Garmin Fenix 6 reviews - number one among outdoor watches

Tags: Review | Garmin | Smart

8.4.2021 | 15 MIN

I thought about the title of this article for a long time, until I worked out to just write "number one among outdoor watches". Nothing else can be said about the sixth generation of the Fenixes. It is simply a universal sport tester supplemented by topographic maps, a huge storage and some clever function such as contactless payment Garmin Pay. In addition, these watches have incredible durability and a sporty-elegant design suitable for everyday carry. Which other brand of model can say this? Honestly, none.

If you are interested in any specific information, you can speed up your search:

• Size variants and appearance of the sixth generation
• Control
• Battery life
• Sensor equipment
• Maps and music
• User interface
• Monitoring of the sport activity
• Smart functions

This time I will allow myself to start somewhat subjectively and vaguely. I consider myself a critical person, and when I started writing a review of the Garmin Fenix 6X after a month of wearing it, I felt insecure. The sixth generation of the Fenix series carries with it a large number of BEST prefixes, a huge number of pluses and, on the contrary, few minuses across the market. I would venture to say that none. And that's exactly the reason for my uncertainty. The flagship of the American company Garmin is perhaps nothing to complain about.

Visually good old classic in three sizes

In terms of looks, Garmin did not gamble. The sixth series is not very different in appearance from previous generations, and I think it's good. The watch radiates a sporty-elegant design decorated with a metal bezel, which will surely be appreciated by users who are not looking for a purely plastic look of a sports tester. Fenix 6 is offered in three sizes - 6S, 6 and 6X

The women's version (Fenix 6S) is enriched with a golden or silver steel bezel

The smallest version targets the women's wrist and makes it clear in appearance. In Garmin, the designers let the bridle go a little and they literally feminized the Fenixes. The Fenix 6S is available in a colours other than conservatively black and has been enriched with a golden or silver steel bezel. Which I completely understand, because a lot of women don't want to wear outdoor-looking watches during the day. It has to be design-ish! The women's version has a diameter of 42 millimeters, a display size of 1.2 inches and a weight of around 60 grams.

Fenix 6 is the middle ground across the sixth generation of Fenixes

The mediator from the trio is the Fenix 6 version, which is no longer as "urban" as the 6S. Here, manufacturers have already opted for a sportier look, which also applies to the 6X series. But as I mentioned, thanks to the metal bezel, the watch also maintains a dose of elegance. That's why they don't look completely bad, even with a shirt.

Fenix 6 has a case diameter of 47 millimeters, a display size of 1.3 inches and a weight of about 80 grams. It is important to note that this size is also available in a version with a titanium bezel, which has reduced the weight of the entire watch to 72 grams. You can easily recognize this version - the bezel is a bit lighter and the watch is sold with a slightly extravagant orange strap.

The largest of the three (Fenix 6X) weighs 93 grams

And we get to the version that I tested. The Fenix 6X has a diameter of 51 millimeters, a 1.4-inch display and a weight of 93 grams. Which you will honestly recognize on your hands during the day. In my opinion, this is perhaps the only negative on the whole watch. They are simply heavy. To be honest, I didn't sleep with the watches because I was glad I took it off in the evening.

The solution can be the Fenix 6X Solar version, which is thanks to the titanium bezel even with a solar cell slightly lighter than the version without a solar power supply. This model then weighs more or less the same as the medium size - 82 grams. Of course, you have to pay extra for it.

You can easily recognize the solar version by the lighter titanium bezel.

6X display increased by 36%

The older fifth generation of Fenixes also offered three sizes, but with one big difference. The display was the same for all variants, ie 1.2 inches, which is the same as my smallest version of the sixth series. There was a lot of unused space around the display, which Garmin decided to take full advantage of this time. The Fenix 6X has a display area 36% larger than the 5X, which is definitely not a small amount.

Fenix 5X (left) and Fenix 6X (right).

The sixth generation of Fenixes uses a transflective LCD display

All models use a transflective LCD display, which is characterized by high readability even in direct sunlight, permanent lighting, low power consumption, but may seem slightly dull to some (as is typical for LCD displays). But honestly, Garmin did a great job here. In my opinion, the display is sufficiently contrasting.

