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This is my comparison of the Garmin Edge 840 and Edge 1040 (Solar) that I have been using for a few weeks.
You will learn about their differences, and I will also try to help you decide if you should buy the Edge 840 (Solar) or 1040 (Solar).
The main difference between Garmin Edge 840 and 1040 is the display size. The Edge 1040 has a larger, 3.5-inch display. It also has a longer battery life, and 1040 Solar has larger storage. Thanks to the larger solar panel, the 1040 Solar can also charge itself more effectively than the 840 Solar. Most other features, like the user interface, Power Guide, ClimbPro, etc., are the same.
I think the Edge 840 is the best value of all four variants, despite having a smaller screen and shorter battery life. It’s more compact and suitable for day-to-day riding. However, you should consider the Edge 1040 if you want a larger screen (ideal for browsing maps and better readability) and the 1040 Solar if you want long battery life suitable for ultra-endurance events.
NOTE: I am currently testing these cycling computers and will update this article soon.
Edge 840 vs. Edge 1040 The Basics
Here is the summary of the main features and differences between Garmin Edge 840 (solar) vs. Edge 1040 (Solar).
| Feature | Garmin Edge 840 (Solar) | Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 58×85×20 mm 2.3×3.4×0.8 in | 58×114×19 mm 2.3×4.5×0.8 in |
| Weight | 85g (89g) | 126g (133g) |
| Screen size | 2.6″ (246×322px) | 3.5″ (282×470px) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Display colors | Colored | Colored |
| Claimed battery life Real battery life¹ | 26 hours (32 hours) 24.25 hours (Edge 840) | 35 hours (45 hours) 31.5 hours (Edge 1040) |
| Solar | Adds up to 25 minutes/hour² | Adds up to 42 minutes/hour² |
| Buttons | Easy to press | Easy to press |
| Smart navigation (rerouting) | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Start-up time | ∼13s | ∼10s |
| Crash/incident detection | Yes | Yes |
| Real-Time Stamina | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB (64 GB) |
| Power Guide | Yes | Yes |
| Mounts in the box | Out front mount Stem mount | Out front mount Stem mount MTB mount + case (Solar only) |
| More info | Edge 840 review | Garmin Edge 1040 Review |
| Buy | Check Price Check Price (theproscloset.com) Check Price (Solar) Check Price (theproscloset.com) | Check Price Check Price (amazon.com) Check Price (wiggle.com) Check Price (Solar) Check Price (amazon.com) Check Price (wiggle.com) |
¹Based on my unscientific testing - multiple rides with multiple connected sensors (HR, power meter, radar), and navigation turned on during about 30% of rides. Auto brightness on.
²In ideal conditions.
Edge 840 vs. Edge 1040 What’s the Difference?
Here are the most important differences between the Edge 840 (Solar) and 1040 (Solar):
- Edge 1040 has a larger display size (3.5″ vs. 2.6″) and is heavier (by about 40g)
- Edge 1040 has a longer battery life (35 vs. 26 hours) [45 vs. 32 hours Solar]
- Edge 1040 is more expensive
- Edge 1040 Solar box includes MTB mount and silicone case (840 Solar does not)
- Edge 1040 Solar adds up to 42 minutes per hour of riding, 840 Solar only 25 minutes
Edge 840 vs. Edge 1040 What’s the Same?
Both bike computers have the same:
- ClimbPro, Power Guide, Real-Time Stamina, and all other features
- GPS Accuracy (Multi-band GNSS)
- User-interface
- Safety features
- Water resistance (IPX7)
- Maps
- Sensors
- Connectivity
They do everything you expect from a high-end bike computer. These features include turn-by-turn navigation, Strava live segments, auto-sync with 3rd party apps, compatibility with 3rd party sensors, etc.
Edge 840 and 1040 are also available in bundles that include additional sensors.
Edge 840 vs. Edge 1040 Features Comparison
Below, I compare the essential features of Edge 840 and 1040.
Ease of Setup
Garmin simplified the setup process on the Edge 840 (and 540). You still have to pair it with the Garmin Connect smartphone app, go through the setup guide, and pair it with sensors.
But now, you can scan a QR code (as on Wahoo ELEMNT computers), which is more convenient.
Both head units can import your settings from the Garmin Connect cloud.
After that, you can use your smartphone app to set up the data fields and other details, which is likely faster than on the device since it doesn’t have a touchscreen display.
