Comparison Garmin Fenix 6X Pro vs Garmin Fenix 6 Pro

The size of the display installed in the gadget; for round screens, respectively, the diameter is indicated.

A larger screen, on the one hand, is more convenient to use, on the other hand, it significantly affects the dimensions of the entire device, which is especially critical for wearable gadgets. Therefore, manufacturers choose the display size in accordance with the purpose and functionality of each specific model — so that there is enough space on the screen and the device itself is not too bulky.

It is also worth mentioning that screens with a similar size may have different aspect ratios. For example, traditional smartwatches are usually equipped with square or round panels, while in fitness trackers, screens are often made elongated in height.

Screen size in dots (pixels) horizontally and vertically. In general, this is one of the indicators that determine the image quality: the higher the resolution, the clearer and smoother the picture on the screen (with the same size), the less noticeable are the individual dots. On the other hand, an increase in the number of pixels affects the cost of displays, their power consumption and requirements for a hardware platform (more powerful hardware is required, which itself will cost more). In addition, the specifics of using smartwatches is such that there is simply no need to install high-resolution screens in them. Therefore, modern wrist accessories use displays with a relatively low resolution: for example, 320x320 with a size of about 1.6" is considered quite sufficient even for premium watches.

The density of dots on the screen of the gadget, namely, the number of pixels that are on each inch of the panel vertically or horizontally.

The higher the PPI, the higher the detail of the screen, the clearer and smoother the image is. On the other hand, this indicator affects the price accordingly. Therefore, the higher the density of points, the more advanced, usually, this gadget is in terms of general capabilities. However, when choosing a screen, manufacturers take into account the general purpose and functionality of the device; so that even a small number of PPIs usually does not interfere with comfortable use.

The capacity of the battery that is installed in the gadget.

Theoretically, the higher the capacity, the longer the battery can work on a single charge. However, in fact, the battery life of the gadget also depends on its power consumption, and it is determined by the specs of the display and the hardware. Therefore, only models of the same type with very similar specs can be compared in terms of battery capacity; and for an accurate assessment of battery life, it is better to focus on the directly claimed operating time in one mode or another (see below).

It is also worth mentioning that high-capacity batteries inevitably turn out to be quite heavy and bulky. So the capacity of batteries installed in wearable gadgets is also greatly limited by size and weight.

The time that the gadget can work on one battery charge (or the supplied battery) in normal use.

Normal mode, as a rule, means working with a relatively low load. At this time, the display can display some data, and basic functions can also work (counting steps, periodically checking heart rate, etc.), but in any case, power consumption is low. Therefore, the operating time in normal mode can be quite impressive, up to several weeks, or even months. However, when choosing, it doesn’t hurt to also pay attention to the stated time in active mode (see below) — especially if a long operating time is critical, or you plan to use the gadget intensively. The actual autonomy of the device will most likely be somewhere in between these two values, depending on the actual load. If only the time in normal mode is indicated for the gadget, you should choose with a certain reserve.

The time that the gadget is able to work on one charge of the battery in the active mode of use.

For watch-phones (see “Type”), this usually means a talk mode, for other gadgets, an intensive work mode when numerous features and sensors are used and there is a constant exchange of data with a smartphone/tablet. However, the specific understanding of the "active mode" for different manufacturers may vary: some indicate the time at maximum performance (that is, in fact, guaranteed battery life), others — in some kind of "average mode". However, anyway, this is a fairly clear parameter that describes the battery life of a particular model quite well (and is much closer to real indicators than the time in normal mode mentioned above).

Note that for models with a GPS sensor (see "Navigation"), the specifications may additionally specify the time of active operation using such a sensor. See "Operating time (GPS)" for details.

The time that the gadget is able to work on one charge of the battery (or supplied battery) when using a GPS sensor.