Overview of basic parameters of size variants

	Garmin Fenix 6S	Garmin Fenix 6	Garmin Fenix 6X
Case diameter	42 mm	47 mm	51 mm
Case height	13,8 mm	14,7 mm	14,9 mm
Strap width	20 mm	22 mm	26 mm
Display size	1,2"	1,3"	1,4"
Display resolution	240x240 px	260x260 px	280x280 px
Weigh Pro/Sapphire	58/61 g	80/83 g	93/93 g
Titanium version	X	YES (72 g)	X (82 g)
Solar version	X	X	X

Would you like a sapphire or mineral?

To make it even more complicated to choose from, Garmin offers all sizes in a cheaper version with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 mineral glass and a more expensive one with a sapphire crystal.

Of course, as usual, everything has its pros and cons. Mineral glass is more resistant to breakage, but it is not so difficult to scratch, so it is recommended to stick protective glass on it. In contrast, sapphire crystal is almost scratch-resistant, but again less resistant to breakage (it is harder, but also more fragile). Another disadvantage may be poorer readability, as the sapphire crystal creates more reflections, which reduces the colour contrast of the display. So for someone with impaired eyesight, I would definitely recommend the version with mineral glass.

Comparison of Garmin Fenix 6S with mineral (left) and sapphire crystal (right) under light. (Source: Garmin Forum)

Replace the strap in a few seconds

The watch is attached to the hand with a silicone strap with the QuickFit system, thanks to which you can freely change the straps in a matter of seconds. And the range of straps is really wide. It is no problem to embellish the watch with a different color of silicone strap, leather strap or even a metal thread.

An optical heart rate sensor and a blood oxygenation sensor (pulse oximeter) are then hidden on the underside of the case back. And on the sides of the case we find 5 mechanical buttons which take care of control of the watches.

Fenix 6 does not have a touch screen

Button control has many advantages. During sports activities, this type of control is much simpler, even in the rain, with sweaty hands, in the cold and even in gloves. The controls are very intuitive and in a few minutes you have it at your fingertips. Or in the index finger and middle finger, it's up to you.

1 - Backlight/Long press to open shortcuts, 2 - Up/Long press to open Menu, 3 - Down/Long press to open music, 4 - Confirm button/Start monitoring sports activity, 5 - Back/Manually record a lap

In power saving mode, the solar version lasts 120 days

Battery life is one of the most important fields where you compete across brands. Watches like the Polar Vantage V, Suunto 9 tried to take the lead, but then ... The sixth generation of the successful Fenix series arrived, whose top model Garmin Fenix 6X Solar is able to last with active GPS for 66 hours (receiving position data every second). In smartwatch mode, the battery lasts up to 24 days. Only the Garmin Tactix Delta Solar has the same battery life..

The watch offers several modes with which you can affect the battery life. When recording a route, the watch needs to receive a GPS signal, which rapidly reduces the battery charge. Therefore, you can set the scanning frequency of our position. The best possible setting is to scan GPS every second, then there is the UltraTrac mode, where the watch scans GPS every minute and the last one is the expedition mode, in which the range of 15-90 minutes can be set.

Since there are so many versions of Fenix 6, I enclose a table with values for greater clarity and better orientation:

UPDATE - at the same time versions 6 and 6S are also available in the solar version (offer of solar versions of the sixth generation of the Fenix series)

Battery life while receiving the GPS signal influenced by many factors

Of course, there are a lot of other variables that will affect whether you get to the data listed in the table. One of the first is whether you receive position data only from the GPS navigation system, or GPS in combination with GLONASS or GALILEO. When receiving a signal from multiple satellites, the battery life decreases rapidly. The same thing happens if you have external sensors connected, Wi-Fi activated, a pulse ox, or you often look at the map.

The Fenix also record the pulse underwater

From the sensor equipment, the watches offers an optical heart rate sensor, which is able to record the heart rate for the first time in the Fenix series underwater. The watches also optically measures blood oxygenation. The triaxial accelerometer and gyroscope, barometer, thermometer and compass are then almost a "basic equipment".

