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While working on reviews of the Edge 530 and Edge 830, I realized that there is a high probability that the expected Edge 540 and 840 are probably right around the corner.
When will Garmin introduce the Edge 540 and 840?
Garmin Edge 540, 540 Solar, 840, and 840 Solar were introduced on April 11, 2023. (Source)
So, what can we expect? I have written down some thoughts and predictions. It’ll be fun to compare how wrong (or right) I was once the new head units are introduced.
The leaked information was correct. The official pricing is as follows:
- Garmin Edge 540 – $349.99 | £349.99 | €399.99
- Garmin Edge 540 Solar – $449.99 | £449.99 | €499.99
- Garmin Edge 840 – $449.99 | £449.99 | €499.99
- Garmin Edge 840 Solar – $549.99 | £519.99 | €599.99
Also available at Performance Bike
Also available at Performance Bike
Also available at Performance Bike
Also available at Performance Bike
What Will Be New?
The Edge 1040 and Explore 2 bike computers, which were introduced in 2022, give us an idea of the functionalities that the 540 and 840 models will have.
It’s safe to assume that the new operating system will be integrated into these units too. The revamped user interface has received favorable reviews, so Garmin will likely include it in their new head units. (UPDATE: Confirmed based on image leaks.)
TIP: Read this Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. Edge 1040 comparison.
With the UI redesign, I expect we will finally be able to customize the data fields using the Garmin Connect smartphone app. (UPDATE: Confirmed based on the product specification leaks.)
Furthermore, it’s almost certain that there will be a switch from the MicroUSB port to USB-C. This is a move that almost all manufacturers are making, and it makes no sense to stick with the old technology. (UPDATE: Confirmed based on image leaks.)
I believe that the 540 and 840 will have different features to distinguish them from each other, aside from just the display size and price.
The first major question is whether the new features introduced in the Edge 1040, such as Real-Time Stamina or Power Guide, will also be included in these devices. I think they will only be available on the Edge 1040. (UPDATE: It seems they will be included.)
The second question is whether the 840 will have a Solar option. I highly doubt it because it wouldn’t make sense for most people to purchase the 1040 Solar, as you would essentially be paying for just a larger display and the aforementioned features. It seems I’ve been proven wrong. It seems we will get 540 and 840 Solar!
I think it’s safe to assume that we will see an increase in battery life, possibly up to 15-20% longer. UPDATE: The claimed battery life of 840 is 26 hours and up to 32 hours on Solar in ideal conditions. This increase is pretty disappointing (compared to about a 40% battery life increase on Edge 1040 compared to the 1030 Plus).
The Edge 840 is expected to undergo a significant change. While it will retain its touchscreen display, buttons will also be added to accommodate those who prefer them.
The storage capacity could also double from 16GB to 32GB, allowing us to download more regions and store more rides. (UPDATE: This is happening only on 840 and 840 Solar. Edge 540 and 540 Solar have 16GB only.)
The ClimbPro was also upgraded. Now, it will appear even if you don’t have a pre-planned course – just like on Hammerhead Karoo 2.
Finally, it would be great to see the implementation of multi-band GNSS, which is included in the latest bike computers like the ELEMNT ROAM v2 or the Edge 1040, so it’s possible that the 840 could also have this feature, improving GPS accuracy. (UPDATE: Confirmed based on specifications leaks.)
Don’t you want to wait for 540 and 840?
Check the price of the old models.
Or upgrade to the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.
What Will Remain the Same?
Many features, such as display size and dimensions, will stay the same (or similar). Garmin bike computers are also recognized for features that “just work,” such as crash detection, sensor connectivity, detailed maps, and navigation.
However, the design will receive a minor update. After all, you should be able to tell that your friend has purchased a new bike computer.
In my opinion, the Edge 540 will keep physical buttons. There are still many individuals who prefer physical buttons over a touchscreen display. (As noted earlier, Edge 840 and 840 Solar will also get physical buttons.)
Garmin Edge 530 vs. 540 (Solar) and 830 vs. 840 (Solar) Technical Specifications
The following table shows the difference in technical specifications of Edge 530 vs. 540 (Solar).
| Feature | Garmin Edge 530 | Garmin Edge 540 (Solar) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50×82×20 mm 1.9×3.2×0.8 in | 58×85×20 mm 2.3×3.4×0.8 in |
| Weight | 76g | 80g (85g) |
| Screen size | 2.6″ | 2.6″ |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Display colors | Colored | Colored |
| Claimed battery life Real battery life¹ | 20 hours 16.25 hours² | 26 hours (32 hours) 27.50 hours³ (Edge 540 Solar) |
| Buttons | Easy to press | Easy to press |
| Smart navigation (rerouting) | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | No | Yes |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Charging | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Start-up time | ∼17s | ∼13s |
| Crash/incident detection | Yes | Yes |
| Mounts in the box | Out front mount Stem mount | Out front mount Stem mount |
| More info | Garmin Edge 530 Review | Garmin Edge 540 Predictions |
| Buy | Check Price Check Price (Amazon) Check Price (wiggle.com) | Check Price Check Price (theproscloset.com) Check Price (Solar) Check Price (theproscloset.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.
²Almost 2-year-old device.
³Most of the rides took place under cloudy skies or in weak sunshine.
