Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix: 13 Key Differences Detailed

Here’s every tiny difference between the Fenix 7 and Epix watches, from someone who’s been putting them through their paces in-depth. From 7-hour rides to 6-hour hikes, and everything in between. I put the Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire to the test against the Epix Sapphire side by side.
I detail battery tests, screen visibility tests, how well mapping works, routes, size, price, and plenty more.
Battery charts on the DCR Analyzer: www.dcrainmaker.com/analyzer
Epix on Amazon: amzn.to/3Kl4cFY (link helps support the channel, thanks!!!)
Fenix 7 on Amazon: amzn.to/355utIf (also helps support the channel!!)
0:00 Quick Overview
1:28 Price Differences
2:04 Display Mode Differences
3:33 AMOLED vs MIPS Display
4:26 Resolution Differences
4:54 Map Differences
5:44 Brightness Differences
6:26 Dimness & Sleep
7:43 Battery Burn Charts & Deep-Dive
12:00 Epix & Fenix Flashlights
12:53 GPS & Heart Rate Accuracy
13:18 Pixel Burn-in Concerns
14:22 Watch Weights
15:01 Connect IQ Differences
15:24 Final Recommendations
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#GarminEpix #GarminFenix #Fenix7

[@manfromtheredriver7386]

Thanks for the great comparison breakdowns! I especially appreciate the charts you show. I've been been looking for charts like these to compare Garmin's various models for a while now. Keep up the great work!

[@wrenpyle7098]

thanks for the comparison video !!!!! selected the fenix 7 based on the better battery life and lower price point. upgrading from a 935 so im very excited for all of the new features !!!!

[@giantbikeoz8903]

Thanks for the great reviews. I went from the 5 to 6X and I really like the bigger size of the watch. This has changed my views of the size, as when I first bought Garmin watches in the 5 series, thinking the X series may be too large a size. But after owning the 6X due to it was on special at the time, and I don't think I can go back to the smaller watch. So I think the Epix in releasing the smaller size only in this version, works out great for me, due to just upgraded to the 6X not long ago. So if the next version with X series size, then it will be time for me to upgrade, as I really like the idea of an Amoled screen in this watch.

[@MrBlubb80]

Hands down the best reviews on smart watches. Not only the specs, but real life data that can be trusted with charts etc.

[@TheRdymek]

What a fantastic, concise pragmatic comparison. Literally not a second on your videos is wasted. It’s to the point, factual and insightful with a sense of humor. You are a legend man! 👑 cue: can’t touch this. Lol.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!

[@eijixperia]

Thank you for the very detailed review. Especially the battery life comparison for hiking was very, very helpful. Ordered Epix for better mapping and it should arrive today☺️

[@COYSMike]

Appreciate all of these in depth videos, it's making it much easier to make an informed choice

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@BhavaSindh]

Thanks, DC Rainmaker! I got my Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar yesterday after watching your video. Wasn't really difficult to decide between Expix and Fenix. The transreflective didn't change from the 6 version bit that is good. For a watch that you wear 24/7 (at least I do), the tramsreflective display is more fitting. Somehow, it is more soothing... Also, for an outdoor watch especially with the solar option it performs superb in direct sunlight and actually gets more energy rather than draining more.

[@Govinkuna]

As always your comparison and great video production value is what I look for in review channels. I had confirmed 7X last year as the watch to get but after seeing the epix review and comparison I have made the decision to go with the epix since like you I don't do multi day hikes or activities, apart weekends long rides.

[@zackrazak4366]

Epix 2 is so much worth with the display and active mindset it shouldn't have a problem to charge weekly

[@super8guy]

Concise, in-depth, sans fluff. You reviews are the tops and help me intelligently decide how to deploy my hard earned money. TY!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@ivanpeso6280]

Good review/comparison. Real world use. For hiking 10-15hr and better quality maps thanks to high-quality screen I'm going epix.

[@simonelovati4881]

I purchased the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. Guys, it’s a beast. I love Epix display brightness but 7X size (and infinity battery) is much better for me. Super happy!

