Garmin Phoenix 3- The coolest sports tracker watch I've ever seen. On top of that, they are “smart.”
A week ago, Roman Yuryev reviewed the “junior” ones, calling the latter a “Swiss knife” among sports trackers. Alas, Roma, vivoactive is an alpine dagger.
A real Swiss knife is Phoenix 3.
Phoenixes can do so much that a lifetime would not be enough to experience all their functionality. Yes, this is not necessary. The watch is designed for a single solution in sports and outdoors. It's easier to make a list of sports programs that are not supported by the watch than to list the main types for which Garmin can act as an activity tracker. I have never seen such a rich selection of disciplines in any other watch:
- Snowboarding
- Rock climbing
- Mountaineering
- Paddleboarding (a type of surfing)
- Power training
- Cardio
- Multisport
- Walking
- Walking over rough terrain
- Indoor running
- Bike
- Exercise bike
- Swimming in the pool
- Open water
- Triathlon
Owners of the previous version may reasonably argue that Phoenix 2 could do the same. There are differences and they relate not only to appearance.
– Fenix 3 has a 218x218 pixel color display with constant display. During the day, the readability of the display reaches 170°, and at dusk the active backlight helps.
– Fenix 3 has become 2 mm thinner (15 vs 17 mm for Fenix 2);
– Phoenix 3 9 g lighter than the second model (82 vs 91 for Fenix 2);
– The Fenix 3 antenna catches GLONASS and GPS (Fenix 2 - GPS only).
– Water resistance has doubled – to 100 m. In the pool and open water, the clock counts pace, number of strokes, calories burned, speed;
– On the climber's or hiker's hand, Fenix 3 detects that climbing has begun and automatically switches to climbing/cross-country mode. The built-in altimeter shows the altitude, and the barometer can be used to determine what kind of weather awaits us.
– The battery capacity of Fenix 3 is 300 mAh versus 500 for Fenix 2. Don’t rush to conclusions.
The operating times of both watches are almost the same: 50 hours in UltraTrac mode (1 GPS scan per minute), 20 hours of continuous training with constantly working GPS.
But in simple-clock mode 40 days of work Fenix 3 will have a steeper 25 days than Fenix 2. Charging occurs via a USB cable through a proprietary connector.
Where: with a 10% discount at Madrobots.ru
10% discount code: GARMIN10 (valid for all Garmin)
Saving: from 1500 rubles
What else: verified store, one year warranty
Let's move on. Phoenixes can count steps And monitor sleep. Moreover, they do not need to be switched to sleep mode from a button, like other trackers: latest firmware 2.5 feature appeared automatic detection owner’s activity (went to bed - the clock went into sleeping mode). It's super convenient.
There are several versions Garmin Phoenix 3, differing in color and straps. The filling is identical.
Some kits come with a wireless ANT chest heart rate monitor, as in my case.
The box also contained a clip-shaped watch charger and a USB cable. The clip can be used with the watch without removing it from your hand when you need to charge on the go.
The weight of the watch on a silicone strap is 82 g, on a metal one - 175.
Fenix 3 tracked different kinds activity using a built-in pedometer, GPS/Glonass sensors, altimeter and heart rate monitor (optional). First, you need to register with the Connect IQ sports network and fill out your profile, indicating your age, height and weight.
If you select an activity with GPS tracking, then before the start of the workout, the watch searches for a satellite, which is indicated by a red stripe around the perimeter of the screen. When a satellite is found, it turns green. Satellite search can be disabled in the settings.
This feature will be useful for hikers and climbers TrackBack– navigator for returning to the starting point by built-in compass.
Phoenix 3 supports installation third party programs And dials, like Pebble. This was not the case in Fenix 2.
In addition, from the watch you can control music, save location checkpoints, and at the end of the day, watch your progress step by step.
Cardio zones are set in the profile. At the end of the workout, the watch is synchronized via Bluetooth with a smartphone with Connect IQ or via Wi-Fi (!!!) if there is no phone.
The watch displays all notifications on the screen via vibration alerts coming to the phone, like Pebble. Unlike them, you can also receive a call by continuing the conversation from your smartphone.
