also briefly considered the Coros Apex Pro, Coros are relatively new compared to Garmin and other manufacturers. While the watch looks good I just felt the Garmin was the one to go for it was more established and the reviews seemed to point to the Garmin.

Things I Like

There’s a lot of things I like about this watch. It looks good, I’m a big fan of big chunky watched but it doesn’t feel too big on my wrist. It also doesn’t feel heavy I thought it might do, that’s one of the reasons why I considered the Forerunner 945 it’s half the weight, but it feels just right.

The data that can be shown on the watch face is amazing I’ve currently got 7 shown but some watch faces can have more. Equally, the choice of what to show seems like a never-ending list. Also, the workout screen can show up to 6 pieces of information (compared to the Apple Watches three), again the choice of what to be shared is immense.

The battery life is fantastic it lasts for a week without needing to be charged. This is after doing several activities as well.

It’s got the heart rate monitor I already like from the Apple watch but it has a blood oxygen monitor as well (the newer Apple Watch 6 also has this). The amount of difference readings this watch takes and displays in its app is nice, such as the body battery.

Talking about the app, the amount of information in the app is great. Its got a good breakdown of any activity and far greater detail than the Apple Watch. It also show’s breakdowns in a clear and details way with good help about what the numbers mean.

Things I Don’t Like

Now onto the things, I don’t like that much. The good news is it’s not many.

The screen is not as bright, colourful or has a high a resolution as the Apple Watch.

The watch pairs with your phone and you can get notifications, its an all or nothing situation. On iOS, there’s no way to pick which notifications you want on your wrist.

While the app is good and detailed its integration to Apple Health seems buggy and will put duplicate entries in. There seem to be many different questions on forums for this problem but with no solution.

Overall

Overall I’m really happy with this watch, my original plan was to use my Apple Watch during the day and the Garmin only for activities, but I’ve not worn my Apple Watch at all since getting this watch.

While it does have a few niggles they are only niggles and the pros of this watch outweigh them.