Best Dive Computers · head-to-head

Garmin Descent Mk3i vs Aqualung i330R

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Aqualung i330R is cheaper at $489. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Garmin Descent Mk3i or Aqualung i330R?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Aqualung i330R is the cheaper at $489.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.

Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Garmin Descent Mk3i Aqualung i330R
US price $1599.99 $489
BrandGarminAqualung
Released2023-11
Algorithm Bühlmann ZHL-16C ZHL-16C Sport Version
Max depth rating (m) 200 100
Display type amoled color-lcd
Display size (in) 1.4
Air integration Yes No
Gas mixes 3
Dive modes 4
Digital compass Yes No
Battery type rechargeable rechargeable
Battery life dive hrs 66
Bluetooth Yes Yes
Weight grams 77.8

Sources — Garmin Descent Mk3i: garmin.com (verified 2026-07-11). Aqualung i330R: us.aqualung.com (verified 2026-07-11).

What's the difference between the Garmin Descent Mk3i and Aqualung i330R?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 12). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Algorithm: Garmin Descent Mk3i Bühlmann ZHL-16C vs Aqualung i330R ZHL-16C Sport Version
  • Max depth rating (m): Garmin Descent Mk3i 200 vs Aqualung i330R 100
  • Display type: Garmin Descent Mk3i amoled vs Aqualung i330R color-lcd
  • Air integration: Garmin Descent Mk3i true vs Aqualung i330R false
  • Digital compass: Garmin Descent Mk3i true vs Aqualung i330R false

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Garmin Descent Mk3i

Only one whitelisted hands-on tester (TechRadar) reviewed the exact Garmin Descent Mk3i, scoring it 5/5 overall. It praised battery life, comprehensive dive features and durability, but flagged the high four-figure price (plus paid T2 transmitter) and a relatively clunky UI. All three quotes were verified as literal substrings of the fetched article. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Impressive battery life even with all sensors active; Comprehensive dive features: SubWave diver-to-diver comms, multi-gas/trimix, 200m rating; Rugged, durable titanium case with scratch-resistant sapphire display.

Flagged: More expensive than rivals; four-figure price (plus paid T2 transmitter); Relatively clunky UI versus native Apple/Google watches; Five physical buttons have a learning curve.

Aqualung i330R

No sourced tester review yet.

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