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Garmin Fenix 7 Pro vs Epix Pro (Gen 2) Comparison

Read our comparison and real-world impressions of 2 multi-sport watches from Garmin - the top-tier Fenix Pro 7 & the Epix Pro (Gen 2).

We've had the pleasure of putting both the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro (Gen 2) through their paces over several months. Both of these watches launched on May 31, 2023, these watches offer a plethora of features for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and professionals.

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Display Tech: The Biggest Difference

TLDR, the display is where these watches really diverge. The Fenix 7 Pro sports Garmin's tried-and-true Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display, while the Epix Pro flaunts a vibrant AMOLED screen that wouldn't look out of place on a high-end smartphone: 
 

  • Fenix 7 Pro: Features an updated Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) touchscreen display
  • Epix Pro: Uses a vibrant, full-color AMOLED touchscreen display


Fenix 7 Pro Display: 
 

  • More readable in bright conditions
  • Always-on without significant battery drain
  • Solar charging capability integrated into the display


Epix Pro Display: 
 

  • Brighter and more colorful, especially noticeable indoors
  • Higher resolution
  • Features Red Shift mode for better low-light visibility


The solar charging capability integrated into the display is a neat party trick that actually delivers, extending battery life noticeably during long outdoor excursions. 

Switch to the Epix Pro, and it's a different story altogether. Indoors or in low light, this watch is a showstopper. The AMOLED display bursts with color, making maps and data pop like never before. It's a joy to use, especially when navigating complex trail systems or analyzing detailed workout data. That gorgeous AMOLED screen can be a bit of a prima donna in direct sunlight. You'll find yourself doing the "Garmin wrist flick" more often to wake up the display to full brightness. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's something to remember if you spend most of your time in bright outdoor conditions.

Battery Life

The Fenix is a marathon runner in the world of smartwatches. With the 47mm model, you're looking at up to 22 days in smartwatch mode, stretching to a whopping 24 days with some help from the sun. Even in GPS mode, it'll keep ticking for up to 73 hours with solar charging.

The Epix Pro, while no slouch, can't quite match these numbers. The same 47mm size will give you up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, but that drops to 6 days if you can't resist keeping that beautiful display always on (and trust me, it's tempting). GPS mode will get you through about 42 hours, or 30 with the always-on display.

In real-world use, we found the Epix Pro's battery life more than adequate for week-long backpacking trips, as long as we were judicious with the GPS usage. However, for those month-long expeditions or if you simply hate charging devices, the Fenix 7 Pro has a clear edge.

Fenix 7 Pro

  • Smartwatch mode: Up to 22 days / 24 with solar
  • GPS mode: Up to 57 hours / 73 with solar


    • Epix Pro

  • Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days with always-on display)
  • GPS mode: Up to 42 hours (30 hours with always-on display)

    • Size Options and Build Quality

    Both watches come in three sizes:

  • 42mm
  • 47mm
  • 51mm


    • Build material include:
  • Fiber-reinforced polymer case
  • Stainless steel or titanium bezel (depending on model)
  • Corning Gorilla Glass or sapphire crystal lens (depending on model)
    •

    Features and Performance

    Both watches share a strong array of features:

  • New Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor
  • Multi-band GNSS support
  • Built-in LED flashlight (new for all sizes in both models)
  • Advanced training metrics including new Hill Score and Endurance Score
  • Detailed mapping with weather overlays and relief shading


    • Unique to the Epix Pro:
  • Red Shift Mode for preserving night vision


    • Rider Insight: Military personnel particularly appreciate the Red Shift mode on the Epix Pro for night operations and light discipline.

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    Real-World Performance

    Outdoor Visibility:

  • Fenix 7 Pro excels in direct sunlight
  • Epix Pro may require wrist gestures to activate full brightness in bright conditions


    • Indoor and Low-Light Use:

  • Epix Pro significantly outperforms in indoor and low-light situations
  • Fenix 7 Pro often requires backlight activation for clear visibility indoors


    • Military and Tactical Use:

  • Epix Pro's Red Shift mode is highly valued for night operations
  • Some users express concern about AMOLED brightness in tactical situations, though it can be dimmed
  • Fenix 7 Pro's MIP display is considered more discreet for certain operations


    • Navigation and Maps:

  • Epix Pro's higher resolution display offers clearer map details
  • Both provide excellent navigation features, but Epix Pro's screen makes map reading easier
    •

    Verdict: Choose Your Adventure

    After months of use, we can confidently say that you can't go wrong with either watch. The choice boils down to your priorities and how you plan to use it.

    Go for the Fenix 7 Pro if:

  • You're an endurance beast who needs weeks of battery life
  • You spend most of your time in bright, outdoor conditions
  • You want the peace of mind of solar charging for extended expeditions


    • The Epix Pro is your match if:
  • You appreciate a vibrant, easy-to-read display for detailed data analysis
  • You split your time between indoor and outdoor activities
  • You're a night owl who'll benefit from the Red Shift Mode


    • We’ve found ourselves reaching for the Epix Pro more often. The AMOLED display has spoiled us, and we’re willing to sacrifice a bit of battery life for the enhanced user experience. But on those multi-day backcountry trips where every ounce of battery matters? The Fenix 7 Pro is our trusted companion.

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