In this review I will praise this watch. They suited me so well after a month and a half of active use that I did not identify any shortcomings. Fantastic? No, just a personal subjective opinion.
When it comes to sports gadgets, one of the first brands that comes to mind is probably Garmin. The American company has long become a recognized authority among manufacturers of devices to accompany an active lifestyle.
Of course, the company makes all the different outdoor gear. And this factor also influenced my choice to some extent, because I have had an echo sounder and navigator from Garmin for a long time.
Why Ebay?
It's simple. New watches are quite expensive big money. This is the same point as with Apple, equipment does not lose much in price even when new models are released.
On Ebay you can buy watches at a very good price, in almost perfect condition.
I admit that I had to monitor offers for quite a long time before I found what I needed.
The whole point is that the watches are produced in different versions, and come with mineral and sapphire glass.
The difference in the price of new ones is quite noticeable, but the difference in used ones is not always the same! Often watches with mineral glass have scratches, and sellers do not hide this. Buying is not a problem, but I really wanted the sapphire one.
When I found what I needed at auction, I placed a bid and was the only buyer.
The watch was delivered to me within 14 days. 
You must understand that there will be no warranty on your watch purchased this way for two reasons. Firstly, it’s simply because you didn’t buy it in Russia (without any registers or receipts there), and secondly, the warranty may have already expired.
But here the risk is minimal. It’s just that in case of problems you can return it; Ebay is quite loyal to buyers regarding disputes. One main point is that Garmin is such a reliable company that you simply shouldn’t be afraid.
The watch arrived to me in the original box. Full set according to the seller + bonus in the form of an additional USB cradle. Of course, you can buy a cradle separately if something happens; it costs only 500 rubles, if you want, of course, to store one at home and the other, for example, in a car or in the country.
This is such a beautiful packaging: 
Box like matryoshka: 
Full list of equipment:
Watch
- Power adapter 1A
- USB cradle
- Stainless steel strap
- Manual
A USB cradle is a special platform with contacts and a grip that is attached to back cover watches and allows you not only to charge them, but also to exchange data with a computer.
Naturally, I have a power adapter with an American plug; finding an adapter is not a problem, but it is enough to at least have a phone charger and charge it with it, which is what I do.
The manual is detailed, I don’t have Russian. But honestly, if you know at least a little English, you don’t need it at all. The clock is easy to use and set up. Yes, and now you can easily download the manual. 
The steel strap is not my thing. I remember the feeling when someone like that catches the hair on your arm. In addition, it is very heavy. Yes, it is stylish, but I am for practicality and convenience. 
It is clear that it is in the factory film and the seller did not use it. And he did the right thing, IMHO. 
Judging by the saved workouts on the watch that I found in the history, the watch was purchased around the summer of last year. That is, at the time of purchase it was already a year old.
Watch condition and appearance
Excellent. The glass is not scratched, of course. There are no chips anywhere. Only Basel has scratches and, I think, some will say: well, damn, it’s not very beautiful, but I turned a blind eye to this fact, because with active wearing I myself got scratches, because you constantly touch something for hours, and in general, my opinion is that this is the case when “scars” decorate.
Reverse side of the watch. The body is partially made of composite polymer. Don't underestimate its durability, but it feels very nice in the hand and is also scratch-resistant. 
As you can see, I don't have a heart rate monitor, but I don't need one and I haven't considered a watch with one. After all, you can buy it separately. 
The case is held together using torx screws on a Basel: 
Strap. The silicone strap is already installed in the watch. Well, very high quality, there are no words, just soft, pleasant. It is easy to clean, does not stain, and is not afraid of frost and water. 
The watch is controlled using 5 buttons on the case. There is a speaker: 
Technical characteristics of Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire:
Screen: transflective TFT, 1.2"", 218x218. Pixels per inch (PPI) - 257
Case material - EXOTM stainless steel bezel antenna with GPS and GLONASS reception. PVD-coated stainless steel buttons with silicone strap and ultra-strong glass reinforced (Carbon Reinforced Polymer)
Built-in memory: 32 MB
Wireless interfaces: Bluetooth 4.0 LE, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, ANT+
Sensors: barometer, altimeter, digital compass, thermometer
Navigation: GPS, GLONASS
Battery: 300 mAh
Dimensions: 51x51x16 mm
Weight: 85 grams
Watch operating time: 50 hours in UltraTrac mode (1 GPS scan per minute), 20 hours of continuous training with constantly working GPS.