Winner: It’s a draw
Display
The Edge 840 and 1040 have different display sizes. Edge 840 has a 2.6-inch display, while the 1040 (Solar) boasts a 3.5-inch display.
For me, Edge 1040 is too large for casual riding, but it’s better for browsing maps and using navigation. It also has better readability thanks to larger fonts, so it’s better for those with poorer eyesight.
On the other hand, Edge 840 (Solar) is more compact. But those bezels… I don’t like them at all.
It’s important to note that the Solar display is slightly dimmer than the non-solar version.
Winner: It’s a draw (depending on what display size you prefer)
Also available at theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and Amazon
Also available at theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and Amazon
Control & User Friendliness
Edge 840 (Solar) inherited the user interface first introduced on the Edge 1040 and subsequently implemented in Explore 2. I find it much more user-friendly than the old one.
You can also set up your device using the smartphone app. However, the Garmin Connect app is less user-friendly than the Wahoo ELEMNT app.
One of the major differences, however, is that the 840 (Solar) has the same physical buttons as the 540. This means seven control buttons instead of just three on the Edge 1040.
If you belong to those riders who prefer buttons, for example, when wearing full-finger gloves, 840 is the way to go.
Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)
Battery Life
The Edge 840 has a claimed battery life of 26 hours, while the Edge 1040 boasts 35 hours.
However, the Edge 1040 Solar takes things even further, with a potential battery life of 45 hours in ideal conditions, thanks to its solar panel, which can add up to 42 minutes per hour of riding.
In contrast, the smaller solar panel on the Edge 840 Solar only adds 25 minutes of battery life per hour of riding.
It’s also worth noting that the battery life increase was only 30% from the Edge 830 to the 840, while it was about 45% from the Edge 1030 Plus to the 1040.
In my testing, I managed to get 24 and a quarter hours out of the Edge 840, while I got 31 and a half hours out of the Edge 1040.
Winner: Edge 1040
Maps & Navigation
The Edge 840 and 1040 offer the same navigation features, such as turn-by-turn directions, route recalculation, courses, popularity heatmap, and more.
All head units, except for the 1040 Solar, have 32 GB of storage, which allows you to download two regions.
However, it’s unfortunate that you need to connect to a PC or Mac to download or update maps, as there’s no option for an over-the-air update via WiFi.
The 1040 Solar has 64 GB of internal storage, making it much easier to manage multiple map regions.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the Edge 840 has better GPS accuracy than the Edge 830, thanks to the multi-band GNSS technology found in all four head units. This provides the highest possible GPS accuracy.
Pre-planned routes and recalculations loading times are as fast on Edge 840 as on Edge 1040.
Winner: It’s a draw
Extras
Garmin Edge bike computers offer the following features I want to highlight:
- ClimbPro is now better on these head units as it doesn’t require a pre-planned route and shows more detailed gradients. Unfortunately, the customization of the data screen is limited.
- The 840 inherited features such as Real-Time Stamina and Power Guide from Edge 1040.
- All these bike computers have features like MTB Dynamics and Incident/crash detection.
Winner: It’s a draw
Total score: Garmin Edge 840 (1) | Garmin Edge 1040 (1) | It’s a draw (4)
Edge 840 vs. Edge 1040 FAQ
My Verdict
The Edge 840 and 1040 differ significantly in price, display size, and battery life. Garmin has implemented most of the features from the Edge 1040 into the Edge 840 and 540. I think it’s inevitable that the Edge 840 will cannibalize 1040 sales, but I could be wrong.
When it comes to making a decision, personally, I think the Edge 840 ($449) makes the most sense. The solar option doesn’t provide as much battery life and is similarly priced to the Edge 1040 ($549 vs. $599), which already has a better battery life (32 vs. 35 hours).
The Edge 1040 has a larger and more easily readable display, making it better for using maps and navigation.
When making a decision, it’s important to consider how you’ll be using the bike computer and which features are important to you.
For example, endurance athletes will likely opt for the 1040 Solar regardless of its high price, as every extra hour of battery life can be crucial. But if you are a weekend warrior, it might be overkill for you.
I hope this comparison will help you make a decision. Which model are you considering? Let me know in the comments.
Please contact me if you find any additional differences between these two bike computers.
Also available at theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and Amazon
Also available at theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and Amazon
