Garmin Fenix 6 Pro vs Sapphire Comparison - Is Gorilla Glass Better?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Fenix 6 Sapphire or Pro? Which one are you picking up?

[@donnawetter1513]

Titanium Saphire. ;)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@donnawetter1513 Nice choice!

[@thanasis7oropos]

I found the same backlight problem on a sapphire version

[@Shapmb]

Resale on sapphire likely higher due to less scratches

[@Shapmb]

Thanasis Vlaxaitis did you return? I really like the dark blacks much better

[@evangaudet]

I work in a gym, I have a sapphire glass watch that I wear every day for the last 3 years. I've scraped it against metal bars, machines dumbbells barbells, and everything else inside the gym. To this date there isn't a SINGLE SCRATCH on my watch. Without a doubt get the sapphire glass

[@anthonywterrell]

I second that. I'm in the oilfield, working on a drilling rig, I beat the shit out of this watch everyday, and there is no damage....NONE! Kind of hard to believe?? Didn't know anything about the Garmin Fenix line, but I'm glad I got one. WELL WORTH IT!!

[@MrTomo4415]

I have an old Suunto core, it has been scratched and abused and rubbed against rocks climbing mountains all over the uk. Still works fine. Actually I like that it looks abused. I think we are sucked in by marketing!

[@TheSgt93]

I agree completely. I had a Fenix 3HR sapphire and banged it all over against everything and not a single mark. My Apple Watch Stainless with sapphire coating has been fixed twice now due to damage tot he screen. My Fenix 6X sapphire should be here this week :)

[@roboppers]

I have the same experience with my hr3 and now the 5xplus.

[@miha-v]

I have Fenix 3 with normal glass. I wear it everyday and I've scrape it a lot of times against different objects. I have 2 very small scratches on glass (there is a lot of scratches on metal ring). So I would probably buy normal glass again. :)

[@madPav3L]

For watches, always Sapphire! I have Sapphire watches for over 12 years now wearing them 24/7 without a single scratch.

[@roboppers]

I had two sapphire versions (3hr and 5xplus) they are really indestructible! Never had any scratch on them and I work with a lot of sharp metal parts during the day. I would always choose the sapphire version.

[@richt3993]

Apparently though the 6 Sapphire has an anti-reflective coating which DOES scratch easily so bit of a catch 22 situation.

[@dannykelly3191]

After cracking my second 6X-Pro. I've caught the screen twice, right on the edge. Yes, I have a screen protector on it. Garmin is upgrading me to a 6X Sapphire. Thanks Garmin!

[@chrisgardiner4998]

100% go with the sapphire. I have had the Fenix 3 since new with Sapphire glass and there isn’t a single scratch on it and I have worn it constantly over the 3 or 4 years that I’ve had it (other then charging overnight obviously).

[@Canada1608]

Great review! I found a 6X at good price and bought it thanks to your work in this review and your other Garmin reviews. Keep up the good work!

[@astronaut77]

There is another difference that you didn't mention, which is that water doesn't stay on the screen in the sapphire, it moves like if it has a ceramic coating on it, and I love this feature because I makes the glass more resistant to finger prints and any other dirts

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Very true. The Gorilla Glass does have an oleophobic coating to help prevent water/smudges from sticking but it's not quite as good as the sapphire.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Thanks for letting me know this. I sweat profusely while biking in the summer so this will be a big bonus!

[@subzerohf]

Thanks for your review. The dark room comparison is very important to me. I owned a Forerunner 645 and I noticed the bluish hue when the backlight was on. And I hated it. It gives a cheap look on the watch. And I suspect that Garmin did this on purpose in order to give the Sapphire version a boost. Again, this is a great review, and thanks a bunch!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching!

[@mitruraul]

On my 6x Sapphire I have the same blueish screen as the 6 Pro in your video, so makes me think that it's not the type of glass, but the screen itself at "fault" or the backlight type. As for the Dlc coating, from day one I have managed to scratch the watch on a sand paper like wall, but the minor scratch that was left on the watch is almost invisible, you really have to use a magnifying glass to notice it. Compared with the coating I had on my 5x Plus, Dlc is very resistant and the color hides well the micro scratches, as for the Sapphire screen, worth every penny and it's not just a "bragging" option for a very expansive watch.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Interesting! I've been seeing some posts on Garmin's forum about the backlight color too. It seems it's not the glass that is changing the color but rather the LED's or screen. Thanks for watching!

[@tburka91]

Yeah I did a replacement for my 6x sapphire. That's a big difference.

[@tburka91]

@Scott G Snowden I didn't get it yet. There's a garmin forum were someone confirmed that Garmin can confirm if they got a defective unit. For mine, I just sent pictures of mine and display unit. They didn't really fight me when I told them about issue. I just added pictures so I am not bullshitting.

[@tburka91]

@Scott G Snowden might have to go to imgur and upload it there, then post a link.

[@tburka91]

@Scott G Snowden oh God that's definitely has that blue hue. Lol. You should definitely try to get the different one.