But in simple-hour mode, up to 50 days of work.
These are really not empty words. After almost a month of using the watch just in watch mode, my charge dropped to only 40 percent out of 100, which is really surprising.
Additional Information
My main hobby is fishing. Since waterproofness is important to me, I for a long time wore a Casio G-shock watch. The watch is great, but it's just a watch.
If you compare them with Garmin, then with a smaller thickness and diameter they weigh almost the same. Perhaps, logically, the mechanism is all that matters... But phoenixes also have a battery inside. 
The watch, of course, has a backlight. There is even a dedicated separate button, although the same button also activates the clock lock, as well as turning it off and resetting it. It all depends on the duration of exposure to it.
Without backlight: 
With backlight: 
The watch is charged like this: 
External software.
Let's start with the fact that everything you want to install in your watch needs to be passed through garmin program connect. This program is free and can be installed on a computer or smartphone without any problems:
Connecting to a smartphone via bluetooth: 
When synchronizing occurs automatic copy your data from your watch to your Garmin profile. This is very convenient, because then you can view the calendar of your classes and all the training data: 
For example: 
Data from my last swim in the pool. By the way, all workouts are customizable. You can change not only the units of measurement (meters, feet, etc.), but also the length of the pool, track, circle, etc. 
There is another program for customizing the watch face FaceIt. You can even put your own picture. The resolution is not very high, but what is shown is clear: 
You can change the location additional information on the dial. 
However, I consider this pampering and do not use this opportunity. In general, of all the dials, of which there are many in the library, I like the regular digital one.
As an example, an analog dial. 
Arrows, color, etc. everything can be customized to your taste: 
I also used this one: 
Just today I connected my watch to my smartphone and a new update was automatically downloaded. Garmin updates the software periodically, which is very good. 
In addition to bluetooth, of course, the watch has wi-fi. 
Navigation.
GPS connects automatically when you select a task that requires it. Glonass is disabled by default: 
Perhaps with glonass the positioning will be more accurate and faster. But? Having crawled with the watch on Kola on vacation, I did not find any problems with navigation with the watch. Even while driving a car, the watch finds satellites very quickly. 
Very required function For watches this is a track recording. Yes, you can’t upload a map to them, but that’s not necessary. If you want a watch with a map, buy a Garmin Epix. Or just a navigator.
What is this for? I have already tested it and really liked it. Whether you are going somewhere unfamiliar or have been kidnapped (just kidding), you can record a track. It will not be difficult to return back, or return to the same place soon. 
The track can be viewed and enlarged using the buttons. 
To return to the starting point there is a trackback function: 
Multisport mode.
The watch was created mainly as a multi-sport watch, all programs were developed separately for each type of training with individual displayed parameters.
The watch is completely waterproof and can be submerged up to 100 m.
All training programs are already preinstalled in the watch, here they are:
Skis
-Snowboarding
-Rock climbing
-Mountaineering
-Paddleboarding (a type of surfing)
-Power training
-Cardio
-Sports rowing
-Multi-sport
-Walking
-Walking over rough terrain
-Run
-Indoor running
-Bike
-Exercise bike
-Swimming in the pool
-Open water
-Triathlon
-Custom setup
As noted earlier, there are a lot of training modes. For convenience, I left only those that I use myself, the rest I simply removed from the menu: 
In multisport mode, the watch also writes tracks. For example, whether you are running on a track or skiing, they will record your path. They will also record those parameters that are necessary to control the classes. The full list of activities with data can be viewed, of course, in the hours in the history section: 
Smartwatch mode
The watch supports platforms - Android, iOS, Windows Mobile via the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
Notifications with viewing - SMS, mail, calendar, weather, Facebook, Twitter, VK, telegram and other messengers. The necessary notifications are configured through Garmin Connect Mobile.
The watch only allows you to view messages. By the way, the watch has vibration.
You can also control your music player through the watch.
Widgets.
