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There are a number of key variations to contemplate when selecting between the Edge 840 and Edge 850. Under, I summarize them and clarify which one I’d purchase based mostly on expertise, particularly since I’ve used the Edge 840 and E1050. My Edge 850 is on its approach, so my in-depth comparability is coming quickly.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The primary variations between the Edge 840 and Edge 850 are the show dimension and sort, battery life, and options. The Edge 850 options a 0.1″ bigger, 2.7″ touchscreen show with a a lot greater decision (420×600px vs. 246×322px), a built-in speaker (enabling digital bike bell, voice navigation prompts, and audible alerts), and Garmin Pay contactless funds.
Each fashions share Garmin’s newest coaching, racing, and connectivity options, however the Edge 850 improves some options, resembling Group Trip. The claimed battery lifetime of the brand new technology is drastically decrease (12 vs. 26 hours). Because of this, Edge 840 stays my favourite, regardless of the wonderful show and superior options on the Edge 850. You may proceed studying for extra data, or purchase the Edge 840 right here and the Edge 850 right here.
Garmin Edge 840 vs. Edge 850 Technical Specs
The desk beneath compares the technical specs of the Garmin Edge x50 lineup.
FeatureGarmin Edge 840Garmin Edge 850
Interface¹Touchscreen + buttonsTouchscreen + buttons
Display dimension (decision)2.6″ (246×322px)2.7″ (420×600px)
TouchscreenYesYes
Claimed battery life26h12h
Dimensions85×58×20 mm 3.35×2.28×0.79 in92.2×54.6×16.8 mm 3.63×2.15×0.66 in
Weight85g112g
Storage32 GB64 GB
Begin-up time∼13s∼10s
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C
Mounts within the boxOut entrance mountStem mountOut entrance mountStem mount
Speaker / Bell / Voice navigationNoYes
Garmin PayNoYes
Handle SearchOn-System Course CreationYesYes
Good navigation (rerouting)YesYes
Multi-band GNSSYesYes
Crash/incident detectionYesYes
ConnectivityANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-FiANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
RRP$449$599
Extra infoEdge 840 Reviewn/a
BuyBUYBUY at amazon.comBUY (Photo voltaic)BUY at amazon.comBUYBUY at amazon.com
This desk compares the principle options of Garmin Edge 840 vs. Edge 850.¹How is it potential to completely management the gadget.
Edge 840 vs. Edge 850: What’s New?
Here’s a fast overview of what’s new:
Edge 850 has a bigger, brighter, and higher-resolution 2.7” transmissive LCD touchscreen, Edge 840 makes use of a smaller 2.6” transflective MIP show.
Edge 850’s battery life is shorter in typical use (12 hours vs 26 claimed for 840).
Edge 850 features a built-in speaker (voice navigation, digital bell, exercise prompts); Edge 840 solely beeps.
Edge 850 is heavier (113g) however slimmer; Edge 840 is lighter (84.8g) however thicker.
Edge 850 has double the inner storage (64 GB vs 32 GB).
Edge 850 helps Garmin Pay for contactless funds; Edge 840 doesn’t.
Edge 850 makes use of a sooner processor.
Edge 850 options 5 Hz GPS recording for greater path/enduro accuracy.
Edge 850 introduces Good Fueling (clever diet reminders) and an expanded Garmin Cycle Coach with climate and route adaptation.
Edge 850 permits on-device route creation instantly on the touchscreen.
GroupRide, real-time climate on maps, and integration with SRAM AXS can be found on each, however the Edge 850 integrates them extra seamlessly.
Edge 850 is considerably dearer ($449 vs. $599).
The Edge 840 includes a 2.6″ transflective TFT display, which presents barely worse readability than the Edge 850’s 2.7″ transmissive LCD (the identical one as on the Edge 1050). Each retain the touchscreen and button-based interfaces, permitting you to decide on the one which fits you finest in a given state of affairs.

Battery life is essentially the most vital speaking level. The one on the Edge 850 was slashed to “as much as 12 hours”. For comparability, the Edge 840 is anticipated to last as long as 26 hours (relying on elements resembling brightness and sensor utilization) and can also be obtainable in a Photo voltaic possibility. The E850 just isn’t. Due to this fact, if you happen to prioritize battery life, this makes your determination simpler. As a consequence of European laws, the E850’s design now permits simpler battery substitute—thumbs up.
The Edge 850 doubles the bottom storage from 32 GB to 64 GB, offering more room for a number of map areas. Nonetheless, the built-in speaker is a much bigger deal. It lets you use an digital bell, which is extra helpful than it might sound, voice prompts, and audible alerts.
Each fashions use multi-band GNSS for quick and correct positioning, however the Edge 850 additionally presents a 5 Hz GPS recording for enduro and downhill experience profiles. These are new, by the way in which, identical because the timing gates characteristic.
The Edge 850 can present climate updates, however solely the 850 can announce them audibly. You may set timing gates to trace cut up instances—a characteristic for interval and aggressive coaching. Garmin additionally improved its Cycle Coach, Energy Information, and “Good Fueling” options. They’ll now perceive the broader context, calibrating diet and pacing based mostly on route elevation, climate, and consumer profile.
There are additionally new options for group rides, further factors of curiosity, and improved map layers and climate widgets. These could be particularly helpful if you happen to don’t carry a smartphone with you and wish to discover new routes.
Garmin Edge x50 Alternate options
If you happen to don’t need a Garmin 840 or 850, think about these alternate options:
The primary is the Hammerhead Karoo 3, which presents higher battery life however a extra restricted characteristic set and a distinct consumer interface.
The second is the brand new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 fashions, which have twice the battery life however a much less brilliant show and fewer options. The ROAM 3 presents higher worth and value than the BOLT 3 for many customers.
Abstract
Garmin’s pricing technique is fairly intelligent. I’m certain they designed it in a approach that subconsciously pushes you to the upper tiers. Why would you pay $499 for the Edge 540 when you’ll be able to pay simply $100 extra for the Edge 850 with a speaker and touchscreen? However wait, it has a horrible battery, so why not pay extra for the Edge 1050? I don’t like the place the costs of motorbike computer systems are going, however we will’t deny the truth that that is intelligent.
If you happen to worth a superb display greater than lengthy battery life and recognize superior coaching options, the E850, priced at $599, is value contemplating. Personally, I’d fairly pay a bit extra ($699) for the E1050, due to its longer battery life, however with an analogous characteristic set (and most significantly, the identical show).
Alternatively, I’d go for the earlier technology, the E840, for its lower cost ($449) and even longer battery life.
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