[@karlbadde7435]

The difference in hue when backlighting is something never discovered in any review I’ve seen before. A watch that expensive should offer consistent and a high class experience (looks like the first G-Shocks). Thanks for pointing out, as this will narrow down which vendor I should consider

[@MichaelStLouis-op5ud]

My Fenix 5X Sapphire has that same blueish hue when the backlight is on. I thought that was normal.

[@oanimalos]

Michael St. Louis right is the same on my f5x+, not good.

[@williambarrantes1674]

davide abatucci how is it not good. That is an older generation, even some of the newer ones (6 Pro) still have that tint. The new Sapphires are the only ones without it

[@oanimalos]

William Barrantes not true, follow some others reviews that raised same . If you consider normal this thing and consider 5x+ so old you don’t know panel technology used and the random Garmin production issue

[@chaosengine3772]

​@@oanimalos It is normal because the MIP displays in the Fenix's are backlit. Transflective MIP panels due to there nature, when lighted from the back will lack contrast, produce muted or washed out colors. Using a front light would produce much better viewing experience with more contrast, colors and blacks. But due to design constraints, front lighting on Garmin's wearables that uses MIP displays is not possible. With such a tiny package and from factor that is already too large as view by some. Having the display as such is a totally reasonable trade off that I have no problem with.

[@Yamaha_Bolt]

Cool demo in the dark, send this to Garmin for an explanation, they shouldn’t be any different. You could probably send back the Pro as being defective

[@byron-arnold]

I have had the Sapphire for 3 months. In the first month i bumped it lightly on my shower door handle (Chrome) and it now has a scratch right across the screen. I wouldn't spend the extra money again. Both screens will scratch eventually, just get the cheaper and take reasonable care.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Bummer! Indeed, nothing in this world is "scratch proof" but the Sapphire comes pretty darn close. I've personally put mine through the wringer and it's still flawless but I did manage to scratch up my Gorilla Glass Forerunner 945 pretty quick. In either case it just adds a bit of character right? Thanks for watching!

[@rsilvers129]

Chrome is 8.5 on hardness scale. Sapphire is 9. You found something that was close to as hard, but that is highly unlikely to happen again.

[@DoseofDirt]

I know the video is a few years old, but I still found it super helpful. I'm sold on the 6x, now just have to decide between the pro and the sapphire. Thanks for the video!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hoffmancapote]

I got the saphire version because it is so durable as well as the deeper blacks. I have an IWC mechanical watch I bought with a saphire screen17 years ago. Although there are a few scratches on the steel case, the screen is like new. A watch with a saphire screen generally indicates a quality watch

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Sapphire is certainly nice peace of mind. Unfortunately the display can still be "washed out" on a Sapphire watch. It seems like luck of the draw on which kind of display you'll get from Garmin. Enjoy the Fenix!

[@thomasarnold6348]

Hey Dave, thanks for the comparison! I got a Fenix 6 Sapphire today and after owning the normal version of the Fenix 5 for two years, I definitely found that the Sapphire is more reflective as the other one as well. Regarding the backlight, I didn't notice such a big difference between my watches but as you said, the 6Pro vs. 6 Sapphire might actually be put together with different screens/LCD units. One thing I found on Garmin's homepage during my research (which was also a factor in the decision for the Sapphire version) is that the difference between the bezels is not only the coating but also the materials used. On the 6 Pro it's coated stainless steel and on the Sapphire it's either Titanium or in the case of the version you used in the video it's DLC coated Titanium. I don't wanna appear like a know-it-all, just wanted to point it out.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching! The 6X gets the titanium DLC. Unfortunately the regular 47mm Fenix 6 does not. Actually right on the back of the watch is laser etched "316 Stainless" with a DLC coating. The watch also weighs 83 grams with the strap on my scale which is a bit heavier than titanium should be. Not all bad news though, titanium tends to scratch a lot easier than Steel due to oxidation. Steel with DLC is incredibly durable in theory but time will tell. Thanks again for visiting the channel!

[@thomasarnold6348]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks for your reply! I just checked it on the back of my watch and you are completely right! It's really confusing since I was pretty sure I was reading the spec sheet of the 47mm Fenix 6. But due to the amount of around 20 different Fenix 6 units it's not a surprise that one gets confused very easily. Thanks for clarifying!

[@Birdphotoman44]

Were can I find the information that 6x sapphire gets titanium DLC, here it says 6x gets steel and the solar gets titanium buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/catalog/product/compareResult.ep?compareProduct=603229&compareProduct=641449&compareProduct=641435&compareProduct=641375

[@Aranon78]

@@Birdphotoman44 6X Pro (stainless steel), 6X Sapphire (stainless steel DLC), 6X Pro Solar (Titanium DLC)

[@Aranon78]

@@ChaseTheSummit 6X Pro (stainless steel), 6X Sapphire (stainless steel DLC), 6X Pro Solar (Titanium DLC)

[@nedsled2994]

Had the Fenix 3 sapphire for many years, lots of backpacking and rock climbing. Have put a few scratches in the frame, but perfect glass, the sapphire glass is amazing

[@grabol1982]

And how with battery in your model after that years?

