How long do smart watches last

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

How Long Do Garmin Watch Last?: Decoding Lifespan and Durability

Investing in a Garmin watch prompts the inevitable question: How long do Garmin watches last?

H having used Garmin watches for several years, primarily for tracking my running endeavors, Ill share my insights and experiences in this comprehensive guide.

Before making a purchase, its crucial to understand these devices longevity, durability, and battery life.

Garmin Watches Overview

Garmin offers various watches, from high-end models to more budget-friendly options. While none can be considered cheap, the investment in a Garmin watch, ranging from $150 to $1500, sparks questions about its lifespan, support, and potential issues.

My journey with Garmin watches began in 2020 with the Forerunner 225. Over the years, Ive expanded my collection to include the impressive Fenix 7 and the entry-level Forerunner 55.

The longevity of Garmin watches is a notable feature, with most models quickly remaining functional for Five years or more. Some users report reliable use for close to a decade.

Also see How to Restart Garmin Forerunner 235: Step-by-Step Guide

How Long Do Garmin Watches Last?

Its difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to how long Garmin watches last, as it depends on several factors:

Model: Different Garmin models have varying lifespans. High-end models like the Fenix series are built tougher and may last longer than budget-friendly options.

Usage: How you use your watch will impact its longevity. Frequent GPS use, continuous heart rate monitoring, and other demanding features will drain the battery and potentially wear down components quickly.

Care: Taking good care of your watch, including protecting it from scratches, bumps, and water damage, can significantly extend its lifespan.

Battery: Rechargeable batteries naturally degrade over time, and the number of charge cycles can affect how long they last.

Individual experiences: User experiences vary. Some people report their Garmin watches lasting several years without issue, while others encounter problems sooner.

Garmins official stance:Garmin doesnt provide an official lifespan for its watches, but some users report a3-6 yearrange as typical.

Here is my personal experience with the Garmin Watch.

Durability in Real-world Scenarios

Garmin watches are renowned for their durability. Having tested multiple models over the years, my first Forerunner 225 from 2020 is still fully functional despite acquiring a few dings and scuffs.

These watches are designed to withstand various environments, including exposure to water during activities such as surfing, canoeing, and showering.

However, extreme activities like trail running, mountain biking, or white water rafting pose potential risks.

Accidental impact, especially on the display, can lead to internal water damage. Nevertheless, if used cautiously, Garmin watches are tough and hard-wearing.

Also See When Will Garmin Fenix 8 Come Out?: Exploring Release Date and Features

Battery Life and Cycles

The internal components of Garmin watches, including the battery, are built for durability.

On average, these components can last around seven years or more. However, the rechargeable battery may start losing its charge faster after approximately 500 charging cycles.

Premium Garmin watches often boast superior battery technology, offering an extended lifespan.

The concern arises after 5000 cycles, where the batterys unique characteristics make it challenging to predict its usability.

In my experience, using a Garmin watch daily for 90% of its six-year lifespan, the device still charges up and holds its charge well.

For those who opt for Garmin, more expensive fitness watches are recommended.

These are for those seeking the best battery lifeatches and utilize top-notch components and powerful battery units, ensuring longer runtimes than their cheaper counterparts.

Read How to Set up Garmin Pay on Your Garmin Watch

Replaceable Batteries

While most Garmin smartwatches and fitness watches do not feature user-replaceable batteries, exceptions exist. The Garmin Forerunner 50, for instance, comes with a replaceable battery.

However, this model is now discontinued, and purchasing it through official channels is impossible.

If you own a Forerunner 50, replacing its battery can be done by following Garmins guidelines.

This involves backing up all activity data with Garmin Connect, removing the back cover plate, replacing the storm, and ensuring all components are returned to their original positions.

Despite this capability, for the majority of Garmin watches, once the battery reaches its end of life, replacing it becomes impractical.

However, this may not be a concern for most users, as the lifespan of a Garmin watch battery can range from 10 to 15 years, depending on usage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Garmin watches are built to last, featuring incredible sports tracking features and robust durability.

Even the more budget-friendly models, like the Garmin Forerunner 55, offer impressive longevity. With an average battery life of a week to two, these watches cater to various users and activities.

Concerns about battery degradation after 500 charging cycles are mitigated by the lasting performance observed in real-world usage. Premium Garmin watches are a worthy investment for those requiring extended battery life.

Explore Garmin Watch Features

The features extend beyond essential timekeeping for those new to smartwatches and Garmin devices.

Notable functionalities include Garmin Body Battery, Stress Measurement, Garmin Sleep Score, Garmin Connect, and Training Status.

These features contribute to a holistic health and fitness tracking experience, making Garmin watches an invaluable tool for health-conscious individuals.

GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery

GPS Smartwatch, Music, Body Energy Monitoring, Animated Workouts, Pulse Ox Sensors

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How Durable Are Garmin Smartwatches Really? (We Checked)

Garmin watches are generally expensive so when you make that investment you want it to last.

And, if youre a person who frequently engages in fitness or outdoor activity, you reallyneed your Garmin watch to last.

In this article we investigage the durability of these watches and other issues related to the overall soundness of the product.

Heres How Durable Garmin Watches Really Are:

When it comes to fitness trackers and watches, Garmin ranks among the most reliable, durable watches available. A wide array of Garmin models are military-grade and designed for extreme sports and adventure. Garmin watches may last up to 56 days in power save mode and 36 hours in standard GPS mode.

