| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Type | Large-format dive computer with a colour touchscreen |
| Series | Descent X |
| Released | 19 November 2024 (announced 19 November 2024) |
| Price at launch | GBP 1,329.99 / USD 1,499.99 / EUR 1,549.99. Descent T2 transceiver: GBP 429.99 |
| Predecessor | None; Garmin’s first large-format dive computer |
| Successor | Not yet announced; see Release Radar |
| Size | 62.4 x 98.3 x 24.5mm |
| Variants | Descent X50i; Descent X50i with Descent T2 transceiver bundle |
| Colours | Black |
Specifications as at launch. Features reflect the latest Garmin software.
Expert opinion | Descent X range compared | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Who it suits: Experienced recreational, technical and cave divers who want advanced deco planning, rebreather support, wireless tank-pressure monitoring and messaging with other divers.
The Descent X50i is Garmin’s flagship dive computer. It handles single-gas, multi-gas, gauge and closed circuit rebreather diving with air, nitrox and trimix, using the Bühlmann ZHL-16c model with custom gradient factors. Projected ascent profiles, an in-dive depth chart, gas-switch prompts and a 3-axis compass keep you aware of where you are and what comes next, and DiveView maps add depth contours for more than 4,000 dive sites. Paired with Descent T2 transceivers, it shows tank pressure, remaining gas, depth and distance for up to eight divers and sends preset SubWave messages between them. SubWave works over limited distances and only with Garmin kit, so it supplements your buddy procedures rather than replacing them.
The 3-inch 640 x 360 colour touchscreen sits under sapphire crystal; the touch works on the surface, with metal buttons for underwater use, and there is a backup dive light built in. It is a big unit at about 253g without its band, rated to 200 metres, with Bluetooth, ANT+ and Wi-Fi. Battery lasts up to 16 hours of diving at medium brightness, 13 hours at high, and 20 hours in night-dive mode, so it needs charging more often than the X30. The T2 transceivers that unlock air integration and messaging are extra, which pushes the real cost well past the headline price.
Garmin Descent X50i
Big touchscreen dive computer with air integration, diver messaging, maps and a dive light.
Descent X range compared
Garmin sells three large-format Descent X dive computers. The table shows where the Descent X50i sits.
| Feature | Descent X10 | Descent X30 | Descent X50i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.1″ monochrome MIP | 2.4″ colour LCD | 3″ colour LCD touchscreen (surface only) |
| Lens | Chemically strengthened glass | Chemically strengthened glass | Sapphire crystal |
| Dive rating | 100 metres | 100 metres | 200 metres |
| Dive modes | Single-gas, gauge, apnea | Single-gas, multi-gas, gauge | Single-gas, multi-gas, gauge, CCR |
| Gases | Air and nitrox to 40% O2 | Air, nitrox and trimix to 100% O2 | Air, nitrox and trimix to 100% O2 |
| Air integration | No | No | Yes, up to 8 Descent T2 transceivers |
| Diver messaging | No | No | SubWave preset messages |
| Surface GPS and compass | No; entry and exit points from your phone | Yes | Yes |
| Maps | No | No | TopoActive and DiveView maps |
| Dive light | No | No | Yes |
| Dive battery (default) | Up to 50 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Weight with bands | 130g | 198.4g | 280g |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |||
Specifications
The Descent X50i comes in one size with dual elastic nylon bands and locking buckles. The touchscreen works only on the surface; underwater you use the leakproof metal buttons.
| Specification | Descent X50i |
|---|---|
| Display | |
| Display type | Colour LCD |
| Display size | 3″ diagonal |
| Resolution | 640 x 360 pixels |
| Colour | Yes |
| Lens | Sapphire crystal |
| Touchscreen | Yes, on the surface only |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | 62.4 x 98.3 x 24.5mm |
| Weight | 253g without bands; 280g with nylon band and buckle |
| Case and bezel | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Band | Dual elastic nylon with locking buckles, 38cm; 20mm QuickFit compatible |
| Buttons | Leakproof metal buttons |
| Dive rating | 200 metres |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo (surface only) |
| Compass | 3-axis |
| Other sensors | Depth sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, ambient light sensor |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, SubWave sonar |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Maps | Preloaded TopoActive maps with DiveView depth contours for 4,000+ dive sites; downloadable cartography |
| Dive light | Yes, integrated backup light |
| Charging | Garmin proprietary clip charger |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Battery life
Battery figures are Garmin’s official ratings for dive mode at each brightness setting.