[@nedsled2994]

@@grabol1982 Battery was fine, no problems. Only issue I ever had on the Fenix 3 is the altimeter drifts. It works fine if you calibrate it for an event right before you use it. But over time, days/weeks it drifts and has to be calibrated. I have the 5 plus now, it does not seem to have that issue.

[@TheTinnman]

Very helpful. I was in the military for 24 years and scratched the hell out of watches so I was wondering what the difference was inside between the two watches. I have heard good things about the solar version, but for me it seems taking a battery back up to charge on longer hikes etc would be the better option than solar as I suspect I would be more often to use it under the cover of trees and the solar ring and glass would likely not be exposed to much light. Thanks again for narrowing this down for me. Very helpful. Now to save up for it. :-)

[@matthewlawrence5399]

I had the same problem with military life. I have had zero issues with my Felix 5 sapphire. Absolutely the best watch I’ve ever owned. I have hit the screen on pretty much anything you could imagine and not one permanent scratch. Plus the battery life is amazing.

[@cristiticu]

Bought a Fenix 3 HR Sapphire at the 2016 Olympics. It was my daily driver for all this time, and it wasn't spared since I'm a construction worker. Long story short the case looks terrible but sapphire glass is as new to this day. My new Fenix 6 arrived today and I'm convinced it will last me another three to four years.

[@christianlalisan1530]

Which Fenix 6 did you get? Regular, Pro or Sapphire? How's it so far?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Similar experience with my older 3, 3hr, 5 , and 5 plus. The sapphire always looks flawless! But I do wish they doomed it again like they used to on the 3HR. Really impressive stuff. Thanks for watching and enjoy the Fenix 6!

[@kevinmagalona274]

This is a great video mate, thanks. No nonsense, just a good hearty review. Let's all get these thumbsup and give the man some money to perform scratch testing in the future

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thank you!

[@olegyefremov2583]

I used to wear galaxy gear s3 watch. Great smart watch, very snappy and accurate. Got bezel all scratched up in about a year (screen protector on, so no damage to screen). Wore my garmin 6x sapphire for about a year now and ZERO scratches on screen or bezel. No screen protectors, no babying the garmin. Just use it as normal. Maybe I just being lucky with it))

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That's awesome! Glad to hear its holding up!

[@bigmo21y]

The screen hue has gone unnoticed by a lot of reviwers you are the first to highlight it!! Thanks man im goingbwith the saffire because of the darker blacks

[@jonzwale5071]

FYI i just bought Sapphire, had crappy blue tint!

[@makatkplt]

Thanks. You were the tipping point for me with pointing out the true black background of the Sapphire. Pulling the trigger on the 6X Sapphire

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching! I'm actually not sure the model of the watch matters much when it comes to the blueish display. It seems more like luck of the draw from Garmin. I've seen pictures of several different models with this type of display over on the Garmin forums. I'd suggest purchasing from a place that accepts returns easily if you're worried about it. Honestly though, if I never saw a "true black" display I'm not sure I'd even notice. Enjoy your new watch!

[@rsilvers129]

@@ChaseTheSummit Oh I noticed. I was so horrified when I saw my watch display that I searched for this issue, and found your video.

[@tc2703]

Thank you. This is helpful. I am leaving Apple (again) and picking up a Fenix 6 Pro. I have always bought sapphire screens for the durability.. the quest for a scratch-free screen. A few things that have me thinking differently. First, my wife has a Garmin 235 and her display always looked more crisp and contrasty (word?) than my Fenix 5 Sapphire. This bugged me. She trains like crazy and I never notice scratches on her screen. Second, this watch is made to take a beating and I think I personally need to work on not letting scratch OCD win. I am going to likely buy from a retailer that offers damage insurance as I know they let you ‘upgrade’ if you damage the watch.. I was all in on the 6X Pro Sapphire but now think I just want to get the 6 Pro and just use it. Thank you for your videos.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad I could help! I think scratches on the bezel give a watch character. But I'm a little OCD just like you with glass scratches! Thanks for watching!

[@Tiffshouse]

Great video! My husband wants the sapphire and I wasn’t sure what the difference was and you made that clear! Thanks

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@aprilpualengco7344]

Thanks for that honest review. Def set my eyes to fenix 6 sapphire. It's so good looking.

[@ajefri]

I've owned Fenix 3HR Sapphire for over 4 years the screen looks like it's brand new despite uncountable falls, hits, and accidents. I just bought the 6X Sapphire because the investment is worth it.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 3HR was such a great watch. I loved mine. 6X will be a nice step up!

[@JamesStevens013]

I have the pro solar. The backlit screen on mine looks black, like your sapphire.

[@mohamadjamil3164]

The pro visibility is much more comfortable for daily use. The other one is very reflective. Like very especially indoors

[@henriqueteixeira4603]

Excellent comparison, of something I've never seen compared on KZbin. Excellent video quality and audio. Thanks for clarifying my doubts.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It was something I was searching for so I figured I'd share my thoughts. Thanks for watching!

