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There are a number of key variations to think about when selecting between the Edge 540 and Edge 550. Under, I summarize them and clarify which one I’d purchase primarily based on expertise, particularly since I’ve used the Edge 540 and E1050. My Edge 550 (and 850) is on its manner, so my in-depth comparability is coming quickly.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The principle variations between the Edge 540 and Edge 550 are the show dimension and kind, battery life, and options. The Edge 550 encompasses a 0.1″ bigger, 2.7″ touchscreen show with a a lot increased decision (420×600px vs. 246×322px). Each fashions share Garmin’s newest coaching, racing, and connectivity options, however the Edge 550 improves some options, similar to Group Journey.
The claimed battery lifetime of the brand new technology is drastically decrease (12 vs. 26 hours). Because of this, Edge 540 and Edge 840 stay my favorites, regardless of the wonderful show and superior options on the Edge 550. You may proceed studying for extra data, or purchase the Edge 540 right here and the Edge 550 right here.
Garmin Edge 540 vs. Edge 550 Technical Specs
The desk under compares the technical specs of the Garmin Edge x50 lineup.
FeatureGarmin Edge 540Garmin Edge 550
Interface¹Buttons onlyButtons solely
Display dimension (decision)2.6″ (246×322px)2.7″ (420×600px)
TouchscreenYesYes
Claimed battery life26h (32h Photo voltaic)12h
Dimensions85×58×20 mm 3.35×2.28×0.79 in92.2×54.6×16.8 mm 3.63×2.15×0.66 in
Weight80g112g
Storage16 GB32 GB
Begin-up time∼13s∼10s
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C
Mounts within the boxOut entrance mountStem mountOut entrance mountStem mount
Speaker / Bell / Voice navigationNoNo
Garmin PayNoNo
Deal with SearchOn-Machine Course CreationYesYes
Good navigation (rerouting)YesYes
Multi-band GNSSYesYes
Crash/incident detectionYesYes
ConnectivityANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-FiANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
RRP$349$499
Extra infoEdge 540 Reviewn/a
BuyBUYBUY at amazon.comBUY (Photo voltaic)BUY at amazon.comBUYBUY at amazon.com
This desk compares the principle options of Garmin Edge 540 vs. Edge 550.¹How is it potential to totally management the gadget.
Edge 540 vs. Edge 550: What’s New?
Here’s a fast overview of what’s new:
Edge 550 has a bigger, brighter, and higher-resolution 2.7” transmissive LCD, Edge 540 makes use of a smaller 2.6” transflective MIP show.
Edge 550’s battery life is shorter in typical use (12 hours vs 26 claimed for 540).
Edge 550 is heavier (112g) however slimmer; Edge 540 is lighter (80g) however thicker.
Edge 550 has double the inner storage (32 GB vs 16 GB).
Edge 550 makes use of a quicker processor.
Edge 550 options 5 Hz GPS recording for increased path/enduro accuracy.
Edge 550 introduces Good Fueling (clever vitamin reminders) and an expanded Garmin Cycle Coach with climate and route adaptation.
GroupRide, real-time climate on maps, and integration with SRAM AXS can be found on each, however the Edge 550 integrates them extra seamlessly.
Edge 550 is considerably dearer ($349 vs. $499).
The Edge 540 encompasses a 2.6″ transflective TFT display, which gives barely worse readability than the Edge 550’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 greatest in a given state of affairs.
Battery life is essentially the most important speaking level. The one on the Edge 550 was slashed to “as much as 12 hours”. For comparability, the Edge 540 is predicted to last as long as 26 hours (relying on elements similar to brightness and sensor utilization) and can be accessible in a Photo voltaic possibility. The E550 is just not. Due to this fact, in case you prioritize battery life, this makes your resolution simpler. As a consequence of European rules, the E550’s design now permits simpler battery alternative—thumbs up. Under, you’ll be able to see the battery lifetime of the chosen Garmin Edge fashions.
The Edge 550 doubles the bottom storage from 16 GB to 32 GB, offering more room for a number of map areas. Nonetheless, in contrast to the Edge 850, it lacks the built-in speaker that allows you to use an digital bell, obtain voice prompts, and get audible alerts.
Each fashions use multi-band GNSS for quick and correct positioning, however the Edge 550 additionally gives a 5 Hz GPS recording for enduro and downhill trip profiles. These are new, by the best way, identical because the timing gates characteristic.
The Edge 550 can present climate updates, however solely the 550 can announce them audibly. You may set timing gates to trace break up occasions—a characteristic for interval and aggressive coaching. Garmin additionally improved its Cycle Coach, Energy Information, and “Good Fueling” options. They will now perceive the broader context, calibrating vitamin and pacing primarily based on route elevation, climate, and consumer profile.
There are additionally new options for group rides, extra factors of curiosity, and improved map layers and climate widgets. These will be particularly helpful in case you don’t carry a smartphone with you and prefer to discover new routes.
Garmin Edge x50 Options
In case you don’t desire a Garmin 540 or 550, contemplate these options:
The primary is the Hammerhead Karoo 3, which gives higher battery life however a extra restricted characteristic set and a unique 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 vibrant show and fewer options. The ROAM 3 gives higher worth and worth than the BOLT 3 for many customers.
Abstract
I don’t suppose the Edge 550 is even value contemplating from the brand new x50 lineup. It doesn’t convey any significant upgrades in comparison with the Edge 540 or Edge 840, apart from the brighter show, which isn’t touchscreen. Because of this, I like to recommend shopping for Edge 840 as an alternative, and ultimately the Edge 850 in case you don’t thoughts paying extra.
Garmin has a intelligent pricing construction that subconsciously nudges you towards 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 550 with a speaker and touchscreen? However it has a horrible battery, so why not pay extra for the Edge 1050?
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