How Long Do Garmin Watches Typically Last?

Arguably, The most frustrating aspect of most technology is having to charge your devices. This is made worse when the product doesnt have good battery life.

There is good news when it comes to Garmin watches, though.

The latest Garmin watches may last for between 7 to 56 days in power save mode and 5 to 36 hours in standard GPS mode.

This varies from Garmin model to model.

For example, Garmin Instinct Solar comes with a longer battery life (56 days) than that of the Garmin Forerunner 45 (7 days)the Garmin watch in general usually last longer than its competitors.

A Garmin watch can be used all day. The built-in SPO2 and sleep tracker sensors monitor your vitals, so it was created to be worn at night too.

Lets look at Garmins total lifespan. They can last for between five to seven years. The watches are designed using good quality components, so they are durable. However, all Garmin GPS watches use rechargeable batteries, and these have a lifespan.

After seven years, a Garmin watch slows down or has GPS problems every couple of months. There are fixes or factory resets that you can do.

Naturally, certain factors can affect your watchs lifespan.

These include the following:

Dangerous activities
How much your smartwatch is used
Activities such as water rafting, mountain biking, navigating trails, and the like.

This puts you at a greater risk of damaging the Garmins display.

How Scratch-Resistant Are Garmin Watches?

The cover over a watch face is called the crystal. The protects the dial from any damage.

There are three general types.

These include:

Acrylic crystal is a cheaper option. It is plastic and doesnt prevent scratches. That said, scratches can be buffed out.

The next option is Mineral crystal. This is glass which is made up of many elements that help prevent scratches (it is seven times tougher than acrylic crystal). This material is usually found on more costly watches.

Sapphire crystal is generally used on premium watches. It is the most costly kind of crystal and it is three times tougher than mineral crystal.

It consists of very durable synthetic material. This makes it shatterproof as well as scratch resistant (as opposed to scratch-proof). Some of them have a non-reflective film to stop any distracting glare.

How scratch-resistant a Garmin watch is, is largely dependent on the model. For instance, the Garmin Tactix has mineral crystal, whereas the Tag has Sapphire.

Before you purchase a watch, make sure that it is suited to its intended use. If you are someone who often does extreme sports, you should invest in a more scratch-resistant model.

Is Garmin Military-Grade Quality?

Certain Garmin watch models are military-grade. If you want this kind of quality, you should check the watchs specs beforehand.

For instance, the Garmin Tactix Delta Sapphire Edition offers a premium design that adheres to military standards (MIL-STD-810).

Another option is the Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition Instinct which meets the U.S. military standard 810 in respect of thermal, shock, and water resistance up to 100 meters.

Military grade products meet the requirements for one of the U.S. militarys standards.

However, there are so many different standards in the military. In fact, not all standards cover the products quality. Some standards have to do with formats and other things completely outside of quality.

As each type of Garmin watch offers different features, it is important to remember your lifestyle and what you will use the watch for. This will help you choose the best watch for you.

What Typically Breaks First on Garmin Smartwatches?

Again, this is largely dependent on the type of model that you own and use.And how you use it.

In my opinion as a Garmin watch user, one of the parts that break first is the screen. It can get scratched, cracked, and broken and over time, this can become unsightly. This can also prevent you from seeing the information on the screen.

Garmins warranty does not protect against physical damage to the watch that results from an accident, abuse, misuse, effects of the elements, and the like.

With Garmins non-Marine watches that have a damaged display screen, Garmin provides an out-of-warranty replacement. To enquire about replacement service, get in touch with Garmin Product Support. Cosmetic damage does not fall under Garmins Consumer Limited Warranty.

Garmin advises against using any polish or buffing products to try to get rid of scratches from a display. These kinds of treatments can negatively impact or strip the display of its factory surface treatment.

There are watch screen protectors that you can purchase that protect the screen from any damage.

This helps you to use the watch freely without fear that you might be scratching the screens surface or worse.

Just make sure that you buy a screen protector specifically designed for your model of watch. If the screen protector is too big or too small, it wont serve its purpose.

How Durable Are Garmin Watches Compared to the Apple Watch?

In general, Garmin is built for outdoor activities and fitness rather than being an extension of a Smartphone.

Specific Garmin models, such as the Instinct resemble a G-Shock and have durability certificates. Others, such as the Garmin Lily have a more delicate look. It depends on which model you pick.

Garmin is arguably more durable than an Apple Watch.

That said, some Apple Watches also offer water resistance and can withstand certain environmental conditions.

As mentioned before, you can compare the specs of watches. A salesman can also advise you on which watch type and model is better for you.

What Are the Most Durable Garmin Smartwatches?

Garmin has the following rugged and durable watches available:

Instinct 2 Solar

This is a rugged, solar-chargeable GPS smartwatch. It is water-rated to 100 meters. It is also thermal and shock resistant.

It is made to last with its fiber-reinforced polymer case and its chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.

Epix (Gen 2)

This tough watch has Corning Gorilla Glass. It is designed for adventure and is extremely durable.

Instinct Crossover Standard

This watch is bold, rugged, and designed with a dual-layered bezel.

It has a high-resolution digital display alongside its smart functionality. Moreover, it is water-rated to 10 ATM. An added bonus is its thermal and shock resistance.

Fnix 7 Solar Edition

This watch is the latest and tough athletic design from Garmin.

The watch has a big 1.3 solar-powered display and a 47 mm casing. The watch meets U.S. military standards in respect of thermal, shock, and water resistance.