Shearwater Perdix 3 vs Perdix 2: What’s New and What’s Changed?

When Shearwater Research announced the launch of the Perdix 3, the technical diving community immediately asked the same question: Is it actually worth upgrading if I already own a Perdix 2?

The Perdix 2 is widely considered one of the most reliable and bulletproof technical dive computers ever built. Overhauling an icon is no easy feat. However, by bringing massive upgrades to screen technology, user interface flexibility, and processing power, Shearwater has raised the bar once again.

Let's look under the hood to see exactly what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the Perdix 3 deserves a spot on your wrist.

At a Glance: Key Specifications

Before diving into the details, here is how the core hardware stacks up head-to-head:

Feature	Perdix 3	Perdix 2
Display Type	Ultra-Bright AMOLED	Color LCD with LED Backlight
Screen Size	2.4” (6.1 cm)	2.2” (5.59 cm)
Resolution	450 × 600 pixels	320 × 240 pixels
Bluetooth Speed	6× Faster Connectivity	Standard
Configuration Profiles	3 Independent "Setting Sets"	1 Standard Profile
Freediving Mode	Yes (Built-in)	No
Depth Rating	260m (850ft)	260m (850ft)
Battery Life (Lithium AA)	Up to 60 Hours	Up to 60 Hours
Air Integration	Up to 4 Transmitters	Up to 4 Transmitters

1. The Screen: AMOLED Changes Everything

The most significant upgrade on the Perdix 3 is the evolution of its display.

The Perdix 2 utilized a traditional 2.2" LCD screen. The Perdix 3 steps up to a 2.4” AMOLED screen. Because AMOLED pixels emit their own individual light rather than relying on a global backlight, you get incredibly deep blacks, vibrant contrast, and razor-sharp text.

Furthermore, with a resolution jump to 450 × 600 pixels, the Perdix 3 packs four times the resolution of its predecessor. Even when reading the computer at a harsh angle or in pitch-black water, your critical decompression data is instantly legible.

2. Unprecedented UI Personalization: "Setting Sets"

On the Perdix 2, your screen layouts were largely locked to your chosen diving mode (e.g., Recreational vs. Technical). The Perdix 3 completely decouples layout styles from dive modes.

Any Mode, Any Layout: Want to use the simplified "Standard" or "Big" font layout while executing an advanced Open Circuit Tech or CCR dive? Now you can.
Setting Sets: You can save up to three independent configuration profiles. If you jump between a recreational single-tank weekend dive, a multi-gas trimix setup, and a rebreather, you no longer have to manually alter your settings field-by-field. Just swap your profile and jump in.
Configurable Mini-Displays: You can now configure up to 9 pieces of information on your primary home screen. You can pin a full-screen compass to the bottom row without hiding your tank pressure.

3. Speed, Security, and Software Additions

While the exterior silhouette remains classic Shearwater, the internal electronics have received a major overhaul:

6× Faster Bluetooth: Downloading dive logs to the Shearwater Cloud app and pushing firmware updates is virtually instant. Even better, it stays permanently paired once established.
New Technical Metrics: Tech divers will appreciate the addition of Surface GF ▲+5. This predictive metric calculates exactly how your surface gradient factor will change if you stay at your current depth for five more minutes.
New Dive Modes: Out of the box, the Perdix 3 adds a dedicated Freediving Mode (with custom sampling rates and vibration alerts) and support for the Avelo diving system (via unlock code).
Data Security: The computer features enhanced data security, including encrypted firmware and optional PIN codes to protect your digital logs.

What Hasn’t Changed (Thankfully!)

Shearwater wisely chose not to mess with the core DNA that made the Perdix famous worldwide. The following features carry over exactly from the Perdix 2:

The Battery: It still runs on a single, user-replaceable AA battery. Using an Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA yields up to 60 hours of dive time—meaning the brighter AMOLED screen doesn't sacrifice battery life.
The Architecture: The dimension footprint remains identical, meaning any existing Perdix 2 screen protectors, webbing straps, and aftermarket protective bumpers will fit perfectly.
The Core Algorithm: It relies on the industry-trusted Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression model with user-adjustable Gradient Factors.

The Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

Upgrade to the Perdix 3 if:

You struggle to read smaller text at depth and want a massive, ultra-crisp display with the new "BIG" Layout option.
You constantly switch between different styles of diving (Rec, Tech, CCR) and want the convenience of Setting Sets.
You want a future-proof computer that handles everything from apnea training to deep trimix expeditions.

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