Fenix 3
| Fenix 3 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| The Fenix 3 HR in Gray/Black | |
| General Information | |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Type | GPS Multisport Watch |
| Series | Fenix Series |
| Announced | January 5, 2015 (Fenix 3); January 5, 2016 (Fenix 3 HR); August 25, 2016 (Fenix Chronos) |
| Release Date | February 2015 (Fenix 3); February 2016 (Fenix 3 HR); September 2016 (Fenix Chronos) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Price | $499.99 USD (Silver/Gray); $599.99 (Sapphire/HR); $799.99 (Titanium); $899–$1,499 (Chronos) |
| Predecessor | Fenix 2 |
| Successor | Fenix 5 |
| Sizes Available | 51mm (Fenix 3); 49mm (Chronos) |
| Colors | Silver/Red, Gray/Black, Sapphire (various); Titanium, Steel, Leather (Chronos) |
| Display | |
| Size | 1.2 inches (30.4mm) diameter |
| Type | Color LCD, 218 x 218 pixels, sunlight-readable |
| Physical | |
| Case Size | 51.0 x 51.0 x 16.0 mm (Fenix 3); 49.0 x 49.0 x 13.5 mm (Chronos) |
| Weight | 82g (standard); 85g (Sapphire rubber); 175g (Sapphire metal); 90g (HR); 94–103g (Chronos) |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer (Fenix 3); Stainless steel or Titanium (Chronos) |
| Bezel Material | Stainless steel (standard); Titanium (Titanium edition/Chronos Titanium) |
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened glass (standard); Sapphire crystal (Sapphire editions and all Chronos) |
| Water Rating | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
| Battery Life | |
| Smartwatch | Up to 6 weeks (standard); Up to 3 weeks (HR); Up to 1 week (Chronos) |
| GPS Only | Up to 20 hours (standard); Up to 16 hours (HR with optical HR); Up to 13 hours (Chronos) |
| UltraTrac | Up to 50 hours (standard); Up to 40 hours (HR); Up to 25 hours (Chronos) |
| Features | |
| HR Sensor | None (standard Fenix 3); Garmin Elevate optical HR (Fenix 3 HR and Chronos) |
| GPS | Yes (GPS + GLONASS with EXO antenna) |
| Sensors | GPS, GLONASS, EXO antenna, 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, thermometer, accelerometer |
| Storage | 32MB internal memory |
| Connectivity | USB, ANT+, Bluetooth Smart, Wi-Fi (Fenix 3 only; Chronos lacks Wi-Fi) |
| Music | No |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | No |
| Key Features | Color display, Connect IQ, Wi-Fi (Fenix 3), Multisport mode, Swimming, Ski-Board mode, Running Dynamics, VO2 max, Activity tracking, Smart Notifications |
| Related | Fenix 2, Fenix 5, Forerunner 920XT, Forerunner 225, MARQ (original) |
The Garmin Fenix 3 (stylized in lowercase as fēnix 3, pronounced like "phoenix") is a GPS multisport watch announced on January 5, 2015 at CES and released in February 2015.[1] The Fenix 3 introduced a color display, Connect IQ app platform, Wi-Fi connectivity, and improved design while building upon the multisport capabilities established in the Fenix 2.[2]
One year later, on January 5, 2016, Garmin announced the Fenix 3 HR, which added Garmin's Elevate wrist-based optical heart rate sensor to the Fenix 3 platform.[3] The Fenix 3 HR was not Garmin's first optical heart rate watch—that distinction belongs to the Forerunner 225, announced in May 2015, which used Mio optical sensor technology.[4] The Fenix 3 HR instead used Garmin's own in-house Elevate optical heart rate technology.
