Garmin Epix: Design
- Case dimensions: 47x47x15 mm
- Weight: 47 grams (without strap), 70 grams (with strap)
The case looks robust, but was easily scratched in the test.
Garmin Epix: Display
Like many current smartphones, the Garmin Epix has an AMOLED, i.e. a screen with OLED technology. Your big advantage: It ensures strong contrasts and bright colors. The screen is easy to read, regardless of the ambient light. The screen size of the Epix is okay with a diameter of 33 mm (1.3 inches), the resolution of 416×416 pixels is sharp.
The touch screen facilitates operation
Operating the Garmin Epix 2
Fitness functions in the test
The Garmin Epix precisely determined the heart rate on the beat in the test. This is good and important because it forms the starting point for many of the analyses. Garmin calculates data on the training and recovery status, among other things. The manufacturer has come up with creative ways to interpret the data in many places: The Health Snapshot is a two-minute measurement that summarizes important values, the body battery (“Body Battery”) shows how much energy is in the body. The new Stamina feature for running and cycling offers something similar. It helps to get the most out of training without overdoing it. At night, the watch tracks sleep and is right about it – but its bulky exterior makes sleep tracking with this watch uncomfortable.
When playing golf, the Epix shows helpful information.
Maps & Co.: Practical for professionals
On the Epix, outdoor maps are like on the Fenix, only they come into their own with their razor-sharp display. The touchscreen makes it easier to use the maps, but the whole thing remains a bit cumbersome for those who are otherwise used to the convenience of a navigation app on their cell phone. The functions of the maps are versatile: Routes can be created and transferred to the watch, also via Komoot with its own app. If desired, the watch suggests a jogging route of any length from the location (“round trip routing”). The “Up Ahead” function is new. It makes it possible to mark waypoints beforehand, which are then displayed later on longer tours. There are separate maps for skiing and for golf it shows courses including distance information. Because the Sapphire version with 32 GB has a larger memory, Garmin installs all maps here ex works, on the basic version with 16 GB capacity, specifically required maps can be added, free of charge.
Routes from the Komoot app can be found in an app on the watch.
Smart features of the Garmin Epix
The Garmin Epix has what it takes to be a smartwatch, at least in part: Apps can be installed on it, including the music streaming services Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer. In the test, the Spotify account was linked quickly and easily, and songs could be quickly saved on the watch. After that, she is able to transmit the tracks to headphones via Bluetooth. Alternatively, MP3 files can be transferred to a computer. Garmin Pay is also on board and enables contactless payment at modern credit card terminals. This works, for example, with a credit card from Commerzbank, alternatively it can be done using a free prepaid credit card from VIMpay. messaging is a bit meager: The watch reflects incoming messages from the smartphone, an answer can only be written in the form of pre-formulated standard messages and only when Bluetooth is close to the paired Android cell phone. This is not possible with the iPhone, as with the competition, that is reserved for the Apple Watch. The watch does not master hands-free telephony at all and there is no voice assistant. The Epix displays all sorts of information, including altitude and weather data as well as sunrise and sunset times.
You can reply to incoming messages by clock if the paired Android phone is nearby.
Garmin Connect app
For setup and use, the Garmin Epix needs a smartphone with the Garmin Connect app. It runs from iOS 13.0 and Android 7.0. To install apps on the watch, you also need the Connect IQ app. Garmin regularly updates the smartphone app. The manufacturer now uses a clear start page that displays the most important vital signs. Numerous settings can be explored via the menus. While this opens up many possibilities, including creating training plans, it also seems confusing. In addition, the clock can also be connected to the computer using the software Garmin Express (from Windows 7 and macOS X 10.11).
The Garmin Connect app shows the fitness values and allows you to create a training plan, for example.
Comparison: Garmin Epix versus Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Epix uses OLED technology, while Garmin’s Fenix 7S Solar (right) works with energy-saving MIP.
Garmin Epix battery life
Garmin Epix: colors and materials
The Garmin Epix is available in four versions that differ in color and material. The basic version is made of stainless steel and has Gorilla Glass in front of the display, the sapphire version comes in a titanium case and with sapphire glass.
- Garmin Epix in Slate/Silver (with gray silicone strap)
- Garmin Epix Sapphire in Snow White/Titanium (with white silicone strap)
- Garmin Epix Sapphire in Black/Slate Titanium (with Black Silicone Strap)
- Garmin Epix Sapphire in Black/Slate Titanium (with black silicone strap and brown leather strap)
The editors tested the Sapphire version in black titanium. The case got scratches in the laboratory, but the sapphire crystal proved to be extremely scratch-resistant.
The Epix comes with cases in silver or black.
Garmin Epix: price and availability
The Garmin Epix is on sale now. The basic version costs 899.99 euros, in the Sapphire version Garmin estimates 999.99 euros, with an additional leather bracelet the price increases to 1,099.99 euros. Sales started in January 2022.