Garmin Fenix ​​3 watch range overview

The Garmin brand has long and successfully engaged in the production of devices that help in sports and just monitor physical activity. Conveniently, when one device is able to collect and analyze information related to different sports. Below is an overview of the Garmin Fenix ​​3 watch line.

In addition to the main model, the Garmin 3 line includes devices marked Saphire and Saphire HR. These models are slightly different in appearance and belong to the premium segment. They have sapphire crystal, and the Garmin Fenix ​​3 HR model has a heart rate sensor in addition to glass. In addition, there is a difference in the belts from the kit and the available colors.

First look

As before, the device has a large size and durable case, as well as a bright sporty design.In addition, in Garmin Fenix ​​3, the list of functions has seriously increased, previously they were not represented in any device of the brand. In addition to the barometer, GPS, compass, intelligent notifications, the third generation of watches learned to access the company's website via the Wi-Fi network and download or upload data on their activity.. Also, the user can install a number of applications from the official store Connect IQ.

The device is suitable for athletes, regardless of the type of their sports activities, as well as people who love high-quality and expensive things. At the start of sales, the price was about $ 400, which is more than the watch from Apple. But taking into account the possibilities offered by Garmin Fenix ​​3, the high price tag is quite justified.

Contents of delivery

Watches of the Fenix ​​3 series have a fairly rich set. In addition to the clock in the box you can find charging dock (unique to the model), power supply with USB connector for charging from the network, documentation, chest belt for heart rate measurement.

The uniqueness of the Garmin Phoenix 3 watch charger lies in the fact that the projected pulse scanner on the bottom of the watch will not allow you to combine them with the docking stations from other devices.

The battery capacity is 300 mAh, which guarantees 50 hours of operation without connecting the clock with the satellites.With GPS enabled, the battery lasts for 20 hours. In the mode of hours - 6 weeks.

Due to the fact that Sapphire HR already has built-in heartbeat monitorIn its bundle, the user will find an additional belt instead of a chest strap with an integrated monitor, which comes with simpler models.

For the Garmin Fenix ​​3 Sapphire model, the kit also differs the presence of interchangeable plastic straps. They are necessary for practicing some sports, because by default the watch is sold not only with the best glass, but also with a metal bracelet.

Appearance

In general, the design of the watch reminds military style. This is a massive metal case, not hidden screws, a lot of weight. But despite this, the watches look impressive on the hand and make it clear that this is a high-quality and expensive item.

Due to the fact that the display of the model is not touch, on the case you can find to see 5 physical buttons - three on the left side and two on the right. Each one is signed. Upper right - sync with devices / start, lower right - exit from selected mode / go back one step. Left side from top to bottom:

• backlight.
• menu up / enter settings,
• down the menu.

A long press on the brightness button will turn off the device or select a mode without notification, in addition, with its help, the device can be locked.

The display has a diameter of 1.2 inches with a resolution of 218 * 218 pixels. is he monochrome, which saves energy, but the backlight with a duration of 8 to 60 seconds eliminates the problem completely. In standard mode, the display shows the time, the user activity is constantly displayed.

The device has a class of protection against water 10ATM - this ensures diving to a depth of 100 meters, that is, to swim or dive with an aqualung, without removing the watch, it is quite real.

Differences models

All three models in the line of smart watches Garmin Phoenix 3 are similar in characteristics, but differ in a complete set and appearance. For a better understanding of the difference, the table is presented below.

Functional

Connect IQ application will help you customize not only the display, but also widgets. Each of them is a small screen with information about a specific application. Among the useful widgets:

• pedometer;
• altimeter (height sensor);
• weather;
• notifications from social networks;
• Heart rate;
• last sport;
• music;
• barometer;
• compass;
• Body temperature.

This is not a complete list, device configuration is very flexible and allows you to make the most useful and efficient device.

Fitness mode

All Garmin devices are created first. for athletes. Already in the second version of the watch, a large number of sport modes were available, so that any user could choose a suitable option for himself. In the third version of the clock, this approach was not only preserved, but also expanded.

Daily activity

Phoenix 3 in the daily physical activity monitoring mode provides information about the number of steps taken and the distance, calories burned, as well as the quality of sleep.. In addition, there is idle mode: The device understands that the user has been without movement for too long or is not doing it intensively enough. Activity data is transmitted to the application, and then uploaded to the site. From there, you can share your results with friends or other users of Garmin watches.