You can install any widgets you like, there are a lot of them. Widgets are switched using the up and down buttons from the main screen: 
Additionally, I set myself the location of the planets relative to the sun in this moment, you can even change the date in the widget and see what happens next. Well like that 
Sunset/sunrise: 
I like this one, the calendar. Comfortable. 
Comfort and tactile sensations
The watch, despite its apparent bulkiness, sits on the hand like an ordinary watch, does not restrict the hand at all, and the buttons do not rest against or put pressure on the hand when the latter is bent. One thing, if you have narrow sleeves and they are not adjustable, it will be a little inconvenient to take out the watch every time to use it. I personally didn't have any problems with this. The buttons are pressed with little effort, but “softly”.
Thanks to the backlight, information is visible even in complete darkness. There are no problems with reading in the sun either.
Sapphire crystal is a really cool thing. especially in the pool, you take the watch out of the water, and it’s “clean”. Well, it’s hard to scratch, which is definitely a plus.
To summarize, I want to say that in my opinion this is the best multisport and smart watch on the market.
But this would be a loud statement if I had not held direct competitors in my hands, of which there are still not many.
Apple watch is a beautiful trinket that is fully compatible only with iPhone. In addition, they hold a charge poorly - 16 hours. A beautiful screen - what for?
Samsung gear S3 - hold a charge longer, but overall much worse. 3-4 days is something like that.
Suunto Ambit3 - no vibration, low screen resolution, does not work with Android, etc.
And so on. If you search the Internet, you can come to the same conclusion as I did, and like many who eventually bought Garmin.
What are the advantages of this watch? Definitely everything, from reliability and appearance to functionality and autonomy.
Cons... Price? No, the price is really justified. Not very high resolution? A high resolution sacrificed for autonomy, and by the way, the resolution is quite enough, because everything is readable. This watch is not for entertainment, it is not a toy, it is a workhorse, although in my opinion it is still a stylish accessory for every day.
Add a leather strap and you will have a business watch.
I finished.
I'm planning to buy +27 Add to favorites I liked the review +79 +130
Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire Edition is one of the most successful versions of smart watches. Even the improved model contains the functionality of the third generation of Garmin, a review of which is presented in the article. Let's talk about why smart Garmin watch The Fenix 3 is worth purchasing.
Why you should buy a Garmin Fenix 3 smartwatch
The Garmin Fenix 3 smart watch is a godsend for professional athletes and amateurs. The first advantage is the design. The entire design of the device is thought out by the developers down to the smallest detail. The comfortable silicone bracelet sits gently on the hand, while the steel version is suitable for a formal setting. Let's look at the advantages of the Garmin Fenix 3 HR smartwatch.
Phoenix 3 benefits overview:
- Compact body and light weight - the watch does not interfere with your hand in everyday life and in competitions;
- EXO antenna, made of steel, provides a high-precision, powerful signal for the navigation system;
- Chroma display with oleophobic coating – guarantees the brightness of the image on the screen even in bright sunlight, without glare;
- Training functionality – the functions were selected by the developers specifically for athletes, they are all necessary, there is nothing superfluous in the interface;
- Connect IQ compatible - useful for downloading additional applications, expanding functionality, dials, etc.
The main focus of the watch is sports. The functions are designed for various forms of training - running, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, etc.
The third version of Phoenix supports GPS and GLONASS. The steel EXO antenna enhances the signal accuracy, allowing the navigator to send highly accurate data. This allows you to use the watch while traveling and hiking. This application is also facilitated by the durable, protected housing of the product. Let's look at the description of the device in more detail.
Read also:
Review of Pebble SmartWatch
Description of smart watch
Garmin Fenix 3 HR went on sale in three versions:
- Black silicone bracelet with gray body and scratch-resistant glass
- Red silicone bracelet with silver case and scratch-resistant glass
- Steel bracelet and case with sapphire crystal (Sapphire Premium model)
The new Fenix 5 model is improved in this regard. More variants of models have been developed, but they all have their own peculiarities in terms of protection. Fenix 5 is presented in samples with regular glass and sapphire.
Fenix 5 with regular glass does not have Wi-Fi. Their price is 100 dollars less. The sapphire Fenix 5 has the same features + Wi-Fi. The third generation differs only in the design difference between the models. The functions and capabilities of the samples are the same.
