Garmin fenix 7 and 7 Pro Watch Review
With long battery life, durability, full smartwatch capabilities, and superior mapping capabilities, the fenix 7 Pro is our top pick for endurance activities
March 1, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Electronics
Overview: Our Verdict
The Garmin fenix 7 line is the best watch for outdoor activities, especially endurance activities like backpacking and ultrarunning that require long battery life and durability. In 2023, Garmin released the upgraded fenix 7 Pro series. The Pro series is an interim update – hence the name 7 Pro instead of fenix 8.
In addition, Garmin recently rolled out several new software features, such as Endurance Score, Weather Glace, and Mapping Split Screens, which are available on all fenix 7 and 7 Pro models.
I have used the fenix 7X Solar for over a year; before that, I used the fenix 6X Solar for two years. The fenix 7X’s battery life allowed me to use the GPS hiking mode for numerous thru-hikes, and its daily activity tracking and smartwatch features allowed me to use it as my everyday watch.
If battery life is of paramount concern, we look at Garmin’s newly upgraded Enduro 2 watch, which has all the features of the Garmin fenix 7X Solar Sapphire with 24% more battery life.
We also look at how the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 compares to the Garmin fenix 7 series watches. Spoiler alert: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 cannot match the fenix 7 series watches for endurance activities.
Compare Prices of the Garmin fenix 7 GPS Watches
Compare Prices of the Garmin fenix 7 Pro GPS Watches
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
fenix 7 Series Comparison Tables
Understanding the differences between all the fenix 7 and 7 Pro models can be frustrating. Like the fenix 7 series watches, the 7 Pro series comes in three sizes: 7S Pro (small), 7 Pro (mid-size), and 7X Pro (largest). The size and appearance of the 7 Pro models are the same as the previous fenix 7 models.
All 7 Pro models allow for solar charging, which can boost battery life under proper lighting conditions. Only the Sapphire Solar models of the fenix 7 series watches (+$150) offered solar charging.
There is now a “no wifi” edition of the 7 and 7 Pro models. The “no wifi” models are designed for people working in classified environments.
A summary of all the features of the fenix 7 and 7 Pro series is available here.
The following tables summarize fenix 7 series watch models and pricing, sizing, and battery life.
Overview Table
| Features | fenix 7S Standard | fenix 7S Pro | fenix 7 Standard | fenix 7 Pro | fenix 7X Standard | fenix 7X Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edition | Standard / Sapphire Solar | Solar / Sapphire Solar | Standard / Sapphire Solar | Solar / Solar No Wi-Fi / Sapphire Solar | Sapphire Solar | Solar / Solar No Wi-Fi / Sapphire Solar |
| Price | $650 / $800 | $800 / $900 | $650 / $800 | $800 / $800 / $900 | $900 | $900 / $900 / $1,000 |
| Lens Material | Gorilla Glass / Power Sapphire | Power Glass / Power Sapphire | Gorilla Glass / Power Sapphire | Power Glass / Power Glass / Power Sapphire | Power Sapphire | Power Glass / Power Glass / Power Sapphire |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel / Titanium | Stainless Steel / Titanium | Stainless Steel / Titanium | Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel / Titanium | Titanium | Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel / Titanium |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel or titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel or titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel or titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel or titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel or titanium rear cover |
Sizing Table
| HIKING WATCH | FITS WRIST CIRCUMFERENCE | CASE DIAMETER | SCREEN SIZE | WEIGHT (including band) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fenix 7S Standard | 108 - 189 mm | 42 mm | 30.4 mm | 63 g |
| fenix 7S Sapphire Solar | 108 - 189 mm | 42 mm | 30.4 mm | 58 g |
| fenix 7S Pro Solar | 108 - 189 mm | 42 mm | 30.4 mm | 63 g |
| fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar | 108 - 189 mm | 42 mm | 30.4 mm | 58 - 65 g |
| fenix 7 Standard | 125 - 215 mm | 47 mm | 33.02 mm | 79 g |