The watch has a water resistance of a decent 10 BAR, so you definitely don't have to worry about water. In addition, in terms of the durability, the watches meets the military standard MIL-STD-810G (but so does the Garmin Tactix Delta and Instinct).

Garmin also offers a "trimmed" Fenix without maps, large storage, music and Wi-Fi

As for the functions of the watches, I will start with the most important thing. When selecting, you will come across words such as PRO, Sapphire, Solar and so on. Why is it so important? Because when you buy a Fenix 6 without the nickname PRO, don't expect a lot of storage in your watches (only the basic 64 MB for applications), music player, Wi-Fi and maps. If you are looking exactly for this, be ready for an extra charge in the PRO version.

• PRO - 32 GB storage, topographic maps, music player and Wi-Fi
• Sapphire - all the advantages as the PRO version in combination with a sapphire crystal
• Solar - all the benefits of the PRO version with an added solar panel that extends battery life by 10% and a titanium bezel

Not only topographic maps, but also maps of golf courses and ski resorts

If we talk about the PRO version, I can tell you plainly that it is almost unbelievable how much Garmin managed to slip into the case of the watch (maybe that's why they weight so much?). A great attraction are the topographic maps of the whole of Europe, which you can download in Garmin Express after connecting the watches to a computer.

However, you will not only find detailed general maps in the watches, but also maps of golf courses and ski resorts. The maps also include advanced navigation for which you will definitely find use. For example, the Circular Route navigation function is useful, where the watch creates (who would expect) a circular route after selecting the number of kilometers.

So, if you come to unknown mountains and want a 30-kilometer round trip, then no problem, just enter it in your watch. To do this, the watch uses the TrendLine algorithm, which records the most frequently used routes by other Garmin users.

MP3 or Spotify? Not a problem

The PRO version offers a huge storage of 32 GB for your applications, but mainly for music. It is uploaded to the watches via Garmin Express on your computer. And believe me, 32 GB is really enough. It will then take you about a minute to pair the watch with the wireless headphones.

If you are more of a fan of streaming services, the watch offers a pre-installed Spotify application through which (after downloading) you can listen to your saved playlists offline. The same goes for Amazon Music, Deezer or iHeartRadio. The advantage is also the control of music from the phone. So you can put your phone in your backpack or hand case and conveniently control your music from your wrist.

Thanks to the large storage, you can enrich the watches with many other apps. I personally used an app for monitoring tennis, which is not offered from the start. Another useful application is, for example, Alcometer, which calculated for me when I will be able to roughly drive again after a beer which I had during the hike. In the Connect IQ mobile application, in addition to the watch applications, you will also find thousands of wallpapers for the dial.

Not only are there so many features, but they are also user-friendly

I started with maps, music and a large storage for applications and music on purpose, as it is one of the biggest attractions when buying the sixth generation of the Fenix series. But again, there is no need to jump to conclusions that this is the only reason to buy them. The main reason is that it can do much more. Would it be foolish to say that Fenix can do everything that today's modern sports tester can do?

Whenever I grab Fenix into hands, the clarity of their user environment always pleases my soul. Scroll down to find all (important) information. I mentioned this "for you" intentionally, as the main screen is fully configurable. So you will see exactly what interests you.

Personally, scrolling down displays the weather, sunset and sunrise information, VO2Max value, compass, training status, my last activity, number of steps, heart rate, blood oxygenation, calendar, notifications and Spotify controls. All accessories are of course "openable", where you can find out more detailed information. If you would prefer other accessories, the main screen may display, for example, the status of the barometer, altimeter, stress monitoring, breathing, sleep, the number of floors climbed and more. The offer is really wide.

The large "X" display can display up to eight data at a time during a sports activity

Fenix 6 are a universal sports tester, which is also confirmed by the offer of sports activities. In addition to classic sports such as running, cycling and swimming in your watches, you will find, for example, Pilates, yoga, surfing, cross-country skiing, bouldering and much more.

All sports activities have configurable data fields (which data will be displayed to you during a sports activity) and thanks to the large display, the Fenix 6X can display up to eight data within one data field during a sports activity. For the PRO and Sapphire versions, there are of course two data fields reserved for the map and music control.