Specifications
Review of Garmin smart watch model Fenix 3 HR:
- Wide screen 1.2 inches diagonal
- Chroma color LCD display with oleophobic coating
- EXO steel antenna
- Built-in sensors altimeter, barometer (+TracBack, Sight"n Go)
- Navigation system GPS, GLONASS
- There is a 3-axis compass
- Built-in VO2 Max function
- Compatible with Connect IQ
- Water protection up to 100 meters deep
Battery life is impressive. The battery capacity is designed for 3 months if the device is used as a regular watch. Navigation drains the battery faster. With an active GPS module, the device will be discharged in 16 hours. UltraTrack mode extends the life of the device up to 50 hours. The modes in the settings change.
Sensor operation
Garmin Phoenix 3 has three built-in sensors:
- Altimeter – tracks altitude, helps calculate ascent and descent
- Barometer – determines pressure for a short time, helps predict the weather
- 3-axis compass – shows azimuth in a static position and in motion
Gamine also measures temperature, but this requires an additional attribute. Connect a tempe sensor and get highly accurate readings. The device sets the time automatically. Thanks to the operation of the navigation system, the watch determines the time zone, adjusting the time indicators.
Read also:
Samsung smart watches: keeping up with the times
Features of the Garmin Fenix 3 smartwatch
Unlike Garmin Fenix 2, the functionality of the third model is expanded. The main feature is full tracking of training indicators and control of the user’s form. The device has a built-in VO2 Max function. Checking your oxygen levels helps you track your fitness improvements. The function works based on heart rate monitor indicators.
The device also combines other useful commands:
- Timer recovery
- Verified recovery
- Competition time forecast
Using the listed functions, the user controls the body’s recovery and checks the results.
Running Dynamics
The running dynamics indicator includes three parameters:
- Step frequency
- Vertical oscillation
- Ground contact
The device measures them with high accuracy. Thanks to this, the user monitors the progress of running sessions and adjusts the training to improve the quality of the result.
Swimming, skiing and snowboarding
The watch belongs to the “Multi-sport” class due to its broad focus. The device also measures swimming performance.
During swimming training Phoenix 3 measures:
- Distance traveled
- Travel speed
- Number of strokes, etc.
Use the ski-snowboard mode. The device will accurately measure the speed and distance of movement, and the vertical drop in height. There is also a trip counter here.
Navigation system
Let us note the uniqueness of the technology of the Phoenix 3 watch. The device combines the ultra-modern operation of the navigation system in combination with high-precision sensors. There is no such thing anywhere!
The navigation system is characterized by the following capabilities:
- Recording a track with GPS points
- Determining the starting line
- Arrival point mark
- Fixing an interesting object
- Marking caches, etc.
The maximum number of places that can be marked is 1000. The number of points is limited to 10,000.
Connection
Phoenix's screen displays:
- Emails
- SMS messages
- Alerts
- Warnings, etc.
Pairs with Garmin Phoenix 3 iPhone devices and Android. The user controls the events of the smartphone during training. Pairing occurs through bluetooth module. This is more profitable than Wi-Fi because it saves battery power. The device works longer.
In the modern world, few people can be surprised by the functions of smart watches. If earlier the companies producing such gadgets could be counted on one hand, now there are quite a lot of them, and spoiled users simply have to choose between many options of different designs.
Today, we will be looking at Garmin Fenix 3. What is special about smart watches from Garmin, and how can they attract buyers? Let's get a look.
Characteristics
- Purpose: multisport
- Communication: Bluetooth
- Waterproof: up to 100m
- Battery: 300 mAh
- Claimed autonomy: 50 hours in UltraTrac mode, 20 hours in GPS training mode and 6 weeks in watch mode
- Dimensions: 51.5x51.5x15.5 mm
- Weight: 70 g.
Equipment
In a nice box, in addition to the watch itself, there was:
- Chest heart rate monitor (varies by option)
- Original USB cable with stand
- Block charger with three replaceable forks
- User manuals
Appearance
Externally, the watch looks rather rough and is more suitable for men, since it has rather large elements: the display and the strap. Of course, there are other color solutions that allow the fair sex to wear them, but the sizes will remain the same. On a small and narrow wrist they look bulky. The advantage of the strap is that, despite its bulkiness, it is quite comfortable and is also adjustable so that it will fit tightly even on a thin wrist, and the additional lock will prevent them from accidentally falling off.
