Garmin Epix & Fenix 7 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin Fenix 7 rather than the Garmin Epix.
Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Fenix 7?
- The Garmin Fenix 7 offers solar charging to extend battery life significantly, while the Garmin Epix does not support solar charging.
- The Garmin Fenix 7 features a transflective MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) display, which is easier to read under direct sunlight and glare-free, unlike the Garmin Epix’s display, which struggles in bright outdoor conditions.
- The Fenix 7 supports Expedition Mode, allowing GPS tracking for up to 40 days (74 days with solar), while the Garmin Epix maxes out at 21 days.
- The Garmin Fenix 7 is built with MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability and offers Power Sapphire glass for superior scratch resistance, while the Garmin Epix lacks this level of ruggedness.
- The Fenix 7 includes an optimized Battery Saver Mode, allowing weeks of basic smartwatch functionality while the Epix drains faster.
Maybe the Garmin Epix price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin Fenix 7. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Epix |
| Display Size & Resolution | 1.3-inch (260×260 pixels) | 1.3-inch (416×416 pixels) |
| Brightness & Visibility | Better outdoor visibility in sunlight | Vibrant display |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 18 days (22 days with solar) | Up to 16 days (6 days always-on) |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 57 hours (73 hours with solar) | Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on) |
| Battery Life (Expedition Mode) | Up to 40 days (74 days with solar) | Up to 21 days |
| Charging Time | Slightly faster | Slightly slower |
| Weight | 79g (stainless steel) | 76g (stainless steel) |
| Build Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover |
| Screen Material Options | Power Sapphire, Gorilla Glass DX | Sapphire, Gorilla Glass DX |
| Price | Check Fenix 7 Price | Check Epix Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Adventure & Sports Capabilities: Both watches are designed for outdoor adventurers, athletes, and multi-sport users. They support extensive fitness tracking modes, including running, cycling, swimming, climbing, skiing, golf, and more.
- Advanced GPS & Navigation: Both models feature Multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for precise positioning. They also support Turn-by-Turn Navigation, ClimbPro, and Preloaded Topo Maps for enhanced exploration.
- Health & Wellness Tracking: Both offer heart rate monitoring, SpO2 (Pulse Ox), Body Battery, Stress Tracking, and Sleep Tracking, ensuring comprehensive health insights.
- Durability & Ruggedness: Both smartwatches are MIL-STD-810G certified for military-grade durability, have a fiber-reinforced polymer case with a metal rear cover, and are water-resistant up to 10 ATM (100 meters).
- Touchscreen & Button Interface: Both devices come with a touchscreen and five physical buttons, providing a user-friendly interface.
- Smartwatch Features: Both support smart notifications, Garmin Pay (contactless payments), music storage (up to 2000 songs), and third-party app support via the Garmin Connect IQ Store.
- Connectivity: Both smartwatches come with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ connectivity, enabling seamless syncing with external devices like HR monitors, cycling sensors, and smart trainers.
- Expedition & Battery Saver Mode: Both models support Expedition Mode (low-power GPS tracking) and Battery Saver Mode to extend battery life.
- Mapping & Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Both offer full-color topographical maps, ski maps, and course navigation to help users stay on track during outdoor adventures.
- Software Updates & Garmin Connect Integration: Both watches receive firmware updates via Garmin Connect and integrate with the Garmin ecosystem for tracking and analyzing health and fitness data.