In August 2016, Garmin released the Fenix Chronos, a luxury variant of the Fenix 3 HR featuring premium materials including titanium and stainless steel cases, sapphire crystal, and refined aesthetics designed for everyday wear.[5]
At the original Fenix 3 announcement, Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales, stated: "Premium materials, a rugged aesthetic and smartwatch capabilities make fēnix 3 the perfect watch for someone who lives a rigorous lifestyle. Designed to handle even the most rugged conditions, fēnix 3 provides a comprehensive multisport feature set that can be fully customized to the user, making it easy to transition into everyday activities."[1]
Overview
The Fenix 3 was released in multiple variants over its lifecycle, with the Fenix 3 HR variants arriving one year after the original models, followed by the luxury Fenix Chronos in late 2016.
Key improvements over the Fenix 2 included:[2]
- Color display: 218 x 218 pixel sunlight-readable color LCD replacing the 70 x 70 monochrome display
- Connect IQ: Open platform for third-party apps, widgets, data fields, and watch faces
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Automatic activity uploads to Garmin Connect without smartphone
- Improved water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM) vs 50 meters (5 ATM) on Fenix 2
- EXO antenna: Omni-directional steel antenna integrated into bezel for faster satellite acquisition
- Activity tracking: Steps, distance, calories, and sleep monitoring
The Fenix 3 retained core features from the Fenix 2 including ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass), multisport mode with auto transitions, TracBack navigation, ANT+ sensor compatibility, and Smart Notifications.
The Fenix 3 HR (January 2016) added:[3]
- Garmin Elevate optical HR: Wrist-based heart rate monitoring without chest strap
- 24/7 heart rate tracking: Continuous heart rate monitoring throughout day and night
- Intensity Minutes: Weekly exercise tracking against health guidelines
Models
Original Fenix 3 (January 2015)
| Model | Lens | Bezel | Band | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenix 3 Silver | Chemically strengthened glass | Stainless steel | Red silicone | $499.99 |
| Fenix 3 Gray | Chemically strengthened glass | Stainless steel | Black silicone | $499.99 |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire | Sapphire crystal | Stainless steel | Metal link bracelet | $599.99 |
| Fenix 3 Silver HRM-Run Bundle | Chemically strengthened glass | Stainless steel | Red silicone | $549.99 |
All original Fenix 3 models shared identical internal hardware and software; differences were purely cosmetic and material.[2] The Sapphire edition included a spare set of silicone straps in the box.[2]
Fenix 3 HR (January 2016)
The Fenix 3 HR added Garmin's Elevate wrist-based optical heart rate sensor, enabling 24/7 heart rate monitoring without an external chest strap. The HR variants were announced alongside additional Sapphire models with new band options.[3]
| Model | Lens | Bezel | Band | Optical HR | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenix 3 HR | Sapphire crystal | Stainless steel | Black silicone | ✓ | $599.99 |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire Titanium | Sapphire crystal | Titanium | Titanium link bracelet | ✗ | $799.99 |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire (Leather/Nylon) | Sapphire crystal | Stainless steel | Leather + Nylon straps | ✗ | $599.99 |
The Fenix 3 HR was physically nearly identical to the standard Fenix 3, with the primary difference being a small optical sensor bump on the back of the watch housing the Elevate sensor.[6]
Fenix Chronos (August 2016)
The Fenix Chronos was Garmin's first luxury smartwatch, announced on August 25, 2016.[5][7] While based on the Fenix 3 HR platform, the Chronos featured premium materials and several internal upgrades designed to bridge the gap between a fitness watch and a traditional luxury timepiece.
