The Garmin Fenix 7 is positioned as Garmin’s most advanced multisport watch to date, promising a plethora of features and enhancements designed to cater to a wide range of athletes.
This comprehensive review delves into various aspects of the Fenix 7, providing an in-depth analysis of its design, functionality, performance, and overall user experience.
Garmin Fenix 7 Review
Having used the Garmin fēnix 7 for an extended period, I find it to be a commendable smartwatch that caters to the diverse needs of an active lifestyle.
Its robust build, extensive features, and reliable performance make it a solid companion for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
However, like any device, it comes with both benefits and drawbacks.
Garmin Fenix 7 Spec
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Three sizes available: 42mm, 47mm, 51mm |
| Display | Transflective Memory-in-Pixel |
| Touchscreen | Yes (Can be disabled) |
| Buttons | Five physical buttons |
| Materials | Premium materials, Titanium case |
| Battery Life | |
| Fenix 7S | Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, up to 37 hours in GPS mode and up to 26 days in Expedition mode |
| Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar | Smartwatch mode: Up to 22 days |
| Battery saver watch mode: Up to 173 days | |
| All satellite systems: Up to 48 hours | |
| All satellite systems and multi-band: Up to 26 hours | |
| All satellite systems and music: Up to 10 hours | |
| Max battery GPS: Up to 289 hours | |
| Expedition GPS: Up to 74 days | |
| Solar Charging | Yes (Power Glass technology) |
| Navigation | Superb navigation apps |
| GPS | Improved GPS functionality |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate monitor (Elevate 4) |
| Altimeter, Compass, SpO2 sensor, Temperature sensor | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Music Storage | Yes (Amount varies with edition) |
| Payment | Garmin Pay |
| Compatibility | Connects with Garmin app |
| Fitness Tracking | Real-time stamina meter, On-screen race predictor |
| Training Tools | Advanced workout tracking, Training load guidance |
| Smartwatch Features | Excellent GPS navigation, On-board music, Garmin Pay |
| Size Variants | 42mm, 47mm, 51mm |
| Models | Standard, Solar, Sapphire Solar editions |
Garmin Fenix 7 Pros and Cons
- Stainless steel and fibre-reinforced polymer construction
- Impressive battery life
- Comprehensive Activity Profiles
- Built-in Flashligh
- Diverse Exercise Options
- Provides in-depth data analysis without premium subscription
- Multiband GPS
- Size and Weight
- Without microphone for hands-free calls
- Low-contrast display
| Product | Star rating | Price (amazon) |
| Garmin Fenix 7S | 4.7 0ut of 5 | Check Price |
| Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar | 4.6 Out of 5 | Check Price |
| Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar | 4.6 Out of 5 | Check Price |
| Garmin Fenix 6 | 4.7 Out of 5 | Check Price |
Design and Build Quality
The Fenix 7 boasts a design that’s both rugged and sophisticated. Offered in three different sizes – 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm – and available in standard, Solar, and Sapphire Solar editions, the watch aims to cater to diverse preferences and wrist sizes.
The tested model is the standard 47mm Sapphire Solar edition, which introduces Garmin’s Power Glass, a technology that harnesses solar energy throughout the day to extend the watch’s battery life.
One noteworthy improvement is the introduction of a touchscreen to the Fenix series. While the watch retains the familiar five physical buttons, the touchscreen adds a new dimension to user interaction.
The implementation is thoughtful, with the screen locked during workouts to prevent accidental touches. You can also choose to deactivate the touchscreen if you prefer a button-centric interface.
The 47mm round case of the fēnix 7 strikes a balance between a bold design and wearability. The stainless steel bezel adds a touch of elegance, while the metal case back enhances overall durability. The silver case details contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the smartwatch.
The fēnix 7 comes with a 22mm silicone band that ensures comfort during extended wear. The band is adjustable to fit wrists with circumferences ranging from 125mm to 208mm.
The option to change the band allows users to customize the look of their smartwatch. The band features a secure buckle clasp for a reliable fit, and the graphite colour adds a sporty yet sophisticated touch.