Common Features
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Epix |
| Brand | Garmin | Garmin |
| Product Type | Multisport Adventure Smartwatch | Multisport Adventure Smartwatch |
| GPS Functionality | Yes, Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) | Yes, Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) |
| Multi-Band GPS (Higher Models) | Yes (Fenix 7 Sapphire) | Yes (All models) |
| Altimeter, Barometer, Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Gen 4 Optical HR Sensor | Gen 4 Optical HR Sensor |
| Pulse Oximeter (SpO2 Tracking) | Yes | Yes |
| Body Battery Energy Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max Estimation | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery Advisor | Yes | Yes |
| Training Readiness Score | Yes | Yes |
| Health Snapshot Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Running Metrics (Running Dynamics, PacePro, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| Ski & Snowboarding Features | Yes | Yes |
| Surfing Features (Surfline Sessions) | Yes | Yes |
| Golf Course Maps & Features | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay (Contactless Payments) | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage & Streaming | Up to 2000 songs | Up to 2000 songs |
| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & ANT+ Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Third-Party App Support (Connect IQ Store) | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable Watch Faces | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance Rating | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
| Touchscreen Support | Yes | Yes |
| Five Physical Buttons for Navigation | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & Mapping | Full-color Topo Maps | Full-color Topo Maps |
| Turn-by-Turn Navigation | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Fenix 7 Price | Check Epix Price |
FAQ
| 1. What is the main difference between Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix?
The main difference is the display technology. The Garmin Fenix 7 uses a transflective MIP display, which is better for outdoor visibility and battery efficiency. The Garmin Epix features a high-resolution AMOLED touchscreen, providing a more vibrant and colorful display but with slightly lower battery life. 2. Does the Garmin Fenix 7 or Garmin Epix have a better battery life? The Garmin Fenix 7 has superior battery life, lasting up to 18 days in smartwatch mode (or 22 days with solar models) and 57 hours in GPS mode (73 hours with solar). The Garmin Epix lasts up to 16 days in smartwatch mode (or 6 days with always-on display) and 42 hours in GPS mode. 3. Which watch is better for outdoor activities and hiking? Both watches are excellent for outdoor activities, but the Garmin Fenix 7 is better suited for long hikes and expeditions due to its extended battery life and solar charging options. The Garmin Epix offers a more detailed and vibrant map display thanks to its AMOLED screen. 4. Can both Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix display maps? Yes, both watches feature full-color topographical maps, preloaded ski maps, and turn-by-turn navigation. The Garmin Epix has a higher resolution display, making maps look sharper and more detailed. 5. Do both watches have touchscreen capabilities? Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix have touchscreen functionality along with five physical buttons for better control in rugged environments. 6. Do the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix support music storage and streaming? Yes, both watches allow you to store up to 2000 songs and support music streaming from services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer when connected via Wi-Fi. 7. Is the Garmin Epix worth the extra price over the Fenix 7? If you prefer a vibrant AMOLED display with higher resolution and faster map rendering, the Garmin Epix is worth the extra price. However, if battery life and outdoor readability are your priorities, the Garmin Fenix 7 is the better value. 8. Do both watches support Garmin Pay for contactless payments? Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix include Garmin Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments directly from your wrist. 9. Are both watches water-resistant and suitable for swimming? Yes, both models are rated 10 ATM water-resistant (up to 100 meters) and are suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. 10. Can you use third-party apps on the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix? Yes, both watches support third-party apps through the Garmin Connect IQ store, allowing you to download additional features, watch faces, and widgets. 11. Do both watches have solar charging capabilities? Only the Garmin Fenix 7 (Solar & Sapphire Solar models) support solar charging, which extends battery life significantly. The Garmin Epix does not have solar charging. 12. Which watch is better for runners and fitness tracking? Both watches include advanced running metrics, VO2 max estimation, recovery time advisor, and training readiness scores. The Garmin Epix provides sharper visuals, while the Garmin Fenix 7 offers better battery life for long-distance runners. 13. Do both watches offer sleep tracking and wellness features? Yes, both models provide sleep tracking, stress monitoring, heart rate tracking, SpO2 (Pulse Ox) measurements, and Body Battery energy monitoring. 14. Do both watches have ECG (Electrocardiogram) support? No, neither the Garmin Fenix 7 nor the Garmin Epix includes ECG monitoring. 15. Can I use either watch for golf tracking? Yes, both watches have preloaded golf course maps, hazard view, and shot tracking, making them great choices for golf enthusiasts. |