New Garmin Fenix 3 adds heart rate monitoring and gets a design makeover

CES 2016: Refreshed GPS watch gets a more suit-friendly look
9249-original
Wareable is reader-powered. If you click through using links on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Garmin has introduced a trio of new Fenix 3 watches all touting a tougher Sapphire lens and some new hardware and software additions.

The big news is the inclusion of Garmin's wrist-based Elevate heart rate technology, which has already popped up on the Vivosmart HR fitness tracker and Garmin Forerunner 235 running watch. It's also offering the new Fenix with interchangeable leather and nylon bands that you can swap out without having to use any tools.

If you'd rather not walk into a meeting looking like you've left your sweaty running watch on your wrist, there's a more elegant option available with a Titanium bezel and band as well.

On the software front, there's now new profiles for golfers and rowers and it's adding many of the new running metrics included in the Forerunner 630, so expect to be able to see data on aspects like stride length and stress scores. These software updates will roll out to existing Fenix 3 users as well though, so don't panic.

Read this: How wearables will take over your life in 2016

If you want to get hold of one of the new Fenix 3 watches, they're all launching at around the same time in early 2016. The Fenix 3 HR version and the one with interchangeable bands will cost $599.99. The more expensive Titanium bezel-packing Fenix 3 will set you back $799.99.

We'll be checking the new Fenix 3 watches out at CES 2016 to find out if you really need to make the upgrade.

New Garmin Fenix 3 adds heart rate monitoring and gets a design makeover

TAGGED Garmin

How we test



Michael Sawh

By

Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.

He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.

Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech. 

Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.


Related stories