[@NurTauman]

It is a very good comparison! Short, clear, and very helpful to choose between these two Epix. Thanks a lot

[@sagybp]

Thanks! Finally the battery comparison I was waiting for. Looks like I'm gonna go with the Epix!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@roilev]

Great review, Ray. Thanks. I currently run Huawei GT2 Pro with OLED screen and the same 6 days AOD battery life. It is a revelation not having to charge it every (2nd) night and as result wear a dead watch occasionally. As did my previous smartwatch and all the other watches I considered before it. And the always-on is a must, I don't want to interact with my gadgets unnecessary. And watch not showing the time is useless for me. But still there are negatives for the OLED screen. You are right that it takes time for the watch to wake up after the gesture. It is the same for going out of AOD into full brightness mode. And it bugs me. You shared videos of the screen readability outside. And maybe Garmin did a better job than Huawei. But I have to tilt mine to get a good visibility and no reflections. I think the reflections are the biggest bane of OLEDs. While my 80's Casio is even more visible the more light that hits it. That's why I chose the Fenix. And I like oversize watches, so 7X it is. Or it should be, once Garmin start delivering the orders next month (I hope)

[@peterw9721]

Upgraded from the Fenix 5 to the 7x -- totally worth it !! Love the watch

[@MrEtnie]

Thanks a bunch. All of your videos and articles on the webpage really helped me in the past and will also help me now. 🤩

[@grahamarcher2729]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing! I've had the Epix for a couple of days now and I'm loving it!

[@takashiwatanabe3072]

Thank you for your precise video as always, Ray. I'm a Fenix 6X user. Your reviews pushed me to order an Epix, not a F7X.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it! Hope you enjoy!

[@JeremyYost]

@1:33 the comparison chart is very helpful and battery life chart @3:18! Thank you!

[@fitgearhunter]

Ray. Dude. I can’t say enough how awesome this video is. You freaking nailed it. Awesome, awesome content and super well explained even with some technical details involved. Excellent job.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks man, much apprecitaed!

[@fitgearhunter]

@@Dcrainmaker question - any insight from Garmin on the new non-spring pins? Any idea how to remove??

[@zfjames]

@@fitgearhunter Garmin made them nonremovable to prevent people from losing their watches from pins popping out, which can and did happen to me with my Tactix Delta

[@fitgearhunter]

@@zfjames And..... me too! I was using a stretchy band and it pulled out the pin in the ocean waves. Lost a favorite Fenix that way. Thank you for saying!

[@okiroi]

maybe the best video content creator I've found in the KZbin concerning smart/gps watches. Keep up the good work

[@debbiemiller4281]

Garmin watches are the most beautiful watch ever made. I absolutely love them. I'm a single parent with two children in a economically forgotten region so I can't afford them but they are dream watches. Just unbelievably beautiful.

[@felixmorsdorf1391]

Just ordered the 7x solar sapphire mineral blue just based on the fact that it was available vs. the white epix 2. it will replace my fenix 5x. i really like the transflective display when cycling, which is my main use.

[@spamacc7590]

Thanks for the comparison vids! I was using my fenix 6 pro yesterday and came up with a review topic I don’t think anyone has talked. People often review smartwatch HR sensors for activities such as running but not so much anaerobic sports like sprinting or weight training. For me, when I weight train, my HR goes from say 110 to 170 over a period of 45seconds during a set but often the watch stays somewhere in the middle around 130bpm. Where as a on a run (aerobic) the HR is always correct because at minute 0 of the run it starts out at say 80bpm and gradually works it’s way up (over minutes) to my aerobic HR. I wonder if certain brands / models pick up these more rapid but subtle fluctuations in HR better than others during anaerobic activities

[@Dcrainmaker]

Actually, in m written reviews - I included lifting segments. :) In general though, you'll see most wrist-based optical HR sensors struggle with high intensity lifting (short bursts) when strain is placed on the wrist. Whereas a bicep-placed optical HR sensor (like a Polar Verity Sense, Scosche, etc...) tend to do better there, even under stress.

[@spamacc7590]

@@Dcrainmaker awesome. Thanks for this

[@TheGridMedia]

Exactly I video I was looking for thank you for putting this together, excellent as always.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Pushups_press_play]

Thanks for such a comprehensive review, helped me pull the trigger on the Epix. My first Garmin I cannot wait thank you buddy :)

[@eraser465]

Excellent video, I love my Epix and wouldn't go back to a transflective display, with my current setup I charge every 10+ days and do an hour+ activity every day.

