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Garmin Fēnix® 6X – Pro Solar Edition
Editor’s Conclusion
Is there anything this watch can’t do? The Garmin Fenix 6X Solar Edition is highly customizable and full of impressive features. As you may have guessed from the name, it is capable of solar charging. It can not solely rely on the sun, but it will boost your battery when you need it.
Because there are so many features, it sometimes takes a while to set up and adjust the watch to your liking. However, once you do, you’ll never want to be without this outdoor watch. It can accompany you on hikes, golf courses, surf trips, and more.
However, there’s no denying that the Fenix 6X is a big investment. Continue reading to decide if it would be a good addition to your lifestyle.
Because there are so many features, it sometimes takes a while to set up and adjust the watch to your liking. However, once you do, you’ll never want to be without this outdoor watch. It can accompany you on hikes, golf courses, surf trips, and more.
However, there’s no denying that the Fenix 6X is a big investment. Continue reading to decide if it would be a good addition to your lifestyle.
Garmin Fēnix® 6X – Pro Solar Edition Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Endless features
Solar boost charging
32 GB memory
Color display
Military standard durability
Built in body battery
Shows phone notifications
Optional backlight
Cons
Looks big on a small wrist
Not made with sapphire glass
Takes a while to set up/organize to your liking
No touchscreen
Key Features
Comfort
Depending on which version you choose, you will receive a silicon or a titanium wristband. Both options provide great comfort and adjustability. You have the option of a 42mm, 47mm, or 52mm case size. In general, in this article, I will discuss the 47mm.
The Fenix 6X is not too heavy on the wrist, but it is rather large. On a small wrist, it looks quite big. If you typically have trouble reading the information on a screen, this 1.3 inch display is good for you. If you prefer a sleeker, less noticeable, watch, this might not be ideal for you.
Either way, it is not easy to accidentally press the buttons when bending your wrist and it stays in place. To get a more accurate heart rate reading, you will need to wear the watch tightly around your wrist.
Features
Where should I begin? In Smartwatch mode, the battery will last up to 21 days. However, thanks to the Solar Boost charging, you can extend this already great battery life another three days. Of course, this number of hours varies greatly depending on which apps you use and for how long.
Luckily, there is an internal Power Manager. This allows you to see which apps and sensors you use the most battery, therefore allowing you to decide which to use and when.
In terms of sports, this baby is preloaded with ski maps for approximately 2,000 different resorts. It also includes a PacePro running coach and apps for other sports including running, surfing (connected to Surfline), climbing, biking, and more. Additionally, you can enjoy animated workouts such as yoga, pilates, cardio, weight lifting, and more.
To keep an eye on your vitals while engaging in these activities, there is a wrist heart rate monitor and a Body Battery energy monitor. It pulls data from your sleep cycle, your heart rate, and stress to remind you when to be active and when to rest. You can even log your water intake and the watch will estimate your sweat loss and let you know how your hydration levels are.
For walking or driving directions, you’ll enjoy the multi GNSS support that includes GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. This ABC watch allows you to plug in a destination and receive suggested routes and live turn by turn directions. There is also a safety feature built-in that can sense an accident (such as a crash or fall) and automatically notify and send your location to your emergency contacts.
Stay in control of the soundtrack of your life by storing up to 2,000 songs on this watch. It has a 32 GB memory. You can also take advantage of carrying minimal items, not even a credit card, because Garmin Pay is also built-in to this product.
The 260 x 260 pixel display is easy to read on the 1.3 inch display. It functions as a smartwatch and is compatible with many phones. You can accept or deny calls and send or read messages. However, there is no microphone so you still need to have your phone nearby to have a conversation.
Durability
Often described as a “beast” in terms of features and durability, the Fenix 6X can withstand a lot of abuse. It is tested to military standards and is thermal, water, and shock-resistant. It has a 10 ATM water rating. This means it can withstand water and pressure up to 100 meters. It’s a great choice for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and other sports, but probably not for scuba diving.
Depending on the version you buy, your watch will either come with a titanium or silicon strap. The case is made from titanium and has a metal rear cover case. One downside of the solar charging is that it doesn’t allow the Fenix to use sapphire glass. Instead, it uses a power glass lens. However, it has not been known to scratch easily.
Value
There is no beating around the bush. This is an expensive watch. Coming in at nearly a grand, it’s a big investment that provides a big return. As you can see, the features of this item are nearly endless. It’s not just a two-in-one or a three-in-one, it’s more like a one hundred-in-one.
Garmin includes a one-year warranty with this product. Additionally, they pay close attention to customer reviews and always reach out to unsatisfied customers to try to make things right. Though I don’t foresee you having issues with this watch, it’s always good to have that reassurance.
Depending on which version you choose, you will receive a silicon or a titanium wristband. Both options provide great comfort and adjustability. You have the option of a 42mm, 47mm, or 52mm case size. In general, in this article, I will discuss the 47mm.
The Fenix 6X is not too heavy on the wrist, but it is rather large. On a small wrist, it looks quite big. If you typically have trouble reading the information on a screen, this 1.3 inch display is good for you. If you prefer a sleeker, less noticeable, watch, this might not be ideal for you.