[@henriqueteixeira4603]

@@ChaseTheSummit I think I'll choose the sapphire with DLC coating version. Thanks again and keep up the good work and training.👍🏻

[@JustJoshTech]

I work in an office with fluorescent lighting and found the glare too much on the Saphire

[@insertyoutubehandlenamehere]

Glad I watched this. Just bought the Fenix 6 Pro a few days ago. Didn't want to pay an extra $100 for sapphire and I trust Gorilla Glass.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@Witcherworks]

That backlight was the biggest difference for me. Thank you for showing that

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching! I'm not convinced the backlight difference is due to one being pro and one being sapphire. From Garmin's support forums it appears it can happen to either device as other users have started seeing this "washed out" effect on both Sapphire, and Pro models. Hope this video helped in some way!

[@TheDanGore]

@@ChaseTheSummit I can confirm, my Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Sapphire has the blue hue backlight. Quite disappointing with the clarity of it at certain angles. Hope Garmin can get their act together!

[@gustavopaulette3496]

@@TheDanGore did you return it?

[@TheDanGore]

@@gustavopaulette3496 yes I did, and finally after the 3rd watch I received a dark backlight. Worth the return in my opinion for this pricepoint.

[@UnlikelyToComment]

Note that if you want the lighter/tougher Titanium body you need the Sapphire. I just upgraded my 42mm/46 gram Fenix 5S to the 47mm/49 gram Fenix 6 Sapphire Titanium. Bigger and just as light, win/win. Now I can actually read the screen while mountain biking.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

You can actually get Gorilla Glass + Titanium now with the Fenix 6 Solar. It's the most expensive 47mm option available right now at a whopping $1099! I have a video about that on my channel as well. Thanks for watching.

[@akwolverine4739]

I got the sapphire as a gift. Love it. I’m definitely a rugged person and I don’t like screen protectors, it’s prefect for my type of use

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Very nice!

[@parajuanjo]

@@ChaseTheSummit sorry to bother you, i own a fr745 (love it), and i'm considering to get a bigger/more rugged watch for go to work, go outside, etc. i'm between the enduro ti, and the 6x. found a discount on the sapphire version, but as it will be mostly on daytime/sunlight, the question is, how worse is the reflections and visibility compared to the pro, and the enduro? also, music and maps would not be that important to me. i think the enduro is on the sweetspot of durability/scratch ressistance, battery life, lightweight, and solar charge. what do you think?

[@TheSpade83]

Sapphire sold because of your dark comparison! Thanks 🤟

[@giorgiocristiano807]

I was expecting a "Scratches at level 6 with deeper grooves at level 7"

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Maybe when I hit 8 million subs like Jerryrig Everything I'll be able to afford those tests 😂

[@texasblaze1016]

@@ChaseTheSummit jerryrig didn't start off with 8 million subs...

[@PeterBalletta]

...Very interesting observation on the differences in the glass...I've had a Fenix 3HR Sapphire since it came out....I have had countless problems with all my Garmin products for years as a long time runner.....their software if very buggy, I've had constant rebooting/restart issues that Garmin support never solved ....that being said I'm hesitant at this point to buy another Garmin product. However, the Sapphire glass on my Fenix 3HR is absolutely flawless after all these years of use and I'd highly recommend the Sapphire version. It's definitely worth the additional money.

[@Themata]

Good video. I'd be interested to see backlights on all the Garmins you can find, lined up in a dark room

[@chinothedreamgiver1629]

Thanks again. I have a Fenix 5X sapphire glass, a Coros Vertex 2 sapphire glass and Coros Apex sapphire glass, so with that said, I decided with the Fenix 6x pro no sapphire . I have enough watches to not let a scratch or two bother me. In the end, all fantastic quality watches.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@caslca]

Thanks for the review! I noticed the sapphire watch has a different HR sensor than the pro. My 6x Sapphire has the same sensor as your PRO, and it also has the same blueish tint as your PRO

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That is odd. I just gave this another look and you're right. The Pro's heart rate sensor's diodes have a white dot to the left of them. While my Sapphires is all black. I'm not entirely sure what that means.

[@pascallienard]

@@ChaseTheSummit And so do I, my 6Pro have the blueish screen when light is on, but with that small white square on the bottom left on the black rectangles of the ohr that looks like your 6 sapphire

[@caslca]

Now with that in mind, have you noticed either one of these being better at HR tracking? There have been a lot of chatter about bad HR readings and I’m curious if it is related to different hardware

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@caslca I haven't noticed any difference but now that I'm aware I'll be sure to do some additional testing. I'll wear both and go for a few runs and report back. Thanks for watching!

[@aliaksandrapanovich965]

I'm looking to get 6s Pro (due very small wrist and weight). But now i'm also aware about blue hue and Optical HR. If you get a chance let us know about 42 mm version (Pro vs Sapphire). At this price point they should be prefect both iMHO... Thank you for your videos!

