Garmin Fenix 7 & 7s 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 Fenix 7.
Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Fenix 7?
- The Garmin Fenix 7 has a larger 1.3-inch display with a higher 260 x 260 resolution for providing better visibility and easier readability in various lighting conditions compared to the Garmin Fenix 7S’s 1.2-inch 240 x 240 display.
- Garmin Fenix 7 provides a superior user experience for map navigation and tracking compared to the Fenix 7S.
- It supports 22mm QuickFit bands, which provide a wider variety of third-party strap options for customization and durability, whereas the Fenix 7S uses smaller 20mm bands.
- The Garmin Fenix 7 has a significantly longer battery life, lasting up to 18 days in smartwatch mode and 57 hours in GPS mode for extended outdoor adventures, while the Fenix 7S lasts only up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 37 hours in GPS mode.
- Garmin Fenix 7 features extended GPS tracking capabilities with up to 73 hours of battery life in GPS mode with solar charging for long-distance activities, while the Fenix 7S only supports up to 46 hours in the same mode.
- It has a larger 47mm case, which accommodates a bigger battery and more durable construction compared to the more compact 42mm case of the Fenix 7S.
Maybe the Garmin Fenix 7s 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.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Fenix 7s |
Display Size | 1.3 inches | 1.2 inches |
Display Resolution | 260 x 260 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
Physical Dimensions | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 42 x 42 x 14.1 mm |
Case Size | 47mm | 42mm |
Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 18 days | Up to 11 days |
Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode with Solar) | Up to 22 days | Up to 14 days |
Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 57 hours | Up to 37 hours |
Battery Life (GPS Mode with Solar) | Up to 73 hours | Up to 46 hours |
Battery Life (Max Battery GPS Mode) | Up to 136 hours | Up to 90 hours |
Battery Life (Max Battery GPS Mode with Solar) | Up to 289 hours | Up to 162 hours |
Battery Life (Expedition Mode) | Up to 40 days | Up to 26 days |
Battery Life (Expedition Mode with Solar) | Up to 74 days | Up to 43 days |
Battery Life (Battery Saver Mode) | Up to 57 days | Up to 38 days |
Battery Life (Battery Saver Mode with Solar) | Up to 173 days | Up to 87 days |
Band Size Compatibility | 22mm QuickFit bands | 20mm QuickFit bands |
Price | Check Fenix 7 Price | Check Fenix 7s Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
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Build Quality & Durability: Both watches have a rugged design made of fiber-reinforced polymer with a metal rear cover, ensuring high durability for extreme outdoor conditions. They both feature Power Sapphire, Corning Gorilla Glass DX, and Power Glass lens options, making them scratch-resistant and durable.
- Display & Interface: Both models use transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) technology, ensuring great visibility in direct sunlight. They support both touchscreen and physical button controls, allowing easy navigation in different environments.
- Water Resistance: Both watches have a 10 ATM rating, meaning they are waterproof up to 100 meters, making them suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
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Navigation & Outdoor Features: Both support multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO) for accurate tracking in challenging environments. They come with preloaded TopoActive maps, SkiView maps, and Golf Course maps, making them ideal for hikers, skiers, and golfers. The ABC sensors (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) and Expedition Mode enhance outdoor navigation.
- Smart Features & Connectivity: Both support Wi-Fi connectivity (on Sapphire Solar models), enabling quick downloads and syncing. Garmin Pay is available on both models, allowing contactless payments. They offer smart notifications, music storage for up to 2,000 songs, and third-party app compatibility through Garmin Connect.
- Health & Fitness Tracking: Both watches feature continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 oxygen saturation tracking, sleep monitoring, and stress tracking. They also offer HRV status, helping users understand their recovery and overall wellness.
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Sports & Training Features: Both have 40+ built-in sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, rowing, and strength training. They include PacePro, Running Dynamics, and ClimbPro to optimize performance and endurance training. Advanced metrics like VO2 Max, Training Load, Training Status, and Recovery Time help users track progress and optimize workouts.
- Battery-Saving Features: Both support Battery Saver Mode, extending battery life significantly for long outdoor adventures. The Solar models can extend battery performance through solar charging, making them ideal for extended trips without recharging.
- Software & Garmin Ecosystem: Both are fully compatible with Garmin Connect, enabling detailed data analysis, progress tracking, and customization. They support third-party apps and integrations, ensuring versatile functionality.
Common Features
Feature | Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Fenix 7s |
Build Quality | Fiber-reinforced polymer case | Fiber-reinforced polymer case |
Display Type | Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
Lens Material Options | Power Sapphire | Power Sapphire |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Multi-GNSS Support | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
Multi-Band Frequency Support | Yes | Yes |
Touchscreen & Button Controls | Yes | Yes |
Solar Charging Capability | Yes | Yes |
Preloaded Maps | TopoActive, SkiView, Golf Courses | TopoActive, SkiView, Golf Courses |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Music Storage | Up to 2,000 songs | Up to 2,000 songs |
Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Garmin Pay (NFC Payments) | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Tracking | Heart Rate, SpO2, Sleep Tracking | Heart Rate, SpO2, Sleep Tracking |
Activity & Sports Modes | Over 40+ built-in sports profiles | Over 40+ built-in sports profiles |
Advanced Training Metrics | VO2 Max, Training Load, | VO2 Max, Training Load |
Running & Cycling Features | PacePro, Running Dynamics | PacePro, Running Dynamics |
Outdoor Navigation | ABC Sensors | ABC Sensors |
Battery Saver Mode | Yes | Yes |
Garmin Connect Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Third-Party App Support | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Fenix 7 Price | Check Fenix 7s Price |
FAQ
Does the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S have the same features? Which watch is better for people with smaller wrists, Garmin Fenix 7 or Fenix 7S? Does the battery life differ between the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S? Are both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S touchscreen-enabled? Do both models support solar charging? Are the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S waterproof? Can you store music on the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S? Do both models have Wi-Fi connectivity? What band sizes do the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S use? Are the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S good for outdoor navigation? Do both watches have advanced fitness tracking? Can both watches receive smartphone notifications? Do the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S support Garmin Pay? Which model is better for long outdoor adventures? |