Either way, it is not easy to accidentally press the buttons when bending your wrist and it stays in place. To get a more accurate heart rate reading, you will need to wear the watch tightly around your wrist.
Features
Where should I begin? In Smartwatch mode, the battery will last up to 21 days. However, thanks to the Solar Boost charging, you can extend this already great battery life another three days. Of course, this number of hours varies greatly depending on which apps you use and for how long.
Luckily, there is an internal Power Manager. This allows you to see which apps and sensors you use the most battery, therefore allowing you to decide which to use and when.
In terms of sports, this baby is preloaded with ski maps for approximately 2,000 different resorts. It also includes a PacePro running coach and apps for other sports including running, surfing (connected to Surfline), climbing, biking, and more. Additionally, you can enjoy animated workouts such as yoga, pilates, cardio, weight lifting, and more.
To keep an eye on your vitals while engaging in these activities, there is a wrist heart rate monitor and a Body Battery energy monitor. It pulls data from your sleep cycle, your heart rate, and stress to remind you when to be active and when to rest. You can even log your water intake and the watch will estimate your sweat loss and let you know how your hydration levels are.
For walking or driving directions, you’ll enjoy the multi GNSS support that includes GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. This ABC watch allows you to plug in a destination and receive suggested routes and live turn by turn directions. There is also a safety feature built-in that can sense an accident (such as a crash or fall) and automatically notify and send your location to your emergency contacts.
Stay in control of the soundtrack of your life by storing up to 2,000 songs on this watch. It has a 32 GB memory. You can also take advantage of carrying minimal items, not even a credit card, because Garmin Pay is also built-in to this product.
The 260 x 260 pixel display is easy to read on the 1.3 inch display. It functions as a smartwatch and is compatible with many phones. You can accept or deny calls and send or read messages. However, there is no microphone so you still need to have your phone nearby to have a conversation.
Durability
Often described as a “beast” in terms of features and durability, the Fenix 6X can withstand a lot of abuse. It is tested to military standards and is thermal, water, and shock-resistant. It has a 10 ATM water rating. This means it can withstand water and pressure up to 100 meters. It’s a great choice for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and other sports, but probably not for scuba diving.
Depending on the version you buy, your watch will either come with a titanium or silicon strap. The case is made from titanium and has a metal rear cover case. One downside of the solar charging is that it doesn’t allow the Fenix to use sapphire glass. Instead, it uses a power glass lens. However, it has not been known to scratch easily.
Value
There is no beating around the bush. This is an expensive watch. Coming in at nearly a grand, it’s a big investment that provides a big return. As you can see, the features of this item are nearly endless. It’s not just a two-in-one or a three-in-one, it’s more like a one hundred-in-one.
Garmin includes a one-year warranty with this product. Additionally, they pay close attention to customer reviews and always reach out to unsatisfied customers to try to make things right. Though I don’t foresee you having issues with this watch, it’s always good to have that reassurance.
Comparison to Similar Watches
The Suunto 9 is made for adventurers and sports players. It has many similar features to the Fenix 6X Solar, but a little less of everything- including the price. As a smartwatch, the battery will last up to 14 days. There is no solar charging available on this model. It features similar sports modes and the same water resistance.
It weighs 72 grams and features a stainless steel bezel, mineral glass, and a silicone band. The pixel display is slightly higher than the Fenix at 320 x 300. Additionally, the Suunto 9 has a touchscreen.
A slightly more expensive option than the Suunto 9, but still less expensive than the Fenix 6X is the Coros Vertix. It boasts a sapphire glass screen that is incredibly durable, along with water resistance up to 150 meters. It is the lightest option listed in this article, weighing in at only 54 grams.
It features a touch screen and a large dial on the side, allowing you to control it with your bare finger, or to use the dial with thick gloves on. It has many similar features and modes to the Fenix and a battery life of up to 45 days, depending on usage, of course. For extreme climbers, it also tracks your elevation and alerts you when it is safe for you to continue ascending.
It weighs 72 grams and features a stainless steel bezel, mineral glass, and a silicone band. The pixel display is slightly higher than the Fenix at 320 x 300. Additionally, the Suunto 9 has a touchscreen.
A slightly more expensive option than the Suunto 9, but still less expensive than the Fenix 6X is the Coros Vertix. It boasts a sapphire glass screen that is incredibly durable, along with water resistance up to 150 meters. It is the lightest option listed in this article, weighing in at only 54 grams.
It features a touch screen and a large dial on the side, allowing you to control it with your bare finger, or to use the dial with thick gloves on. It has many similar features and modes to the Fenix and a battery life of up to 45 days, depending on usage, of course. For extreme climbers, it also tracks your elevation and alerts you when it is safe for you to continue ascending.
Verdict
Overall, there is very little that I would change about this multisport watch. It is packed with features, apps, and things to make your life easier and more organized. Garmin often releases software updates that keep the watch running smoothly. While I do wish there was a touchscreen option, all of the amazing features overpower this small con.
If you are willing to make the investment, you will likely never take this watch off. Think of it as your personal assistant, your personal trainer, and your personal life alert. It really does do just about everything… and does it well.
If you are willing to make the investment, you will likely never take this watch off. Think of it as your personal assistant, your personal trainer, and your personal life alert. It really does do just about everything… and does it well.
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