| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Type | Watch-style dive computer and AMOLED multisport GPS smartwatch |
| Series | Descent |
| Released | 12 February 2025 (announced 12 February 2025) |
| Price at launch | GBP 589.99 / USD 699.99 / EUR 699.99 |
| Predecessor | Descent G1 |
| Successor | Not yet announced; see Release Radar |
| Sizes | 45.5mm (medium) |
| Variants | Single model; no Solar edition |
| Colours | Black with Black band (010-02986-00); Paloma with Shell Pink band (010-02986-01) |
Specifications as at launch. Features and activity profiles reflect the latest Garmin software.
Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Comparisons | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Garmin’s mid-tier dive watch brings Descent Mk3 dive software, including trimix, CCR and Bühlmann gradient factors, to the Instinct 3 AMOLED platform at about half the Mk3i price. Air integration and SubWave remain the main reasons to step up to the larger models.
The dive changes over the G1 are modest; the gains are a bright AMOLED screen, leakproof inductive buttons and Dive Readiness. Garmin has tuned battery life around diving, with dive mode rising to 27 hours. It suits divers who dive a few times a year and train on land the rest of the time.
Garmin Descent G2
AMOLED dive computer that doubles as a full multisport smartwatch.
What’s new versus the Descent G1
Hardware
- 1.2″ 390 x 390 colour AMOLED touchscreen, replacing the 0.9″ 176 x 176 monochrome MIP display
- Leakproof inductive buttons
- Case, bezel and buttons made from recycled ocean-bound plastic
- 4GB storage, up from 32MB
- Dive mode battery life up to 27 hours, from 25 hours; other modes are shorter than on the G1
- Same 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.2mm case, 61g weight and 100 metre depth rating as the non-solar G1
- No Solar edition
Software
- Dive Readiness, based on sleep, stress, recent exercise and jet lag
- Big numbers mode for NDL, time and depth
- Freediving additions: dynamic apnea mode, apnea alerts, variometer and a velocity chart in the Garmin Dive app
- Pool Apnea mode
- Dive log with gear tracking and notes
Specifications
The Descent G2 comes in one size. The Black and Paloma editions differ only in colour.
Extra-long band: Garmin also lists an extra-long silicone band, 128 to 373mm, for wearing over a wetsuit.
| Specification | Descent G2 |
|---|---|
| Display | |
| Display type | AMOLED, always-on option |
| Display size | 30.4mm (1.2″) |
| Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Lens | Sapphire crystal |
| Touchscreen | Yes, plus leakproof inductive buttons |
| Large font option | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 45.5mm (medium) |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.2mm |
| Weight | 61g |
| Bezel material | Fibre-reinforced ocean-bound plastic |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced ocean-bound plastic |
| Band | 22mm QuickFit, silicone, 135 to 230mm |
| Water rating | Dive (100 metres), 10 ATM, designed to EN 13319 |
| Underwater operating temperature | 0 to 40°C |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate, including underwater |
| Pulse Ox | Yes, spot-check, during sleep and all day |
| Depth sensor | 0 to 100 metres, 0.1 metre resolution to 99.9 metres |
| Other sensors | Barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | Yes |
| Storage | 4GB |
| Music | Smartphone music controls; no onboard music storage |
| Maps | No maps; breadcrumb, point-to-point and TracBack navigation |
| Charging | Garmin proprietary clip charger |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Battery life
The All Satellite Systems figure is from Garmin’s owner’s manual; the other figures are from Garmin’s specification page.