The small (1.2-inch) color display is covered with durable protective glass that is resistant to scratches and damage and is edged with a protective bezel made of steel, which can be either black or gray. True, the bezel has no functionality.
Physical control keys are located parallel to each other to the right and left of the display.
It is worth noting that Garmin has a premium version of the same watch, which differs in that the strap is made of steel and the screen is covered with sapphire crystal.
Since the watch itself does not have a heart rate monitor, a chest monitor is used instead that measures heart rate, which may or may not come with the watch, depending on the configuration.
In our case, the monitor was included, so I will describe that too: the sensor is quite compact, and most importantly, lightweight. In order to use it, you just need to attach it to the strap using special rivets and start synchronization, which occurs via the ANT+ protocol. Power comes from regular batteries CR 2032.
It is worth attributing to the appearance the ability to change the themes of the dial. On special service Garmin Connect IQ has a variety of watch faces and themes to download; You can also download many additional widgets.
Battery
The watch is charged using original block power supply, both from the network and via a USB cable. Attaching to the docking station occurs using a special clamp.
As for the operating time, this indicator largely depends on what applications are running, options are used, settings are selected and whether GPS is used. In general, like any other gadget.
With intensive use, with GPS turned on, the battery lasts for 17 hours. If you use the watch every day, but only during training with GPS turned off, it will last for two weeks without recharging. With standard moderate use as a watch, approximately 6 weeks.
Possibilities
The advantage of Garmin Fenix 3 over many smartwatches is that they are a completely independent device that can work without an application on a smartphone.
So, for example, when you turn on the watch, it tells you what data you need to enter to start using Fenix 3.
But you still want to use the full potential of the device, so I advise you to download it, after which you will need to create account and go to synchronization with the clock.
Once synchronized, you can track data on both your workouts and overall daily activity in the app: steps taken, distances taken, calories burned, and data on your sleep.
We have already described the proprietary Garmin application, but since then it has managed to be updated - both design and functionality have changed quite well and certainly for the better. The application is very easy to use and shows the maximum number of indicators.
Among the additional widgets not related to sports, it is worth noting a compass, an altimeter necessary for measuring the height of the climb, a barometer, temperature and weather information.
If necessary, you can connect notifications from your smartphone: missed calls, SMS, mail, etc.
If the connection with the smartphone is interrupted, the watch will notify you of this vibration alert.
It's time to move on to describing the Fenix 3's sports capabilities.
Since the watch is equipped with both GPS and GLONASS, data on your location will be as accurate as possible, and accordingly, data on the distance traveled too.
Before starting your workout, you should choose one of the proposed sports:
- Indoor running
- Bike
- Exercise bike
- Swimming in the pool
- Open water swimming
- Triathlon
- Ski hill
- Snowboard
- Skiing
- Rock climbing
- Walking
- Cross country running
After your workout is over, Garmin will prompt you to save information about the completed activity, and the TrackBack item that appears will prompt you to go back along the route you took.
The main and significant advantage of Garmin Fenix 3 is that it can be used by people involved in swimming, both amateurs and athletes - this is one of the few watches that not only withstands depths of up to 100 meters, but also independently calculates the number of strokes and intervals , pace and time.
Since Fenix 3 is practically independent of a smartphone, information about training can be viewed on the watch itself in the “Archive” section.
The watch not only shows indicators, but also makes a further forecast of recovery after training.
Let's sum it up
Garmin Fenix 3 is one of the few accurate smartwatches that has many options and modes.
Such watches can be interesting and useful for both ordinary sports fans (watching football on the couch or in a bar does not count) and serious athletes and coaches. The only thing that can put you off is its impressive dimensions and rather high price.
The Garmin brand has long and successfully been producing devices that help with sports and simply track physical activity. It is convenient when one device is capable of collecting and analyzing information related to different sports. Below is an overview of the Garmin Fenix 3 line of watches.
