There’s no question: the Garmin Fenix series has achieved cult status. Since the first generation appeared in 2012, the manufacturer has renewed its prestige sports watch every one to two years. With the Garmin Fenix 7 she now goes to the next level. Some things remain the same, including their distinctive look and proven features such as offline maps and extensive training functions. Elsewhere, the manufacturer is introducing a paradigm shift: for the first time, the Fenix 7 series has a touchscreen that makes everyday use easier if necessary. When it comes to the functions, the Swiss company has once again come up with something new for everyone who trains at competition level…
Garmin Fenix 7, 7S and 7X: Design
- Garmin Fenix 7S: It is the smallest version with a diameter of 42 millimeters (mm).
- Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix: The basic version comes with a 47 mm case.
- Garmin Fenix 7X: The largest model measures 51 mm.
Garmin continues to rely on memory-in-pixel technology (MIP). This type of display is not as bright indoors as high-contrast OLED technology from smartphones. On the other hand, it proves its strength in the sun and is still easy to read in bright ambient light.
New: Fenix 7 with touchscreen
The Fenix 7 is the first generation with a touchscreen. This is a real change of course: Until now, it was said that a touchscreen was more of a nuisance in (extreme) sports because it could be used unintentionally. Instead, there were always five buttons around the housing for control. In everyday life, however, this proves to be impractical, for example when using smart functions such as messaging, music playback or Garmin Pay. Garmin has now given the Fenix a touchscreen, but alternatively allows the usual operation via the five buttons. The touchscreen can be switched on and off as desired, and – typically Garmin – also according to defined rules, for example at the start of a specific workout or depending on the time. Similar to the competition, Garmin relies on complications, i.e. quick access to the dial.
Garmin makes solar panels the Fenix standard
High quality material and Sapphire version
the basic version the Garmin Fenix 7 and 7S as well as the Garmin Epix come in a stainless steel housing, their display is protected by Gorilla Glass. the solar models (Fenix 7S Solar, 7 Solar and 7X Solar) have an additional protective layer (Physical Vapor Deposition, PVD for short) over the stainless steel, which according to the manufacturer increases scratch resistance. Garmin now not only manufactures the bezel, but also the bars and the back from metal. the Sapphire version comes in a titanium case and with the more scratch-resistant sapphire glass as a screen protector. Exciting: The Fenix ”Sapphire Solar” combines sapphire crystal and solar panel, so far there was only one or the other.
The Garmin Fenix 7 is aimed at people who do a lot of outdoor sports.
Training features: what’s new in the Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 takes over the proven sporty functions from its predecessors. the heart sensor The 4th generation records the heart data in everyday life, while sleeping and during training, plus a sensor for estimating the blood oxygen saturation. In addition to these basic values, Garmin uses the data in everyday life to health snapshot to create a momentary record of the fitness data. Also, Garmin calculates that stress level and the body battery as a measure of the energy that is still available. Training plans are available via the app Garmin Coach and also animated workouts find space on the Fenix 7. They also stay on board outdoor cards, which show golf courses and ski routes, for example. The manufacturer has improved this again and states that the touchscreen makes it easier to use the map functions. Additional regions can be added to the topographic maps free of charge by downloading, with the Sapphire models already having all maps installed at the factory thanks to the larger memory (32 gigabytes).
The “Health Snapshot” reveals details about the state of fitness, maps are on board, the “Stamina” function helps to properly manage the strength while running.
What’s New: Stamina, Multi-Frequency GPS, and Up Ahead
For ambitious runners or cycling fans, Garmin now has the stamina-Function developed to help you get the most out of your workout without overexerting yourself. This is based on a bar graph that estimates how much residual energy is in the body and how much it is currently being used. If you slow down, you save your energy, if you accelerate, you use it more. In order to use the Stamina function while cycling, additional power meters are required. Next to that there are Up Ahead-Function. This makes it possible, for example for trail running or longer hikes, to mark stations along the route in advance, such as refreshment points. During the tour, the clock then displays these places and guides you there if you wish. The Sapphire variant is also able to climb difficult terrain, such as a mountain valley or between tall buildings, thanks multi-frequency technology to filter out interfering GPS signals and thus increase the accuracy of the location.
The Fenix 7X comes with a flashlight on the body.
Garmin Fenix 7X with clever flashlight
The Fenix 7X carries headlights on the outside of the housing, so to speak. It uses it as a flashlight to light the way. According to the manufacturer, this is as bright as a smartphone flashlight and hardly affects the battery life. In a special mode for on-road use, it illuminates with a bright white light when you move your arm forward and with a red “reversing light” when you move your arm backwards.
Garmin Epix with AMOLED technology
Strictly speaking, there was already a Garmin Epix, so the new model is the 2nd generation. However, the Epix (2nd generation) has little in common with its square predecessor. It is similar to the Fenix 7 models, but uses AMOLED technology for the display instead of MIP. It is therefore aimed more at people who mainly use the watch indoors and expect it to be as bright and bright as a cell phone display. As a result, its battery life is somewhat shorter, and there is no version with solar.
Unlike the Fenix 7, the Garmin Epix uses AMOLED display technology.
Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix: price and availability
The Garmin Fenix 7 series is available now. It costs from 699 euros, in the solar version 799 euros and with a solar function and sapphire glass 899 euros. The Garmin Epix, which costs 999 euros (RRP) with sapphire glass, also starts at this price.