Summary generated by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that the upcoming Garmin Cirqa screenless fitness tracker could be priced at £378/$507, making it significantly more expensive than the budget-friendly Google Fitbit Air priced at £84.99/$99.99.
- Despite lacking a screen, the high price positions the Cirqa in smartwatch territory, potentially competing against devices like the Apple Watch Series 11 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 which offer more features.
- The steep pricing may pose a challenge for Garmin compared to more affordable alternatives like the Fitbit Air and subscription-based Whoop Strap, raising concerns about its competitiveness in the market.
Rumors surrounding the unreleased Garmin Cirqa continue to circulate, with leaks suggesting that the screenless fitness tracker could come with a much higher price tag than anticipated.
According to a product page on Ukrainian retailer Stylus Store, the Garmin Cirqa is listed at a price of 22,399 UAH, which converts to approximately £378/$507. There is a pre-order offer at 19,999 UAH (around £337/$452), but it remains a substantial amount.
While this information should be taken with caution until confirmed, if the Cirqa does indeed launch at a similar price point, it will be significantly more expensive than Google’s new Fitbit Air, which is priced at a more accessible £84.99/$99.99.
An image depicting a potential design for the Garmin Cirqa is provided above, courtesy of Stylus Store.
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
It is uncertain at this stage whether this price point is accurate, given Garmin’s diverse product range spanning from affordable to premium devices. The placement of the Cirqa within Garmin’s product lineup will determine its competitiveness.
Speculations suggest that even if the Cirqa incorporates advanced sensors, a high price tag could hinder its success compared to rival products in the market.
A string of competitors
The recently introduced Fitbit Air aims to offer a cost-effective alternative to the Whoop Strap, priced at £84.99/$99.99, with a range of features without requiring a subscription.
In contrast, the Whoop Strap mandates a subscription starting at £169/$199 per year but is renowned for its effectiveness among professional athletes. The Whoop Strap has established itself as a leading fitness tracker, providing users with valuable metrics and data.
Fitbit Air vs Whoop: Comparing screenless fitness trackers
Fitbit Air and the Whoop Strap 4.0
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Considering Garmin’s strategy to avoid heavy reliance on subscriptions, the Cirqa is likely to follow the Fitbit Air’s model of offering features without additional costs. However, a high initial price would position the Cirqa as a premium device without smart functionality or a screen.
For comparison, the Apple Watch Series 11 is priced at £399/$399, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 costs £319/$349.99. If Garmin intends to market the Cirqa as a premium product, it will need exceptional features to justify the price.
Source: NotebookCheck