Garmin's Martin Resch, Senior Product Manager EMEA, stated: "Garmin has been the trusted choice for adventurers and athletes around the world for decades. fēnix Chronos has been designed to stylishly and seamlessly transition from a day hiking through mountains, training for a race or to heading to an official event."[7]
Key differences from Fenix 3 HR:[5]
- Premium case materials: Full stainless steel or titanium case construction (vs fiber-reinforced polymer on Fenix 3)
- Slimmer profile: 49mm x 49mm x 13.5mm (vs 51mm x 51mm x 16mm on Fenix 3 HR)
- Upgraded processor: Approximately 4x faster than Fenix 3 HR
- More Connect IQ memory: 256KB for apps (vs 65KB on Fenix 3 HR)
- 64-color display: Enhanced color palette (vs 16 colors on Fenix 3)
- Connect IQ 2.x support: Full support for latest Connect IQ features
- Varia Vision support: Compatible with Garmin's heads-up display (not available on Fenix 3)
- Flatter optical HR sensor: Reduced sensor bump for improved comfort
- Quick-release bands: Easy band swapping without tools
Trade-offs vs Fenix 3 HR:[5]
- No Wi-Fi: Requires smartphone or USB for syncing
- Smaller battery: 180mAh vs 300mAh, resulting in reduced battery life
- Higher price: Starting at $899 vs $599 for Fenix 3 HR
| Model | Case | Bezel | Band | Weight | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronos with Leather Band | 316L Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Vintage Italian leather | 94g (with silicone) | $899 |
| Chronos with Steel Band | 316L Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel links | 184g | $999 |
| Chronos with Titanium Band | Forged titanium | Titanium | Titanium hybrid (titanium links with elastomer inner) | 103g | $1,499 |
All Chronos models included a silicone sport band for workouts, in addition to their primary band. The bands featured a quick-release system for easy swapping.[5]
Battery Life Comparison:[5]
| Mode | Fenix 3 HR | Fenix Chronos |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Mode | Up to 16 hours | Up to 13 hours |
| UltraTrac Mode | Up to 40 hours | Up to 25 hours |
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 2 weeks | Up to 1 week |
DC Rainmaker noted: "There will undoubtedly be a (large) segment of the population that screams and shouts about Garmin offering a $1,500 Fenix3. But one has to keep in mind there's plenty of precedent for crazy expensive smart watches... This is the first fancy smartwatch that you could wear in the boardroom, bedroom, and gym."[5][8]
The Fenix Chronos was succeeded by the MARQ Collection in 2019, which continued Garmin's luxury watch line with even more specialized variants for different lifestyles.[5]
Physical Specifications
| Specification | Fenix 3 (Standard) | Fenix 3 HR | Fenix Chronos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 51.0 x 51.0 x 16.0 mm | 51.0 x 51.0 x 16.0 mm (plus sensor bump) | 49.0 x 49.0 x 13.5 mm |
| Weight (silicone band) | 82g | 90g | 94g (leather model) |
| Weight (metal band) | 175g (Sapphire) | N/A | 103g (titanium); 184g (steel) |
| Display | 1.2-inch (30.4mm) color LCD | 1.2-inch (30.4mm) color LCD | 1.2-inch (30.4mm) color LCD |
| Display Resolution | 218 x 218 pixels | 218 x 218 pixels | 218 x 218 pixels |
| Display Colors | 16 colors | 16 colors | 64 colors |
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened glass or Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal (domed) |
| Bezel Material | Stainless steel or Titanium | Stainless steel | Stainless steel or Titanium |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | 316L Stainless steel or Forged titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (10 ATM) | 100 meters (10 ATM) | 100 meters (10 ATM) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C |
| Optical Heart Rate | ✗ | ✓ (Garmin Elevate) | ✓ (Garmin Elevate, flatter design) |
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
The Fenix 3 was slightly slimmer than the Fenix 2 (16mm vs 17.5mm thickness) despite adding a color display and additional features.[2] The case dimensions remained similar at 51mm, though the Fenix 2 was 49mm. The Fenix Chronos returned to the 49mm case size while achieving an even slimmer 13.5mm profile.[5]
EXO Antenna
The Fenix 3 introduced Garmin's omni-directional steel EXO antenna, integrated into the stainless steel bezel. When paired with GLONASS and Extended Prediction Orbit (EPO) satellite data, the EXO antenna provided faster satellite acquisition and improved position accuracy compared to previous Fenix models.[1]
Display
The Fenix 3 featured a upgrade from the monochrome displays of previous Fenix models to a sunlight-readable color LCD with 218 x 218 pixel resolution and LED backlight.[1]
| Feature | Fenix 3 | Fenix 2 | Forerunner 920XT | Fenix Chronos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Color LCD | Monochrome LCD | Color LCD | Color LCD |
| Resolution | 218 x 218 pixels | 70 x 70 pixels | 205 x 148 pixels | 218 x 218 pixels |
| Diameter | 30.4mm (1.2 in) | 30mm (1.2 in) | N/A (rectangular) | 30.4mm (1.2 in) |
| Colors | 16 | 2 | N/A | 64 |
| Backlight | LED | Red LED | LED | LED |
| Sunlight Readable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
The display was described as "transflective," meaning it remained visible in direct sunlight without requiring the backlight. The backlight was activated by pressing the upper left button.[9]
Battery Life
Battery life varied between the standard Fenix 3, Fenix 3 HR, and Fenix Chronos due to different battery capacities and the power requirements of the optical heart rate sensor.