In addition, all your indicators can be seen in the widget, the target is displayed here and how much is left of it. At the bottom of the display there is a red bar, which is filled if the user is not active. When it is completely red, the device will let the owner know that it’s time to walk. This indicator is cleared by passing a distance of 100 meters.

An interesting point is that the watch analyzes the number of steps the user has taken and increases or decreases the target, and also sets the values ​​for a week. At the same time, it is impossible to completely cover the target with a long walk on weekends - the device offers to distribute the target for each day.

Sport Modes

Besides daily monitoring, Garmin 3 has many modes for practicing different sports: cross-country or downhill skiing (snowboarding), hiking, jogging, climbing, biking in open space and in closed rooms, like swimming - open water or a swimming pool. Each mode can be configured as a separate widget, up to 10 at a time. In each mode, 4 to 14 parameters are configured.

Important! In the process of training, widgets can not be flipped. This will require exit from workout mode.

Sensors

Garmin watches have many built-in sensors, and also support connecting devices from third-party manufacturers. Among the built-in - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, altimeter, accelerometer, barometer, GLONASS.

Besides, by ANT + standard You can connect to sensors from other manufacturers. For some modes this is necessary. For example, when exercising in a room on a stationary bike, you can take off rotational speeds for hours. In total, you can connect 7 external sensors.

For navigation, the watch uses a connection to satellites via GPS, however, for a higher accuracy of the route, it should be parallel use GLONASSRussian navigation system.You need to enable it manually, as by default only GPS works. According to numerous reviews, the location readings are mistaken for a maximum of 3 meters.

It should be understood that the connection to both navigation systems affects the battery life, but the autonomy decreases not so much as to save.

Altimeter, barometer and compass

The device works with 3-axis compasswhich determines the direction, even if the watch is motionless. The barometer records changes in pressure and generates a short-term weather forecast, which is important when hiking or climbing a mountain. Also in the latter case, the altimeter is indispensable, which allows you to control the height during climbing or climbing. All three sensors automatically calibrated by GPS, the clock independently switches to a different time zone. For more accurate information about air temperature, you can connect an external thermometer with ANT +.

Sleep

Here the device has some flaw. Owners of models without HR, that is, without a built-in heartbeat monitor, note that sleep analysis is what is displayed night time schedule. At the same time, the device does not show whether the user got up or simply changed position in a dream.

The built-in heart rate monitor performs the function of monitoring sleep more accurately, it understands by heart rate that the user is asleep or awake. Using the HR version, you can see on the graphs the phases of light and deep sleep, as well as the moment of waking up.

Regardless of the clock version, the data has to be corrected, and all reviews agree that the control of night activity is not the strongest side of the model. In addition to inaccurate data, the watch is quite bulky, and not every owner decides to leave it on his hand at night.

Software

For a more flexible device setup, the manufacturer has developed Garmin Connect applications that work with Windows 10 Mobile, Android and iOS.. The application, in the opinion of users, has been done very well, and there are a lot of possibilities for customization.

In the Connect IQ app store, you can choose from a variety of apps that are created both by the company and by third-party developers.In particular, you can download new dials, smarter stopwatches and other useful programs.

Smart watch

Taking into account the fact that all Garmin watches, including Fenix ​​3, are made for athletes, the smart watch mode is inferior to competitors here, for example, Apple devices. On the watch display, when connected to a smartphone, you can view short messages, see the headers of letters, and receive notifications of calls. In addition, you can configure to receive notifications about events from the calendar. Useful is player control function on a smartphone. You can also configure the Garmin Virb camera action control with a watch. Applications that can be put on the clock, there are about 50, but their number is growing. There are even 2 games among them.

Advantages and disadvantages

The model has more advantages than minuses, and the latter can be attributed to a high price, large size (on a small wrist, the watches look too cumbersome), inaccurate data about sleep. Also, some users say that the chest heart rate sensor is not very convenient.

Conclusion

The device can rightly be called one of the best in its environment. For athletes and especially those who playing sports professionally, Garmin Fenix ​​3 watch will be a great helper. In this case, the high price is quite reasonable. At the moment, you can buy the device in numerous online stores, including the official market of Garmin. The price starts from 30 thousand rubles.