[@mikemal48]

Excellent Video as always and I have the Epix ver 2 and I am Very impressed and glad I chose it over the Fenix. Thank You

[@DaemonViews]

Great detailed video! (as always) Saw Mark Ellis reference you in his video to watch this one for a detailed comparison. His comparison took a different approach, looking as to why you would like one or the other depending on feel rather than specs. And mixed in some jokes. If anyone reading this is still wondering which one is best for you, he had a cool take on it.

[@umel0607]

nice review Ray, for me i will stick with my GF6x sapphire.. battery still good and almost the same features with new GF7. It will be significant upgrade if they put LTE on it to eliminate bringing chunky fone when doing activities. Although battery life will suffer, touch screen + mobile functionalities is still good deal.

[@bieganieigory]

Thanks for the video, just ordered Epix, I chose it over Fenix 7 and FR955.

[@chrisobyrne5675]

As always great content and really, really helpful. Epix for me given the screen quality.

[@G_Widdicombe]

Thanks Ray. Long time viewer but first time commenter as this was exactly the video I needed to see. It is the Epix for me, I think, as it just seems more of an upgrade compared to the Fenix 6x Pro I have. I don't think the slightly smaller screen of the Epix will be an issue for me, and the AMOLED looks great!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!

[@johnbuchheister9142]

Thank you for being SO thorough.

[@KD-zi2fi]

Thanks for this video man. Super helpful content. Just subscribed.

[@douglasshouganai2516]

great breakdown. definitely pushing me toward the 7x solar. need the battery life for full time GPS.

[@haroldolaya7419]

Appreciate all the recent videos on the Epix and the Fenix 7. It helps a lot to make an informed decision 👍 Most likely will go for the Epix as the battery/recharge is not too much of an issue for me. Thanks a lot!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@serhiikhrapin5024]

Great review, very helpful. Thank you!

[@OTWW]

Thanks for the comparison. I upgraded from my 5 plus to EPIX and I really like it. I noticed that during Zwift workout, the HR shown on the watch widget is for the most of the time reading 20-30BPM lower than my strap HR monitor. However, when I activated the cycling workout mode on the watch, the HR from the watch sensor was only +- 1BMP off the reading from the strap. Looks like the HR monitoring in the widget mode is less accurate, perhaps it is saving power by reading the rate less often.

[@craigcoco6014]

Yep, Widget polls less frequently than during an activity

[@coxson]

Perfect breakdown! Going for the Fenix!

[@mariaochmikaelliljehedenst5617]

Great review as always! Thanks!

[@mdtreasures6614]

Great review; it has the good and bad for both. I ended up buying to Epix since I'm only going out for 2-4 day hiking/fishing/hunting/camping trips, and the better detail on maps and battery life is perfect for my needs. Also, it's perfect for everyday use that you can wear for client meetings and are just an all-around nice-looking watch that is sure to impress. For outdoors, I'll just do gesture as 16 days is plenty fine and same life as the fenix 7, and normal wear is just always on. Plus better battery life than finex 6 pro so super pumped to get it in 5 weeks or so. Man, the waits going to kill me

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@nicksalgado22]

That's my usage plus my daily workouts

[@mdtreasures6614]

Yep, I do daily workouts, but only like 1 hour max and some bike riding with kids. The maps are awesome because we will just drive to a spot and shore fish or kayak, I will use it in lakevu to do looks ups quick to find spots. Kids and I always try new spots for fun. Also, I do some deep woods trips with no cell service, so maps are a must for me. I'm so excited for the touch screen and maps with the 480x480 screen for detailed viewing... well detailed for a watch, but good enough as I used to do it all my map and compass with terrain association.

[@milaweitz]

Thanks for the video! Epix looks awesome. If you stop the video right in time 8:54 you will see the reflection on the display of the Epix Sapphire. From this reason my last Garmin is 6X Pro Solar. Solar power glass has much better view display, and no reflections like 6X Sapphire. However, as the Epix is Amoled display I would upgrade to this most likely :-) Thanks and cheers.