Battery Life Table
| Watch | Smartwatch Mode | Battery Saver Watch Mode2 | GPS Only | All Satellite Systems | All Satellite Systems + Music | All Satellite Systems + Multiband | Max Battery GPS Mode (UltraTrac)3 | Expedition GPS Mode4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fenix 7S Standard Edition | Up to 11 days | Up to 38 days | Up to 37 hours | Up to 26 hours | Up to 7 hours | N/A | Up to 90 hours | Up to 26 days |
| fenix 7S Solar & Pro Solar Editions1 | Up to 14 days | Up to 87 days | Up to 46 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 7 hours | Up to 16 hours (Sapphire Solar only) | Up to 162 hours | Up to 43 days |
| fenix 7 Standard Edition | Up to 18 days | Up to 57 days | Up to 57 hours | Up to 40 hours | Up to 10 hours | N/A | Up to 136 hours | Up to 40 days |
| fenix 7 Solar & Pro Solar Editions1 | Up to 22 days | Up to 173 days | Up to 73 hours | Up to 48 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 26 hours | Up to 289 hours | Up to 74 days |
| fenix 7X Solar & Pro Solar Editions1 | Up to 37 days | 1+ years | Up to 122 hours | Up to 77 hours | Up to 16 hours | Up to 41 hours | Up to 578 hours | Up to 139 days |
1Solar charging, assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. Outdoor light varies from 1,500 lux on a cloudy day to 100,000 lux on a sunny day.
2Battery saver mode mode turns off all all sensors and accessories, including the connection to your smartphone, and uses every battery saving feature (screen time out and no backlight).
3Max battery GPS collects track points every minute.
4Expedition mode collects GPS track points once an hour. To maximize battery life, the device intos low power mode and turns off all sensors and accessories, including the connection to your smartphone.
Features
The fenix 7 and 7 Pro series watches offer the most complete suite of features for hiking and backpacking on the market (plus nearly every other fitness activity, including running, cycling, swimming, and golf). In addition, the 7 and 7 Pro series watches have all the smartwatch and activity tracking features, making them great everyday watches.
Below are some features available on the fenix 7 and 7 Pro series watches. It's a long list. Here is a list of some of my favorite features I’ve used on multiple long-distance and thru-hikes over several years.
features table
| Garmin fenix 7 Watch Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Smart Watch Features | ||
| • GPS Time Sync | • Calendar | • Find my watch |
| • Alarm Clocks | • Smart Notifications | • Find my phone |
| • Timer | • Calender | • Music Storage |
| • Stop Watch | • Battery Saver Modes | • Music Controls (for phone) |
1 All fenix 7 series watches offer mapping. Pre-downloaded maps are only available in Solar Sapphire models (however, you can download maps for free via wifi in other fenix 7 models).
Activity Profiles
The fenix series 7 watches come pre-loaded with nearly every conceivable activity profile. Outdoor activity profiles, such as: Hiking, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Hunting, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Snowshoeing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Jumpmaster, Tennis, and Pickleball. There are more, and Garmin continues to add new activities with their software updates.
Running/Cycling/Swimming Features
In addition to all the outdoor recreation features listed above, the Garmin fenix 7 and 7 Pro series watches include a host of running, cycling, and swimming features.
My Favorite Garmin fenix 7 and 7 PRo Series Features
I have used the Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, and before that, the fenix 6X Solar watch, as my daily activity tracker for the last three years. I have used the watch on thru-hikes of the Blue Mountains Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Northern New Mexico Loop, Mogollon Rim Trail, and an Iceland traverse, as well as numerous bikepacking trips. It has also been my everyday watch and activity tracker over this time.
Over my 3 years of experience with the fenix 6 and 7 watches, I’ve had the opportunity to use most of the watch’s core features. The following are some of my favorite features.
Battery Life
Charging the Garmin fenix 6X Solar with a battery pack while recording a hiking activity. Photo courtesy Whitney La Ruffa.
