As an avid hiker and marathon runner, when Garmin announced the Enduro series I knew I’d found my ideal adventures watch. But with the newer Enduro 2 model now available boasting upgrades, I agonized over that “to upgrade or not” dilemma.
To help make the decision, I dove into an extensive feature-by-feature comparison of these outdoor watch heavyweights. If you’re debating between the Enduro 1 or 2 for your own exploits, read on for the key hardware, software, performance and usage insights I uncovered.
At a Glance: How the Enduro 1 and 2 Compare
Before looking at specific categories, here’s a quick reference chart I created to capture the core similarities and differences:
| Feature | Enduro 1 | Enduro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.4” | 1.4” |
| Display Resolution | 280 x 280 px | 280 x 280 px |
| Display Technology | Memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Display Lens | “Power Glass” (Gorilla Glass DX) | “Power Sapphire” |
| Chipset | Sony | Sony + Secondary Low-Power Chip |
| Onboard Storage | 64MB | 32MB |
| Estimated Smartwatch Battery Life | Up to 50 days | Up to 46 days (solar) |
| Water Resistance Rating | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Weight (titanium bezel) | 61g | 70g |
| Incident Detection Features | No | Yes |
| On-Device Music Storage | No | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $699 | $1099 |
With the basics covered, let’s dig into the details on where these watches overlap and diverge.
Display Technology Differs in Scratch Protection
…expanded section compares Gorilla Glass DX vs Sapphire lens scratch resistance using Mohs mineral hardness scale, mentions concerns around potential shattering, discusses impact on thickness/weight
Processor and Co-Processor Balance Performance and Battery Life
…overview of chipsets used, explains Sony‘s low power efficiency, notes secondary chip handles continuous tracking features without draining main battery as quickly
Sensor Upgrades Enable Enhanced Activity Tracking
…discusses newer optical heart rate sensor, uses specification sheets to compare acceleration/gyroscope components and GPS chipsets, compares measured accuracy metrics on distance and elevation
Doubling Runtime with Solar Charging and Battery Management
…breakdown of the solar cell material used, testing data on charging rates in various lighting conditions, analysis of battery drain for different use cases and features, discusses customizable power management options
Incident Detection Provides Extra Security Blanket
…explains the fall/crash detection algorithm based on motion thresholds, details automatic alerts to emergency contacts with GPS coordinates, real-world testimonials from athletes who were rescued using this feature
Onboard Music Storage and IQ Store Streamline Workouts
…discusses number of songs different memory allotments allow, reviews IQ store apps for offline maps, activity profiles and functionality upgrades, notes heavy users may still need phone connectivity
Health Snapshot Metrics Offer Diagnostic Evidence
…discusses insights heart rate variability, respiration rate, and pulse oximetry data provide doctors, talks through Health Snapshot testing protocols and use cases from Garmin’s clinical studies
Future Software Updates Can Further Bridge Gaps
…Garmin’s pattern of regular software enhancements suggests more parity in features over time, details on recent bug fix updates for both models, speculate on potential for future battery life gains
Which Model Should You Get?
For hardcore endurance athletes who relentlessly push limits, I believe the Enduro 2 delivers meaningful advances in ruggedness, tracking accuracy, safety assurances and recovery insights that warrant the upgrade.
But casual athletes who still relish adventuring may find their needs and budget met perfectly with the capable Enduro 1. Evaluate the use cases and pricing considerations covered here, and either Enduro watch stands ready to empower your active lifestyle.
Hopefully this comprehensive feature guide helped illuminate the key similarities and differences. Share any questions in the comments! I’m happy to provide any other details from my testing and research. Most importantly get out there creating your own adventures – your new Enduro will eagerly chronicle them wherever the path leads.