[@drsus0]

Wow... that backlight difference is almost LCD vs Oled in how big it is..... def tipped me towards the sapphire just for that! And you’re the only reviewer that caught that. It’s a huge pro/con in my opinion.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It turns out the backlight has nothing to do with sapphire vs gorilla glass. If you google around the Garmin Forums you'll see a lot of information on this topic. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@mlegrand]

Dude, I'm loving your channel. Such a nice vibe to everything. Thanks for all the work here!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks man! That means a lot. I really like your content too!

[@mlegrand]

@@ChaseTheSummit - Hopefully some day we'll get to go for a trail run together. I'll bring a camera 😉

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@mlegrand anytime!

[@6re881]

Got the 6x sapphire for €649 and I am very happy with the watch so far!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Great deal! Enjoy!

[@mux2007ch]

I'll get the Pro, as I won't use it hardcore and unlike a Rolex I won't be having it for the rest of my life - and it saves me 200$.

[@markmoscosa2371]

Thanks a lot Bro! This is still true to Fenix 7 lineup. Just subscribed to your channel.

[@Mark-OutWest]

Very helpful video that left me in quandary. First I think you have a defective Pro with that purple color in the backlight test. At least that's what I've read. I would prefer a non sapphire watch because clarity is important to me. I think Garmins are generally a harder to view watch in indoor light so I'd rather not have that sapphire in the way. However your backlight test (if the Pro you have is the norm) would push me to the sapphire. I've heard the deltas have great blacks and to see it on the non delta makes me want to get that one now.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Seems like it's luck of the draw with these watches. There are lots of reports of the blue backlight in the Garmin forums on various models. Thanks for watching!

[@edensgardenshed9622]

Sapphire! My first day MTB riding with my brand new sapphire watch i crashed over the bars and slid on my belly with my hand squished between me and the gravel i was sliding on. It slid on its face with my body weight pushing it into the rocky trail for 10 feet. Not a scratch anywhere it is now 2 years later and still looks brand new. Only complaint I sometimes hit it on my car and take paint off the car. 😂

[@trialmx]

My 6X pro has a similar blue background to your 6 pro. I've dropped my backlight down to 10% to lessen the washed out look. I've compaired the backgrounds with backlight on and off of my 6X pro to my FR935 and the 935 has the higher contrast blacker background similar to what you are seeing in your 6 Sapphire.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Interesting! I think Garmin may be sourcing their LED's from various manufacturers or something. Maybe this is why we're seeing different colors on different models? Who knows! I reached out to Garmin and they haven't responded yet. Thanks for watching!

[@kiridevid]

My Saphire Glas have also that blu color

[@pascallienard]

My 6pro and forerunner 935 are quite similar in terms of contrast. The fenix is more pinky and the 935 more blueish.

[@daverombedza3023]

Dave has come far. The quality has improved with the talk speed as well

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@jojojaykay]

this video is being used to fuel sooo much fire in the forums. lmao. and I think it's a good thing. thanks for reporting on this. I think this is a meaningful discrepancy to note.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I noticed... whoops! 🙊

[@simonh2011]

Ordered the Fenix 6 Sapphire and saw about the blue backlight issues and read so much on the forums and have been terrified and dreading the worst until it came today and saw it was beautifully black and perfect!! May have been an early issue or i just got lucky but whatever the case, i'm delighted!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@janostrenyi9738]

@@ChaseTheSummit hi. i just picked mine up from costwold (6X Sapphire) and in the dark my watch looks like the one on the left in the video. isn't it supposed to be the other way around? thanks

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@janostrenyi9738 it turns out the "blueish" display can happen to any model. It doesn't matter if its sapphire, or gorilla class or even if its a 6, 6s, or 6x. It's a variance in the manufacturing process they're using to create these watches. I don't believe Garmin even considers this to be a defect. However, if you're unhappy with it I'd suggest either exchanging it for a new one or contacting Garmin directly. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@adamltoms]

Simon Hobden what shop did you purchase yours from?

[@simonh2011]

@@adamltoms I got mine from Cotswold outdoors in the UK mate

[@shanefrancis34]

Thanks man, totally justified my Sapphire purchase, love the watch.

[@rabbitruck]

Tempted by the durability of the sapphire glass, but not sure I'm willing to deal with the display glare and loss of brightness. Tough call. The glass on my Fenix first gen is near perfect despite the watch's age.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I think once you start using the Sapphire you forget that it's slightly dimmer. I just ran a 100 miler over this past weekend with the Fenix 6 sapphire and I can say that I didn't once have an issue reading the display in the day hours or at night. It was an excellent experience! And I appreciated the added durability of the sapphire. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

[@hamradiocomms]

I believe the blueish purple tint is from the anti-reflective coating that is on the glass. I see this same tint on regular watches with the coating when turned at certain angles. That would also explain why the sapphire crystal has so many reflections and no bluish tint consistent with having no AR coating.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Not quite. I think it's a product of Garmin using different LCD panels in different watches because they source them from various manufacturers. There are several threads on the Garmin forums showing the blue tint on both Sapphire and Pro models so the glass doesn't seem to make a difference. Thanks for watching!

[@hamradiocomms]

@@ChaseTheSummit Great info! Thanks for the update. That’s interesting about having different vendors, I also like the true black better... it appears also that the white characters also having a blueish tint showing through unless it’s an optical illusion with all the blue light around it.