| Mode | Descent X50i |
|---|---|
| Medium brightness (default) | Up to 16 hours |
| High brightness | Up to 13 hours |
| Night dive | Up to 20 hours |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Features
Diving
- Single-gas, multi-gas, gauge and closed circuit rebreather (CCR) modes
- Rated to 200 metres
- Bühlmann ZHL-16c decompression model with gradient factors
- Air, nitrox and trimix up to 100% O2, with 1 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
- Projected ascent profile and in-dive depth chart
- NDL Aware depth metrics
- Customisable conservatism (low, medium, high or custom gradient factors) and deep stops
- Customisable safety stop (off, 3 or 5 minutes)
- Audible and vibration alarms for ascent rate, PO2, CNS/OTU, NDL, deco, gas switching, tank pressure and gas consumption rate
- Up to 40 custom depth or time alerts per dive mode
- Ascent and descent rate indicator
- 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, which can be disabled before a dive
- Backlight with configurable time and intensity, automatically on at depth
- Flip-screen mode and custom dive screens
Air integration and SubWave
- Air integration from up to 8 Descent T2 transceivers (sold separately), with gas time remaining and gas consumption rate
- Preset diver-to-diver messages up to 30 metres
- Tank pressure, depth and distance for up to 8 divers within 10 metres
- Sidemount tank switch guidance with a Descent T2
Surface and safety
- Surface GPS marks dive entry and exit points
- Surface navigation to a dive site and reference point
- DiveView maps with bathymetric depth contours
- Integrated backup dive light
- Tide and weather data from a paired phone
- Pairs with an inReach device to trigger an SOS from the surface (satellite subscription required)
- Stores your Divers Alert Network (DAN) ID
- Dive Readiness with a compatible Garmin wearable
- Setup sharing syncs gases, conservatism and alerts with a compatible backup Descent
Connect
- Dive logs sync to the Garmin Dive app
- Text replies on Android
- Boating, sailing and sail racing profiles
- Dual grid coordinates
- Passcode lock
Garmin Descent X50i
Big touchscreen dive computer with air integration, diver messaging, maps and a dive light.
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Descent X50i released?
Garmin announced the Descent X50i on 19 November 2024 at GBP 1,329.99, USD 1,499.99 or EUR 1,549.99. The Descent T2 transceiver cost GBP 429.99 extra.
How deep can the Descent X50i dive?
The Descent X50i is rated to 200 metres and supports single-gas, multi-gas, gauge and closed circuit rebreather diving with nitrox and trimix.
Does the Descent X50i need a transceiver for air integration?
Yes. Tank pressure, gas time remaining and SubWave diver messaging need at least one Descent T2 transceiver on your regulator, sold separately or in a bundle.
Does the touchscreen work underwater?
No. The Descent X50i touchscreen works only on the surface, for setup and maps. Underwater you use the buttons.
How long does the Descent X50i battery last?
Garmin rates the Descent X50i for up to 16 hours of diving at the default brightness, 13 hours at high brightness and 20 hours in night dive mode.
Further reading
- Which Garmin Descent to buy
- New Garmin Descent X30, with the X50i compared
- Garmin Descent X30 specifications
- Garmin Descent Mk3 and Mk3i specifications
- Garmin watch and dive computer specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin devices
Related dive computers
Step down: Garmin Descent X30, with a smaller colour screen and longer battery, without air integration.
Wrist alternative: Garmin Descent Mk3i, with the same air integration and SubWave in a multisport watch.
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.
- Ravemen FR1000: The light and the computer mount in one unit, so nothing else goes on the bars. Better than mine.
- Ravemen FR1500SE: 1,500 lumens hanging under your Garmin, for proper night rides.
- Ravemen FR1100SE: 1,100 lumens under your Garmin, and up to 46 hours on slow flash.
- Ravemen FR500: A brighter FR300 with the same mount.
- 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.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red and infrared light for sore knees, Achilles and other joints after hard training. I use it.
- 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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