Does anyone know whether the MK2s has the older processor like the Fenix 6s or does it have the new processor that is in the 945LTE?

Former Member over 3 years ago

I'm primarily looking for a running watch, but I'm considering the Fenix/Descent watches for the maps and other sport modes. The 945LTE released around the same time as the Descent MK2s, but the Forerunner has the new Elevate V4 sensors and a new processor according to reviews that makes it faster than the older 945 and Fenix 6 series. While it's kind of a bummer the Descent MK2s has the older V3 sensor array, I also wondered whether this meant it used the older processor too. The 945LTE is definitely faster in moving through menus and loading maps from a video I saw. Seems like Garmin doesn't publish this as a spec, but if anyone upgraded to the Descent from the Fenix 6 line, is the performance about the same or is it faster?

0 savvase over 3 years ago

I don't now about the mk2s but I own a fenix 6 a tactix delta solar and an mk2 and in my opinion the mk2 feels a little bit faster and more responsive than the other two also the display of the mk2 is a lot nicer and more vivid despite the fact that on paper are all the same I hope I helped you

0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to savvase

Interesting to hear about the display. I had read that earlier in the lifecycle of the Fenix 6, some of the screens were of varied quality, but the ones you buy now people don't complain about the washed out, blue background so much. So it might be just that the Descent MK2 is newer?

What's your experience with the firmware updates for the different series also? I was looking at the firmware releases on the Fenix vs. the Descent. It seems like the Fenix series gets lots of frequent updates while the Descent firmware doesn't get as many changes/fixes but every once in a while will get "caught up" to the latest Fenix update. Is that something to be concerned about that Garmin is not supporting this line as much as their flagship Fenix?

0 savvase over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

You are absolutely right about the updates I think it's the weakest point of the descent line the mk1 has more than a year to get a software update but the fenix 5 continues to be updated to this date. Its like garmin doesn't care at all about this line of watches and the mk2 has a lot of bugs and probably will never be fixed a word of advice if you want a multisport watch stay with the fenix 6 if you want a diving watch look elsewhere

0 tzm over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

The user base of the Descent series is too small for Garmin to assign enough devs on it, it feels like. Updates are far apart.

0 savvase over 3 years ago in reply to tzm

Yes you are right the user base is smaller than the fenix line but when someone invests $1500 it shouldn't be treated like this

0 tzm over 3 years ago in reply to savvase

I feel the same way.

0 scarboroughjohn over 3 years ago in reply to savvase

I have both a Fenix 6 and a Descent mk2. I actually prefer that there are fewer updates. An update is not important unless it adds a capability that you want or corrects a bug, an update for the sake of an update potentially causes problems. Seem the Descent is more consistent and stable compared to the 6. Also the screen is pitch black and the graphics are crisp. I think the best screens are used for the Descent.

0 tzm over 3 years ago in reply to scarboroughjohn

I still want to customize the dive screens

0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to scarboroughjohn

Thanks for your thoughts, that's an interesting perspective on updates. Are your Descent MK2 and Fenix 6 roughly equivalent in speed of moving through menus and loading maps/activities?

0 savvase over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

Yes it's an interesting perspective I am also a fun of meaningful updates but if you get 2 updates per year that means if you have bugs like the back-light during sleep you are stuck with it that's the problem