Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix // One Year Later...If I had to choose JUST ONE

Long-term thoughts on the Garmin Epix and Fenix 7. If I had to choose JUST ONE...which would it be?

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#garmin #garminfenix7 #garminepix

[AlexanderLiffers]

Runners with their flashing red/white Fenix 7 lights are super appreciated when cycling, especially on an evening commute after dark. Any runner with a light, however, having one built into a watch is just one of those small touches that have probably avoided more near accidents that can be measured.

[timhanley]

I love the flashlight on the Fenix 7x. I can't believe how often I use it. Just more convenient to use than always pulling out my phone. Thanks for the review

[meej]

I choose neither because they cost too much. I do like to just watch the videos though. Lol

[joerrebroet]

I went for the fenix 7 from apple watch 7. What nobody talks about is the long term affect of an amoled display that discharges the battery so rapidly. I'm assuming the battery of the epix and fenix have the same size. So after two years you will have triple the charging cycles on the amoled watch and the epix's battery is going to drain much faster, while the fenix will still work for some more years just fine.
I also hate these gestures for the amoled display. It happened all the time with my apple watch, that I'd get a vobration on the watch for a notification and I happen to have my hands (possibly resting) in a position where I can see the screen, but it doesn't prlvide the information until I start making awkward movements with my wrist. No amoled for me!

[Doniyorbek_Turgunov]

Thanks for the thoughts. With a right settings, my epix lasts 19-21 days, with a daily 30-60 minute workouts (50% indoors). Used f7x, f7 and frankly speaking can't switch to them back, mainly because of the display. Also the size and slicker design of the Epix makes its job. Solar also doesn't makes a sense, if you are not working in the field all day long. I'm just missing a strobe flashlight during early morning runs, and nothing else)) So, looking forward seeing Epix X with 51mm amoled and a flashlight ;)

[markanthonypowell]

Next month it'll be 965 vs epix 2. I'll be interested to see that review.

[_J.F_]

I was very close to getting the Epix but the much longer battery life of the Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire won me over in the end. No doubt the display is so much brighter on the Epix but being perfectly honest I have never regretted my choice, I have never had trouble reading the Fenix display, and I would go for the Fenix again if I had to make the decision over again today.

[sindex]

10 months later I doubt you'll see this, but now that the Epix Pro is out (and has the LED), are you full time Epix?

[mlegrand]

100% agree here. I want it all. I want the flashlight on an Epix with mega battery life. 😆 Great comparison and great video Des!

[jinx]

yep, i went from fenix 6x to an epix and do not regret that one bit... would be very very difficult for me to go back to a transflective display which for me was really all about extending that battery life, if the epix was a 2 day at best watch like an apple watch it would be a no brainer and fenix every time but at 6 days and 16 days if you forget AOD its more than enough, im still charging the watch at worst once a week.

[edwardsmith]

The reason I personally went with the Epix over the Fenix7 was for triathlon and open water swimming, where the Epix is much more readable underwater or at a quick glance. I also have tiny wrists so the 7x was never in question for me, wish they were able to cram a (smaller) flashlight into the regular sized case

[fitgearhunter]

Same. All around. Daily driver is enduro 2 bc of flashlight! I do like the 1.4" screen and longgg battery life, but the flashlight is so damn useful!

[TomislavLifelovero]

I had Epix 2 for 2 months, but "went back" to Fenix 7X (had 6X before) mainly for the following reasons:
- the Epix display seemed too sharp and bright for my eyes mainly at night even with the lowest brightness set and I did not like the fact that in always-on mode, the display showed only very limited information
- larger display on 7X
- FLASHLIGHT!!! - Yes, absolutely amazing feature of 7X which I use many times EVERY day!
- lower visibility of Epix 2 in the direct sunlight - especially when used as "cycling computer" on the handle bar (another reasons for larger 7X)... I ride only with Fenix 7X on my handle bar and do not have any dedicated cycling computer.
- battery life... although I could live with 5 days battery on Epix, 10 days on 7X give me much more comfort

I have never regretted my switching back to 7X...
However, if Garmin came up with Epix 3 of the same size as 7X and with the flashlight, ...assuming that the battery would probably be also better (maybe could use the same elevated housing of Enduro 2) and would last 7-8 days, I would consider going with "Epix 3 despite the sometime hurting brightness of the amoled display and lower visibility at direct sunlight.

Note: I have 19.5 cm wrist and I am 196 cm tall (6′ 5") so Fenix 7X looks just right on my wrist

[nursestech]

I’m looking forward to seeing a comparison between the new Forerunner 965 and Epix2

[neilsternthal]

Great and timely review. I’ve struggled for a while choosing between the two - battery life vs. Clarity/resolution. Ultimately I chose the Epix as the screen is awesome in all conditions, maps are far better, and I find the flashlight supper handy at nighttime. Night mode is great in terms of being in obtrusive. For the length of activities I do - xcountry, 2 to 3 day hikes, the battery life of 6 days is more than sufficient. Maps and GPS for hiking is why I bought this and it saved my butt in the Adirondacks on a poorly marked trail and the mapping resolution was really important. My criticism for both watches is the menu system is overly complex and can be unintuitive. All in all, you can’t go wrong. It’s all about how you value the trade offs based on your needs.

[houssameddineafyouni]

I barely do any aoutdoor sports except for walking or hiking from time to time and I got the Enduro 2... I love the battery and the flashlight is just incredibly useful, can't live without it now. Plus, I got the Enduro 2 over the Fenix 7 x because a reviewer mentioned that the Enduro's flashlight was twice as bright as the Fenix. So yes, the flashlight got me.. Peace and love to all

[Ghostina]

Jumped from Fenix3 to Epix2. The satisfaction was huge! Love it so much!

[AndreasRamleth]

I love my Epix, upgraded from a 945lte and a Apple Watch before that. I was missing amoled while using the 945, it felt a little outdated without. I use the Epix as a daily driver, for running and golf. Des’ review last year was great and helped me making the right purchase. Keep up the great work👍

[ehosey]

Have used Galaxy Watches since the Gear S2. I upgraded yearly and began to become frustrated with the poor battery life. I was eyeing the Fenix line up but that screen was the hold up. Epix Gen 2. Incredible watch. Owned mine now for 11 months. Getting 10 to 11 days battery life in my set up. I occasionally use my Galaxy Watch 4 Classic since it has e-Sim connectivity with LTE service. I wish a future Epix release could have a true LTE connection with a carrier. That would be the perfect watch.

[skibum]

Also went with the Fenix 7x Solar Pro for the flashlight - bonus is that it can also be changed to red. I really like the AMOLED screen on the Epix, but I have an iPhone that is nearly always with me so I wanted something with a longer battery life - too many gadgets which need charging regularly weekly or even daily.