Garmin launches new wearable with 2.4-inch display at lower price

The Garmin Descent X30 large-format dive computer has been released worldwide. This is the latest model in the brand's range, arriving a couple of months after the Descent S1 smart buoy was launched.

The Descent X30 has a large 2.4-inch color LCD screen with a 320 x 240 px resolution. While Garmin describes the display as vivid, it does not provide a maximum brightness level measurement. The computer can show a range of data about your dive, such as NDL Aware depth metrics, a compass and the water temperature. Plus, you can select from a range of dive profiles and log your entry and exit points thanks to surface GPS, with dive logs automatically synced to the Garmin Dive smartphone app via Bluetooth.

Users can navigate the Descent X30 using four leakproof metal buttons, which can be used while wearing gloves. Plus, flip-screen mode allows you to have the buttons at the top or the bottom of the device, to suit your set-up. Garmin notes that 100% of the plastic used in the dive computer's housing and bezel is made with recycled plastic. It is described as a "rugged" model, suitable for dives up to 10 ATM (100 m). Thanks to the integrated lithium-ion battery, it should run for 30 hours with medium brightness, or 10 hours at high brightness.

You can now buy the Garmin Descent X30 dive computer for $749.99/£649.99/€749.99. That is around half the price of the premium Descent X50i (RRP $1,499.99, Amazon), which has a similar design. However, this older model has a larger 3-inch touchscreen display and is 20 ATM dive-rated.