[@milaweitz]

So at the end I got Fenix 7X SS 😃👊

[@SamShah-t7u]

great comparison, thank you for sharing in details

[@Akuphon]

You can definitely see the pixel shifting, at least on Venu and Venu 2. Sometimes it bothers me a liittle bit that the complications on the watch face are visibly off-centered, but as I know why it happens I can deal with it. If you don’t know reason for it, you might think it’s a design flaw. Then another totally different matter. It’s sad to see that the transflective screen on Fenix 7 still has that blue tint when the backlight is on. Basically not any improvement from my old Vivoactive 3. Here in the northern Europe most of the year is pretty dark and you will definitely need the backlight. That blue screen gets really annoying. It’s weird why Garmin haven’t fixed that. It should be totally possible because my old Garmin GPSMAP 64s handheld gps also has a transflective screen and the quality is WAY better than on Garmin watches.

[@PetoGee]

Very informative video, thank you. I will go for Fenix 7. I do not like "fancy" amoled on watch....

[@leonardoleivamendoza9702]

Great comparison. I’ll go for the epix too. Thanks.

[@tonylightwalker]

Thanks for the comparison , still hard choice to upgrade to the fenix 7 when the epix screen looks so good

[@DaveCober]

One thing I wasn't expecting is how thick the bezel is around the Epix screen. It really makes it feel like an old product, not the new hotness.

[@MrCmannen]

Thank you! Love these videos. Very tempted to get that Epix on my wrist. Resisted few days due to the price, my 5 Plus does all I need but not all I want 😄

[@Ariozo111]

Great one like always! Fenix user from day one and had them all, then Tactix made delta so much more dope on bezel so that was my daily..:) Si did go on for Tactix 7, but should say today i think i should pick the Epix Sapphire over any of them..:) I don´t need the battery X gives so epix do fine there and the display is just fresh for an old garmin user. :) And the White Sapphire Epix just looks dope..

[@JD-lv3oo]

Great review as always, I go to your channel when looking at Garmin, Well done…

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@raphby]

I've been watching your content for a long time, great content! Love the time and detail you put in. During the battery life test you didn't enable music though so it wasn't the strongest drain right?

[@seekdiscomfort4746]

Gotem! Haha I was thinking the same 😉

[@reviewguy5140]

Great vid. It’s what I needed to make a decision.

[@1dw1]

Best comparison video. Thank you

[@HoratioBannister]

You do such a great job! Very interested in the new Fenig 7X for ocean crossings on a sailboat where maximum power and solar energy would be fantastic. I’ve been rolling with a fenix 6X since it came out, and love it. I love that Amoled screen of the Epix but for my case scenario battery life battery life battery life. Thanks so much you do a great job!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@justincoleman7856]

To be fair, I'm still happy with my now out of stock Fenix 5x Plus and have no plans to upgrade it anytime soon. I'm sure there's quite a few peeps who are willing to run to the store to get any one of these 4 watches though.

[@danielbum912]

Loved the vid. I would also love this kind of video with Fenix Series 7 vs Series 6 but with current 2022 firmware. I'm deciding between the two and I can only compare it with reviews from 2019 since when I assume a lot has still been added to the 6...

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup! Though, actually, my Epix/Fenix "15 or 17" things to know video is actually comparing against the Fenix 6 series as a baseline, including current firmware. In the videos I note which features are coming to the Fenix 6 (essentially just the new sport modes and health snapshot). Actually, already started firmware push last weekend.

[@martinnaylor]

Thanks for the great comparison between the two,I think the Epix would be suitable for me and its OLED display and I don't mind charging it once a week. I noticed one of your comparison photos was from my favourite Island of Tenerife,Las Americas and Los Christianos.

[@filterfreephotography]

Thanks for the comparison. Love all your comparison videos. They usually help sway me one way or another… except this one. LOL I have always went the X size. The Epix screen is enticing. I am in the market for a new one and this did not make the decision any easier. LOL Even though you had the 7X next to the &/Epix in the video, I still could not tell if in real life the smaller watch face would bother me or just be something I get used to.

