Garmin Edge 1040 vs. Edge 1050: Should You Upgrade?

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This is my comparison of the Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) and Edge 1050, two of the most high-end bike computers on the market. You will learn about their differences, pros, and cons, and I will also compare them with bike computers like the Edge 840, Hammerhead Karoo 2, and more.

Edge 1040 (Solar) vs. Edge 1050: The Basics

Here is the summary of the main differences between Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) vs. Edge 1050.

Let me now explain them in depth.

Edge 1040 (Solar) vs. Edge 1050: What’s the Same?

Other features differ. Let’s examine them in more detail.

Edge 1040 (Solar) vs. Edge 1050: What’s New?

On the other hand, the Edge 1050’s battery life is shorter and more expensive than the Edge 1040 ($599 vs. $699, $699 vs. $749 Solar).

Edge 1040 (Solar) vs. Edge 1050: Features Comparison and Differences

Below, I compare these two bike computers’ most important features and differences.

Physical Dimensions & Weight

Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) and Edge 1050 have almost the same dimensions, but the Edge 1050 is heavier by about 35g. Its shapes are also sleeker. The edges of the display are curved like those of the first generation of Samsung Galaxy Edge.

Both these models are among the largest head units available. Alternative flagship bike computers, such as the Bryton Rider S800, Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, Hammerhead Karoo 2, etc., are smaller and lighter.

It’s also worth noting that the Edge 1050 adapter’s socket position is higher. This can prevent the unit from fitting into your bike computer mount, especially if it is too short (e.g. if you use an integrated cockpit). I also noticed that the socket is not made of metal but plastic. Fortunately, it can be replaced similarly to the Bryton Rider S800.

Display

The display size of 3.5 inches remained the same, but the Edge 1050 improved in resolution, responsiveness, brightness, and readability. The resolution increased from 282×470px to 480×800px, which is 70% more pixels per inch (PPI: 156 vs. 266)!

The Edge 1050’s display is brighter than the Edge 1040 Solar’s, but it depends on the tilt of the bike computer. It’s pretty hard to capture this on camera. I have included multiple pictures below to see the brightness in different light scenarios. I think the photo from the dark is the most representative.

For comparison, the following chart shows the screen sizes of the best bike computers on the market.

Both displays can show up to 10 easy-to-read data fields. It’s disappointing that Garmin doesn’t allow more data fields to be displayed, even though there’s enough space for 12. On the other hand, the fonts are large enough to provide good readability, even for people with worse eyesight.

Note that the Edge 1040 Solar’s display is slightly darker than the non-solar variant. This is due to the solar panel. However, this difference is negligible. See the following comparison with the Edge 840, which has the same display as the Edge 1040.

Winner: Edge 1050

Battery Life

Battery life is one area where there are significant differences between these bike computers. Garmin claims the 1040 (Solar) can last up to 35 (45) hours of ‘heavy’ use, while the Edge 1050 can last only 20. This is the toll for higher brightness.

But how long does the battery last in real use?

When testing the Edge 1040, it lasted me around 31.5 hours, and the Edge 1050 lasted about 14.1 hours. This seems a bit low for the E1050, but future firmware updates may optimize battery life. I had Garmin Varia RTL515 radar, Wahoo TICKR heart rate monitor, Favero Assioma DUO power meter pedals, Shimano Ultegra Di2, and my iPhone connected to them. I used navigation for about 20 % of the rides. Both devices were set to auto-brightness.

Given the focus of the Edge 1050 on maximum brightness, it’s not surprising that there isn’t a Solar option. The main focus is on maximum brightness and readability. Solar could hurt that. So, I don’t expect the release of the Solar option.

The following chart shows the battery life of the best bike computers.

And here, you can see a comparison with other Edge head units.

Winner: Edge 1040 (Solar)

Control & User Friendliness

The Edge 1050 has a redesigned user interface (again). Garmin is known for its bad UI (or at least, I can’t get used to it). This is the trade-off for higher brightness. This time, the revamp is not as huge as between the 1030 Plus and Edge 1040, but it’s a step in the right direction. It’s not perfect, but I like it.

Anyway, the new Edge 1050’s controls are much more nimble. It’s almost as responsive as a smartphone. Switching to another bike computer after using it is difficult. You will find it slow (unless you switch to Karoo 2 or Magene C606). It would be like going from a 120 Hz smartphone to 60 Hz.

In the videos below, I demonstrate how to operate the Garmin Edge 1040 and Edge 1050 in wet conditions and with gloves.

Tapping the desired field while wearing full-finger gloves is sometimes difficult, so I recommend buying tight touchscreen-compatible gloves for easier control.