This parameter is specified mainly for high-end tourist watches designed for experienced travelers, military, rescuers, divers, pilots, etc. Such devices use advanced GPS receivers, which themselves can consume quite a significant amount of energy; in addition, the operation of the receiver is inevitably accompanied by the use of other features — transferring navigation data to another device (usually via Bluetooth), working with its own built-in maps, etc. Therefore, the battery life while using GPS turns out to be rather modest — it can be significantly less time in active and even less in normal mode (for both, see above).

We also remind that the battery life mentioned in specs is approximate — in fact it may differ (in one direction or another, depending on the use scenario). Nevertheless, it is quite possible to evaluate the actual capabilities of the watch and compare them with each other: the difference in the claimed battery life usually proportionally corresponds to the difference in practical battery life.

The material from which the body of the gadget is made. Some models are available in several versions, made of different materials — for example, aluminium or steel; for such cases, all available options are indicated in the specs at once.

— Plastic. Plastic is often considered a low-cost option, but this is not true in the case of wearable gadgets: such devices can use different types of plastic, including very advanced, durable and reliable ones. So the overall quality of such a case, usually, directly depends on the price category of the device. The common advantages of all types of plastic are relatively low weight, resistance to moisture, the ability to give the body any colour and shape, as well as low thermal conductivity.

— Metal. Cases made of metal, for which the manufacturer, for some reason, did not specify the specific composition. However, most often in such cases we are talking about aluminium or steel, see below for more details on both. But high-end materials such as gold or titanium are rarely hidden under the modest term "metal" — they are usually indicated directly in the specifications. Anyway, in general, metal cases are somewhat stronger and more reliable than plastic ones, they also look more solid, but they are also more expens...ive.

— Steel. Usually, stainless steel is used for wearable gadgets. It is highly durable and reliable, does not corrode, looks stylish and neat, and is relatively inexpensive — cheaper than many aluminium alloys, not to mention titanium. One of the peculiarities of steel cases is rather heavy weight, but it can be both a disadvantage and an advantage: a massive case creates an additional feeling of reliability and solidity. It should be noted that most gadgets with steel cases have round dials and a traditional design, which is well suited even to a business style, but occasionally there are exceptions.

— Aluminium. Aluminium alloys combine high strength and low weight — much less than steel. But this material is somewhat more expensive. It is also considered well suited for bright youth gadgets, although it is occasionally used in more traditional devices.

— Rubber. A material found in some models of children's beacons and fitness trackers (see "Type"), but almost never used in other types of wearable gadgets. One of the key advantages of rubber is softness, which gives a certain degree of impact protection and makes the case as safe as possible; both are especially important for children's devices. In addition, such a case can be easily made waterproof and even completely sealed, as well as made in any colour. On the other hand, plastic has practically the same advantages (except for softness), and rubber costs a little more (although it is noticeably cheaper than metals).

— Titanium. Titanium alloys are premium materials and are rarely used, mainly in top-tier models of “extreme” gadgets. This material is light and at the same time extremely durable, besides it perfectly holds its shape when struck; however, titanium costs much more than the same aluminium, despite the fact that high reliability is not so often decisive.

— Gold. Gold or gold-plated case turns the gadget into a stylish fashion accessory. Such a case is very expensive, but this cannot be called a disadvantage: the price of the device emphasizes the status of the owner.

— Ceramics. Special high-strength ceramics is another premium material that not only performs a practical function, but also demonstrates the high level of the gadget and the solidity of its owner. On the practical side, in addition to strength and reliability, this material has extremely high scratch resistance, which allows it to retain its looks for a very long time even in not very favorable conditions. At the same time, ceramics do not tolerate strong point impacts.

The width of the stock watch strap or bracelet is implied. Usually, in each specific model taken, this value is limited by the size of the standard lugs. A wider strap than the lugs allow cannot be installed. But the strap of a smaller width is quite possible to use. Of course, you need to take into account that an overly thin strap with a large diameter watch will not look quite harmonious. Most often, the width of the strap is directly related to the diameter of the dial. As a standard, the width is calculated using the formula: ½ x D, where D is the diameter of the dial. That is, if the dial diameter is 40 mm, then the perfect strap width in this case is 20 mm.