Garmin Fenix E vs Fenix 7 Series: Key Advantages
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
The newly released Garmin Fenix E is the 'lite' version of the latest and most advanced Fenix 8 Series. While it is clear that the Fenix 8 wins over the Fenix 7 in terms of overall features and capabilities, how does the Fenix E stack up against the 2022-released Fenix 7?
Key Takeaways
Comparing the Fenix E with a range of models in the Fenix 7 series is tricky, but in general, the Fenix E's key advantages are its AMOLED display, Advanced Strength Training feature, and more GNSS support. Meanwhile, the Fenix 7's key advantages are its superior battery life, preloaded TopoActive maps, and additional features like ECG and LED flashlight.
Garmin Fenix E
Essential Multisport GPS Smartwatch
✓ AMOLED Display
✓ Advanced Strength Training
✓ Multi-Band GNSS
✓ Downloadable TopoActive Maps
Garmin Fenix 7
Premium Fitness and Outdoor Watch
✓ MIP Display
✓ Advanced Training, Health, Fitness
✓ Multi-Band GNSS
✓ Optional Solar Charging
#1 Price & Variants
Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix E has only a single variant, priced at US$799, while the Fenix 7 Series offers a wide variety of models, with prices ranging from US$649 to US$999. This makes comparing the two a bit more complex, as the Fenix 7 Series provides more options to choose from at different price points.
Fenix 7 Series Pricing
Fenix 7S Standard: $649.99
Fenix 7 Standard: $649.99
Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar: $799.99
Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar: $899.99
Fenix 7S Pro Solar: $799.99
Fenix 7 Pro Solar: $799.99
Fenix 7X Pro Solar: $899.99
Fenix 7 Pro Solar (No Wi-Fi): $799.99
Fenix 7X Pro Solar (No Wi-Fi): $899.99
Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar: $899.99
Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar: $899.99
Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar: $999.99
The models in the Fenix 7 Series that are most comparable to the Fenix E in terms of price are the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, Fenix 7S Pro Solar, and Fenix 7 Pro Solar. While our focus in this article will be to compare the overall Fenix 7 Series against the Fenix E, we'll also touch on these specific variants where relevant, so you can get an idea of what you can get with both the Fenix E and Fenix 7 at the same investment.
Before we dive further, it is important to note that the difference between the Fenix 7S Pro Solar and the Fenix 7 Pro Solar is the size, while the core features and capabilities between these two models are largely the same. Therefore, when we mention the Fenix 7 Pro Solar, the same thing applies to the Fenix 7S Pro Solar as well.
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Fenix E
While the Fenix E only comes in a 47mm case size, the Fenix 7 Series offers a range of case sizes, including 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm options, which are respectively labeled as Fenix 7S, Fenix 7, and Fenix 7X.
All models in the Fenix 7 Series have a transflective MIP display, but their build materials differ. The Sapphire models feature a sapphire crystal lens with a titanium bezel, while the rest have a Corning Gorilla Glass lens with a stainless steel bezel. Sapphire crystal and titanium are more premium materials with higher durability.
Garmin Fenix E only offers one variant featuring a Corning Gorilla Glass lens and a stainless steel bezel, making it less premium in terms of build materials compared to the Fenix 7 Sapphire models. However, it boasts a high-resolution AMOLED display that is brighter, more vibrant in color, and has great visibility at all times compared to the MIP display used in the Fenix 7 Series, which may be less visible in low light conditions.
When it comes to durability, the Fenix E and Fenix 7 are largely on par, offering a 10 ATM water rating and military-grade thermal, shock, and water resistance.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Garmin Fenix E
Overall, the Fenix E and Fenix 7 share a similar set of health-monitoring and fitness-tracking features. They track the basics like heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep; provide advanced training metrics and features like PacePro, ClimbPro, Training Readiness, and Daily Suggested Workouts; and support multiple sports and activities, including multisport like triathlon.
The Fenix E has an edge with the Advanced Strength Training feature, which is particularly appealing for athletes. This feature creates 4-6-week strength training plans tailored to specific sports, allowing athletes to personalize their strength training for their chosen activities.
While the Fenix 7 lacks the Advanced Strength Training, it offers additional sailing-related activity profiles like Sail Racing and Sail Expedition, which are not present in the Fenix E. This makes the Fenix 7 a more well-rounded option for sailors and water sports enthusiasts.
