Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers and the Outdoors
HikingGuy.com・36 minutes read
The Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire are similar watches, with key differences in screen type and battery life, offering a plethora of features beyond outdoor functionalities. Opting for a sapphire model is recommended for durability, storage, and multi-band GPS accuracy, making them ideal for outdoor use, but they are considered luxury items and best suited for those utilizing health tracking features.
Insights
- The Garmin Epix Gen 2 and Garmin Fenix 7X are essentially the same watch, with the Epix having an AMOLED screen and the Fenix 7X featuring a transflective screen, resulting in different battery life capabilities and screen brightness.
- Opting for a sapphire model of either watch is recommended for durability, increased internal storage, and superior GPS accuracy, especially beneficial for outdoor activities, while offering a wide range of features beyond outdoor functionalities, making them luxury items suitable for health tracking enthusiasts.
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Recent questions
What are the key differences between the Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire?
The Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire are essentially the same watch, with the Epix being similar to the medium-sized Fenix. The major differences lie in their screens - Epix has an AMOLED screen, while Fenix 7 has a transflective screen.
Why is opting for a sapphire model recommended for the Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire?
Opting for a sapphire model is recommended for both watches, offering sapphire glass for durability and more internal storage (32GB) for maps, activities, music, and GPX tracks.
What notable health features do the Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire offer?
Notable health features include Body Battery, indicating energy levels, and Stamina for pacing during exercise, with the latter currently unavailable for hiking activities.
How do the Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire enhance positioning accuracy?
The watches boast multi-band GNSS systems, enhancing positioning accuracy and reliability, particularly in challenging terrains, with quick satellite lock-on and improved elevation accuracy.
What are some alternatives to the Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire for those seeking more affordable options?
Apple Watch users seeking better battery life and outdoor focus may find the Garmin Epix a suitable alternative, bridging the gap between the Apple Watch and older Garmin models. Those looking for more affordable options with similar features can consider the Garmin Instinct or Instinct 2, lacking maps but offering workout tracking and course loading capabilities, potentially saving money.
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Summary
00:00
Garmin Fenix 7X vs Epix Gen 2
- The Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire have been used for a month, with key points shared for potential buyers, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
- The Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2 are essentially the same watch, with the Epix being similar to the medium-sized Fenix. The major differences lie in their screens - Epix has an AMOLED screen, while Fenix 7 has a transflective screen.
- Battery life is a significant contrast between the two watches, with Fenix 7 lasting longer due to its transflective screen, and a solar model option further extending battery life.
- Opting for a sapphire model is recommended for both watches, offering sapphire glass for durability and more internal storage (32GB) for maps, activities, music, and GPX tracks.
- Sapphire models also feature multi-band GPS, providing superior accuracy, especially in challenging conditions, making them ideal for outdoor use.
- These watches offer a plethora of features beyond outdoor functionalities, including health tracking, weight training, high-intensity cardio, and various apps for diverse activities.
- Not essential for outdoor enjoyment, these watches are considered luxury items, with recommendations to opt for them only if utilizing the health tracking features.
- Notable health features include Body Battery, indicating energy levels, and Stamina for pacing during exercise, with the latter currently unavailable for hiking activities.
- The watches boast multi-band GNSS systems, enhancing positioning accuracy and reliability, particularly in challenging terrains, with quick satellite lock-on and improved elevation accuracy.
- The touchscreens on these watches are efficient, with the ability to disable them for water activities, while offering smooth map navigation and zooming capabilities, albeit being a significant battery drain.
14:30
Garmin Epix vs Phoenix: Screen and Maps
- Use a data screen while hiking or running, switch to the map when needed, and remove it from the watch face to save battery.
- The Epix has 65,000 colors per pixel with an AMOLED screen, while the Phoenix is transflective with only 64 colors per pixel.
- The Epix's screen is brighter, easier to read, and requires no adjustments for light, making it preferable over the Phoenix.
- The Epix's bright screen consumes more battery than the Phoenix's transflective screen.
- The Epix offers a setting called "always on" or gesture mode to save battery by dimming the screen when not in use.
- The Epix has almost double the pixels of the Phoenix, providing higher pixel density and more detailed maps.
- Sapphire edition Epix comes pre-loaded with regional maps, while other versions allow downloading maps directly onto the watch.
- Garmin Topo Active maps on the Epix offer detailed trail coverage, eliminating the need for additional map loading.
- The Epix allows route creation, waypoint dropping, and map theme customization for personalized navigation.
- The Epix's battery life allows for 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, 6-10 hours on weekends, and about a week between charges, while the Phoenix offers three weeks of battery life for everyday use.
27:56
Garmin Watch: Health, Fitness, and Navigation Options
- The speaker uses a Garmin watch daily for sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and body battery assessment, also utilizing it for runs, bike rides, and walks as part of exercise tracking.
- They appreciate the convenience of the Garmin Connect website for a quick overview of health and activities without dealing with multiple syncing apps like with an Apple Watch.
- Planning a hike involves creating a course, loading it onto the watch, but generally not using it for navigation on the trail unless in dark or off-trail situations.
- For those seeking navigation during hikes, a Garmin Phoenix or Epix may not be necessary, as a smartphone with apps like Gaia GPS can suffice in good conditions, or a cheaper GPS like an Etrex in more challenging environments.
- Apple Watch users seeking better battery life and outdoor focus may find the Garmin Epix a suitable alternative, bridging the gap between the Apple Watch and older Garmin models.
- Those looking for more affordable options with similar features can consider the Garmin Instinct or Instinct 2, lacking maps but offering workout tracking and course loading capabilities, potentially saving money.
