You can have real time data on the phone using the Stages Connect app.
Set up right, it will also download the ride to Strava when finished.

I have an Edge 520 and used Strava Premium for a while but found I get much better use out of Golden Cheetah for analyzing my Stages ride data.

Save the $50 for the mount and use it towards the Garmin.

hmm, I didn't really answer any of your questions...he he Sorry