fenix 3 Sapphire

Fenix 3 (no HR) still gets some time on the wrist now and then when I feel nostalgic. Battery lasts about 5-7 days. https://preview.redd.it/advrns6bcekf1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd8815430270b08c1211bfb2ed69c237f8164b57

I went fenix 3 -> AWU -> fenix 6 -> fenix 6 & AWU2. Garmin is the better watch. Better for recording outdoor stuff. Battery is once or twice a month with running every day. It’s great. You never sweat it. But half the days it won’t connect to my iPhone. I miss calls and can’t reply to texts. Syncing to my phone is also a hassle (have to turn the watch on and off half the time). AW is an extension of my phone and a distraction. But I can reply to texts without my phone. It helps reduce screen time because I can leave my phone across the room. It has better complications for the most part and the ultra at least matches my fenix. I had to add apps to get heart rate and steps on my main screen but they update and work. The dive app is cool (visiting my parents in the keys and snorkeling). I ski a lot and the ability to unlock my phone with goggles and a mask on is huge. Also Apple Pay. Picking one? Hard choice. But I bought my fenix 6 used for $300 a few years ago and added the AWU2 refurbished from Apple (so 100% battery). I’m keeping both.

Garmins are amazing. I bought the Fenix 3 probably 7 years ago (it was used then) and it still works very well! Very durable and lots of options. I’d like to upgrade mine but it still works so well. They have other good options as well but I’ve just used the Fenix series

Some of us usually have our phone for all of the above and don’t use the watch for that. We are old dinosaurs. I’ve had a garmin Fenix 3 for 6+ years that can do those things and I have not ever used it for the things you mentioned that aren’t workout related.

I've owned a Fenix 3, Fenix 5 and Fenix 6. Each one glitched and died at about the 2 year mark. I've given up on the Fenix line entirely.

i had my fenix 3 since 2013: * battery life is so good. i can still get 10-15 days on a charge (no gps) or about 15 hours continuous outdoor cycling (with gps) * extremely tough (i had the fenix 3 since 2013, no scratches on the glass, just minor scratches and disoloration on the bezel) * does what it is supposed to do

Ya. The only thing that’s kept me in the garmin ecosystem (Fenix 3,5,8) is the battery life and simplicity. I weighed out my last purchase of the 47mm fenix 8 AMOLED vs the Apple Watch Ultra and literally the only thing that made me buy the 8 was the battery life, it was more expensive and had less features. Honestly though, it will be my last. They’re creeping up into the bottom end of quality Swiss watch range, I have a handful of nice mechanical watches that have all went up in value as I’ve owned them. I know it’s not the same thing but I’m not buying a 2k watch every 3 years where the old one is going to become a paperweight after 6-7 years

I use a garmin fenix 3. Works great. Make sure to get the sapphire glass. It’s basically indestructible.

I’m getting like ~36 hours charge out of mine. No it doesn’t have the battery life of the Fenix but I get basically a fully charge while I’m in the shower/changing so I don’t think it’s going to be issue.

I literally did the same thing with my fenix 3/6 and tactix but being able to run without a phone and still have access to emergency services or family through the watch is far superior than battery life during my 20-25 hours/week training.

You have to realize that the Garmin Reddit community is a bunch of fan boys and will fail to consider any rational argue ment against the product. Garmin has its pros and its cons. AWU has its pros and its cons. You need to choose what works best for you. I personally switched from Garmin Fenix (3 models over a decade) to AWU3 simply because the benefit of battery life doesn’t outweigh mobile capability. I no longer need to run or ride with a phone for emergencies. I get all the same training functionality that I find useful from the Garmin through apps which are imo better than Garmins. Only downside on AWU is the lack of buttons as it relies on touch screen. If someone’s says “battery” they’re probably idiots as they’re most likely desk warriors and not back packing the wilderness for weeks at a time.

Think the real thought for me is, do I go get a AWU3 AND down grade from a Fenix 3 to a cheaper alternative like a Garmin 265 for my run activities specifically from Fenix 8. I’m more of just a runner and the other activities Fenix offers are stuff I won’t use. The only reason I get Fenix is aesthetic of it. Would opt for MarQ but they got too expensive. If Fenix is going to compete w MARQ pricing, I have seriously debate buying one at all.

8 years from my Fenix 3! Fenix 6 going strong now.