[@notmyrealname6272]

Great video. Thanks. :) I’m choosing between 7 sapphire solar, epix and 7s. My eyes are rubbish especially without my prescription cycling glasses and I don’t run with glasses unless it’s sunny and do a lot at night. This would point towards epix being better I assume? My only problem is I have small female (not relevant but you know what I mean-small) wrists and don’t know if the 7/epix would look daft or if the increased visibility would make that worthwhile. I currently have a 245 music so anything is a big step up. Does the epix connect to Zwift and training programs etc in the same way? I’m a triathlete so need it potentially to cover the hours of a slow haha Ironman. Thanks for all the videos!

[@errolrichard]

Great video and review love the epix my current smart watch is a £36 one reduced from£70 lol will like to try and save up for the epix it’s awesome 👏

[@kubasamanda3305]

Very deep comprehensive Good review 👍

[@Matheologia]

Thanks for another great vid! Epix really brings maps & nav to life, but I just can't give up the translucent screen. I love that it's not emitting any light unless I want it to, doesn't change at all when I turn the wrist - and with the analog watchface, my Fēnix 6X basically looks like a normal watch. I love that kind of discrete simplicity. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, retro or something, idk. Wouldn't mind better resolution and more colours, though. Do you see that kind of development for the translucent screen in the future? That would be a win-win for me.

[@Matheologia]

@R More colours and higher res on the *translucent* screen would make the battery life very poor? That seems strange since even Epix's AMOLED screen didn't make it very poor, though it did shorten it significantly. I always thought the screen light was the main battery drainer... 🤔

[@neilk22]

I literally have the exact same vernier calliper as yours. After having had every Fenix model, I’m definitely moving to epix. I’m honestly surprised Garmin didn’t just ditch the old display with amoled battery life finally at endurance levels.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahaha...it's a great little tool! Yeah, it'll be really interesting to see what the branding situation does in say 2-5 years. After all, Fenix will eventually go AMOLED. It's a given (in the same way that all devices eventually have optical HR sensors). So, at that point, does Epix as a brand go back into hibernation? Does it become something else? It's interesting...

[@arkadiuszchlebowicz9504]

In my opinion Epix can be a tool for testing new features on customers, especially in case of making sacrifice in other areas. I'm sure Garmin was afraid about customer's reaction on battery life, so they came with an idea of testing it. In next generation Fenix will go AMOLED but including solar. Epix will show something new or will stay as a more fancy/luxury Fenix.

[@OmmerSyssel]

​@@Dcrainmaker Amateurs .. Vernier caliper is constructed to measure inner diameter by its upper part.. 😉

[@mmafighter077]

Thanks for the awesome review. I'm sure you're keeping it looking stock but i wish you could have used matching watch faces so that i could compare the screens a little better.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Fair enough, though, yeah, I tend to keep it stick to what usually pops best. In trying to match Epix to Fenix stock face, it honestly ends up looking a bit fake/cheesy. :/

[@mmafighter077]

@@Dcrainmaker i can understand that. That makes total sense. Thanks for the great review.

[@lucianomorganti3129]

Great review, thanks!!!! One question: if i go from Fenix to Epic, do I keep the settings registered in Connect from the Fenix to the eEpic? and is there a way to transfer workouts, activities settings, widgets and so? Eg, I have activities for kitesurfing and surfing that use a widget to calculate speed, teeters and speed on waves, ... is there a way to keep such things?

[@thomasbeveridge8144]

Quick question: when in always on mode, when the screen goes to full brightness mode after you move your wrist how long does it stay bright? It looks like when on full bright it also turns on some of the other display features particularly the "seconds" hand. I would hope it would remain visible for at least 60 seconds to measure a pulse etc. That was driving me crazy with the apple watch because the display would only include some of these elements for about 15 seconds. For the Fenix 6 it is not a problem because it is always visible. Also are the watchfaces for Fenix 6 compatible with EPIX? I have a couple that took a while to find and tweak.