[@madmax252]

Thanks for the great video! I have a 6S Sapphire and my backlight has the blueish hue. Now that I see what a difference there is between your two watches, it makes me disappointed that the LCDs aren't all like your Sapphire! Curious to know what Garmin tells you!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I'll update the channel if I get any news. Thanks for watching!

[@Yamaha_Bolt]

Just send it back, it’s definitely defective.

[@juleshorse9056]

Same for me. I have just bought a 6S Sapphire. When the backlight is on there is a notable blue hue (black when off). I do not see a blacker hue as on the 6 Sapphire in your video (of course monitor calibrations aside). Thanks for a good video.

[@hoffmancapote]

I bought the 6 Saphire Last week. Pleased with the watch. Got it for a good price and because of Coved 19 dealers are open to offers. Where I bought mine there was only around $60 price difference between the pro and Saphire.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Wow, great deal!

[@cranesky3542]

lucky you get the deeper blacks, congratulations :)

[@richt3993]

That's what she said!!

[@thebaldconvict]

@@richt3993 hahahaha :D

[@Alexkk47]

I'm going to go with the pro. I'm going to see how it works for me before the return policy ends. I would get the sapphire if I had a good source of income but I decided to save a few bucks by getting the pro. Also that backlight issue happens in both the sapphire and pro watches.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Certainly helps to save a few bucks! You're right about the backlight though. This is an old video, since posted I've seen a lot of folks with various watches (forerunner, Fenix 6s, 6x, etc...) all seeing the blue backlight. Hopefully Garmin resolves this in the future!

[@Samarain]

I ordered this week the Titanium with sapphire, hope don't have any problems...

[@CamiloDvz]

So, have any?

[@sobluedeep]

Thanks a lot a lot you made me decide finally to go for sapphire

[@tagelorder]

Nice video, just curious im new to this kinda watch, how long does these watches last, do they have smartphone life 2-3 years or more? I have casio protrek, and looking for upgrade..

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

they will last many years! My Forerunner 235 is over 5 years old and has been used constantly. A few times it has frozen for a day or two, making me think it died, but it has always come back! It's scratched and all that, but so far so good

[@canadianehbignorth7325]

I have an absolutely terrible record with anything but sapphire. Before I got smart into shelling out a little extra for sapphire, I destroyed 4 watch faces in the first 2 years of my career. My current daily driver is a reef gear time piece. It's nothing special but it works and continues to work. I wear it everyday working with machined metals. It has just a single light scratch on it after 20years working in a machine shop (caused by a diamond tipped insert). I did however just break the ratcheting bezel which is sad, but 20years; so no regrets. When I invested in a smart watch for my out of work life, I bought the fenix 6x sapphire. I don't regret it. It's a nice watch and given the proofing I've put my reef though, I have zero concerns about damaging the screen. Which is an absolute necessity for me because if I have to be mindful when wearing it, I'll just leave it on the nightstand collecting just.

[@pascallienard]

Hi Dave, I'de like to know if you are happy with your 6 Sapphire ? I've been lucky enough to get a black-blacks screen. Now I've been looking the thread on the forum and I see a lot of users with that blue/lilac/purple washed out screen. Well, we might be a minority with nice blacks. That's quite strange and I remember you were thinking if your item wasn't the one that is faulty :-) Now, I've noticed some remanence, ghosting. In particular on maps when I zoom out/in, I see the previous roads as a pale grey ghost before the screen draws the new zoom. It seems to appear on white screens. It might be perfectly normal for a lcd screen, but I still have a 6 pro with washed out colors and there is no remanence/ghosting.

[@msavoric]

Hi, I was wondering if you ever got to the bottom of black-blacks screen?

[@colecalhoun733]

The sapphire comes standard with black LCD backlighting while the pro and standard models that feature gorilla glass come with blue LCD backlighting. This would explain the blue-ish hue seen on the pro model.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

This isn’t always the case. I’ve seen/had pro models with black LCD’s and sapphire with blue LCD. It seems like it’s a variation in manufacturing as if they source panels from multiple vendors. Luck of the draw.

[@fuekfon]

I love your video! I've owned f3HR for 3 years and now looking for a new one since the battery life wouldn't be long enough for ultra Trail running. I'm considering between 6sap and 6X sap with about $50 different. Do you think 6x is too big for woman (my wrist is 14cm)? Anything should I concern other than the size and battery life? Is it worth to pay a bit more for long term use? I plan to go 100 km ultra trail with could take up to 30 hrs continually Thanks

[@fitnesschefen]

Chompoonut Suwaree what did u buy?

[@MrEmirbeytur]

Great review as always. I have just placed an order for Garmin 6. Sapphire because it is half price deal at the moment in Australia.

[@Rafisahab1]

subscribing so that you can scratch the watches next time 😂

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Haha! Maybe when I hit 100k subscribers 😉

[@jaredvancor7227]

Thanks dude, ever stupid question I've had about this sort of big purchase for me you've had videos with the answer to. This one in particular I couldn't find great info on.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad I could help!