In addition to the main model, the Garmin 3 line includes devices labeled Saphire and Saphire HR. These models differ slightly in appearance and belong to the premium segment. They have a sapphire crystal, and the Garmin Fenix 3 HR model has a heart rate sensor in addition to the glass. In addition, there is a difference in the belts included in the kit and the available colors.
As before, the device is large in size and has a durable body, as well as a bright, sporty design. In addition, the Garmin Fenix 3 has significantly increased the list of functions; previously they were not presented in any device of the brand. In addition to the barometer, GPS, compass, smart notifications, the third generation of watches has learned through Wi-Fi network go to the company’s website and download or upload data about your activity to it. The user will also be able install a number of applications from the official Connect IQ store.
The device is suitable for athletes, regardless of the type of their sports activity, 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 watches from Apple. But considering the capabilities that the Garmin Fenix 3 offers, the high price tag is justified.
Contents of delivery
The Fenix 3 series watches have a fairly rich set of equipment. In addition to the watch itself, in the box you can find charging dock(unique for the model), power supply with a USB connector for charging from the mains, documentation, chest strap for measuring heart rate.
The uniqueness of the Garmin Phoenix 3 watch charger is that the protruding heart rate scanner on the bottom panel of the watch will not allow it to be combined with docking stations from other devices.
The battery capacity is 300 mAh, which guarantees 50 hours of operation without connecting the watch to satellites. With GPS turned on, the battery will last 20 hours. In watch mode – 6 weeks.
Due to the fact that Sapphire HR already has built-in heart rate monitor, in its kit the user will find an additional belt instead of the chest version with a built-in monitor, which comes with simpler models.
For the Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire model, the kit is also different the presence of replaceable plastic straps. They are necessary for playing some sports, because by default watches are sold not only with the best glass, but also with a metal bracelet.
Appearance
In general, the design of the watch resembles military style. This is a massive metal case, no hidden screws, and a lot of weight. But, despite this, the watch looks impressive on the hand and makes it clear that this is a high-quality and expensive thing.
Due to the fact that the model’s display is not touch-sensitive, you can see on the case 5 physical buttons- three on the left side and two on the right. Each of them is signed. Upper right – synchronization with devices/start, lower right – exit the selected mode/return one step back. Left side from top to bottom:
- backlight
- go up menu/enter settings,
- down the menu.
A long press on the brightness button will turn off the device or select a mode without notifications; in addition, it can be used to lock the device.
The display has a diameter of 1.2 inches with a resolution of 218*218 pixels. He monochrome, which saves energy, but backlighting lasting from 8 to 60 seconds eliminates the problem completely. IN standard mode The display shows the time and constantly shows user activity.
The device has a water protection class of 10ATM - this guarantees diving to a depth of up to 100 meters, that is, swimming or scuba diving without taking off your watch is quite possible.
All three models in the Garmin Phoenix 3 smartwatch line are similar in characteristics, but differ in configuration and appearance. For a better understanding of the difference, a table is provided below.
| Phoenix 3 | Phoenix 3 Sapphire | Fenix 3 Sapphire HR | |
| Display | Mineral glass | Sapphire crystal resistant to mechanical damage | |
| Frame | Gray or black with black trim | Chrome with black trim, gray with black trim, pink gold– white finish | Gray with black trim |
| Belt | Silicone red or black | Leather, titanium, metal, white silicone | Metal + black silicone |
| Heart rate monitor | No, but there is a chest strap with a heart rate sensor | Built into the watch case | |
| First price | $400, additional straps – $30-130 | $460, additional straps $30 to $130 |
Functional
The Connect IQ app will help you configure 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 (altitude sensor);
- weather;
- notifications from social networks;
- 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 effective device.
Fitness mode
All Garmin devices are created first for athletes. Already in the second version of the watch, a large number of sports modes were available, so any user could choose the option that suited them. In the third version of the watch, this approach was not only preserved, but also expanded.
Daily activity
In addition, all your indicators can be seen in the widget; the goal and how much is left to it are displayed here. There is a red bar at the bottom of the display that fills when the user is inactive. When it is completely red, the device will let the owner know that it is time to walk. This indicator is cleared by walking a distance of 100 meters.