With a substantial 16GB storage capacity, users can store music, download workouts, and keep essential data directly on the device.
This ample storage ensures that users have access to their preferred content and features without relying heavily on external connections.
With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, you can confidently use the smartwatch in aquatic environments. The device is designed to withstand a wide temperature range, with an operational capacity from -20°C to 45°C.
Display Quality
The fēnix 7 features a 1.3-inch Memory-in-Pixel LCD screen with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. The transflective colour display ensures clarity in various lighting conditions.
Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX, providing scratch-resistant durability. The combination of size, resolution, and screen protection contributes to a visually appealing and functional display.
Comparisons are made with other Garmin models, highlighting the contrast differences and the use of a blue backlight. Despite the potential drawbacks, the Fenix 7’s display is acknowledged for its frugality in power usage, contributing to impressive battery life.
Fenix 7 Battery Life
The fēnix 7 is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery, offering impressive battery life across various modes. In smartwatch mode, users can enjoy up to 18 days of usage, while the Battery Saver Watch Mode extends this to an impressive 57 days.
For users relying on GPS, the device provides up to 57 hours in GPS mode and 136 hours in Max Battery GPS Mode. The inclusion of a rechargeable battery ensures convenience for users, eliminating the need for constant replacements.
Garmin watches always last a long time on one battery charge, and the Fenix 7 is even better. The actual time it stays on depends on things like how big the battery is and if it has a solar panel. The Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar model, which has Garmin’s Power Glass, can go:
- Up to 22 days if you’re using it as a regular watch
- An amazing 173 days if you’re using a special mode to save battery
- Up to 48 hours if you’re using all the satellite systems
- It takes about 26 hours if you’re using satellite systems and other special features
- Around 10 hours if you’re using satellite systems and listening to music
- A super long 289 hours if you’re only using the GPS feature
- Up to 74 days if you’re on a long trip using the GPS a lot.
It’s important to know that while the solar panel doesn’t fully charge the watch, it helps it last longer. In real life, the watch actually lasted three weeks with regular use before needing to be charged again.
And now, you can see exactly how much battery is left with a percentage display, which is a nice improvement.
Fenix 7 Smartwatch Features
The Fenix 7 incorporates various smartwatch features, including sensors like the Elevate 4 optical heart rate monitor, altimeter, compass, SpO2 sensor, and temperature sensor. Continuous, overnight, or on-demand SpO2 monitoring is supported, with added features like movement alerts during readings.
The watch’s GPS tracking and mapping capabilities receive praise, with accurate recording of pre-measured routes and excellent everyday navigation tools. The Fenix 7’s ability to avoid specific road types during cycling adds to its usability for both sports and daily life.
The absence of a microphone is highlighted as a drawback, particularly for users who appreciate hands-free calls.
However, the watch compensates with excellent mapping tools, onboard music storage, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. The review touches on the disappointment of limited bank support for Garmin Pay in certain regions.
Fitness Tracking and Training
The Garmin fēnix 7 boasts an array of sensors, including an accelerometer, thermometer, gyro sensor, barometric altimeter, electromagnetic compass, optical heart sensor, and Pulse Ox sensor.
These sensors collectively provide a comprehensive set of tracking data. You can monitor metrics such as distance, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, blood oxygen saturation, pace, stress level, respiratory rate, active time, water balance, and temperature.
One of the standout features of the Fenix 7 is its advanced training tools. The real-time stamina meter provides insights into energy depletion during workouts, aiding in adjusting effort levels. A new on-screen race predictor estimates race times based on current training, offering a tangible view of performance trends.
Goal setting becomes a motivating aspect of the user experience, allowing individuals to set and achieve fitness milestones.
The fēnix 7 goes beyond basic fitness tracking, offering advanced features like music remote handling, find phone function, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, downloadable workouts, and the ability to store and play music.
The rejection of calls, LiveTrack, Physio TrueUp, PacePro pace guidance, animated workouts, weather information, and dual grid coordinates format contribute to a well-rounded suite of functionalities. The inclusion of the Body Battery Energy Monitor provides insights into energy levels, aiding in optimal workout planning.
