Summary
- Garmin watches provide fitness & health data without intrusive notifications.
- Impressive battery life: 22 days in full power mode, over two months in low power mode.
- Features serious navigation and outdoor safety tools, making it a great companion for outdoor activities.
A few years ago, I ditched my Apple Watch for analog watches because I hated always being so connected to my devices. However, the Garmin Quatix 6x Solar (Q6x) made me love smartwatches again.
It Gives Me Fitness & Health Data Without Being Intrusive
One reason I was so annoyed with my smartwatch (an Apple Watch Series 3) is because I couldn’t customize its notifications how I wanted.
Even after going through and shutting off just about every notification I could find, I kept getting notified for some particular thing that Apple really felt I should know about. I hated that. My Q6x doesn’t pester me except with what I ask it to, which is only phone calls.
I’m also absolutely in love with the health and fitness data the Q6x collects and displays with Garmin’s Connect app. Not only is the daily movement and health data more thorough and detailed than my Apple Watch, it’s a spectacular watch for running, which is my main mode of exercise.
Its Battery Life Is Impressive for a Smartwatch
Obviously, no smartwatch can compete with the power reserve of an analog watch. Certain Casio quartz watches are guaranteed to go 10 years without a battery change, and automatic mechanical watches will run perpetually if worn every day or even just every other day.
I used to have to play a daily charging time for my Apple Watch. While the newest models are boasting ~80 hours of battery life with optimized settings, it still isn’t guaranteed, especially with all those unwanted notifications.
My Garmin watch will go for 22 days in full power mode, and for more than two months in low power mode. It’s also a solar model, so if I’m outside regularly, that battery life is extended even further. Serious battery life makes the Garmin a great no-fuss compromise smartwatch.
It Features Serious Navigation and Outdoor Safety Features.
From my wrist with one or two button clicks, I can quickly access a compass, an up-to-date GPS map of my location, an SOS feature if something happens, and I can track myself via GPS to retrace my steps if I get lost.
Alongside my day job, I love to hike and fish in the wilderness, and this watch is an excellent companion. Its “Fishing” activity even keeps track of my catches, their location, and relevant weather data at the time of the catch.
I still wear analog watches most days, if I’m honest. But after the Apple Watch I thought I was done with smartwatches for good. However, the Garmin Quatix 6X brought me back from the deep end. These smartwatches are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a smartwatch that adds to their life without distracting from it.
