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Known for efficient bike computers, the 520 and 820 by Garmin are two of their best release. Of course, each of these devices has its unique features and drawbacks.
If you are in doubt about what you will choose between Garmin 520 and 820, this article will help you decide the best!
Although both computers function the same, one may always be better than the other. Let us find out the basic features that may be useful in giving you the best biking adventures!
Garmin Edge 520 vs 820 – Comparison 2021
Last update on 2021-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Review
Garmin 820 is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for your crazy adventures. Not only can you use it for biking, but also for skiing, swimming, walking, and running.
With all its amazing features such as the Strava Live Segments and GroupTrack, you will never regret having this device.
The same is true with Garmin 520. It comes with several unique features that you will surely appreciate.
More amazingly, it is much cheaper compared to the former. So you can employ this without thinking about how much you spend on this kind of tool.
Touch Screen
Garmin 820 includes a high-resolution touchscreen display that works even when wet or with gloves.
The 2.3 inches capacitive touch display is compact and lightweight so you can bring the device with ease and comfort.
Speed is another plus when using this because you can click access to any icon in just one click.
On the other hand, Garmin 520 has no touchscreen. But with a display resolution of 200 by 265 pixels, this device can offer better reading and reliability.
And all you have to do is to work on the button to scroll up and down and access from right to left.
Training Calendar
With the Garmin 820, you can extend the schedule you had set up in your Garmin Connect.
Having several workouts in your training calendar can allow you to maintain and enhance your daily activities.
Using the training calendar, you can see your customized workout in a day. And that makes you active as ever!
Since the Garmin 520 has no such feature, you need to plan your workouts on your own. It won’t remind you or provide you with your schedule.
Anyway, you can access the Garmin Connect, and if you sync your device to your account, saved workouts may be uploaded.
Related Guide: Garmin Edge 830 vs. Edge 1030
Garmin Cycle Map
Featuring the Garmin Cycle Map that is based on OSM data, your ride will definitely be worth it while you are guided with its turn-by-turn navigation.
This means that you can use it either for on and off-road adventures. It provides elevation data, bike paths, routable road, address search, and points of interest.
Contrarily, Garmin 520 does not come with a preloaded Garmin Cycle Map. So you can’t be guided with turn-by-turn navigation.
With this device, you need to employ TXC files. And the map size is quite small, so you can only place around 50 MB, which is just right for a local area.
GroupTrack
Featuring GroupTrack, there is no way your friends can lose track of you for as long as you have the Garmin 820.
And you no longer have to worry even if you pull away from your riding buddies. With this feature, you can keep in touch with the peloton, so they can wait for you when you get separated or vice versa.
You will not have a better chance to obtain situational awareness when you opt for the Garmin 520.
This is because you won’t be able to know the where-about of your biker friends in real-time.
Well, anyway, the Garmin Connect lets your share your rides with the online community.
Incident Detection
Being compatible with Varia, you can maximize cycling awareness with the Garmin 820.
Using the incident detection through an integrated accelerometer, your contact person can receive your map location when an incident happens.
This is included for the purpose of incident avoidance. On the other hand, the Garmin 520 is also compatible with various cycling awareness products by Varia.
But then again, it doesn’t have an incident detection feature that is useful in case of emergency.
Just like the former, you can use Varia smart bike lights and rearview radar to ensure your safety.
Common Features
Well, it’s not all the time the Garmin 820 wins the features. Why? It has something in common with the Garmin 520 too.
Both of them feature GLONASS, segments, ANT+Gear Shifting Compatibility, and LiveTrack. These characteristics can help in enhancing your performance.
Price
Of course, given all the advanced features of Garmin 820, it follows that it is more expensive compared to Garmin 520.
Anyway, the additional cost won’t be unfair because you can still benefit from the amazing features for optimum biking experience.
Verdict
Although the Garmin 520 has its own unique way to give you a good ride, it is better to opt for one that has it all.
Well, in the first place, you only have to add a small amount to get bonus features of the 820.
But if you only need those which are offered by the former and you are on a budget, then such a device may be ideal for you!
Related Guide: Garmin Edge 1030 Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these devices waterproof?
Yes. Both devices have a water rating of IPX7, thereby ensuring that they can withstand extreme conditions such as torrential rain.
How will I know if it is Garmin 520 or 820 based on the design?
Well, the former uses a button while the latter has a touch screen capacitive display.
Which has a better battery life?
Both devices can last up to 15 hours. But with the saving mode feature of the Garmin 820, you can save up to about 50 percent of the battery.
Why is Garmin 820 better than the 520?
It offers features not found in the 520, such as the training calendar, cycle map, and GroupTrack.
Conclusion
If you are still in doubt which between the Garmin 520 and 820 is ideal for you, don’t hesitate to have an in-depth idea about both products through this review.
Well, at the end of the day, the discretion still lies upon you.
Hopefully, you already have one in mind after you have gone through the comparion.