Garmin Descent G1 Review – Check What It Can Offer

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Garmin Descent G1 comes with rugged dive-ready design, multi-sport GPS features, and solar charging capabilities. Whether underwater or on a mountain trail, it offers smooth performance, accurate tracking, and reliable durability.

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What Garmin Descent G1 Offer?

  • The Garmin Descent G1 has a built-in dive computer that supports multiple modes of safe and versatile underwater exploration, including single-gas, multi-gas, apnea, and gauge.
  • Garmin Descent G1 has GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite support for precise location tracking to allow accurate surface navigation and dive entry/exit point marking.
  • It has solar charging capability in the Solar Edition to extend battery life, ensuring longer usage during extended outdoor or diving activities.
  • The Garmin Descent G1 has a 3-axis compass and gyroscope for improving underwater orientation to maintain direction without surfacing.
  • Garmin Descent G1 has wrist-based heart rate monitoring for continuous heart rate and stress tracking, as well as everyday health monitoring.
  • It has over 30 built-in sports apps for tracking fitness activities like trail running, swimming, and strength training.
  • The Garmin Descent G1 has a durable build that meets MIL-STD-810 standards and 100-meter water resistance to ensure reliability in extreme and underwater environments.
  • Garmin Descent G1 has smart notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts to help you stay connected without a phone.

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Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Excellent dive tracking and safety features

  • Solar charging extends battery life significantly

  • Military-grade rugged design

  • Clear, sunlight-readable display

  • Multi-sport and health tracking support

  • Accurate GPS with multi-satellite support

  • Compact and lightweight for a dive watch

Cons
  • Monochrome display

  • No music storage or third-party app support

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Comparison

FeatureGarmin Descent G1Garmin Descent Mk2SGarmin Instinct 2 Solar
Display TypeMonochrome, transflectiveColor AMOLEDMonochrome, transflective
Dive ModesYesYesNo
Heart Rate MonitorYesYesYes
GPSGPS, GLONASS, GalileoGPS, GLONASS, GalileoGPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Smart NotificationsYesYesYes
Solar ChargingYesNoYes
Battery Life (Smartwatch)Up to 21 daysUp to 7 daysUp to 28 days
Water Rating100 meters100 meters100 meters
Weight~61g~60g~53g
PriceCheck Descent G1 PriceCheck Descent MK2S PriceCheck 2 Solar Price

FAQ

Is the Garmin Descent G1 compatible with all dive types?
Yes, the Descent G1 supports multiple dive modes including single-gas, multi-gas, apnea, and gauge modes, making it suitable for recreational, freediving, and technical diving.

Can the Garmin Descent G1 be used as a regular smartwatch?
Absolutely, it functions as a smartwatch with notifications, health tracking, calendar updates, weather, and more, making it useful both underwater and on land.

How long does the battery last on the Garmin Descent G1?
In smartwatch mode, the battery lasts up to 21 days with solar charging, and in dive mode, it lasts up to 25 hours, depending on usage and exposure to sunlight.

Does the Garmin Descent G1 track heart rate underwater?
No, wrist-based heart rate sensors do not function reliably underwater, but it does provide heart rate tracking on land and during surface activities.

Is the Garmin Descent G1 suitable for freediving?
Yes, it includes a dedicated apnea mode for freediving, which tracks dive time, surface intervals, depth, and more.

Can I view maps or navigation routes on the Garmin Descent G1?
While it does not offer full mapping, it supports GPS tracking, breadcrumb navigation, and marking entry/exit points for dives or trails.

Does the Garmin Descent G1 have a touchscreen?
No, it uses physical buttons which are easier to operate in wet or underwater conditions, enhancing reliability during dives.

Is the Descent G1 compatible with Garmin Connect?
Yes, all your activities, dives, and health data sync with the Garmin Connect app for detailed analysis and tracking.

What is the difference between the regular and solar edition?
The solar edition includes Power Glass for solar charging, extending battery life significantly with adequate sunlight exposure.

Is the Descent G1 suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, it’s lightweight, durable, and stylish enough for daily use while offering advanced fitness and smartwatch features.

Can I receive text and call notifications with the Descent G1?
Yes, when connected to your smartphone, it displays call, text, and app notifications right on your wrist.

Does the Garmin Descent G1 support music storage or playback?
No, it does not have onboard music storage or playback features, focusing more on sports and dive functionalities.

Is the Garmin Descent G1 good for non-divers?
Yes, it’s a capable multi-sport GPS smartwatch with advanced fitness and health tracking, ideal even for users who don’t dive.

How does the screen perform under sunlight or underwater?
The monochrome display is transflective, meaning it’s highly visible under direct sunlight and underwater, ensuring readability at all times.

Can I use Garmin Pay on the Garmin Descent G1?
No, the Descent G1 does not support Garmin Pay, as it prioritizes durability and dive-related features over full smartwatch capabilities.

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