| Mode | Fenix 3 (Standard) | Fenix 3 HR | Fenix Chronos | Fenix 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 300mAh | 300mAh | 180mAh | N/A |
| GPS Training Mode | Up to 20 hours | Up to 16 hours | Up to 13 hours | Up to 50 hours |
| UltraTrac Mode | Up to 50 hours | Up to 40 hours | Up to 25 hours | N/A |
| Watch Mode (GPS off) | Up to 6 weeks | Up to 3 weeks | Up to 1 week | Up to 5 weeks |
| Smartwatch Mode | N/A | Up to 2 weeks | Up to 1 week | N/A |
The Fenix 3 HR introduced a distinction between "Watch Mode" (basic timekeeping with activity tracking) and "Smartwatch Mode" (with Bluetooth notifications and 24/7 heart rate monitoring enabled).[3] The Fenix Chronos had reduced battery life compared to the Fenix 3 HR due to its smaller 180mAh battery (vs 300mAh), a trade-off for its slimmer profile and faster processor.[5]
Battery life was reduced when Bluetooth was enabled for Smart Notifications on all variants.[9]
Heart Rate Monitoring
Standard Fenix 3
The standard Fenix 3 models did not include an optical heart rate sensor. Heart rate monitoring required an external ANT+ chest strap such as the HRM-Run or HRM-Tri.[2]
Fenix 3 HR: Garmin Elevate Optical Heart Rate
The Fenix 3 HR incorporated Garmin's Elevate wrist-based optical heart rate technology, enabling:[6]
- 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring — Continuous heart rate tracking throughout the day and night
- Workout Heart Rate — Real-time heart rate during activities without a chest strap
- Resting Heart Rate Tracking — Daily resting heart rate trends
- Intensity Minutes — Weekly exercise tracking against health organization guidelines
- Heart Rate Broadcasting — Re-broadcast optical HR via ANT+ to other devices (e.g., Garmin Edge)
The Elevate sensor used green LED lights to detect blood flow through the skin. The sensor turned on and off automatically based on accelerometer data—updating more frequently during activity and less frequently at rest to conserve battery.[6]
Optical HR Limitations
Certain features required a chest strap even on the Fenix 3 HR:[6]
- Running Dynamics — Ground Contact Time Balance and Vertical Ratio required HRM-Run or HRM-Tri
- Performance Condition and Stress Score — Required chest strap for HRV data
- Swimming Heart Rate — Optical HR not accurate in water; required HRM-Swim or HRM-Tri
Features that worked with optical HR included VO2 Max estimation, Lactate Threshold (auto-detect), Recovery Advisor, and Race Predictor.[6]
Forerunner 225: Garmin's First Optical HR Watch
The Forerunner 225, announced May 12, 2015, was Garmin's first GPS watch with built-in optical heart rate monitoring.[4] However, the FR225 used Mio's optical sensor technology rather than Garmin's own hardware. The Fenix 3 HR (January 2016) was among the first Garmin watches to use Garmin's in-house Elevate optical HR sensor, which subsequently appeared in the Forerunner 235, Vivoactive HR, and Vivosmart HR.[6]
Features
Connect IQ
The Fenix 3 was among the first Garmin devices to support Connect IQ, Garmin's open platform for third-party apps, widgets, data fields, and watch faces.[1] The Fenix Chronos featured enhanced Connect IQ support with Connect IQ 2.x, more memory for apps (256KB vs 65KB), and a faster processor for improved app performance.[5]
Training and Performance