[@vybtom1]

"Gorilla glass is the same glass you have on your phone." I look at my smartphone which is scratched just from carrying it in a pocket... "Alright Sapphire unit, you're going with me."

[@vSmitezzdN]

your pockets have collected little sand and dust particles, some of which are a harder material than your glass screen, so whenever you slide your phone in and out of your pocket it causes them to make contact and thats when the softer material of your phone scratches, this isnt going to be as much of a issue with the watch since it rarely makes any contact with those materials, but everytime you wipe your watch with your shirt or a cloth, the same thing could happen. so if you have the money defiantly, but if you dont it isnt a must :)

[@vybtom1]

@@vSmitezzdN I agree, that makes sense. But I still went with that sapphire unit.

[@chaosengine3772]

@@vybtom1 sapphire is only scratch resistant, not scratch proof. It's just harder to scratch.

[@nono9370]

The pro with a screenprotector is actually more scratch resistant because you can change the protector...

[@simonh2011]

@@nono9370 just put a protector on the sapphire then

[@MrBacci01]

I had the Fenix 5 with gorilla and now the Fenix 6 sapphire. If you like a white background, get the gorilla otherwise it’s too dim without backlight.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The sapphire definitely makes it look a touch dimmer but I feel like it’s worth the trade off.

[@varicsaba]

Hi, nice video, I purchased 6S Sapphire DLC but I have the same issue with the screen, it is very blueish I’m disappointed considering the product price, All the best, Csaba

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I'm sorry to hear that. To be honest these types of MIP displays never truly look vibrant due to their power saving efficiency. If I didn't have two side by side it would be hard for me to notice anything wrong. But knowing there seems to be two versions of the display in circulation is a little frustrating. Thanks for watching!

[@varicsaba]

Chase The Summit, I fully agree! You pay the same and you don’t get the same that is why it is frustrating. Anyhow keep up the good work! All the best! 🙂

[@jonilaine2900]

I would say it was worthy pay that extra money, i build scaffolds for living and i have put this sapphire version in good scratch test, after 2 months glass is still as new!!!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice! Glad to hear it has survived!

[@Yorgos888]

The blueish back-lit hasn't got to do with sapphire or not versions. There sapphire 6 pros with the ugly blueish back-lit. They have to be kidding us asking so much money and having this quality inconsistency.

[@jamesanderson6476]

I love the detail! "This is in my pitch black bathroom"...haha. Saphire deeper black with backlight is MUCH better!! Thank you!!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The pitch black bathroom tells all!

[@trubadyr99]

The watch industry has been using anti-glare coating onto BOTH sides of the durable sapphire glass used in premium watches. I think Garmin hasn't applied this coating on their sapphire glass. Thus this glare you showing.

[@rsilvers129]

Yeah. This is it. The Gorilla Glass used in the Fenix 6 does also have AR coating.

[@hansenallan84]

Excellent comparison. You pointed out a few points unknown to me and I'll definitely go for safire!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@taurus665]

like sapphire one friend 💕

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

6 Sapphire Titanium (includes Ti bracelet and orange strap) on order.

[@juresaiyan]

@@alyoshakaramazov8469 I'm looking to buy that particular Fenix. How is it?

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

@@juresaiyan It is a lot of watch. People say it is expensive, but it seems to be worth the investment for me, although I only use 1/10th or less of the features. I ordered a grey silicone strap for it, as I don't like the orange color, but I'm not unhappy with the Ti bracelet. I use mine to track walks: distance, pace, cadence and heart rate, which I push as I walk briskly up steep hills. I try to do about 10 km per session. I also track upper body workouts and my weight. I had some trouble with the stored music losing connections with my bluetooth headphones, but I think that is the headphones and not the watch, so I'm going to try out another bluetooth earbud set I have here. Also, there is a cool feature called "Flashlight". I set it up with hot buttons so I can press two buttons and get a dim white light, which is just enough to find the keyhole to unlock the door at night and find my way down the hall without turning on the lights. There are a lot of things about the watch to like. I looked at the Apple watch instead, but decided to go with the Fenix instead. The only problem is I have a lot of mechanical watches in my collection that aren't getting used at all now!

[@juresaiyan]

@@alyoshakaramazov8469 Thanks for your reply! Is the titanium strong?

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

@@juresaiyan The case is actually polymer, Just the bezel and back are titanium. I think the intent is to make it lighter and more scratch resistant than the steel bezel and back, not stronger, as the structural part is still polymer.

[@alexxela754]

Wow. Sapphire kills the dark room test! As a watch man I can’t think of not picking sapphire if it’s an option👍🏻 It’s literally scratch proof and make your Watch look good the hole lifetime.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For sure, I'm a big fan of the sapphire.

[@Name-de0nisius]

The "hole" time ??? What???

[@mrgreenjeans]

What hole?