[@CamiloBotero-qn1hh]

This Guy is another breed Fantastic

[@shuveshek]

Thanks Ray, helped alot.. m gonna get a epix too

[@jeffmcconnell6214]

Great stuff, as always. Can you tell me if Garmin has fixed the issue where it disconnects randomly from my phone? It is good for a little stretch after I synch with Garmin Connect, but eventually (I’d say by the next day) it’s disconnected again, so I’m not getting text alerts on my watch. Thanks!

[@randysullot6333]

@DC Rainmaker could you measure the lug to luge size of the Epix and a Fenix 6? I know the size of both is 47mm but i wonder if the lug to lug size is different.

[@DermotWhelan]

What a brilliant video. 👏

[@gudelauneee]

Ordered the fenix 7x with dlc band. Battery life is more important than a fancy screen. I also want the biggest watch garmin have in their shop

[@owenkoprash7876]

If I wanted a fancy screen and less battery I'd buy a Apple watch

[@ravenblack9750]

@@owenkoprash7876 exactly

[@Clickarn93]

@@kjhman Which watch did u keep?

[@Clickarn93]

@@kjhman Ohh Okey I see! Are you able to sleep with it? or is it to beefy/uncomfortable for it? and what is the circumference of your wrist in cm?

[@Bubbleb2]

Rocking major watch tans dude. Right on!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahaha...indeed!

[@Pursewarden]

Another excellent video that will result once again in yours truly buying gear that I don’t need.

[@ghffthhhu]

Your comparision convinced me to indeed go for the Epix as a successor of my F6x. After my first bike ride with it I unfortunately have to say it was a big mistake. The reason is that there is no way to keep the display from dimming. I was riding today from the afternoon till sunset and there no light condition where the dimmed display is readable. On the F6/7 the backlight can be set to stay on indefinitely, but not on the Epix. That means that all the data you want to have constantly in view like power, HR, speed, navigation etc is basically not visible. Until you press a button, touch the screen or do the wrist gesture. Thats of course not practical at all. I understand that Garmin decided to take that route to keep that battery alive for a minimum of time. But on the other hand, this destroys all kind of other use cases. As I see it, this device is a design flaw. I wonder why you didn't mention it in your reviews, didn't you ride during your test period? I will go for the F7. Which is a pity, because apart from the above the Epix is indeed a beautiful device.

[@DunkBoi]

I have no issues with the brightness of the display even when it is dimmed during activities, these activities are almost always in no shade with the sun beating down on me. Was your Epix fully up to date on the software?

[@ghffthhhu]

Yes. In the a Garmin Forums people are complaining about the issue as well. In the dimmed state it's impossible to see a thing being outside. And the dim timeout can not be shut off. The F7n has this option

[@PaDutchRunner]

@@ghffthhhu Garmin has dedicated bike computers so the watches will be designed primarily for athletes who plan to use it for foot-based activities.

[@farazs579]

I’ve been researching for a while and this is exactly what made me hesitant about Epix. I saw a video on youtube that mentioned this exact problem. I will probably go for F7 Pro Sapphire Solar as I need a screen that is visible all the time during mountain biking.

[@danielleschroder6884]

Thanks for this great video! Ended up buying a Fenix 7 solar sapphire. Surprised to see how much battery life you have with all the features turned on. Unfortunately not my experience in the first two weeks. Any suggestions?

[@rickstokes2239]

Definitely the EPIX 2 for me if just for the brighter display with my 58 year old eyes. Great review.

[@mejdrichj]

Any inclinations on sizing? Going from a 5x to the Epix and curious about the perceived loss of screen/watch size...

[@ErikNygard]

Thanks for the review. Im abit sad that there is no assistant on this one nor pictures in notifications. Sure, it´s a training watch but its also 2022. That whould have made me switch from Fenix 6 Pro!

[@EmoChylde]

Thank you and thumbs up for the great comparison. The Epix runtime (All Satellite Systems + Multi-band, Always-On) is 15 hours. Earlier you said that the brightness-level of the Epix display can be lowered a couple of times. Is there a huge incresae in run-time if i use the before mentioned settings and lover the brightness level? I want to buy the best watch for one day activities. Hiking with turn by turn tracking in the woods, having a spontaneous look at the map sometimes looking for additional trails and record my Stand Up Paddling tours in mostly bright sunlight. I guess runtime wise either watch will fit for me. Would you say im the typical Epix guy and should enjoy the brighter display because runtime is way enough or is there a reason that i should consider buying the Fenix 7 instead? This is the first time i buy a GPS watch and want to make sure to buy the right one. 🙂 One question that is very important for me. Do i get it right that i can turn off the „notification-beeps“ while using turn by turn navigation and get only „vibration alerts“ instead? I dont want to walk beeping through the quiet and beautiful nature. 😄 Stay happy and healthy. Best wishes from Germany.