The Fenix 3 included Firstbeat-powered training analytics: VO2 Max estimation with race time predictions, Recovery Advisor, Recovery Check, and Lactate Threshold estimation (added via January 2016 update).[2][3]
When paired with the HRM-Run or HRM-Tri chest strap, the watch provided Running Dynamics metrics including cadence, Vertical Oscillation, Ground Contact Time, Stride Length, Ground Contact Time Balance, and Vertical Ratio.[1]
Navigation
The Fenix 3 included ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass), waypoint and route navigation with turn-by-turn guidance, TracBack, GPS breadcrumb trails, and Sight 'N Go bearing lock.[2]
Daily Activity Tracking
The Fenix 3 tracked steps, distance, calories, and sleep (manual activation required). A move bar provided inactivity alerts after one hour of inactivity.[1]
Smart Features
Smart Notifications provided call, text, and email alerts from a paired smartphone. LiveTrack enabled real-time location sharing during activities. The watch also supported VIRB camera control via ANT+.[1]
The Fenix Chronos added support for Varia Vision, Garmin's heads-up display for cycling, which was not available on the standard Fenix 3 or Fenix 3 HR.[5]
Activity Profiles
| Activity | GPS | Heart Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run | ✓ | ✓ | Outdoor running with GPS |
| Treadmill | ✗ | ✓ | Indoor running using accelerometer |
| Trail Run | ✓ | ✓ | Trail running with navigation |
| Bike | ✓ | ✓ | Outdoor cycling, power meter support |
| Bike Indoor | ✗ | ✓ | Stationary cycling |
| Pool Swim | ✗ | ✗ | Stroke detection, lap counting, SWOLF |
| Open Water | ✓ | ✗ | GPS-based swim tracking |
| Multisport | ✓ | ✓ | Triathlon mode with auto transitions |
| Ski/Board | ✓ | ✓ | Auto run detection, vertical drop |
| XC Ski | ✓ | ✓ | Cross-country skiing |
| Hike | ✓ | ✓ | Navigation-focused hiking mode |
| Golf | ✓ | ✓ | Added January 2016; 40,000+ courses |
| SUP/Rowing | ✓ | ✓ | Added January 2016; stroke metrics |
Connectivity
The Fenix 3 connected via USB (charging cradle), Bluetooth Smart for smartphone sync and notifications, ANT+ for external sensors, and Wi-Fi for automatic activity uploads to Garmin Connect.[1] The Fenix Chronos lacked Wi-Fi connectivity, requiring smartphone or USB syncing.[5]
Supported ANT+ sensors included heart rate monitors (HRM-Run, HRM-Tri, HRM-Swim), tempe temperature sensor, speed/cadence sensors, foot pods, cycling power meters, and VIRB cameras.[2]
Software Updates
January 2016 Update
Coinciding with the Fenix 3 HR announcement, Garmin released a major software update for all Fenix 3 models that added:[3]
- Golf activity profile with access to 40,000+ worldwide courses
- Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) activity profile
- Rowing activity profile with stroke metrics
- Advanced Running Dynamics (Stride Length, Ground Contact Time Balance, Vertical Ratio)
- Lactate Threshold estimation
- Stress Score
- Performance Condition
This update was provided free to all existing Fenix 3 owners.[3]
Comparison: Fenix 3 vs Fenix 3 HR
| Feature | Fenix 3 (Standard) | Fenix 3 HR |
|---|---|---|
| Release | ||
| Announced | January 5, 2015 | January 5, 2016 |
| Release | February 2015 | February 2016 |
| Physical | ||
| Weight (silicone band) | 82g | 90g |
| Optical HR Sensor | ✗ | ✓ (Garmin Elevate) |
| Sensor Bump | ✗ | ✓ (rear of watch) |
| Heart Rate | ||
| 24/7 HR Monitoring | ✗ (requires chest strap) | ✓ |