Notifications play a crucial role in today’s connected world, and the fēnix 7 delivers by providing alerts for calendar events, SMS, emails, social apps, incoming calls, and even high and low heart rate alerts. The vibrating alert system, coupled with audio and visual feedback options, ensures users stay informed without having to check their devices constantly.
GPS on Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 is a multisport GPS smartwatch that includes GPS functionality. You can customize the satellite settings for each activity by going to the Activities & Apps menu, selecting an activity, selecting the activity settings, and then selecting Satellites. You can choose between GPS Only, All Systems, All + Multi-Band, and Auto Select.
The Auto Select setting uses SatIQ™ technology to dynamically select the best multi-band system based on your environment, offering the best positioning accuracy while still prioritizing battery life.
To view the Map on the Garmin Fenix 7, you can press START and select Map to view the Map without starting an activity, or you can start a GPS activity and press UP or DOWN to scroll to the map screen.
Connectivity
Connectivity is a crucial feature of any contemporary smartwatch, and the Garmin Fēnix 7 excels in this aspect.
The Fēnix 7 supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ which allow users to easily connect their devices for data transfer and synchronization. This feature enables a seamless interaction with smartphones and other compatible devices, thus enhancing the overall user experience.
Garmin Connect App
The Fenix 7 seamlessly integrates with the Garmin Connect app, providing a centralized hub for fitness and health data. The app is lauded for its user-friendly interface, offering customization options for dashboard views. Daily and weekly data insights are presented clearly, with the ability to drill down into detailed stats.
Garmin Connect’s extensive toolset includes:
- A gear tracker.
- Emergency contacts for accident alerts.
- Personalized workouts and training plans.
The app fosters a community aspect, allowing users to connect with other Garmin users or leverage Strava compatibility. Notably, the review mentions the absence of a subscription model for accessing advanced features, distinguishing Garmin from some competitors.
New Updates and Continued Support
Since its launch, the Fenix 7 has received several software updates, bringing additional features previously exclusive to newer Forerunner models. The introduction of SatIQ is highlighted, a system that optimizes GPS settings in real-time to conserve battery life without sacrificing accuracy.
The watch’s morning report and improved running power feature showcase Garmin’s commitment to ongoing improvements. The Fenix 7 is characterized as a robust and versatile multisport watch, suitable for various activities, from running to outdoor adventures.
Garmin Fenix 7S vs Fenix 7S Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar
The Garmin Fenix 7S, Fenix 7S Pro Solar, and Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar are all high-end GPS multisport watches that are packed with features.
However, there are a few key differences between the three models:
| Feature | fēnix 7S | fēnix 7S Pro Solar | fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.2 inches | 1.2 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium |
| Solar Charging | No | Power Glass solar charging lens | Power Sapphire solar charging lens |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 11 days | Weeks with solar charging | Weeks with solar charging |
| LED Flashlight | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Score Feature | No | Yes | Yes |
| Endurance Score Feature | No | Yes | Yes |
| Health Monitoring | 24/7 heart rate, Pulse Ox, stress, sleep | 24/7 heart rate, Pulse Ox, HRV status, sleep | 24/7 heart rate, Pulse Ox, HRV status, sleep |
| Navigation Sensors | 3-axis compass, gyroscope, barometric altimeter | Same as fēnix 7S Pro Solar | Same as fēnix 7S Pro Solar |
| GPS with SatIQ Technology | Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) support | Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) support | Multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology |
| Connectivity | Smart notifications, music storage, Garmin Pay | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Fenix 7 receives a positive and detailed review, acknowledging its strengths in design, battery life, smartwatch features, fitness tracking, and the Garmin Connect ecosystem. The watch’s touchscreen, advanced training tools, and continuous software updates contribute to its appeal.
While some minor drawbacks, such as display contrast and the absence of a microphone, are noted, the overall sentiment is favourable. The Fenix 7 is recommended for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich multisport watch. The detailed exploration of its capabilities and consistent updates contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the watch’s strengths and potential areas for improvement.
Garmin Fenix 7S
Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar
You may also like:-
