Imagine having a smartwatch that never needs to be plugged in to charge? Garmin is one step closer to making that fantasy a reality with their solar powered smartwatches.

Solar charging is the technology of the future and Garmin is betting big on it. So much so that they have added solar charging to their standard Fenix, Instinct and Tactix Delta models.

In addition to the new solar power charging feature, the new smartwatches come with unique features and updates such as camouflage design patterns and surfing activity profiles.

Garmin Fenix Range (Source: Garmin)

We take a closer look at the three updated watch series:

Instinct Solar

Instinct is an entry level series. These watches are rugged, reliable and GPS-enabled with optional tactical features.

Garmin Instinct Solar Front View (Source: Garmin)

Key Features

• A Pulse Ox2 sensor uses light beams at your wrist to gauge how well your body is absorbing oxygen.

• Stress Tracking calculates your stress level to determine if you’re having a calm, balanced or stressful day.

• ABC Sensors include an altimeter for elevation, barometer for weather monitoring and a three-axis electronic compass.

• Tracback Routing helps you navigate your same route back so you never get lost.

• A dedicated Calendar screen so you can easily see your plans.

• Up to 54 days battery life with solar charging.

  

  Garmin Instinct Solar Back View (Source: Garmin)

Fenix 6 – Pro Solar Edition

Fenix 6 is the mid-range series. All watches in the Fenix 6 series are premium multisport GPS watches with heart rate, routable maps, pace guidance, music and more.

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Front View (Source: Garmin)

Key Features

• Preloaded activity profiles for swimming, biking, hiking, golfing, indoor climbing, rowing, surfing and more.

• Easy to follow, animated workouts which you can view on the watch screen.

• Wrist-based heart rate with alerts if your heart stays too high or too low.

• Advanced sleep monitoring with a full breakdown of your light, deep and REM sleep cycles.

• Hydration tracking with reminders to stay hydrated.

• Up to 9 days of battery life while indoors and 10.5 days when solar charging.

  

  Garmin Fenix 6 Back View (Source: Garmin)

Tactix Delta – Solar Edition

The Tactix Delta series is a top of the range GPS watch series and comes in applied ballistics editions. The Tactix Delta series offers specialised tactical features as well as advanced training features.

Garmin Tactix Delta Solar Front View (Source: Garmin)

Key Features

• Ruggedly built to military standard (MIL-STD-810).

• Night vision for carrying out field ops undetected.

• Multi-GNSS navigation support.

• Kill switch can wipe the watch’s memory if security is compromised.

• Jumpmaster mode calculates high-altitude release points.

• Set and save remote geo positions.

• Up to 24 hours of battery life in smartwatch mode.

  

  Garmin Tactix Delta Solar Back View (Source: Garmin)

Availability and Pricing

All of the new solar-powered watches are available now. The Instinct Solar line starts at $400, the Fenix 6 range at $850 with the Tactix Delta starting at $1100.