Garmin Fenix ​​7 vs. Fenix ​​6: All the advantages of the new model

On January 18th, Garmin presented the new models of the Fenix ​​7 series. This includes the models Fenix ​​7, Fenix ​​7X and Fenix ​​7S – each in an additional solar version. There are also other options for choosing materials and wristbands – but in the following comparison we try to focus on the new features of the Garmin Fenix ​​7. Let’s start with a table:

Garmin Fenix ​​7 vs. Fenix ​​6 in a nutshell

	2022 model	2019 model
product
image
material	Gorilla Glass, Sapphire Glass or Power Glass Stainless steel or titanium bezel Polymer case with metal cover on the back silicone bracelet Silicone, leather, fabric, suede or metal strap	Gorilla Glass, Sapphire Glass or Power Glass Stainless steel, carbon-coated steel or titanium bezel Polymer case with metal cover on the back Silicone or titanium bracelet Silicone, leather, fabric, titanium, nylon or metal strap
Display size and resolution	1.2”, 240 x 240 pixels (42 mm model: 6S/7S) 1.3”, 260 x 260 pixels (47 mm model: 6/7) 1.4”, 280 x 280 pixels (51mm model: 6X/7X)
display type	Transflective MIP LCD
waterproofness	10ATM
Storage	16 GB 32 GB (Sapphire models)	32GB
health monitoring	heart rate respiratory rate oxygen saturation in the blood sleep	heart rate respiratory rate oxygen saturation in the blood sleep
other sensors	GPS / Glonass / Galileo altimeter compass gyroscope accelerometer thermometer	GPS / Glonass / Galileo altimeter compass gyroscope accelerometer thermometer
Battery life (normal model)	42mm (7S): – Smartwatch: Up to 11 days – Battery saving mode: Up to 38 days – GPS only: Up to 37 hours 47mm (7): – Smartwatch: Up to 18 days – Battery saving mode: Up to 57 days – GPS only: Up to 57 hours	42mm (6S): – Smartwatch: Up to 9 days – Battery Saver: Up to 34 days – GPS only: Up to 25 hours 47mm (6): – Smartwatch: Up to 14 days – Battery Saver: Up to 48 days – GPS only: Up to 36 hours 51mm (6X): – Smartwatch: Up to 21 days – Battery Saver: Up to 80 days – GPS only: Up to 60 hours
Battery life (solar model, at 3h/day outdoors with 50000 lux)	42mm (7S): – Smartwatch: Up to 14 days – Battery saving mode: Up to 87 days – GPS only: Up to 46 hours 47mm (7): – Smartwatch: Up to 22 days – Battery saving mode: Up to 173 days – GPS only: Up to 73 hours 51mm (7X): – Smartwatch: Up to 37 days – Battery saving mode: Up to 365+ days – GPS only: Up to 122 hours	42mm (6S): – Smartwatch: Up to 10.5 days – Battery Saver: Up to 59 days – GPS: Up to 28 hours 47mm (6): – Smartwatch: Up to 16 days – Battery Saver: Up to 80 days – GPS: Up to 40 hours 51mm (6X): – Smartwatch: Up to 24 days – Battery Saver: Up to 120 days – GPS: Up to 66 hours
Offers*

Garmin Fenix ​​7 vs. 6: hardware and sensors

Although rumors suggested that the new Fenix ​​7 smartwatch would have an ECG sensor, this feature is not available in the new generation. Instead, the Fenix ​​7 brings some new software features, including real-time syncing with the Garmin Connect Mobile app (Android | iOS).

In terms of hardware and specs, the most welcome change is the longer battery life across all models, estimated to reach 1 year+” on the 7X Solar model with the battery saver mode.

One downfall on the Fenix ​​7 is the reduction in base storage option. While all Fenix ​​6 models came with 32GB of storage, the Fenix ​​7 line starts with 16GB on the regular models and only offers 32GB on the Sapphire Solar versions.

Garmin Fenix ​​7 vs. Fenix ​​6: models and prices

Garmin Fenix ​​7 vs Fenix ​​6: design and display

The Fenix ​​7 is available in the same overall dimensions – 42, 47 and 51mm (1.65′, 1.85′ and 2′) – with slight changes in the thickness of the two smaller versions. The screen sizes are also the same at 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 inches, using the same resolutions as the Fenix ​​6 series: 240 x 240, 260 x 260 and 280 x 280 pixels respectively for the MIP transflective LC screens.

Garmin highlights the Fenix ​​7’s new touchscreen interface. The feature is integrated with the various map features, allowing the user to, for example, move and zoom in on maps, as well as interact with other features on the screen.

As for materials, Garmin has simplified (albeit a little) the various material combinations for the Fenix ​​7 lineup: titanium is now only available on the sapphire solar model, and the option for the carbon-coated steel bezel and titanium strap and bracelets of the Fenix ​​7 line have been removed:

• Gorilla Glass + Stainless Steel Bezel
• “Power-Glas” + stainless steel bezel (solar models)
• Sapphire Crystal + Titanium Bezel (Sapphire Solar Models)

Aside from the touchscreen, the user interface and operation is largely the same on the Fenix ​​6 and 7 models, with five main buttons centered around the bezel:

• start / stop
• Back / Round
• light
• Up / Menu
• Downward

All in all, previous Fenix ​​owners will feel comfortable with the new model, because the arrangement of the keys has basically remained the same since the first generation.

Garmin Fenix ​​7 features

In addition to the longer battery life, the Fenix ​​7 offers even more functions. Below:

• The Connect IQ Store is now searchable on the Fenix ​​7 smartwatch, offering watch faces, apps and widgets without using the phone.
• HIIT workout: New activity profile.
• Real-time endurance: To avoid overexertion in running and cycling.
• Recovery Time Advisor: Estimates when the owner will be fit for the next activity.
• Up Ahead: View KPIs, split times and checkpoints in the future.
• Visual Race Predictor: Estimates your running pace and displays a trend over time.
• LED Flash (7x only): The larger model also has a multi-LED flash that can help with activities in the dark.
• Multi-band GPS / GLONASS / GALILEO support (Sapphire only): Improved position accuracy of navigation satellites.

Conclusion

At first glance, the Fenix ​​7 is another discreet evolution of Garmin’s multisport smartwatch. But changes like the in-watch app store make the model even more independent. In addition, the improved battery life and the touchscreen alone are an interesting upgrade, especially for owners of the previous models.

Now it’s your turn: Which smartwatch do you like best in this comparison? Garmin Fenix ​​7 or Garmin Fenix ​​6? Let us know what you think in the comments!