I bought the fenix 6X Solar in 2020 because of its battery life. I wanted a GPS hiking watch that I could use in GPS mode for long-distance hiking. The 6X Solar allowed me to hike 12+ hours daily for over three days between charges using GPS. I typically charge the watch for about 15 minutes every night with my power bank to top off the battery, and I’ve never had to worry about battery life. The fenix 7 watches significantly improved battery life over the fenix 6 series. I can confidently use GPS tracking 12+ hours a day for multiple days between charges.
Using GPS on a long distance thru or section hike eliminated the need to calibrate my altimeter several times a day (a must with a barometric altimeter) and more accurately track my pace and distance traveled, which helps with navigation.
Pro Tip:
Battery life can be further extended by
Changing the GPS Mode to “GPS Only” instead of “All Satellite GPS.”
Turning off Bluetooth.
Pausing activities with “Resume Later” during breaks.
Reducing screen brightness.
Using a watch face that does not update every second.
Using the Power Saver Mode.
Mapping
I didn’t buy my first fenix 6 watch for its preloaded maps. I never intended to use the mapping feature. However, on a long trailless section of the Oregon Desert Trail, scrolling through the fenix 6X hiking data screens to the compass, I discovered that the pre-loaded base map showed the trail.
Since then, I have been loading long-distance hiking routes onto the watch. The maps are handy on hiking routes that can be hard to follow. If I miss a junction, the watch notifies me that I am off course. I have also started using the “create a course” function in the Garmin Connect app to create walking or running routes in town. When a course is loaded, the watch provides turn-by-turn directions.
Pro Tip:
I use Gaia GPS to create routes and waypoints. I then load the route and waypoints using the Garmin Explorer app. I typically break a long route into 50-100 mile sections to match my resupply sections or significant landmarks. It’s easy to load new sections from my phone when in the backcountry. You can also add GPX files directly into the Garmin Connect app. Note: Remember to send the route (course) to the watch.
ClimbPro
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar with ClimbPro. The shading shows the steepness of the remaining climb (dark red is the steepest).
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar with ClimbPro. The shading indicates the steepness of the remaining climb, green is the flattest.
ClimbPro is a feature that splits individual climbs and descents along a predetermined course. ClimbPro shows the distance, ascent/descent, and grade of each upcoming climb or descent. For example, if your hike, run, or ride has several distinct climbs, the watch will show a graph for each climb while underway. Once a specific climb is completed, the watch will show the details for your next climb.
I have been using ClimbPro on the routes I create in Gaia GPS. I love to watch my progress on big climbs.
The Garmin fenix 6X Solar with ClimbPro. Note that there is no color shading for steepness, as shown on the fenix 7X photos above. Here, green is the completed climb and blue is the remaining climb.
New Garmin fenix 7 and 7 Pro Activity Features
Garmin has been adding new activity features through software updates. These features are available in all 7 and 7 Pro models.
Split Screen & Perimeter Data Screens
You can now create a split data screen (half map and up to 3 data fields). Another option is to create data fields around the map's perimeter on your watch.
The split screen feature of the Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar watch. Photo courtesy Mike Unger
Activity Profiles
The fenix 7 watches come pre-loaded with nearly every conceivable activity profile. Recently, Garmin added 30 new profiles, including soccer, rugby, kayaking, boxing, and volleyball.
Endurance Score Metric
The endurance score is based on all your recorded activities with heart rate data. The endurance score is available in the watch's " glances " and the Garmin Connect app.
Hill Score Metric
The hill score helps you understand your current capacity for uphill running and your trend over time. The hill score is based on your training history and VO2 max. The hill score is available in the “glances” on the watch and the Garmin Connect app.
New fenix 7 Pro Series Features
The new fenix 7 Pro models have new features unavailable in the 7 series watches.
Pre-Loaded Maps
Pre-loaded maps are available for all 7 Pro series watches. Previously, only Solar Sapphire watches had pre-loaded maps.
Solar Charging
All 7 Pro models have solar charging. In the 7 Series, only the Sapphire Solar models (+150) offered solar charging.
LED Flashlight
The LED flashlight is available in all 7 Pro Series watches. Previously, only the 7X watch had a flashlight. The LED flashlight has four different power levels, a strobe light, and red light modes. Initially, I didn’t think a flashlight would be helpful, but after using the watch on several thru-hikes, it is my favorite feature of the fenix 7 Sapphire Solar watch. The flashlight was handy on nights and mornings as I groped for my headlamp. The flashlight can also be used to flash when running or walking at night.
Multiband GPS
All 7 Pro models offer multi-band GPS; previously, only Sapphire Solar 7 models had multi-band GPS. Multiband GPS allows you to connect with dual frequencies, increasing the number of satellites the watch utilizes to improve GPS accuracy, especially in rugged terrain (mountains, forests, urban canyons).
Multiband GPS can be a drag on battery life. You can manage the GPS mode for your activities. The default is All System (GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, and QZSS). The watch chooses the best available system. You can choose a GPS setting for each activity: All + Multiband, auto-select, Max Battery GPS (UltraTrac), or no GPS.
Increased Memory
All Pro models have 32 GB of memory. Previously, only Solar Sapphire models had 32 GBs of memory.
MIP Display
The Pro models have a new ultra-low-power memory-in-pixel (MIP) display technology. The MIP display provides better balance in all lighting conditions, improving indoor readability with higher contrast.
Upgraded Optical Heart Rate Monitor
The fenix Pro models have the Garmin Elevate V5 optical heart rate sensor. The Elevate V5 HR monitor has more LEDs and is designed to record your heart rate more accurately during activities.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitor
The new Elevate V5 optical heart rate sensor enables the fenix 7 Pro models to provide an ECG monitor. The ECG app uses sensors to record the electrical signals controlling your heart's beats. The ECG app analyzes the recording to get your heart rate and detect signs of an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib). The ECG data can be viewed on your watch or in the Garmin Connect app.
Choosing the Right fenix 7 or 7 Pro Series Watch
Choosing the right fenix watch has always been a confusing endeavor. Depending on the model, there are three sizes, different lens materials, solar vs. non-solar, and slightly different features.
The new Pro series simplifies the process by offering the same features (including solar) for 7S Pro, 7 Pro, and 7X Pro. The following are the considerations when choosing a fenix 7 Pro model:
Size
Pick the size that fits best. The 7X is a large watch that is too big for many folks.
Sapphire Vs. Power Glass Lens
A Sapphire lens adds $100 to the cost of the fenix 7 Pro series watch and $150 for the 7S and 7 watches (the 7X comes with a Sapphire Solar lens).
Sapphire Crystal is incredibly durable and scratch-resistant. I have used a fenix 7X Sapphire Solar for over a year as a daily activity tracker and on two thru-hikes. The lens is still pristine. I previously used a fenix 6 with Power Glass. The lens was scratched after a fall.
Battery Life
All of the fenix 7 watches have excellent battery life. However, the battery life varies based on the size of the watch. The 7X and 7X Pro have nearly three times the battery life of the 7S and 7S Pro. Consider a larger size if you plan to use GPS for multiday activities without charging, like thru-hiking.
Wifi
If you work in classified environments, like the military, where Wi-Fi-connected devices are prohibited, the new “no Wi-Fi” 7 Pro and 7X Pro models are a great choice.
fenix 7 Series Vs. fenix 7 Pro Series
The Pro series models are $100 - $150 more expensive than their 7 series counterparts. Is it worth it? I would not recommend that folks who own a 7 series watch upgrade unless a 7S or 7 owner wants the built-in LED flashlight (one of my favorite features).
Choosing between a 7 or 7 Pro watch is a more challenging decision. The extra $100 to $150 is not an insignificant cost. But if you can afford the cost, the Pro series offers several nice upgrades: solar charging for improved battery life, an improved optical heart rate monitor, and a built-in flashlight.
The Garmin fenix 6X Solar with Power Glass. Scratches are evident after heavy usage.
Garmin fenix 7 Series Vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great lifestyle watch, providing smartwatch features and activity tracking. Still, it lacks the battery life and navigation features to compete with Garmin in the endurance adventure watch market.
The Ultra 2 is Apple’s attempt to compete with the Garmin fenix 7 series of watches. The following are the Ultra 2’s upgrades over Apple’s Series 8 watch.
Ultra 2’s Upgrades
The following are some of the Ultra 2's upgrades over the Apple Series 8 watch.
The case size is increased to 49mm (from 41mm or 45mm for the Series 8 Watch).
It has a titanium case (instead of stainless steel).
Water resistance increases from 50 to 100 meters.
Customizable “action” button.
Battery life has been doubled from 18 to 36 hours (smartwatch mode). Battery life during an activity with GPS is approximately 12 hours.
Ultra 2’s Navigation Upgrades
Apple has upgraded Ultra’s Compass App to provide improved navigation functionality. The Compass is constantly updated to show your bearing and direction. The display also shows elevation, incline, and latitude/longitude. You can add and navigate to waypoints or backtrack along a route.
Unfortunately, the Ultra lacks any built-in route navigation functions. There are third-party apps that can provide route navigation. Still, Apple should be building in this functionality if they genuinely want to compete with Garmin in the endurance activity space.
Ultra 2’s Low Power Mode
Apple has introduced a Low Power Mode to extend battery life (up to 60 hours in smartwatch mode and 15 hours in a GPS activity). Low Power Pode does the following:
Reduces GPS reading to once every two minutes (instead of every second)
Reduces altimeter readings
Reduces heart rate reading to every minute
Turns off the always-on display
Turns off alerts
Apple’s Low Power Mode is comparable to Garmin’s Max Battery Mode. Apple collects GPS data every two minutes, while Garmin collects GPS data every minute. In my experience, such infrequent GPS data collection renders the data useless.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. fenix 7X Pro
The Apple Watch Ultra 2's battery life cannot match the Garmin fenix 7 Pro series, even in low power mode. Below is a comparison between the Apple Watch Ultra and the fenix 7 Pro series watches.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs fenix 7 PRO Comparison Table
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | fenix 7S Pro Solar | fenix 7 Pro Solar 1 | fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar1, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $800 | $650 | $800 | $1,000 | |
| Size and Weight | Case Size | 49 mm | 42 mm | 47 mm | 51 mm |
| Weight | 61g | 63g | 79g | 89g | |
| Lens Material | Sapphire | Gorilla Glass | Power Glass | Sapphire Solar | |
| Battery Life | Smartwatch Mode | 36 hours | Up to 14 days | Up to 22 days | Up to 37 days |
1Solar charging, assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. Outdoor light varies from 1,500 lux on a cloudy day to 100,000 lux on a sunny day.
2Max Battery GPS for the fenix models is used for the Low Batery Mode comparison.
LTE Capability
The one clear advantage of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is its built-in LTE cellular capability. With an active service plan, you can call and text without your iPhone. Garmin fenix watches do not (yet) offer cellular phone capabilities.
Bottom Line
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not match the Garmin fenix series of watches for extreme endurance activities.
The battery life is a fraction of the fenix 7X in All Satellite GPS mode (12 hours vs. 77 hours).
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 lacks built-in route navigation (it relies on third-party apps), and
The Ultra 2’s “action” button does not eliminate the need to use the watch's touch screen, thereby making the watch challenging to use when wearing gloves. Garmin fenix watches can be entirely operated using buttons.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an improvement over the Series 8 watches. Still, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not designed for “ultra” athletes who need a watch that can operate in GPS activity mode over 12 hours a day or over several days.
Garmin fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar vs. Garmin Enduro 2
The Enduro 2 has all the fenix 7X Solar Sapphire activity and smartwatch features, including mapping, music, multiband GPS, and an LED flashlight, with 23% longer battery life (in GPS mode). The watch face is the same size as the fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, but the Enduro 2 is 0.7 mm thicker and weighs 3 grams more. The standard wristband is an elastic nylon hook and loop for the Enduro 2, versus the fenix's silicone wrist strap.
fenix 7X Pro Sapphire SOlar vs enduro 2 Comparison table
| fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar | Enduro 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| Lens Material | Power Sapphire | Power Sapphire | |
| Bezel Material | Titanium | Titanium | |
| Strap Material | Silicone | Ultra light weight elastic nylon hook and loop | |
| Size and Weight | Size | 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm | 51 x 51 x 15.6 mm |
*Solar charging, assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. Outdoor light varies from 1,500 lux on a cloudy day to 100,000 lux on a sunny day.
The Enduro 2 only comes in the larger fenix 7X size. There are no small and mid-size Enduro 2 models as there are in fenix 7 and 7 Pro series watches.
Ultra-endurance athletes like thru-hikers, ultra-marathon runners, and triathletes who need extreme battery should consider upgrading to the Garmin Enduro 2.
What Could Be Better
No watch is perfect, but there are some improvements that I’d like to see in the Garmin fenix 7 and 7 Pro series watches.
Built-In LTE
LTE coverage is unavailable in Garmin fenix 7 and 7 Pro series watches. I suspect LTE will be available in a future generation of fenix watches. The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE offers LTE (separate subscription required). The 945 LTE doesn’t offer texting or voice capabilities. Still, it allows you to leave your phone at home while requesting assistance from emergency contacts or a 24/7 staffed emergency center, using Livetrack, and receiving messages.
LTE Coverage or WiFi is Required to Sync with Garmin Connect
I often go days between decent cellular data coverage or wifi access on a thru-hike. As a result, I cannot sync my fenix to the Garmin Connect app. I wish Garmin would allow the watch to sync the data to the Connect app without needing wireless data coverage. I had a couple of stretches where I went two weeks or so without being able to sync the watch (like the ~200 miles of the PCT in the Sierra, which has no road crossings).
The Charging Connector is Finicky
Garmin watches, including the fenix 7 and 7 Pro series, Enduro 2, and Instinct series watches, are charged via a proprietary Garmin port that connects to the back of the watch. The charger can be easily dislodged, especially when charging in my tent. This flaw is not critical, just annoying. I wish Garmin could make the charging connection more secure.
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar (left) and Garmin fenix 6X Solar (right). Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
Other Watches to Consider
Garmin Enduro 2
Display: Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Touchscreen: Yes
Price: $1,000
Available Sizes: 51 mm
Solar Charging: Yes
Built-in Maps: Yes
If you're looking for maximum battery life, the Garmin Enduro 2 is what you need. The Enduro 2 has 23% more battery life in GPS and Expedition GPS modes. The watch face is the same size as the fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, but the Enduro 2 is 0.7 mm thicker and weighs 3 grams more. The standard wristband is an elastic nylon hook and loop for the Enduro 2, versus the fenix's silicone wrist strap.
The Enduro 2 only comes in one size (the same face size as the largest fenix 7), so this may not be the best option if you have a smaller wrist.
Display: AMOLED
Touchscreen: Yes
Price: $800 - $1,100
Available Sizes: 42, 47, or 51 mm
Available Editions: Standard, Sapphire, Pro Standard, Pro Sapphire
Solar Charging: No
Built-in Maps: Sapphire editions only
Garmin updated the epix line in 2023 to introduce a Pro series. Like the fenix series, the epix Pro Gen 2 is available in three sizes. The previous epix models were only available in one size, 47mm, the same as the mid-size fenix 7 model. The epix Pro is available with Gorilla Glass or Sapphire (+$100) lenses.
