Garmin has officially unveiled the Fenix 6 and the big news is that it's the company's first outdoor watch to be powered by the sun.
Like the Fenix 5 series, the new Fenix comes in multiple models: the Fenix 6, Fenix 6X and 6S. But this time there's an additional entry named the Fenix 6X Pro Solar.
Wareable verdict: Garmin Fenix 6 review | Garmin Fenix 6X review
That 6X Pro Solar is the only model that includes a new transparent solar charging lens tech that Garmin is calling Power Glass. Put simply, it soaks up the sun's rays to give you more time to use the watch. Users will also be able to see in real-time how much solar energy the lens has sapped up over the day.
Garmin says the 6X Pro Solar can last 21 days in smartwatch mode and the solar charging will add in an extra three days of use. That extra three days is based on wearing it all day outside for three hours.
Garmin Fenix 6 versions explained
Garmin Fenix 6: | Buy from Amazon
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro: | Buy from Amazon
The standard 47mm version. The Fenix 6 Pro adds music, Wi-Fi, maps.
Garmin Fenix 6S: | Buy from Amazon
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro: | Buy from Amazon
A smaller 42mm case with slightly lower battery life. The Fenix 6 Pro offers music, Wi-Fi, maps.
Garmin Fenix 6X Pro: | Buy from Amazon
A bigger screen, slightly better battery, music, Wi-Fi, maps as standard.
Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar: | Buy from Amazon
Solar panels for extra battery life, music, Wi-Fi, maps as standard.
Fenix 6 - screen specs
Both the Fenix 6 and the Fenix 6X now have bigger displays, jumping up to a 1.3-inch screen (on the Fenix 6 and 6S) and 1.4-inch screen on the Fenix 6X. All of the Fenix 5 models included 1.2-inch screens. It's the same sunlight-readable display that now gives you more room to view your training data, colour maps or your smartphone notifications.
Essential reading: Best Garmin watch to buy
The new Fenix models all support new QuickFit nylon bands, and once again there are Sapphire editions for all versions to offer that extra layer of durability for all your adventure types. All of the watches, unlike previous Fenix watches, have apparently been tested to military standards to give them that extra rugged profile.
On the software, tracking and sensor front, you're getting all of the good stuff we've seen in the previous Fenix range, but with some new things too. For runners, there's a new PacePro feature that aims to improve your race pacing, offering grade-adjusted guidance in real-time. Users will be able to create race plans prior to races and then see target split pace, actual split pace, distance to next split, how much time you're ahead or behind your target from the watch face. Garmin says PacePro will be launching on other watches, but is kicking things off with the new Fenix.
For navigation fiends, there's topographic maps once again with ski maps for 2,000 ski resorts worldwide and 41,000 golf courses covered out of the box.
Garmin is making changes to the interface too, letting you view up to six data fields on the 6 and 6S and up to eight data fields on the 6X. There's also now new widget glances to make it easier to see more of your data from just one screen.
All Fenix 6 models feature Garmin's latest Elevate heart rate tech, which can be used for workouts, all-day stress tracking and monitoring heart rate during swimming. The Pulse OX sensor introduced on the Fenix 5 series is there too, offering more insights around sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation. Meanwhile Garmin's Body Battery mode will harness heart rate data, sleep and activity to better evaluate your energy levels.
As for smartwatch features, you're getting smartphone notification support, Garmin Pay and a built-in music player that will let you store up to 2,000 songs and sync playlists for offline playback from the likes of Spotify.
If you're worried all these extra sensors and features are going to hammer the battery life, Garmin is introducing a new Power Manager feature that lets you see the biggest battery-sucking offenders. You can then tinker and disable as needed to ensure you're eking out more life out of your watch.
The Fenix 6 series start at $599.99, effectively matching the price of the cheapest Fenix 5. All of the Fenix 6 models are available to buy right now from Amazon.
Like the sound of the new Fenix? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
How we test
By Michael Sawh
Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.
He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.
Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech.
Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.