Garmin Fenix 7 vs 7s – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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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?

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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?
Yes, both models share almost all the same features, including multi-GNSS support, advanced health tracking, fitness metrics, touchscreen and button controls, preloaded maps, and smart features like music storage and Garmin Pay. The only significant differences are in physical size and battery life.

Which watch is better for people with smaller wrists, Garmin Fenix 7 or Fenix 7S?
The Garmin Fenix 7S is the better option for people with smaller wrists. It has a more compact 42mm case and is lighter compared to the Fenix 7, making it more comfortable to wear, especially for extended periods.

Does the battery life differ between the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S?
Yes, the Fenix 7 has a longer battery life in all modes due to its larger battery. For example, in smartwatch mode, the Fenix 7 lasts up to 18 days (22 days with solar), whereas the Fenix 7S lasts up to 11 days (14 days with solar). Similarly, in GPS mode, the Fenix 7 lasts up to 57 hours (73 hours with solar), while the Fenix 7S lasts up to 37 hours (46 hours with solar).

Are both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S touchscreen-enabled?
Yes, both watches feature a touchscreen along with traditional button controls. This combination allows users to navigate easily using either method, depending on their preference or activity conditions.

Do both models support solar charging?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S have Solar and Sapphire Solar editions, which allow for solar charging. These models extend battery life when exposed to sunlight, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.

Are the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S waterproof?
Yes, both models have a 10 ATM water resistance rating, meaning they are waterproof up to 100 meters. This makes them suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports but not for deep-sea diving.

Can you store music on the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S?
Yes, both models support music storage for up to 2,000 songs. Users can also download playlists from streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer for offline listening.

Do both models have Wi-Fi connectivity?
Wi-Fi connectivity is available on the Sapphire Solar versions of both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S. This allows users to sync their data and download updates without needing to connect to a phone.

What band sizes do the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S use?
The Garmin Fenix 7 uses 22mm QuickFit bands, while the Garmin Fenix 7S uses 20mm QuickFit bands. These interchangeable bands allow users to customize the watch’s appearance and comfort level.

Are the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S good for outdoor navigation?
Yes, both models are excellent for outdoor navigation. They include multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO) support, preloaded TopoActive maps, SkiView maps, ABC sensors (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass), and ClimbPro for hiking and mountaineering.

Do both watches have advanced fitness tracking?
Yes, the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S include advanced fitness tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, VO2 Max, training load, training status, recovery time, PacePro, and running dynamics.

Can both watches receive smartphone notifications?
Yes, both models can receive smart notifications, including calls, texts, emails, and app alerts when paired with a compatible smartphone.

Do the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S support Garmin Pay?
Yes, both models feature Garmin Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments using their watch at supported payment terminals.

Which model is better for long outdoor adventures?
The Garmin Fenix 7 is the better choice for long outdoor adventures due to its significantly longer battery life. With solar charging, it can last up to 74 days in expedition mode, compared to the Fenix 7S, which lasts up to 43 days in the same mode.

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