Fitness Tracker Test 2024
Independ reviews of Fitness Trackers and Sport Watches

Garmin: New Fenix 6 models with solar charging technology

In September 2019 Garmin has released various Fenix 6 models. The flagship model Fenix 6X Pro Solar features a solar panel that allows for extended battery life. Information by the FCC indicate that Garmin is going to launch smaller sized Fenix 6 models equipped with the same solar charging technology to be found with the 6X.

When Garmin released the Fenix 6X Pro Solar at IFA 2019 in Berlin, nobody was expecting a solar panel hidden around the display, that – given the optimal amount of solar energy – could extend the battery life by 6 hours up to 40 days (depending on the use). Equipped with the same solar charging technology the new Fenix 6 (Pro) and 6S (Pro) models benefit as well:

6S (Pro)6S (Pro) Solar6 (Pro) Solar6X Pro Solar
GPS25 h25 + 3 h36 + 4 h60 + 6 h
GPS + music (Pro only)6 h6 h15 h15 + 1 h
UltraTrac50 h50 + 14 h72 + 21 h120 + 28 h
Smartwatch mode9 days9 + 1.5 days14 + 2 days21 + 3 days
Exposure mode20 days20 + 6 days28 + 8 days46 + 10 days
Economy mode34 days34 + 25 days48 + 32 days80 + 40 days

Comparing product images side-by-side you won’t see many differences except for the colorful button on the right upper side. Previous models had this button marked more unobstrusive.

DimensionsWeightScreen SizePrice
Fenix 6S Solar42 x 42 x 14.2 mm60 g1.2"749.99
Fenix 6S Pro Solar 42 x 42 x 14.2 mm60 g1.2"849.99
Fenix 6 Solar47 x 47 x 15.1 mm85 g1.3"749.99
Fenix 6 Pro Solar47 x 47 x 15.1 mm85 g1.3"849.99

Garmin Fenix 6/6S (Pro) Solar: Prices

The new solar models will start at 749.99 € for both the Fenix 6S Solar and the Fenix 6 Solar. This is for the basic version without onboard music, maps and Wi-Fi. The Pro versions which have onboard memory for music storage and playback, maps and Wi-Fi support will be 849.99 €. Those prices are likely to be seen in the US as well.

Garmin Fenix 6/6S (Pro) Solar: Availability

Garmin is going to announce the new Fenix 6 solar series on 8th of July. My guess is that you will be able to order the devices right from that day via Garmin’s website. Usually new products are available in online retail shortly after.

Garmin Fenix 6 Solar Series - Removed meanwhile (Source: Youtube)

Garmin Fenix 6 Solar Series – Removed meanwhile (Source: Youtube)

There will be a couple of new color options:

  • Fenix 6S Solar – Silver / Black
  • Fenix 6S Pro Solar – Amethyst Steel / Shale Gray
  • Fenix 6S Pro Solar – Light Gold / Sand
  • Fenix 6S Pro Solar – Light Gold / Shale Gray
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar (Source: Garmin)

Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar (Source: Garmin)

  • Fenix 6 Solar – Silver / Black
  • Fenix 6 Pro Solar – Slate Gray / Black
  • Fenix 6 Pro Solar – Black Gray / Gray
  • Fenix 6 Pro Solar – Mineral Blue Titanium / Whitestone
  • Fenix 6 Pro Solar – Titanium Carbon Gray DLC / Titanium DLC
  • Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar (Source: Garmin)

    Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar (Source: Garmin)

    UPDATE 05/21/2020: Today Garmin officially announced the Quatix 6 Solar – the first watch apart from the Fenix 6X that has the solar charging technology. The surcharge is $150 and this matches my expectations for the surcharge that I think we will see for the new Fenix 6 Solar models.

    UPDATE 07/07/2020: Though not officially announced yet, the new devices are already listed on Garmin’s website (e.g. https://buy.garmin.com/nb-NO/NO/p/702786/pn/010-02409-15). I have updated the information here accordingly.

    One more thing...

    Can you imagine that this is a privately-run website? There's no office or editorial staff here, just me with a lot of passion and motivation to provide information, reviews, and news in a manner that large online magazines simply can't match. Even if English is not my first language, I hope you found this article useful.

    If you'd like to support this website or show appreciation for my work, please leave a comment, share a link, or use the Amazon link to buy anything (it doesn't have to be related to the subject of this article). It would be much appreciated and will support this website.

    Picture of Florian
    Florian

    I am the creative mastermind behind this page, with a passion for both sports and technology. By combining these interests, I write about wearables and gadgets that can enhance your sports experience. As a regular consumer, I offer insights from the perspective of a genuine user.

    You can learn more about me and this site here.

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate it!

    Average rating / 5. Vote count:

    No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

    As you found this post useful...

    Follow us on social media!

    We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

    Let us improve this post!

    Tell us how we can improve this post?


    Stichworte: , ,

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *