Flashlight and Gen 5 heart rate sensor for Garmin Epix Pro and Fēnix 7 Pro watches

As it did for its Fēnix 6, Garmin is upgrading its Fēnix 7 and Epix to Pro versions, introducing new components and features. Sharing the same technical basis, the two watches are still mainly distinguished by their display technology: MiP (Memory-in-Pixel) LCD screen for the Fēnix 7 Pro; Amoled for the Epix Pro. Solar technology, for its part, also remains reserved for the Fēnix 7 Pro.

Three sizes for all wrists

Only available in 47 mm format, the Epix Gen 2 is not intended for all wrists. Given the popularity of this model, Garmin has decided to decline it in three formats, as it already does for its Fēnix. Epix Pro as well as Fēnix 7 Pro are thus offered in 3 formats with identical performance and functions: 42 mm, 47 mm and 51 mm. Only the screen sizes and battery capacities differ from one version to another.

The 42mm versions thus benefit from a 1.2″ screen, the 47mm from a 1.3″ screen and the 51mm from a 1.4″ screen. If the AMOLED screen of the Epix Pro does not evolve, that of the Fēnix 7 Pro gains in contrast and color saturation, according to Garmin.

Already very good on Epix and Fēnix 7, the autonomy of the Epix Pro and Fēnix 7 Pro does not change. We can always count on 2 to 3 weeks of autonomy in simple use of a connected watch, up to 42 hours of autonomy in GPS for the Epix Pro 47 mm and up to 57 hours for the Fēnix 7 Pro. Values ​​that logically evolve downwards for the 42 mm versions (10 to 11 days in connected watch and 28 h and 37 h respectively in GPS) and upwards for the 51 mm (28 to 31 days in connected watch and 82 h at 89 h respectively in GPS).

Flashlight for all

Introduced on the Fēnix 7X, the led flashlight is generalized to all Epix Pro and Fēnix 7 Pro. Thus, even the smallest 42 mm versions can benefit from it, which will delight athletes with small wrists wishing to illuminate their surroundings in addition to their headlamp (hiking, trail running, etc.). Night runners will also appreciate the flashing light feature that matches arm movements to serve as a warning to other road users.

Garmin also announces that its flashlight is even brighter than that of the Fēnix 7X.

A new Gen 5 cardio sensor

Garmin is taking advantage of this transition to Pro versions to introduce its latest Garmin Elevate Gen 5 optical cardio sensor. Thanks to a new distribution of LEDs and optical receivers, signal quality would be improved and new algorithms specific to certain sports would produce better results. . Garmin doesn’t go into detail, but we expect more accurate tracking of rapid changes in heart rate during activities like weight training, mountain biking, swimming…

New performance reviews

Now that the VO2 Max score is present on most sports watches, Garmin is looking to differentiate itself and provide more precision in the evaluation of our performance. It thus introduces an endurance score responsible for making the link between our fitness level, our activity history and the training load to tell us if we are on the right track to improve our performance. Garmin thus promises a better comparison of the endurance scores of different athletes, unlike the single value of VO2 Max which is specific to each individual and does not reflect endurance performance. This score also takes into account sports other than running and cycling, as well as the seasonality of training.

The elevation is also better taken into account with the ascent score. This feature assesses running power on steep climbs as well as endurance on longer climbs.

In red and black

Increasingly present in sports watches, a night display mode is coming to the Epix Pro and Fēnix 7. The entire display can thus turn red so as not to dazzle.

Apart from the watch faces, all these software functions will be brought later by updates to the Fēnix 7, Epix Gen 2 and Forerunner 965.

Not surprisingly, the prices of these Epix Pro and Fēnix 7 Pro are on the rise. These start at €849.99 in a steel finish (€949.99 in the 51 mm version). The titanium versions are displayed at 100 € more. The Epix Pro, for its part, starts at €949.99 in the steel finish (€1049.99 in the 51mm version) and reaches €1049.99 in the titanium finish (€1149.99 in the 51mm). Undoubtedly high prices which can be even higher if you want a leather strap (+100 €). However, the Epix and Fēnix 7 remain in the catalog to constitute a more affordable proposition.