It’s an incredible shame that the Edge 1050 doesn’t also have control buttons like the Edge 540 and 840. They would have made it very easy to operate just with gloves on. I wonder why Garmin decided not to add buttons. Perhaps a cost saving?

Of course, you can set up both bike computers using the Connect app. This is a standard nowadays. Paradoxically, however, I find it easier and faster to do so directly on the head unit.

I also noticed that the beeps are less annoying compared to previous generations. Instead of “beeep” you get “brmprm”. Okay, so maybe it’s not “brmprm” but you get the idea. However, when a bicycle radar is connected, the audible warnings are less pronounced, which is a disadvantage because you want to hear the incoming cars.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Edge 1050 has changed the way data screens are set up. It’s more similar to the Hammerhead Karoo 2 now. The data fields can be seen in the preview.

Overall, the Edge 1050 is easier to use thanks to the more responsive display and improved UI.

Winner: Edge 1050

Maps & Navigation

Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) and 1050 offer various navigation features (basically all you can think of). I am glad that the maps on the Edge 1050 finally look more like maps. The experience is closer to Karoo 2.

While I am still testing navigation, based on my first impressions I can say that I find the navigation experience of the Edge 1050 the best of all bike computers I’ve tested.

Additionally, the Edge 1050 gives audible instructions on where I should turn so I don’t have to look at the screen all the time. This is surprisingly useful. You don’t have to take your eyes off the road, which could lead to a disaster.

Both computers come with preloaded Garmin Cycle Maps and can store additional regions. The Edge 1050 has an internal storage of 64 GB, the same as the Edge 1040 Solar. This storage allows you to download maps for multiple regions.

Speaking of downloads, pop a champagne because WE CAN FINALLY DOWNLOAD MAPS TO THE EDGE 1050 WIRELESSLY! I honestly stopped believing that Garmin would ever introduce this feature. Their bike computers were soooo outdated in this area. We had to download them through the Garmin Express desktop app and a wired connection on Edges x40 and older.

Winner: Garmin Edge 1050

GPS Accuracy

Both head units support the multi-band GNSS. I took them both to my favorite segment in the first to check the accuracy of all their systems.

As you can see from the following screenshots, both bike computers can accurately track the road (even the side I was riding on).

Winner: It’s a draw

Other Features

Below, I will briefly talk about some other popular and new features.

ClimbPro

One of the most popular features of Garmin bike computers, ClimbPro, was also upgraded (again). The new version allows us to edit the data page a bit more. This means that instead of 2 customizable fields, we now have 6.

The Edge 1040 (Solar) had trouble accurately tracking gradient changes, but the Edge 1050 appears to be more reliable in this regard. At the same time, I also noticed that in side-by-side testing, both usually finish the climb within 5 seconds, but the start sometimes differs. I have used both of these models in multi-band multi-GNSS mode.

Real-Time Stamina

It’s no surprise that Garmin kept the features like Real-Time Stamina and Power Guide. Since much has been written about these features, I’ll keep it short:

• Real-Time Stamina shows how long you can ride at your current pace and how much energy you have in the tank.
• Power Guide will calculate your power targets based on your FTP for a planned course.

I honestly don’t use them often because I find myself experienced enough to determine what my body needs. But these features can be helpful to beginners.

In-built Speaker (Oh, Bell, I Haven’t Forgotten About You!)

The electronic bell is probably the most frequently mentioned feature of the new Edge 1050. Honestly, I’ve become a bit allergic to it. I found it incredibly absurd to bring up this feature when talking about a bike computer that costs similar to iPhones. But, the more I thought about it, the more brilliant it seemed. It simply works.

But other than that, I admit, this is one of the most genius ideas I’ve seen in a bike computer.

Total score: Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) (1) | Garmin Edge 1050 (3) | It’s a draw (1)

My Verdict

On the other hand, it has about 55% shorter battery life than the Edge 1040 Solar (45¹ vs. 20 hours). Is this trade-off worth it? Only you decide. I will probably keep the Edge 1050 for quite some time to continue testing it. Will I return to the Edge 840 or Edge 1040 Solar I’ve been using previously? I have not decided yet, but I think that the E1040s and E1050 are too big for me.

We also shouldn’t forget the price that bike computers are climbing to. I’m telling you, it won’t be long before Garmin introduces a $1000 bike computer. Is that really what we want? I certainly don’t! I understand it’s a flagship that doesn’t target the masses. But it honestly doesn’t do that much more compared to many smartphones.

Anyway, I hope you found this comparison useful. If you plan to buy one of these bike computers, please use the links below. It won’t cost you anything extra, and you support this website. Thank you!

Edge 1040 (Solar) vs. Edge 1050 FAQ

1. In ideal conditions ↩︎