The epix Pro line includes the same features as the fenix 7 Pro line, with a few notable differences:
AMOLED Touchscreen
The AMOLED touchscreen resolution is 454 x 454 pixels, versus 280 x 280 pixels of the fenix 7X or 7X Pro. AMOLED displays are easier to read in dim light situations. The AMOLED also allows the epix to offer a red shift mode. Red shift changes the watch interface to shades of red, green, or orange to help preserve your night vision and reduce sleep cycle disturbances.
Built-in Mapping
Only the epix Sapphire models (Pro and Standard) have built-in regional road and trail maps. Mapping for non-Sapphire models can be uploaded and managed with Garmin’s Map Manager.
All epix Pro models have the Elevate V5 heart rate sensor, built-in flashlight, and ECG monitor. The epix Pro offers the same suite of activity features available in the fenix 7 and 7 Pro.
Solar
Solar charging is not available in any of the epix models. Despite not having solar, the epix Pro has a significantly improved battery life, nearly matching the fenix 7 and 7 Pro models.
Except for the AMOLED display, solar charging, and built-in maps only being available in Sapphire models, the epix Pro is the same as fenix 7 Pro models.
Garmin fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar vs Garmin epix (Gen 2) Comparison Table
| fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar | epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire 51 mm | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,000 | $1,100 | |
| Lens Material | Power Sapphire | Sapphire | |
| Bezel Material | Titanium | Titanium | |
| Strap Material | Silicone | Silicone | |
| Size and Weight | Size | 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm | 51 x 51 x 15 mm |
*Solar charging, assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. Outdoor light varies from 1,500 lux on a cloudy day to 100,000 lux on a sunny day.
**Always-on screen mode significantly reduce battery life.
The bottom line is whether you are willing to pay an extra $100 than the fenix 7 Pro for the AMOLED display. On a personal note, I have never had an issue seeing the fenix 7 watch face in a variety of light conditions.
Coros Vertix 2
Display: Always-on memory LCD
Touchscreen: Yes
Price: $700
Available Sizes: 50 mm
Solar Charging: No
Built-in Maps: Limited
The Coros Vertix 2's big advantage over the fenix is battery life. The Vertix 2's battery life in GPS-only mode is 140 hours, versus 122 hours for the fenix 7X Sapphire Solar.
However, the Vertix 2 falls short in other categories, such as mapping. There is no turn-by-turn navigation, and the maps only display topo lines. There are no place names (such as streets, trails, or lakes), which renders it nearly useless.
The only way to load music onto the Vertix 2 is with MP3 files. The fenix 7 and 7 Pro series are compatible with several music apps, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer.
And finally, the Vertix 2 is incompatible with ANT+ devices and sensors, such as power meters. This could be a deal-killer for cyclists and triathletes.
The watch face is slightly smaller than the largest fenix watch face, but it is 0.8 mm thicker than the largest fenix, and thicker than the Garmin Enduro 2.
About the Author / Why You Should Trust Us
Mike Unger left his high-stress corporate job to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2006. That experience forever changed him, and he purposefully re-arranged his life to allow for as much adventuring as possible. Today, he’s closing in on 28,000 miles on North American long trails and is one of a handful of people who is Double Triple Crowner, having hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails each twice.
He’s also hiked the John Muir Trail, Great Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Arizona Trail (twice), Oregon Desert Trail, and the first known thru-hike of the Blue Mountains Trail. He’s also picked up another passion along the way: long-distance bike packing, including the 1,850-mile Pacific Coast route. When he’s not hiking or biking, he’s probably planning his next trip and/or researching gear. You can see all articles by Mike Unger on his Treeline Review author page.
Before testing the fenix 6 and 7 watches, he tested the Garmin Instinct (gen 1). The Instinct is a great hiking watch, but the battery life needs to be better to hike for multiple days using GPS. The UltraTrac (max battery GPS) mode can be used to stretch battery life. Still, the UltraTrac (which collects GPS data every minute vs. every second in standard GPS) was no more accurate than relying on the accelerometer to measure distance. Garmin made big improvements in battery life with the Instinct 2 Solar – see our in-depth review of the Garmin Instinct 2 series of watches.