| Workout HR (no strap) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Resting HR Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Intensity Minutes | ✗ | ✓ |
| HR Broadcasting | ✗ | ✓ (ANT+) |
| Battery Life | ||
| GPS Mode | Up to 20 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| UltraTrac Mode | Up to 50 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Watch Mode | Up to 6 weeks | Up to 3 weeks |
| Smartwatch Mode | N/A | Up to 2 weeks |
| Other | ||
| Charging Cable | Standard Fenix 3 clip | Modified clip (notch for sensor) |
| Compatible Straps | All Fenix 3 straps | Most straps (not Quick Release Kit or NATO straps that block sensor) |
Comparison: Fenix 3 vs Fenix 2
| Feature | Fenix 3 | Fenix 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||
| Announced | January 5, 2015 | February 20, 2014 |
| Dimensions | 51 x 51 x 16 mm | 49 x 49 x 17.5 mm |
| Weight | 82g | 85g |
| Display | Color LCD (218 x 218 px) | Monochrome LCD (70 x 70 px) |
| Water Rating | 100m (10 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Features | ||
| Connect IQ Apps | ✓ | ✗ |
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✗ |
| Activity Tracking | ✓ (steps, sleep) | ✗ |
| Color Display | ✓ | ✗ |
| Battery Life | ||
| GPS Mode | Up to 20 hours | Up to 50 hours |
| UltraTrac Mode | Up to 50 hours | N/A |
| Watch Mode | Up to 6 weeks | Up to 5 weeks |
The Fenix 2 offered longer GPS battery life in standard mode (50 hours vs 20 hours), but the Fenix 3 matched this in UltraTrac mode while adding color display, Connect IQ, Wi-Fi, and improved water resistance.[2]
Comparison: Fenix 3 vs Forerunner 920XT
The Forerunner 920XT (released October 2014) was Garmin's flagship triathlon watch at the time of the Fenix 3 launch. Both watches shared similar multisport capabilities but targeted different users.[2]
| Feature | Fenix 3 | Forerunner 920XT |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 51 x 51 x 16 mm | 48 x 55 x 12.7 mm |
| Weight | 82g | 61g |
| Display | Round color LCD | Rectangular color LCD |
| Water Rating | 100m (10 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Features | ||
| ABC Sensors | ✓ | ✗ |
| Connect IQ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quick Release Kit | ✗ | ✓ |
| Battery Life | ||
| GPS Mode | Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| UltraTrac Mode | Up to 50 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Watch Mode | Up to 6 weeks | Up to 4 months |
DC Rainmaker noted: "The thing with the Fenix3 is that it lacks a quick release kit, so thus it lacks any way to mount it directly using the ubiquitous Garmin quarter-turn mount... For me personally, it's this single item that's probably the biggest reason I'll probably still stick with the FR920XT as my main triathlon watch."[2]
Limitations
Reviewers noted several limitations:[2][9]
- Size and weight — Large and heavy compared to dedicated running watches
- No quick release kit — Could not be mounted on bike handlebars using standard Garmin mounts
- Sleep tracking — Required manual activation; data was limited compared to dedicated trackers
- Sapphire weight — Metal band version weighed 175g, heavier than silicone versions
- Fenix 3 HR strap compatibility — Could not use NATO straps or Quick Release Kit due to optical sensor
Reception
The Fenix 3 received positive reviews for its comprehensive feature set and improved design.