On top of that, the Pro variants of the Fenix 7 Series support the ECG app, which allows users to take an electrocardiogram reading directly from their wrist and detect potential signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm irregularity. ECG feature is not supported in the Fenix E.
#4 Maps & Navigational Features
Garmin Fenix 7
Multi-continent TopoActive maps are Garmin's well-known mapping solution that provides detailed topographic data for outdoor navigation. Unfortunately, the Fenix E requires a separate download for the TopoActive maps while the Fenix 7 offers it preloaded on some variants.
The two Fenix 7 variants that are priced the same as the Fenix E, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and Fenix 7 Pro Solar, offer preloaded TopoActive maps. That means, for the same amount of dollars, the Fenix 7 offers more value with the preloaded maps compared to the Fenix E which requires a separate download.
However, other maps like SkiView maps for skiing and snowboarding and Golf Course maps for golf are preloaded on both the Fenix E and Fenix 7 Series.
Another advantage that the Fenix 7 Series has is the SatIQ technology, which is offered in some variants, including the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and Fenix 7 Pro Solar. SatIQ automatically selects the most optimal GPS mode to optimize accuracy and battery life based on the user's location and conditions.
While the Fenix E lacks this advanced SatIQ feature, it supports five satellite systems – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou – while the Fenix 7 Series only supports the first three GNSS. More supported GNSS means more flexibility in selection, which can be beneficial in areas with limited satellite coverage.
In addition, the Fenix E introduces a new navigation feature, the dynamic round-trip routing feature, which can make route suggestions based on target distance that will dynamically adapt as you go, even if you go off-course.
#5 Smartwatch Features
Garmin Fenix E
In terms of smartwatch features that provide added convenience in day-to-day life, the Fenix 7 and Fenix E are largely on par. They offer features like smartphone notifications, music controls, Garmin Pay contactless payments, stock tracker, and a range of safety and tracking features.
The only difference concerns the LED flashlight, which the Fenix E lacks but the Fenix 7 features on some of its models, including the Fenix 7 Pro Solar. An LED flashlight is a handy addition that can come in useful in various situations.
#6 Battery & Charging
Garmin Fenix 7
While the Fenix E is rated for up to 16 days of runtime in smartwatch mode, the battery life of the Fenix 7 Series varies depending on the specific variants.
Two Fenix 7 variants that are in the same price range as the Fenix E, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and the Fenix 7 Pro Solar, are both solar-powered, so they have longer battery life than the Fenix E. In smartwatch mode, both the Fenix 7 variants can last for up to 18 days in smartwatch mode or up to 22 days in smartwatch mode with solar.
Therefore, with the same investment, the Fenix 7 Series offers a better battery life compared to the Fenix E.
Garmin Fenix E vs Garmin Fenix 7
Final Thoughts
Garmin Fenix E
Garmin Fenix 7 Series comes in various models with different price points and features, so it provides more flexibility and options to choose from compared to the single variant of the Fenix E.
While the comparison between the Fenix 7 vs Fenix E is really tricky depending on the specific variant, we can make a head-to-head comparison between the Fenix E vs Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar vs Fenix 7 Pro Solar, the two Fenix 7 models that are most comparable in price to the Fenix E.
Fenix E vs Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar vs Fenix 7 Pro Solar
Fenix E
Advantages: High-quality AMOLED display, comprehensive training and fitness features including sport-specific strength training, 5 GNSS support
Drawbacks: No ECG, no preloaded TopoActive maps, no solar charging
Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
Advantages: Premium sapphire lens and titanium bezel, preloaded TopoActive maps with SatIQ, extended battery life with solar charging
Drawbacks: Lower-quality MIP display, no Advanced Strength Training, only 3 GNSS support
Fenix 7 Pro Solar
Advantages: ECG, preloaded TopoActive maps with SatIQ, built-in LED flashlight, extended battery life with solar charging
Drawbacks: Lower-quality MIP display, no Advanced Strength Training, only 3 GNSS support
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Garmin Fenix E vs Fenix 8
Garmin Fenix E vs Enduro 3
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Enduro 3
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Epix 2
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Epix Pro (Gen 2)
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Forerunner 965
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