Garmin Descent G2 vs Mk3 vs Mk3i: Which Dive Computer to Buy

On Garmin Descent G2 vs Mk3i, the short answer is this. A new or occasional diver can stop at the Garmin Descent G2 Smartwatch from RM3,029. The Garmin Descent Mk3i Smartwatch from RM5,939 is the one to pick if you want air integration, a titanium bezel or a 51 mm case. The Garmin Descent Mk3 Smartwatch from RM5,109 sits between the two, with a stainless steel bezel and a single 43 mm size.

The three have more in common than the prices suggest. Each has a sapphire crystal lens, an AMOLED display, GPS and the same listed battery life: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode (4 days always-on). That takes battery out of the decision and leaves case materials, depth rating, size and one feature, air integration.

Garmin Descent G2 vs Mk3i vs Mk3: the specs side by side

These figures come straight from each listing. Prices are the lowest variation for each watch, so some colours or sizes can cost more.

Where a cell points to the spec sheet, the listing did not give that figure, so it is left out here.

Who the Descent G2 suits

The G2 is the lowest-priced Descent we list. Its bezel and case are fiber-reinforced ocean-bound plastic under a sapphire crystal lens, and it weighs 65 g (case only: 41 g). The Mk3 is listed at 53.5 g with no band, so the G2’s case is the lighter of the two.

It is rated Dive (100 meters), against Dive (200 meters) for the Mk3 and Mk3i. Recreational diving stays far shallower than either figure, so the lower rating rarely matters to someone who has just finished a course.

Garmin describes it as a “rugged watch-style dive computer with GPS and an AMOLED display”. The listing does not mention multisport capabilities or air integration, both of which appear further up the range. If you depend on a specific sport profile or dive mode, check Garmin’s spec sheet before you order.

You get two colours: Black with Black Band, or Paloma with Shell Pink Band. The box includes an extra-long adjustment strap, which helps when the watch has to sit over a suit sleeve, plus a charging/data cable.

What the Descent Mk3 adds

The Mk3 has the same 1.2″ (30.4 mm) AMOLED display as the G2. What changes is the build, the rating and the feature list.

• A stainless steel bezel, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a stainless steel rear cover.
• A water rating of Dive (200 meters).
• “Multisport capabilities” named in Garmin’s description, alongside GPS.
• A USB-C clip charging/data cable and a fog gray extra-long adjustment strap in the box.

There is one configuration: 43 mm, Stainless Steel with Fog Gray Silicone Band. That makes the choice simple, though it also means no larger size and no other colour.

The Mk3 fits a diver who already logs dives regularly, wants metal on the bezel, uses the watch for other sports between trips and has no plans to add a tank transmitter.

Why you might pay more for the Mk3i

Air integration is the headline difference. In dive computers generally, that term means the watch can read tank pressure from a transmitter fitted to your regulator. Of the three Descents here, only the Mk3i lists it.

The metal changes too. The bezel is Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated titanium or bronze PVD coated titanium, depending on the colour, and the rear cover is titanium where the Mk3 uses stainless steel.

It is also the only one of the three offered in two case sizes:

• 43 mm: Bronze PVD Titanium with French Gray Silicone Band, or Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Silicone Band.
• 51 mm: Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Silicone Band, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with DLC Titanium Band, or Silver and Black PVD Titanium with Black/Pebble Gray Silicone Band.

The titanium band comes only on the 51 mm. The from RM5,939 price is the lowest variation, so other size and band combinations can cost more. The product page shows the price for each as you select it.

The step from the Mk3’s starting price to the Mk3i’s is much smaller than the step from the G2 to the Mk3. If you are already spending Mk3 money and think you may want tank pressure on your wrist later, the Mk3i is the safer buy.

Price and how ordering works

In RM, the G2 starts from RM3,029, the Mk3 from RM5,109 and the Mk3i from RM5,939. If you are comparing against a US list price, factor in currency conversion, delivery to your address and how a return would work.

All three are preorders. Amaboxly buys the watch new from the US brand store after you order, and estimated delivery is 30 calendar days. You can pay in full or, where the product page offers it, pay a 50% deposit now and the balance later. Checkout shows when the balance is due for your country.

Delivery is free within Peninsular Malaysia. Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan pay RM21 per item, or nothing on orders over RM 2,200, a figure all three watches start above. Every other country sees its shipping fee at checkout, and the shipping fees page has the details.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. A change-of-mind return must be in new condition, carries a 10% restocking fee, and the cost of shipping it back to the seller is deducted from your refund. Exchanges are only for items that arrive damaged, which matters if you are unsure between 43 mm and 51 mm: try both sizes on at a dive shop before ordering if you can. If the watch is damaged when it arrives, report it with photos straight away. The refund and returns page has the full terms.

For a Descent colour or bundle that is not listed, you can ask us to buy it from a US store through the buy for me service. The rest of the range is on the Garmin brand page.