Wareable stated: "In short, the Fenix 3 is the ultimate fitness watch, and one that comes highly recommended. There's enough top level data for hardened triathletes and casual fitness fans who enjoy a diverse range of sports will get a kick out of seeing every activity tracked within one superb app. The battery life crowns the Fenix 3 as a top sports watch."[9]
DC Rainmaker concluded that the Fenix 3 was "effectively a Garmin FR920XT with additional features aimed primarily at the outdoor and hiking crowd," noting the appeal of its more traditional watch appearance compared to the Forerunner series.[2]
Regarding the Fenix 3 HR, DC Rainmaker noted: "I found it built fairly well on top of the optical HR sensor of the FR235, and seems to have implemented a few software tweaks since then to improve in some of the edge cases."[6]
Wareable's review of the Fenix 3 HR concluded: "This is what GPS watches are all about: tough, long lasting, accurate and full of sensors. It now looks good enough to wear day to day, works as an activity tracker for 24/7 use plus offers enough notifications that can be read to actually be useful as a smartwatch."[10]
Legacy
The Fenix 3 established the Fenix line as a premium multisport platform that could compete with dedicated triathlon watches while offering outdoor navigation features. The addition of Connect IQ, Wi-Fi, and color display set the template for future Fenix generations.[2]
The Fenix 3 HR demonstrated the viability of optical heart rate monitoring in high-end multisport watches, paving the way for optical HR to become standard in subsequent Fenix models.[6]
The Fenix Chronos established Garmin's presence in the luxury smartwatch market, proving there was demand for premium materials and refined aesthetics in a fitness-focused device. This paved the way for the MARQ Collection in 2019.[5]
The Fenix 3 was succeeded by the Fenix 5 series in January 2017, which introduced multiple size options (5S, 5, 5X) and further refined the design.[2]
See Also
- Fenix 2
- Fenix 5
- Fenix Series
- Forerunner 920XT
- Forerunner 225
- Connect IQ
- Garmin Connect
- TracBack
- MARQ (original)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Introducing fēnix 3: The Next Smart Multisport GPS Watch from Garmin". Garmin Newsroom. January 5, 2015. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 Ray Maker."Garmin Fenix3 In-Depth Review". DC Rainmaker. March 2015. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Garmin introduces three new fēnix 3 Sapphire multisport watches featuring wrist heart rate, new activity profiles and more band options". Garmin Newsroom. January 5, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Introducing the Forerunner 225 – the First Garmin GPS Running Watch with Wrist-Based Heart Rate from Mio". Garmin Newsroom. May 12, 2015. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 Ray Maker."Everything you ever wanted to know: Garmin's new $1,500 Fenix Chronos Watch Series". DC Rainmaker. August 25, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2026
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Ray Maker."Garmin Fenix3 HR In-Depth Review". DC Rainmaker. February 26, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Garmin introduces fenix Chronos the refined GPS timepiece for Athletes and Adventurer". Garmin Blog. August 25, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2026
- ↑ "Garmin releases its first luxury smartwatch, the Fenix Chronos". TechCrunch. August 25, 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2026
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Garmin Fenix 3 review". Wareable. Retrieved January 31, 2026
- ↑ "Garmin Fenix 3 HR review". Wareable. October 10, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2026
External Links
- Garmin Press Release: Fenix 3 Announcement (January 2015)
- Garmin Press Release: Fenix 3 HR Announcement (January 2016)
- Garmin Blog: Fenix Chronos Announcement (August 2016)
- DC Rainmaker: Fenix 3 In-Depth Review
- DC Rainmaker: Fenix 3 HR In-Depth Review
- DC Rainmaker: Fenix Chronos Overview
- Fenix 3 HR Owner's Manual (PDF)
- Fenix Chronos Owner's Manual (PDF)
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