Garmin Fenix 6 Pro vs Fenix 7 vs Epix 2 Specification Comparison
[Update 12/01/2022] Added more information that has now been confirmed via retail listings
[Update 18/01/2022] Garmin have put the product pages live for the Fenix 7 and Epix 2. I have also updated this post with more information
More details have been leaked about the up and coming Garmin Fenix 7 from notorious leakers Winfuture.
Like many leaks, the information is trickling through, so this information may not be as thorough as you want, but we are starting to build up a better picture of what the new Fenix 7 will be like.
- Smartwatch for your athletic lifestyle, featuring 1.3 Inch always-on, bright AMOLED display
- 247 health and wellness monitoring features deliver estimates for Pulse Ox, heart rate, respiration, stress and advanced sleep monitoring
- Stay connected with smart features, Garmin Pay contactless payments and music storage
- Train your way with built-in sports apps for all the ways you move, performance metrics and Garmin Coach adaptable training plans
- Download TopoActive mapping via Wi-Fi connectivity
- Long battery life and new ultra-tough athletic design
- Included components: fenix 7, Silver w/Graphite Band, USB Charge Cable, Quick Start Guide
- Navigate your next trail with ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and 3-axis electronic compass.
- Take your workout to the next level with endurance and real-time endurance tracking, training status, advanced performance metrics and over 30 built-in sports apps
- Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated design that features an always-on 1.3-Inch (18% Larger Than previous Fenix models) sunlight-readable display with stainless steel bezel, Display resolution: 260 x 260 pixels
- Features enhanced wrist heart rate (the data and information provided by these devices is intended to be a close estimation of your activity and metrics tracked, but may not be precisely accurate) and pulse ox (this is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition)
- Advanced training features include pacepro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity Plus environmentally adjusted VO2 max and training status estimates
- Navigate the outdoors With preloaded TOPO maps, ski maps for over 2, 000 Worldwide ski Resorts, multiple global navigation satellite system (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) support and built-in sensors for 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
- Support for Garmin Pay Contactless payments (not all countries and payment networks are eligible), music storage with premium streaming service (may require a premium subscription with a third-party music provider) support, smart notifications and more
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro vs Fenix 7 vs Epix 2 Specification – Highlights
Solar Variants – Maps as standard
I had hoped the Fenix 7 might be equipped with solar as standard. This was wishful thinking.
The standard Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S will have solar models which the Fenix 7X will be solar as standard.
There is no mention of a Pro model, so I suspect there are two choices. I assume this will be like choosing between the Fenix 6 / Fenix 6 Pro – rather than having a third option like the Fenix 6 Pro Solar.
Battery
Regardless of solar, battery life appears to have been increased by a significant amount.
The none-solar Fenix 7 can do 18 days in smartwatch mode with 57 hours GPS use. That’s an impressive 28.5% and 58% improvement compared to the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro.
For solar, the Fenix 6 Pro Solar could do 16 days with solar and 40 hours GPS with solar. The Fenix 7 solar increases that to 22 days and 73 hours which is a 37.5% and 82% improvement. It had previously been rumoured the solar panel strip was bigger, and this appears to confirm it.
Amazingly, the Garmin Epix 2 has a 16-day battery and 42 hours GPS, so it is actually better than my Fenix 6 Pro. Though it is worth noting that it is 6 days always-on.
Weight, Dimensions, Build Materials and Touch Screen Display
The overall weight of the watch seems to have been reduced, the Fenix 6 Pro is 83g while the Fenix 7 is 79g.
The Epix 2 is a surprisingly lightweight 76g, and it only has a 1.3 inches display, matching the standard Fenix 7. I assume the overall dimensions will be quite similar. Its 454 x 454 has three times the pixels than the MIPs based display.
It had already been rumoured that the Fenix 7 will start using a touch screen Transflexive MIP LCD. Retail listings confirm this is on the Fenix 7 and 7S
However, the leaked spec does not mention touch for the Fenix 7X Solar. Though it also doesn’t mention it for the Epix 2, and that will definitely be a touch screen.
The new watches have a PVD coating on them for increased durability
Use Garmin Connect to control all settings & download apps on the watch directly
One exciting feature, which in my opinion should have been standard on Garmin watches for years, is the ability to control all your settings via the Garmin Connect app.
I REALLY hope this also means managing all the devices I have paired with the Fenix. Renaming ANT+ sensors on the watch is a massive PIA.
You can now access the Connect IQ store from the watch itself.
Real Time Stamina
This is a new FirstBeat feature that should help you manage your effort a bit better for training or important runs. It will be interesting how effective this is, I have never perfected pacing myself perfectly for a full marathon.
The official Garmin blurb states that data helps you monitor and control exercise. You will better understand the variability in endurance during performance and avoid straining yourself too much in the early stages of a race or sport performance.
VO2 MAX for Trail Running
I know a few people that will appreciate this. In the past, trail running could mess up your VO2 Max readings due to the increased effort at a slower pace. Now it is separate.
Up Ahead
Get at-a-glance awareness for selected POI checkpoints ahead. View performance metrics, split times and distance/elevation — plus a summary of key trail points coming up.
Epix 2 Features – Turn by Turn navigation
Under the other features section, WinFuture has Notifications for emails, SMS, apps, conversations, calendar, card memory.
The Fenix can already do them, but I assume this means they will be content-rich vs the quite basic notification system on the Fenix.
The Epix also has proper turn by turn navigation:
Follow a route or course with help from turn-by-turn directions, which let you know ahead of time when the next turn is coming.
Fenix 7 & Epix 2 Price
- Long battery life and new ultra-tough athletic design
- Included components: fenix 7, Silver w/Graphite Band, USB Charge Cable, Quick Start Guide
- Navigate your next trail with ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and 3-axis electronic compass.
- Take your workout to the next level with endurance and real-time endurance tracking, training status, advanced performance metrics and over 30 built-in sports apps
[Originally Posted 7th January 2022]
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
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