Affordable Garmin Descent X10 launches with MiP display and long battery life
Garmin is adding a significantly cheaper base model to the Descent X30 and X50i lineup, which is also water-resistant to 100 meters but is slightly more compact and, above all, uses an entirely different display. While Garmin equips the more expensive models with an LCD, the cheaper Descent X10 uses a MiP display, familiar from smartwatches such as the Garmin Instinct 3 ($349 on Amazon).
This screen is paired with an always-on backlight to ensure that it remains readable even during a dive. MiP is nevertheless said to save power, enabling a battery life of 50 hours of active use or six months in standby mode. The 2.1-inch screen has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels but can only display grayscale. Garmin also cuts the storage from 4 GB to just 120 MB.
That should at least be enough to store data from 200 dives directly on the dive computer before it needs to be synced with the Garmin Dive smartphone app. The black housing is made entirely from recycled plastic, while optional protective covers can give the front a yellow, turquoise or blue finish. The dive computer displays information including the depth and duration of a dive, but also offers adjustable alarms, timers, a stopwatch, a built-in thermometer and the option to simulate dives for training purposes using the smartphone app.
Pricing and availability
The Garmin Descent X10 dive computer will be available from the Garmin online store from November 6 for $349.99. This puts its list price $400 below the RRP of the Descent X30.
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