[@nvrqit9361]

Love your Chanel very specific and ton of info thanks And thanks for answer my question on a prior video I have the suunto 7 but I don’t know how accurate is with elevation .. I’m a paramotor pilot I wander is the epix watch will be a better option , what you think Thanks again

[@mlegrand]

Great video Ray! I need to figure out what I need also. I know you love that Epix but I often find AMOLED annoying. Particularly at night. I also love these watches with ultra long battery life. I kind of feel like I need to play with both for a while before buying. I'd love the flashlight but I don't have manly enough wrists for that F7X. Cool that the Epix has some sort of something on that front.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, normally I find AMOLED kinda iffy. But. They’ve done a really good job here making it feel seamless, especially for the night elements.

[@KingLifeTale]

Completely agree with this… would love the flashlight on smaller models

[@somerandomperson8282]

How often would you ever use the flashlight on a watcjh? I mean seriously, it's a gimmick that is replaceable with a small LED keyfob in your pocket. DC is right in that charging once per week is completely normal and acceptable for a watch and noone who is not an explorer or going on week-long treks without access to a power outlet needs "ultra long" battery life.

[@mlegrand]

@@somerandomperson8282 - Do you ever use the flashlight on your phone? I don’t keep my keys with me. It’s cool if that’s what you do. A little key fob light will work, it’s just not something that would work for me. I do have my phone with me and I find myself using the little flashlight all the time. Maybe I’m too connected to my smart phone? As for the battery life, I am rarely away from an outlet for more than 24 hours per day but I find charging the Apple Watch every day quite annoying. I much prefer always being able to pick up a 945 or an Enduro and knowing that it’ll be fine for a run or longer bike ride. I think you have a valid point that a week should be enough, but more is always better in my opinion.

[@KingLifeTale]

@@somerandomperson8282 Quite honestly I used my phone flashlight daily... I'd love this on my watch.. even more convenient. Plus the "flashlight" feature has unique use-cases... its always dark here in the UK so being able to strobe or have the white/red cadence lights would increase my safety during nighttime running. Very cool feature I think 👍🏼

[@VirtualSven77]

Great comparison video! If I was buying a new Garmin watch every 1-2 year, then I definitely would go for the Epix now. But as I’m probably going to be wearing it for at least 4 years, I don’t think I would like to charge it every 2-3 days by then, as the battery would get worse over time. Ray, I wonder if you keep track of battery capacity of watches like this over a longer period of time, say 3-5 years. As I can imagine you only use new watches.

[@valtteriluoma3016]

Fenix 5 owner here. Got the watch in May 2017 and still getting around week and a half of battery life, using it every day. (The original specs promised maximum of 14 days of battery.) I use the GPS on average 1 hour per day. I’ve been really happy with it and it has performed better in the long run than I expected. Going to upgrade to Epix this year.

[@skotas]

@@valtteriluoma3016 I can concur on Fenix 5. Sold it after 5 years of use just because got a fenix 7 saphire solar as a present. Very happy. Epix is no go as battery wouldn't last even a week...

[@Windsurfingaddict]

Well still have a Fenix 3 and bought brand new and battery life is still very good and will beat my Polar V800 watch on battery life when using both on gps. I also use a GW-60 watch for purely windsurf speed sailing and the battery sucks and get maybe 6-7 hours if your lucky, still torn between these two watches on which to purchase

[@jazznroll5]

I like silver bezels with black straps. Could i put the epix interior and glass in a fenix 6 case ? (i want the dual frequency thing, which is not available in the silver bezel model)

[@JeffBratko]

Your videos are very informative and really look at the things that are important on any of the devices that you review. Do you ever sell the items that you have reviewed? I would be interested in purchasing if you do.