| Mode | Descent G2 |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 10 days (4 days always-on) |
| Battery saver watch | Up to 12 days |
| Dive mode | Up to 27 hours |
| GPS Only | Up to 20 hours |
| All Satellite Systems | Up to 15 hours |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 44 hours |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 10 days |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Features
Diving
- Dive computer rated to 100 metres
- Single-gas, multi-gas, gauge and closed circuit rebreather (CCR) modes
- Apnea, Apnea Hunt and Pool Apnea modes for freediving
- Bühlmann ZHL-16c decompression model with gradient factors
- Customisable conservatism (low, medium, high or custom gradient factors) and deep stops
- Air, nitrox and trimix up to 100% O2, with one bottom gas and up to 11 deco or backup gases
- PO2 up to 2.0 with a customisable deco PO2 setting
- Dive planner for NDL and multi-gas decompression
- Dive Readiness
- NDL Aware depth metrics
- Big numbers mode for NDL, time and depth
- Custom dive data screens
- Audible and vibration alarms for ascent rate, PO2, CNS/OTU, NDL, deco and gas switching
- Up to 40 custom depth or time alerts per dive mode
- Ascent and descent rate indicator
- Customisable safety stop (off, 3 or 5 minutes)
- Automatic dive start and end with a custom end-dive timeout
- 3-axis dive compass with set heading, 90 degrees left and right, and reciprocal
- Surface diver status: surface interval, N2/He loading, CNS, OTU and tissue compartments
- No-fly time and automatic altitude adjustment
- Missed deco lockout and residual tissue loading reset, each with user acknowledgement
- Backlight with configurable time and intensity, automatically on at depth
- Dive entry and exit locations saved automatically
- Dive log sync to the Garmin Dive app
- Dive Setup Sharing of gas lists and conservatism between Garmin dive computers, added by software update
- Dive mode battery life up to 27 hours, plus customisable Power Modes
- Tides and Tides glance
- Boat autopilot control and boat data streaming via Connect IQ
Plan
- Daily Suggested Workouts for running, cycling and walking
- Garmin Running Coach, Running Coach Experts and Garmin Cycling Coach plans
- Cardio, strength, HIIT, yoga and Pilates workouts with on-screen animations and muscle map
- Pool swim workouts and advanced workouts
- Race widget and race predictor
- Morning Report
Prepare
- Training Readiness, Unified Training Status and Training Load
- HRV Status
- Recovery Time
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Sleep score, sleep coach and nap detection
- Breathing variations during sleep, added by software update
- All-day stress and respiration tracking
- Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation
- Abnormal heart rate alerts
- Health Snapshot
- Heat and altitude acclimation
- Women’s health and hydration tracking
Perform
- VO2 max for running and trail running
- Training Effect, aerobic and anaerobic
- Wrist-based running power and running dynamics
- PacePro and grade-adjusted pace
- Lactate threshold and FTP with a compatible accessory
- Advanced cycling dynamics and MTB Grit and Flow
- Power meter, Varia radar, lights and Varia Vision compatibility
- Underwater wrist-based heart rate and full pool and open water swim metrics
- Expedition GPS activity and UltraTrac mode
- Golf yardages, Green View, digital scorecard and AutoShot
- Multisport activities
Connect
- Smart notifications, with text replies and notification images on Android
- Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Smartphone music controls
- Incident detection and assistance during select activities
- Live event sharing
- Compatible with the Garmin Messenger app
- Connect IQ Store on the watch
- Garmin Share
- Red Shift mode
- Smart trainer control
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Obstacle Racing, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel biking, Bike commuting, Bike touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Cyclocross, BMX |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Multisport | Triathlon, Swimming/Running |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor rowing, Indoor Climbing, Boxing, Mixed martial arts, Indoor Walking, Pilates, Yoga |
| Outdoor | Walking, Hiking, Bouldering, Climbing, Hunting, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Disc Golf, Archery, Inline Skating |
| Other | Dive: Diving | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Backcountry Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing | Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Fishing, Boating, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Tubing, Snorkeling, Whitewater | Team sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball | Racket sports: Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball | Motorsports: Motorcycling, Overlanding, Motocrossing, ATVing, Snowmobiling | Other: Tactical |
Garmin Descent G2
AMOLED dive computer that doubles as a full multisport smartwatch.
Comparisons and upgrade guides
- Garmin Descent G2 opinion and comparison, against the Descent G1, Descent Mk3i and Instinct 3 AMOLED
- Garmin Descent X30, the larger-screen step up from the Descent G2
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Descent G2 released?
Garmin announced and released Descent G2 on 12 February 2025. The launch price was GBP 589.99 or USD 699.99.
How deep can the Descent G2 dive?
Descent G2 is a dive computer rated to 100 metres, with a water rating of 10 ATM, and it is designed to EN 13319. It supports single-gas, multi-gas, gauge and closed circuit rebreather modes, plus apnea modes for freediving.
Does the Descent G2 have maps?
No, Descent G2 has no maps. It offers breadcrumb, point-to-point and TracBack navigation.
Does the Descent G2 have music or solar?
No, Descent G2 has no onboard music storage, only smartphone music controls, and there is no Solar edition.
What size and weight is the Descent G2?
Descent G2 measures 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.2mm and weighs 61g. It takes a 22mm QuickFit band and has a 1.2 inch AMOLED touchscreen.
How long does the Descent G2 battery last?
Garmin rates Descent G2 for up to 10 days as a smartwatch, or 4 days with the display always on. It lasts up to 27 hours in dive mode and 20 hours in GPS-only mode.
Further reading
- Garmin Descent G1 review
- Garmin Descent Mk3 AMOLED and G1 Solar
- Suunto Ocean
- Garmin watch battery life comparison
- Garmin watch specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin watches
Related watches
Predecessor: Garmin Descent G1, the MIP dive watch with a Solar option and longer battery life outside the water.
Successor: not yet announced; see Release Radar for upcoming Garmin watches.
Also consider: Suunto Ocean, an AMOLED sapphire dive computer and multisport watch that adds wireless air integration via Tank POD.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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