And here is the Edge 830 vs. 840 (Solar).
| Feature | Garmin Edge 830 | Garmin Edge 840 (Solar) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50×82×20 mm 1.9×3.2×0.8 in | 58×85×20 mm 2.3×3.4×0.8 in |
| Weight | 79g | 85g (89g) |
| Screen size | 2.6″ | 2.6″ |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Display colors | Colored | Colored |
| Claimed battery life Real battery life¹ | 20 hours 13.37 hours² | 26 hours (32 hours) 24.25 hours (Edge 840) |
| Buttons | Easy to press | Easy to press |
| Smart navigation (rerouting) | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | No | Yes |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Charging | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Start-up time | ∼14s | ∼13s |
| Crash/incident detection | Yes | Yes |
| Mounts in the box | Out front mount Stem mount | Out front mount Stem mount |
| More info | Garmin Edge 830 Review | Garmin Edge 840 Predictions |
| Buy | Check Price Check Price (Amazon) Check Price (wiggle.com) | Check Price Check Price (theproscloset.com) Check Price (Solar) Check Price (theproscloset.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.
²Almost 2-year-old device. I bought the Garmin Edge 830 second-hand. Based on the battery life results, it was probably older than 2 years.
Garmin Edge 540 and 840 FAQ
What Do You Think?
I think Garmin surprised many of us by introducing 4 models instead just 2 or 3. The Edge 540, 540 Solar, 840, and 840 Solar seem miles ahead of closest competitors like Wahoo BOLT v2 or ROAM v2.
The question is whether they will cannibalize Garmin’s flagships, the Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar.
What are your thoughts on these new head units? And what do you think about the pricing?
Let me know in the comments below.
Also available at theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
Also available at amazon.com, theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
Also available at theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
Also available at amazon.com, theproscloset.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.com
I know from reading many different forums that people are anticipating a new 540/840 for over a year now (“any day soon”). And yet, we’re still waiting.
We are so close to Christmas now that it’s already too late for Garmin to join in on the Christmas business, most gifts have already been bought.
So I’m not counting on it this year.
Hi Esteban,
We have to wait and see. 🙂
– Petr
a finales de febrero hay un mobile world congres no se si garmin estara en este tipo de evento pero podia ser una fecha aproximada para presentar algo o sobre esas fechas, no se sabe la industria pero yo creo que si han avanzado en el 1040 lo haran con sus predecesores tambien la fecha pues podria ser orientativo antes de verano pero no es seguro.
Hi Manuel,
Let’s wait and see! 🙂
– Petr
I hope they will release them in early 2023. I don’t want to spend +200€ on a 3-years old product without multi-band GNSS and I am probably not the only one.
Nevertheless, X30 series are good products and will find their clients in the following years with the current discounts that are interesting.
Thanks for the article.
All the best for 2023,
Arnaud
Hi Arnaud,
Thank you for your comment. Yes, I agree.
– Petr
Hi,
I have found some recent clues about a new Garmin Edge, but still not sure how to understand those informations…
https://twitter.com/fttest_en/status/1623073988208660486
https://fccid.io/IPH-04394
https://twitter.com/sirimdb/status/1608668140283781121
Let me know if someone knows how to read that and what can we expect for an eventual launch in the following months.
Have a nice day,
Best,
Arnaud
Hi Arnaud,
The first Tweet is just a plain claim. The second one is more interesting, but I couldn’t find any meaningful information in the files. :-/
– Petr
I’m also waiting for the 840 to come out. I’m not pulling the trigger on the 1040 because I like the smaller form factor of the current 530/830 and I’m hoping for the successor to have the multi-band GNSS.
Pricewise I am very curious if your predictions will become true. Currently you can get the 1040 (without solar) for around 499€. So if the 840 will start only 50€ cheaper, I guess many people will rather buy the big one.
Possible though that they might justify the higher price with a feature (whatever that may be) that is at first only available on the 540/840 an will come to the 1040 in a few month time (like they have done with some features like HRV and training readiness, that were first available on the Forerunner 955 and came via update to the Fenix 7 a few weeks or months later).
Let’s wait and see.
Have a great 2023!
Greetings Michael
Hi Michael,
You are right that the price difference between 840 and 1040 would be pretty small. But some manufacturers (Apple) use this strategy to upsell the more expensive product. I am really curious to see what’s Garmin strategy. Also, whether 840 will get solar or not.
– Petr
Edge 830 was announced 2Q four years ago now about a year after the 1030 with Availability in June. We could see a repeat of that.
Hi Marek,
Yes, it’s possible, but I think we will see the launch sooner. I can be wrong, though. 😅
– Petr
Every garmin I have had works great until and after a few updates then endless glitches
I think I have paired my phone to my garmin 830 ( itself a replacement due to inability to accurately determine elevation gain ) at least 20 times and I still have to download rides thro wifi when I get home
I have little faith that the new units will be any different- the basic software seems flawed to me and is highly unstable
Hi Peter,
Luckily, I haven’t experienced as many bugs and issues with Garmin yet.
Have you thought about switching from Garmin to Wahoo or other bike computers?
– Petr
Hi. Garmin needs a new range of Garmin Edge. The UI and the display is very poor if you compare them with Wahoo or Hammerhead. Garmin software is baby software.
Hi Edu,
Yes, I agree, and it’s one of the things I don’t like about their units. The 1040 system is better, but still not as good as Hammerhead.
– Petr
I would easily pay extra to get a 540 Solar. I mean: Never have to bother to charge i worth much to me at least.
Hi Patric,
Do you prefer button-based computers over touchscreen ones? 🙂 Why not 840 Solar?
– Petr