Up to eight data can be configured per data field

After completing a sports activity, the watch will generate detailed statistics of your sports performance. I usually run with the watches and after monitoring the activity, the watch informs me about the total time, distance, altitude, average pace, speed, but also more detailed data such as cadence of steps, calories burned, respiratory rate and estimated loss of sweat. When an external chest sensor is connected, you also get information on the average stride length, vertical ratio and oscillation, as well as the time and balance of contact with the ground.

Immediately after the end of the activity, the watch will evaluate the benefit of the training, aerobic and anaerobic load and regeneration time.

Newton's apple on his head, Garmin's on my hand

I have one practical experience with the Fenix 6X and I just have to mention it. Because the watches weighs 93 grams, it goes without saying that the gravitational force acting on it is slightly higher. During sports activities, watches do not hold on to their hands here and there and they tend to move. I also found that they didn't measure my heart rate quite right. For example, when I was pedaling uphill on a bicycle and started moving my hands, the watch stopped sensing my heart rate, even though my heart rate was clearly rising. This is an advantage of the Garmin Forerunner 945, for example, which is almost half lighter and holds slightly better on the hand.

Garmin Fenix 6X have a really robust and heavy case

The watch monitors sleep and stress levels. During the day, you will appreciate the display of notifications from your phone

From such a classic "Garmin package", the watches offers accessories such as detailed sleep monitoring, stress monitoring, the number of steps taken and, of course, the watch will show you all notifications from the phone. The Body Battery can also finds its users, which, based on your sleep, stress and activities, determines the charge of your body on a scale from 0 to 100.

Athletes will certainly appreciate the already mentioned estimate of the VO2Max value, which is the maximum amount of oxygen that you can use during sports activities. It is generally considered a good indicator of current condition, which can motivate you to perform better. We described this indicator in detail in one of our magazine articles.

During the day, you will definitely appreciate contactless payments and quick answers

In what, in my opinion, Garmin is a bit ahead of the competition, so in smart features. The Fenix 6 are not only an excellent sports tester, but also offer a few clever features to make life easier.

One of the most used is definitely contactless payments via Garmin Pay. Although this option is offered by competitors such as Samsung (Samsung Pay) or Suunto (Google Pay), Garmin has one undeniable advantage in this regard. In contrast to these two competing technologies, Garmin Pay is supported by the vast majority of banks.

A common question about these watches is "And can I call from them?". Unfortunately, for the Fenix, I have to offer a simple and probably unfortunate answer for someone - NO. No smart model from Garmin offers this clever feature. However, Fenix 6 offers at least the ability to quickly reply to messages and reject a call. But I have to disappoint the owners of iPhones, who will not see this function in combination with Garmin. Apple itself allows quick answers only to its own Apple Watches.

For who is the sixth generation of Fenixes?

If I said that for everyone, it would be a bit true and bit untrue. The sixth generation of Fenixes is top notch in all respects. It has a great design, amazing battery life and meets all the conditions to become your personal trainer. In addition, the PRO version offers maps, a music player and more than enough 32 GB of storage.

But on the other hand, the Fenix series has so many features that there are really few potential customers who would take full advantage of this watches. If you want a watches for the occasional run "around the village", then the Fenixes are more or less useless for you. I would look for cheaper variants from Garmin such as the Forerunner 245 or VivoActive 4.

If you do mind about the weight of this model, I would definitely recommend the Garmin Forerunner 945, which offers the same features in a lighter plastic case. As an alternative, Suunto 9 or Polar Vantage V are encouraged by the competition, but they are pure sports testers and therefore do not offer some smarter functions (only notifications from the phone).

However, if you are an athlete in heart and soul, you will definitely not regret buying this watch. The great advantage of this model is that thanks to the steel bezel, which adds a drop of elegance to the watch, it is suitable for all-day wear. This is precisely the reason why these watches appear on the wrists of even less frequent sports users. So if you don't feel sorry for the relatively high sums for this watch, even if you don't consider yourself a top athlete, go to Fenix. You get the best product from the market.