Is the 2X worth the upgrade

I would not buy GI2X. It's not worth the money because all the features that the GI2X has, should have already been in the GI2 because other watches released last year had those features. The only advantage is a better battery. You should to wait for Garmin Instinct 3 and not get caught in the sales trap. Trust me you don't need them. It's a waste of money.

i2solar have the same features as i2x ,as long it is software related. Lux hours and GPS is only hardware difference I know 

FilthySVK said:

The only advantage is a better battery.

No, that's not accurate. GI2X has many other advantages:

• gyroscope - allows for more accurate indoor distance estimates, and better movement analysis
• newer GPS chip - allowing for higher accuracy with the Multi-band mode
• flashlight
• bigger battery - much longer time between charges, hence also longer battery life expectance
• bigger screen - easier readable in bad conditions, or with bad sight
• more RAM memory (64MB vs 32MB at GI2) - that allows for some additional software features too, like for example some additional sport profiles (i.e. team sports, motor sports, sailing sports, racket sports, ring sports, jumpmaster, and many others)
• the bigger RAM and gyroscope allow also some other software features not available with the standard GI2 Solar - for example advanced cycling dynamics (i.e. jumps), tide glance, grade-adjusted pace,...
• the case is fixed with screws, unlike GI2 that is just glued together. The screws allow easier opening and closing of the watch in case of repairs.

You can see the comparison of Garmin Instinct 2X and Garmin Instinct 2 Solar here: Garmin | Product Compare

FilthySVK said:

only a marketing move for the purpose of higher earnings.

This is what for-profit companies do. Progress or die.

It's hard to argue that there hasn't been technical improvements from the Instinct 1 to the I2X.  When and on which watch families get a certain technology is for Garmin to manage from a marketing and engineering perspective.  In the end, the individual consumer makes the choice as to the value of the product to purchase or not.

For me in all honesty, it would simply be the bigger screen.

On the I2:

• GPS, with Galileo, is outstanding on my tracks
• Battery is great. Sure it would be nice to have extra of course 
• I use it for ultras so any other profiles are irrelevant - for me
• Flashlight would definitely be useful as I am always using my phone light. But, in the First World, unlocking and activating are a ballache
• Not really bothered about the gyroscope as all my stuff is outdoors
• Appreciate the resolution is, in real terms, a downgrade but still like the idea of a bigger screen

Still it's a lot of extra cash just for a screen...

It's incomprehensible that a more expensive watch released within 3 months doesn't have the features of a cheaper watch from the same company. Instead, a year later they release another watch that miraculously has these features. That's the whole point of this post.

Stay with the Instinct 2 it's a good watch compared to the Instinct 1 (I had three defective pieces) and wait until the new Instinct comes out in a year with better equipment. 

These replies are funny.... is it worth it?  This is a 1% watch.... is it worth it to have any smart watch esp at $500?  Of course its a bit of an upgrade... "worth it"... up to you.  Many like myself love it, coming from the I1, not that the I1 was bad, but I personally enjoy the larger size AND the ability to install apps.  Over the 2, lets face it mainly size.  The I1 & I2 have great battery life.  If you can sell your I2 on Craig's list or eBay that might help make the change. 

Lets face it, worth  it, nope, want it - yes!

The 2X is a beast. It is the best all around Garmin based on features and value. If you don’t NEED maps, there is no better watch.