Fenix 7 Pro has 5 more features compared to the Fenix 7, including built-in maps, ECG app, built-in flashlight, SatIQ GPS technology, and solar charging for extended battery life. The rest of the specs and features are identical between the two models.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs 7 Pro: 5 Different Features
By Naila Syifa
Updated April 2024
Garmin Fenix 7 is already a premium multisport GPS smartwatch, but the Pro version takes it to the next level with additional features and capabilities. Are these extra features worth the extra cost? Let's find out by comparing the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro across five key areas.
Key Takeaways
The key difference is that the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro has 5 more features compared to the Fenix 7, including built-in maps, ECG app, built-in flashlight, SatIQ GPS technology, and solar charging for extended battery life. The rest of the specs and features are identical between the two models.
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
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro – Solar Edition
Pro-Level Fitness and Outdoor Watch
✓ ECG App
✓ Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ
✓ Built-in TopoActive Maps & NextFork Navigation
✓ Up to 73 hours in GPS Mode
#1 Price
Garmin Fenix 7
As a high-end adventure smartwatch, Garmin Fenix 7 is quite expensive at 649.99 USD.
The Fenix 7 Pro is available as Solar Edition and Sapphire Solar Edition, with the Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition costing $799.99 and the Sapphire Solar Edition priced at $899.99. This article will mainly focus on the Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition, but the main difference between the Solar and Sapphire Solar Edition is the lens and bezel material.
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition feature a similar design featuring a 1.3" transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display at 260 x 260 pixels. Both watches are the same size 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm and also weigh roughly similar at 79 g. With a stainless steel bezel, both watches are also durable and rugged enough for any outdoor adventure.
The only difference between the two models in terms of design is the lens material. While the standard Fenix 7 features a Corning Gorilla Glass, the Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition features a Power Glass lens. Both lenses are scratch-resistant, but the Power Glass in Fenix 7 Pro makes it possible for solar charging, as the lens can convert sunlight into energy to extend battery life.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar Edition offers a Power Sapphire lens with similar solar charging capability to the Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition's Power Glass, but with stronger scratch resistance. It also features a more premium-looking, stronger, and lighter titanium bezel.
#3 Maps & Navigation Features
Garmin Fenix 7
Navigation is an important feature for an adventure watch, and both the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro are not missing out on this. With support for multi-band GNSS technology, both watches use multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) to provide highly accurate positioning and navigation in challenging environments.
One difference is that the Fenix 7 Pro also incorporates SatIQ into its multi-band GNSS technology for even more accurate and power-efficient GPS tracking. SatIQ can intelligently select the best GPS mode based on your environment, so you can get the most accurate tracking without sacrificing battery life.
Both watches also feature a range of advanced navigation features, including NextFork Navigation, which provides guidance at trail junctions and forks to keep you on the right path, and Up Ahead, which shows you nearby aid stations, water sources, and other points of interest along your route.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Both watches also support map downloads and custom route creation. TopoActive Maps, a topographic map that shows trails, terrain contours, points of interest, and more, are the most handy for outdoor adventures like running, hiking, and biking. The Fenix 7 Pro comes preloaded with TopoActive Maps, while you need to purchase them separately at 59.99 USD per continent for the standard Fenix 7.
However, when it comes to sports-specific maps like SkiView Maps and Golf Course Maps, both the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro are preloaded with it. These maps allow you to navigate ski runs and golf courses with confidence and ease.
#4 Health & Fitness Features
Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro allow you to track a range of activities and sports, including running, cycling, hiking, swimming, golfing, skiing, yoga, tennis, boxing, fishing, basketball, football, and many others. For some types of sports, both models even come with sports-specific features for more tailored tracking and analysis of your performance.
For example, if you do mountain biking, the MTB Grit & Flow feature tracks the difficulty of your ride and how smoothly you descend, so you can see how well you handle tough terrain. If you play golf, the Garmin Autoshot feature automatically records your shot locations and distances for post-round analysis. There are also features like PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance during your run, and ClimbPro for real-time information on current and upcoming elevation during your hike.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Some other training and workout features include Garmin Coach, Daily Suggested Workouts, Training Readiness, Training Status, Real-Time Stamina, Recovery Time, Race Widget, Animated Workouts, and many more.
Don't forget that both smartwatches also monitor key health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, stress, respiration, hydration, Body Battery, and more.
One feature that sets the Fenix 7 Pro apart from the standard Garmin Fenix 7 is its ECG app, which allows you to take an electrocardiogram right from your wrist. It can detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a potentially serious heart rhythm irregularity that causes the heart to beat rapidly and irregularly. With early detection, you can seek medical attention promptly and prevent further complications.
#5 Smartwatch Features
Garmin Fenix 7
When it comes to smartwatch capabilities, the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro share many common features. Both watches allow you to get notifications, make contactless payments with GarminPay, control music playback, view calendar and weather information, and personalize the watch face using a range of apps and widgets.
However, the Fenix 7 Pro distinguishes itself by incorporating a built-in LED flashlight, which can come in handy in dimly lit environments or for signaling purposes during emergency situations. This feature can be particularly beneficial during your outdoor excursions, especially when camping or hiking at night.
#6 Battery Life
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Fundamentally, both the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition have a similar battery life. They can last for up to 18 days in smartwatch mode, up to 57 hours in GPS mode, and up to 57 days in battery-saver mode.
Additionally, both watches include a Power Manager feature that lets you see how different settings and sensors affect battery life, allowing you to make adjustments on the go to prolong battery life.
However, as the Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition supports solar charging, its battery life can be extended even further when exposed to sunlight. When being worn all day with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions, the battery performance can be extended up to 22 days in smartwatch mode, 73 hours in GPS mode, and 173 days in battery-saver smartwatch mode.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs 7 Pro
Final Thoughts
Garmin Fenix 7
Both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro are exceptional multisport GPS watches that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and fitness-minded individuals.
While they share many core features, the Fenix 7 Pro Solar Edition stands out with 5 additional features, including built-in maps, a built-in LED flashlight, solar charging capabilities, an ECG app, and SatIQ technology. However, these extra features come at a higher price point.
Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you require the most advanced features and can justify the added cost, the Fenix 7 Pro is the way to go. Otherwise, the standard Fenix 7 still offers a comprehensive and impressive set of features that will satisfy most users.
If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Garmin Watches
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Fenix 7
Garmin Epix 2 vs Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix 6 vs 7
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