Garmin Edge 840 (Solar) vs. 1040 (Solar): Which One to Buy?

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This is my comparison of the Garmin Edge 840 vs. Edge 1040 (Solar). I have been using the Edge 840 for several months and the Edge 1040 for about 3-4 weeks.

In this article, you will learn about their differences, and I will also try to help you decide which one to buy.

Edge 840 vs. Edge 1040: The Basics

Here is the summary of the main features and differences between Garmin Edge 540 (Solar), Edge 840 (Solar), and Edge 1040 (Solar).

How Do the Edge 840 and 1040 Differ?

What’s the Same?

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. 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), and both head units can also 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.

Because both units have a touchscreen and offer the same set-up experience, it’s a draw in this area.

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 digits, so it’s better for those with poorer eyesight. That’s why it is more suitable for older riders.

On the other hand, the Edge 840 (Solar) is more compact and lighter, so there’s less risk of it breaking your computer mount. But the bezels… I don’t like them at all. Garmin could stretch the display but decided to do the exact opposite. Even the previous generations (Edge 830 and 530) look much sleeker.

It’s also 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)

Control & User Friendliness

The Edge 840 (Solar) inherited the revamped 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 (found on the Edge 830 and Edge 1030 Plus).

You can also set up your device using the smartphone app. This was not possible before. However, the Garmin Connect app is less user-friendly than the Wahoo ELEMNT app.

One of the major differences 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.

This allows you to control the Edge 840 only with buttons, and you don’t have to rely on the touchscreen display. This can be helpful in some edge scenarios, like when you have frozen fingers, it’s wet, you ride on trails, etc.

I consider the Edge touchscreens to be more reliable than those of Hammerhead Karoo 2 or Bryton S800, for example. But of course, when they are wet, or you use full-finger gloves, you sometimes have to repeat a touch or two.

So, if you’re a rider looking for flexibility, the 840 is a better choice.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Battery Life

The Edge 840 has a claimed battery life of 26 hours, while the Edge 1040 boasts 35 hours. In my testing, I got 24.25 hours out of the Edge 840 and 31.5 hours out of the Edge 1040.

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 costs the same extra ($100) but is half as effective. Below, you can see the solar charge of the Edge 540 Solar, which is the same size as the Edge 840 Solar.

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.

For illustration, you can compare the claimed battery life with other popular bike computers.

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.

The Edge 840, 840s, and 1040 have 32 GB of storage, which allows you to download two regions. The Edge 1040 Solar has 64 GB.

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. Many competing bike computers allow you to update them wirelessly.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Edge 840 and Edge 1040 have the same GPS accuracy thanks to the multi-band GNSS technology. This provides the highest possible GPS accuracy, even in areas with worse GPS signals.

Pre-planned routes and recalculations loading times are as fast on Edge 840 as on Edge 1040, and they are much faster than on the Edges x30.

Winner: It’s a draw

Extras

Garmin Edge bike computers offer the following features I want to highlight.

Power Guide and Real-Time Stamina are features introduced on 1040 (Solar). All models of 540 and 840 get them too. I honestly don’t use these features much.

ClimbPro shows stats about the upcoming climbs. Newly, you don’t have to have a pre-planned route, and the data are more detailed. Unfortunately, the data screen offers limited customizability.

MTB Dynamics measures your jumps, grit, and flow. It’s useful mainly for mountain bikers.

Incident/crash detection detects if you crash and notifies your emergency contacts.

Winner: It’s a draw

Total score: Garmin Edge 840 (1) | Garmin Edge 1040 (1) | It’s a draw (4)

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.

I believe the Edge 840 ($449) makes the most sense because it offers the best value. The 540 Solar doesn’t provide as much extra 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 deciding which one to buy, 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.

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

Garmin Edge 840 vs. 1040 FAQ