Garmin Epix 2 vs Fenix 7: Same Except for 3 Minor Things!
By Naila Syifa
Updated April 2024
The Epix 2 (Standard Edition) and Fenix 7 (Standard Edition) are two high-end adventure watches from Garmin, offering a wealth of features for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness fanatics alike. With many similarities between them, deciding which one to choose can be a challenge. But don't worry, we're here to break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision. Now, let's dive into the details and see what sets these two watches apart.
Key Takeaways
At a higher price, Epix 2 features a slightly lighter bezel and a more premium higher-resolution AMOLED display. However, this comes at the cost of reduced battery life compared to the Fenix 7, which offers a longer-lasting battery life of up to 57 hours and an extra Endurance Score feature at a lower price tag.
Garmin Epix 2 – Standard Edition
High-End Fitness and Outdoor Watch
✓ Advanced Training, Health, Fitness
✓ Multi-band GNSS
✓ Optional TopoActive Maps & NextFork Navigation
✓ High-Resolution AMOLED
Garmin Fenix 7 – Standard Edition
Premium Fitness and Outdoor Watch
✓ Advanced Training, Health, Fitness
✓ Multi-band GNSS
✓ Optional TopoActive Maps & NextFork Navigation
✓ Up to 57 hours in GPS Mode
#1 Differences in display & build
Garmin Fenix 7
The most noticeable difference between the Epix 2 and Fenix 7 lies in their displays. The Epix 2 boasts a stunning AMOLED display, delivering vibrant colors and crisp visuals that truly bring your data to life. Compared to the transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display found in Fenix 7, an AMOLED display has better visibility in low-light conditions and offers more vivid colors.
The AMOLED display also offers a higher resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, ensuring that every detail is crystal clear, whether you're checking your stats or navigating through the watch's menus. The Fenix 7, on the other hand, has a lower resolution of 260 x 260 pixels on its MIP display, which may pose a challenge when viewing detailed maps, small text, or when following animated workouts.
Garmin Epix 2
In addition, an AMOLED display allows support for Red Shift Mode, which you can enable at night or in low-light conditions. This mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted, making it easier on your eyes and potentially improving sleep quality.
In addition to its more premium display, the Epix 2 also uses passivated stainless steel bezel material, which allows the Epix 2 to have a lighter build than its counterpart, though very slightly. It weighs a mere 76 grams, while the Fenix 7, with its stainless steel bezel, is slightly heavier at 79 grams.
#2 Differences in battery life
Garmin Epix 2
While the Epix 2's AMOLED display offers superior visuals, it does come at the cost of battery life compared to the Fenix 7's MIP display. The Fenix 7 boasts longer battery life across various modes, making it the better choice for those who prioritize extended use between charges. Here's a breakdown of the battery life differences between the two watches:
| Mode | Garmin Epix 2 | Garmin Fenix 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 16 days | Up to 18 days |
| Battery Saver Watch Mode | Up to 21 days | Up to 57 days |
| GPS Mode | Up to 42 hours | Up to 57 hours |
#3 Fenix 7 adds an Endurance Score
Endurance Score in Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin Epix 2 and Fenix 7 share a lot of similar features for health monitoring and fitness tracking, but the Fenix 7 introduces a unique Endurance Score that the Epix 2 lacks.
As the name suggests, this feature measures your endurance capacity, which is a reflection of your aerobic fitness level and how well your body can sustain prolonged physical effort. It is calculated based on your fitness and training data and can help you set realistic expectations for performance in activities you want to pursue, such as running a marathon or completing a long-distance cycling event.
For a more in-depth explanation of the Endurance Score, check out an article from Garmin here.
#4 Pricing
Garmin Epix 2
As premium GPS smartwatches, both models come with a hefty price tag, but the Epix 2 is slightly more expensive due to its advanced AMOLED display technology. While Garmin Epix 2 costs 799.99 USD, the Fenix 7 is priced at 649.99 USD, making it significantly more accessible, especially for those on a tighter budget.
The mentioned prices are for the Standard Edition models, but both watches also come with even more expensive variants like the Sapphire Edition and Pro models.
Read also: Garmin Fenix 7 vs Fenix 7 Pro
#5 The rest is the same
Garmin Epix 2
Aside from the display, battery life, and the extra Endurance Score feature in the Fenix 7, both watches share nearly identical features and capabilities. You can expect to find a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking tools, including advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and more.
Both watches even share exactly the same set of Activity Profiles, allowing you to track and measure your performance in a wide range of sports and activities, from running and cycling to swimming, hiking, golfing, skiing, and many others. For golfing and skiing, both watches are even preloaded with Ski Resort Maps and Golf Course Maps, making them ideal companions for your adventures on the slopes or the greens.
If you're training to prepare for a competitive race, you can also take advantage of features like PacePro Pacing Strategies, ClimbPro Ascent Planner, Visual Race Predictor, Race Glance, and many others.
Garmin Fenix 7
Smart features like notifications, music storage, weather forecasts, a morning report, and more are also available on both watches, ensuring that you stay connected and informed throughout your day.
Navigation is another important aspect of outdoor adventures, and both watches generously offer multi-band GNSS, which uses multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) to ensure accurate positioning even in challenging environments.
Unfortunately, both the Epix 2 and Fenix 7 don't come preloaded with built-in roads and trail maps (also called TopoActive Maps), so you'll need to download them separately for 59.99 USD per region if you want to conveniently navigate on the go directly from the watch's face.
However, take note that their higher-priced variants in the series, Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Epix Pro 2 Sapphire offer preloaded TopoActive maps out of the box.
Read also: Garmin Fenix 7 vs Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
#6 Which one to choose?
Garmin Epix 2
Garmin Epix 2 and Fenix 7 offer nearly the same set of advanced health, fitness, and navigation features perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes.
Epix 2 is $150 more expensive due to its premium high-resolution AMOLED display and very slightly lighter build. However, for most people, such a price difference may not be worth the extra cost, especially considering the shorter battery life compared to the Fenix 7.
In this case, the Fenix 7 may be the better choice for most users, offering excellent value for money with its robust feature set and impressive battery life. It even adds an Endurance Score feature which the Epix 2 lacks, making it an even more compelling choice for endurance athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
However, if a premium display is your top priority, and you don't mind the shorter battery life and higher price tag, then the Epix 2 may be the perfect fit.
Garmin Epix 2 vs Fenix 7
Final Thoughts
Garmin Fenix 7
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Epix 2 and Fenix 7 comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. Consider the key differences in display, battery life, and features like the Endurance Score to determine which watch best aligns with your needs and budget.
Whichever you choose, you can be confident that you're getting a top-of-the-line adventure watch packed with advanced capabilities to support your active lifestyle.
If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Garmin Watches
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix 6 vs 7
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