Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Epix 2: Which Should You Choose?
By Amirah Z.
Updated September 2022
Garmin watches are epic in just about every way from their design and display to battery life. The Garmin Fenix 7 and the Garmin Epix 2 are top-tier watches designed for adventure. If you're thinking of investing in either one, you need to get a good sense of how they differ from each other. Read on to know whether you should go for the Fenix 7 or Epix 2.
We're taking a deep dive into these key differences in our Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Epix 2 review:
On our list
#1 Watch Models
#2 Fitness Tracking
#3 Smartwatch Features
#4 Design and Display
#5 Battery Life and Price
Garmin Epix 2
Premium design and features
Keeps an eye on your health and navigates wherever you go.
Garmin Fenix 7
Rugged for the outdoors
Touchscreen convenience that further fuels your passion for fitness.
1. Watch Models
Garmin Epix 2
First of all, we need to clarify that there is only one Epix model available whereas the Fenix 7 offers eight different configurations.
The Garmin Epix 2 only comes in one size (47mm) and has no Solar version, but you can decide between stainless steel or titanium cases. There is also a sapphire crystal lens version which is scratch resistant.
The Fenix 7 line has a lot more options. On top of three different case sizes (42mm, 47mm and 51mm models), they offer other features such as extra-tough sapphire crystal and solar charging.
2. Fitness Tracking
Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix 2 are similar when it comes to fitness tracking. Both watches offer essential sports watch features. Apart from tracking stress, sleep and sports activities, the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 also provide 24/7 temperature and respiration measurements. In addition, the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix 2 has a V4 sensor which measures heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
Other than a wide range of activity tracking modes, Garmin has equipped the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 with training tools such as real-time stamina tracking to monitor and improve your performance. Both also have an Up Ahead feature specially catered to ultrarunners. As well as showing a summary of upcoming course points, the feature provides the exact location of turns, trails and location of aid stations.
Garmin Epix 2
With the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix 2, you'll be informed of your seven-day training load from your wrist through bar charts breaking down the type of training and whether the tracked activities are helping you reach your goals. Garmin provides a number representing your training load, allowing you to gauge if you're under or overtraining. Both watches also have a visual race predictor which estimates your time for a 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon based on your current fitness.
You're also getting the same support for the Fenix 7 and Epix 2. On top of full-colour multi-continent Topo maps, point-to-point navigation and trackback mode are available on both watches. Uploading and creating your own routes is also possible.
However, a feature that's only available in the Garmin Epix 2 is the ability to view animated workouts on your wrist. These come in handy and make use of the Epix 2's AMOLED display.
3. Smartwatch Features
Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix 2 are very similar when it comes to the everyday smartwatch essentials. Watches in both lines have a touchscreen which makes it easier to scroll or zoom in when you're on the move, though the higher resolution on the Epix 2 make icons appear clearer and lets you see more details. What's cool is that by default, the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 have touchscreen disabled on all of the sports modes.
All Epix 2 and Fenix 7 watches offer Garmin Pay, music storage for 2,000 songs, smartphone notifications and alert you to incoming texts and calls. Both watches include GPS and pre-loaded Garmin maps that come free of charge.
4. Design and Display
Garmin Epix 2
The Garmin Fenix 7 looks similar to the Garmin Epix 2. With a chunky and rugged appearance, it's clear these watches are designed for sports. The start button is surrounded on the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 by a metal guard which serves as protection from accidental presses and damage.
The most significant design difference between watches lies in the screen. The Garmin Epix 2 has a colour AMOLED screen whereas watches in the Garmin Fenix 7 line have transflective memory-in-pixel (MiP) displays. This means the Epix 2 has a brighter and more vibrant display, especially with the on-screen animation found in workout modes. There's also an always-on option so you don't have to keep raising your wrist to activate the watch.
While the display on the Fenix 7's MiP screens is less bright and impressive, it's still clearly visible under most lights. Furthermore, Garmin equips the Fenix 7 with a backlight hence, you'll never have to squint again.
5. Battery Life and Price
Garmin Fenix 7
Generally, watches in the Fenix 7 range have a better battery life because the MIP display uses considerably lesser power than the Epix 2's AMOLED screen.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Garmin Fenix 7 is what you should go for. In smartwatch mode, the Fenix 7 has 18 days of battery life and the Epix 2 has 16 days. The Fenix 7 has a battery life of 57 days in battery saver mode, compared to the Epix 2's 21 days.
If you're using GPS, the Fenix 7 can go up to 57 hours whereas the Epix 2 lasts 42 hours, but with an always-on display, it's reduced to 30 hours. Last but not least, in expedition GPS mode, the Fenix 7 runs for 40 days compared to the Epix 2's 14 days.
When it comes to price, both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix 2 are expensive smartwatches from Garmin's line and are rather comparable in terms of budget.
Compare Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Epix 2
Final Thoughts
The Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix 2 offers identical tracking and smartwatch features but which of the two should you buy? If you need a watch that lasts remarkably long and you enjoy outdoor sports, the Fenix 7 is worth checking out with its extra-tough sapphire lens. The Epix 2 is more suited if you spend more time in the gym and fancy a nicer AMOLED display.
If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Garmin Smartwatches
Garmin Instinct 2 vs Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Fenix 6
Explore the full collection for Garmin on Amazon.com or visit the Official Garmin Singapore Store.
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