An interesting point is that the watch analyzes the number of steps taken by the user and increases or decreases the goal, as well as setting values for the week. At the same time, you cannot completely cover the goal with a long walk on the weekend - the device suggests distributing the goal for every day.
In addition to daily monitoring, Garmin 3 has many modes for practicing different sports: cross-country skiing or downhill skiing (snowboarding), hiking, running, rock climbing, cycling in open spaces and indoors, similarly swimming - open water or pool. Each mode can be configured with a separate widget, up to 10 at a time. In each mode, from 4 to 14 parameters are configured.
Important! You cannot scroll through widgets during training. To do this, you will need to exit the training mode.
Sensors
Garmin watches have a variety of built-in sensors and also support connection to third-party devices. Among the built-in ones are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, altimeter, accelerometer, barometer, GLONASS.
Besides, via ANT+ standard connections can be made with sensors from other manufacturers. This is necessary for some modes. For example, when exercising indoors on an exercise bike, you can record the rotation speed on your watch. A total of 7 external sensors can be connected.
For navigation, the watch uses a connection to satellites via GPS, however, for higher accuracy of the route, it should be parallel use GLONASS, Russian navigation system. You need to enable it manually, since only GPS works by default. According to numerous reviews, location readings are off by a maximum of 3 meters.
It is necessary to understand that connecting to both navigation systems affects the battery life, but the autonomy does not decrease so significantly as to save money.
Altimeter, barometer and compass
The device works with 3-axis compass, which determines the direction even if the watch is not moving. 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, an altimeter is indispensable, which allows you to control the height during ascent or rock climbing. All three sensors automatically calibrated using GPS, the watch automatically switches to another time zone. To obtain more accurate information about the air temperature, you can connect an external thermometer using ANT+.
Dream
Here the device has some flaw. Owners of models without the HR prefix, that is, without a built-in heart rate monitor, note that sleep analysis consists of what is displayed night travel schedule. At the same time, the device does not show whether the user got up or simply changed his sleeping position.
The built-in heart rate monitor performs the sleep monitoring function more accurately; it understands from the heart rate whether the user is sleeping or awake. Using the HR version, you can see the phases of light and deep sleep, as well as the moment of awakening, on the graphs.
Regardless of the watch version, the data has to be adjusted, and all reviews agree that monitoring night activity is not the best strong point models. In addition to inaccurate data, the watch is quite bulky, and not every owner will decide to leave it on his wrist at night.
Software
For more flexible settings The device manufacturer has developed the Garmin Connect application, which works with Windows 10 Mobile, Android and iOS. The application, according to user reviews, is made of very high quality, and there are a lot of customization options.
Advice! When you pair it with MyFitnessPal, you can also track the food you ate, making setting your workout goals even more precise.
In the company store Connect applications IQ has a variety of apps to choose from, both created by the company and third-party developers. In particular, you can download new watch faces, smarter stopwatches and other useful programs.
Smart Watch
Given the fact that all Garmin watches, including the Fenix 3, are designed for athletes, the mode smart watch here it is inferior to competitors, for example, a device from Apple. On the watch display, when connected to a smartphone, you can view short messages, see email headers, and receive call notifications. You can also set up to receive notifications about events from your calendar. It is useful player control function on a smartphone. You can also set up control of the Garmin Virb action camera from the watch. There are about 50 applications that can be installed on the watch, but their number is growing. Among them there are even 2 games.
Advantages and disadvantages
The model has an order of magnitude more advantages than disadvantages, and the latter include the high price, large size (the watch looks too bulky on a small wrist), and inaccurate sleep data. Also, some users say that the chest heart rate sensor is very uncomfortable.
- strong body;
- fits comfortably on the hand, despite the size;
- capacious battery;
- high accuracy of location tracking;
- high-quality display;
- clear interface;
- a huge number of sports modes;
- waterproof;
- connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+;
- Very big choice applications and settings that, without exaggeration, cover all possible indicators.
Conclusion
The device can rightfully be called one of the best in its environment. For athletes and especially those who plays sports professionally, the Garmin Fenix 3 watch will be a great assistant. In this case, the high price is quite justified. IN currently You can buy the device in numerous online stores, including the official Garmin market. The price starts from 30 thousand rubles.
Loading...