[@nickyanakiev147]

Excellent video. Epix 2's hardware must be somewhat better given the seemingly identical performance with its higher res screen.

[@faktor6587]

Hi, super good comparison. May you prepare comparison Garmin 7 vs Polar Vintage2 vs Wahoo Rival - what do you think? Just to have better understanding how those platforms and watches working, where are main differences etc

[@caseymoocow]

Thank you so much for this. I am looking for a watch primarily for swimming (both open water and pool) and I wear glasses (long sighted) which makes it challenging to see detail when I'm swimming. I was going to just go for the Fenix 7X but its way too big for my (female) wrist to get the maximum screen size (and the flashlight is cool). Even the 7 seems a bit too big as I'd like to try and wear it all the time and I haven't worn a watch in about 25 years (god I feel old writing that). A friend of mine suggested the Epix with its brighter screen so I will go check out the sizes again and if I can handle the Epix size then I might just get the Epix. If it's still too big I will have to go the Fenix 7s. Thanks for showing the flashlight on the Epix though!! Is there anything else you would add as a decision factor between Epix and Fenix 7 with respect to swimming?

[@PawelPiskunowicz]

Thanks for great review! I'd like to ask you how long it takes to fully charge one and another?

[@Foyzur32]

I own the Fenix 6x sapphire (a bit big for my wrist) and I bought the epix recently. The size is perfect, the screen is really nice, but I'm constantly checking battery levels as it's only giving me a few days. I want to exchange it for fenix. I would like to get the Fenix 7 because of the size, but it looks like the battery on the non solar 6x is better than the new 7. I'm a little confused. Can you help?

[@frederickberger5685]

Great video! If I don’t wear the epix every day but leave it turned on, are there any issues? For golf, is the epix much better than the fenix?

[@kenocontreras]

Hi all! I need your advice, I was thinking to buy the Fenix 6s Pro, my last Fenix was the 5 (now I own an apple watch series 6). All these software features like sleep schedule, stamina, etc. are available for the Fenix 6s Pro too, or are they exclusively for the Fenix 7 and Epix?

[@KrisHoet]

Hey Ray. I've got the Fenix 5 Plus, my wife the Fenix 6. There seems to be quite a difference in GPS accuracy between both watches, evidenced by the difference in distance while tracking (last hike I got 27km, she got 24km). And with the new GPS package I guess the Fenix 7 is again an upgrade. Did you ever do the comparison pure on GPS tracking in between the 5, 5 Plus, 6 and 7 Fenix watches? I would be interested in that. And maybe that would make me upgrade as well ;-)

[@patriciozimbron]

I really admire the level of detail you cover in all your reviews! Thank you! Quick question: do you notice a difference in responsiveness when scrolling through maps? I am guessing both watches use the same cpu, but I wonder if one screen is more taxing than the other. Thanks again!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Virtually identical, no difference I could notice one way or that other.

[@sherryburlingame8049]

Great review! I’m curious as to why Garmin has not changed/upgraded the charging and sync port on the two new models. My F5x, which has the same type of charging port, need to be coaxed into submission to charge or to sync via cable to my computer. Yes, I have purchased new charging cables, and even the charging disc that you have favorably reviewed in the past. Will the charging mechanism also deteriorate on the Fenix 7 and Epix within 12 to 24 months? If so, unacceptable for a watch at this price point. Thank you for you in-depth, quality reviews!

[@Dcrainmaker]

I feel like for the most part, most units tend to be fine with just a cable swap. For example, my wife's Fenix 5S was miserable on the charging, and then the puck solved that. So I'm wondering if perhaps your specific port is either defective or slightly damaged. :-/

[@jimmydan29]

Is there anyway to invert the colors for when outside in the data fields of the epic? It's hard to see when in bright light. Any ideas?

[@mariorock76]

Good review! I sold my Fenix ​​6X to buy the Epix, but I hesitate between the Epix saphir and the Fenix ​​7X saphir. What makes me hesitate is the screen size of 2.5mm more, or opt for the amoled screen. It would be easier if he made an Epix X at 51mm...🤣 A tough choice! Do you think Garmin will make an Epix X within a year?