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

As a watch enthusiast I'll state emphatically that sapphire exceeds any gorilla glass in scratch resistance by miles. For everyday wear, sapphire is the one to get. It won't scratch. The gorilla glass will.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@MrMjbloomfield]

Great video dude, love the camera work and background music

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@kukuhprasetyo4274]

I just bought my fenix 6x sapphire and not dissapointed. I use it when climbing and hiking and love its durability.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@d4rknah]

Pretty interesting your comparison, screen should be the same, very good observation to find them different in darkness, thanks for the video!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mustakoira1]

I just purchased both to compare in person and the backlight issue is exactly opposite. The non-sapphire is pure black and sapphire one has the blueish tinge.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Turns out it’s luck of the draw. There are numerous threads about this issue on Garmin’s forums.

[@mustakoira1]

@@ChaseTheSummit ah, ok! I like the sapphire one better otherwise so I’ll exchange it for another one until I get a “good one”. Thanks.

[@bigmo7]

Very helpful. Couldn't find this explanation anywhere on the net!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@linus_hille]

Got the Forerunenr 745 since two months now and it hurts my heart that I already got a scratch from work as a carpenter on it. Next watch is definetly going to be a sapphire model.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Bummer! The Gorilla Glass certainly isn't scratch proof.

[@easer777]

I don't know, but I have an idea that the sapphire glass have some polarisation effect, and thát could explain the non-blue appearance of the black....? It is easily checked if You have some sunglasses that have a pol filter, because if You rotate the glasses between the watch and Your eye, the screen will go pitch black at one point....

[@ChaseTheSummit]

At first I thought this might be the case but it isn't. Neither lens is polarized.

[@easer777]

@@ChaseTheSummit actually the sapphire is, I have a pair of polarisation sunglasses and I just made the test, and if viewed through the sunglasses, and with the Fenix sapphire rotated, it goes black at some point.... -This is due to the polarisation letting only one direction of light in, and if You then have another piece of polarised glass which does the same, and rotate the two relative to each other, then both the one direction of light and the other is blocked, so at some point (where the polarisation filters are perpendicular to each other) You can´t see through the two pieces of glass...

[@morrillo0017]

I just order that 6X sapphire version, I own the fénix 5 Saphire, almost got the 6 Pro, thanks for your help 😅

[@yamyamers9906]

I have my 6x shapire dlc few days ago, and its so great watch.. i love it veru much

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@istvanfodor8704]

My second fenix 6 sapphire was returned due to very small scratches occuring. I have an office job and treat the watch gently - my sport activities are not like making damages either. I really do not get it. Maybe the sapphire here is not that sturdy or robust, I do not know. Still no complaints from Garmin, they just grant me a new one, what I appreciate.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Bummer. The sapphire isn't indestructible but it's quite durable. Usually the bezel will scratch first!

[@istvanfodor8704]

@@ChaseTheSummit thanks for the reply. My first watch which was returned did not had any scratch on the bezel. The second one had, but I knew where that happened , and that had not touched the crystal. Both watches had like small scratches when I returned them, so it was really nothing direct contact. My colleague has a fenix5 sapphire and has no issues like this. Who knows..:)

[@christianhoward154]

Just placed my order for the F6 Sapphire! Super stoked. Found a 20% off coupon as well, saved a cool $160 haha

[@christianhoward154]

Wish me luck on the backlight color Lol

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice! Enjoy it!

[@paulwollschlager3479]

@@christianhoward154 , where did you find a 20% coupon?

[@gustavopaulette3496]

You got ripped off. I got 30% off mines

[@christianhoward154]

@@gustavopaulette3496 Cool!

[@gunchief0811]

I'm a U.S. Marine it's worth it to get the Sapphire for Training as well as Actual real world Missions. Saltwater..desert.. mountain.. jungle.. urban... Airborne operations.. etc...

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Sapphire it is!

[@gunchief0811]

@@ChaseTheSummit good choice, glad I was able to help.

[@funnybugsbunny]

Fantastic comparison, very unique video. Content like none other. Keep doing it, please

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks! That means a lot.

[@barsasa671]

Great review. I'm using fenix 6 pro. Very happy with it. Great multisport watch.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@callan888]

Love your candor! And the video of course.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@xxan84]

Sapphire is awesome, I smashes my Fenix 3 into walls (glass first) and lamp posts, not a scratch, hell, the metal its made out of got scratches from the impacts but nothing on the glass. This is a watch you use for sport, from my point of view sapphire is a must.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's super impressive! I've accidentally dragged mine across granite rocks and it remained scratch free... The bezel though... That's another story 😂

[@McLawvin]

Got a 6 pro and love it Thanks for the video 📸

[@storytellingnico]

Thx for the Comparison... I just order at Garmin a Fenix 6X Sapphire.. ;-). (I hope it's a nice change for my Fenix 5x)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@bik3rjon]

Great video, so super useful, no BS, just info!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@davidross2219]

Good video - helped me much in selection - thanks again

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Aranon78]

I had a Marq Driver and I also had blue backlight there. Even with a 2500 € watch. Even with my new fenix 6X Pro, I have blue background light. But it doesn't really bother me.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It is a strange phenomenon. You'd think their quality control would be a bit tighter on those high priced watches!