The Garmin Fenix 7 has been one of the most significant releases of the year. Not due to the amount of novelties it may have brought to the market, but because it’s one of the most sought-after and appreciated models by all of you.
Get comfortable because in the following lines, I will tell you in great detail about everything regarding the Fenix 7 family, after the Fenix 7X has been accompanying me during the last few weeks of training, averaging 16-18 hours per week.
Garmin Fenix 7 Series, Models
Within the Fenix 7 series, there are still different versions of the same watch, but there are no longer regular and Pro versions. Instead, the difference lies in the solar charging and the features included within that “finish”. Therefore, there isn’t a more economical version without maps or music playback anymore. I assume that to cover that market segment, Garmin will keep the regular Garmin Fenix 6 in its model lineup.
However, there still exists a specific Solar version which, similar to previous models, features solar charging. For this 2022 version, the contribution is greater, as the solar-charging ring is now noticeably larger.
So, Garmin continues to have a fairly wide Fenix 7 range with different “finishes” and sizes:
- Standard Version: The regular Fenix 7 version is equivalent to the previous Fenix 6 Pro. This version includes complete maps of the continent where it’s purchased and has 16GB of internal memory. Here you can store maps and also music either directly or by synchronizing platforms like Spotify. It has WiFi connectivity and, of course, Garmin Pay. The maps are not preloaded but can be downloaded.
- Solar Version: In the Fenix 6, initially only the 6X had Power Glass for solar charging, but later, it came to the entire range as an added feature. This time, solar charging is present in all models of the range from the beginning and allows for increased autonomy thanks to solar energy.
- Solar Sapphire Version: As a novelty in the Fenix 7, solar charging can be combined with a scratch-resistant sapphire glass. It includes preloaded maps, 32GB of memory, and multi-band GNSS.
Fenix 7 Standard Offer
Fenix 7 Solar Offer
Fenix 7 Sapphire Offer
Battery Life
If there’s one standout feature in the new Fenix, it’s precisely because it excels where others struggle: battery life.
Solar charging is present in all models of the range from the beginning and allows for increased battery life thanks to solar energy.
Garmin’s Fenix family has 3 basic models – Fenix 7S, Fenix 7, and Fenix 7X – with the main differences being size, solar charging, and the features included within that ‘finish’.
In the Fenix 7S, the battery lasts longer between charges thanks to solar light, offering up to 22 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, 38 days in power-saving mode with basic functions, and using GPS alone, it reaches up to 26 hours of usage.
For the 47mm Fenix 7, the battery life extends up to 18 days. If you opt for the Fenix 7 version with solar charging (57mm), you can achieve anywhere from 28 to 37 days of battery life thanks to solar charging.
The technology Garmin employs is called Power Glass. The watch’s glass is capable of converting sunlight into energy. There’s a ring on the outer part of the screen that will absorb 100% of the received light. It’s similar to the photovoltaic cells in a calculator.
This increase in battery life compared to the Fenix 6 and models from other brands is achieved because the ring that allows the watch to be charged with solar energy is now noticeably wider.
Touchscreen Display
Another novelty in the new Fenix 7 series is the touchscreen display, one of the elements that users will notice and use the most, although it can also still operate with the traditional side buttons.
The button layout on the Fenix 7 remains exactly the same as before: two on the right side and three on the left side. However, the main button now features a kind of protection that prevents accidental presses, for example when turning your wrist or rolling up your sleeve.
Returning to the touchscreen, as mentioned, there are situations where you’ll appreciate being able to use it. This is especially true when using the map.
Configuration from the Phone
After many years of user requests, Garmin has finally introduced profile and setting configuration through the mobile app.
We can modify practically all watch settings, including data screen configurations. The changes take effect immediately, and there’s no need to perform a full watch synchronization to apply the changes. In this regard, it’s very similar to the Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL.
The image gallery corresponds to the Garmin Epix, but in the case of the Fenix 7, everything is identical.
What you will appreciate the most is the ability to customize sport profiles. Now, selecting data fields and configuring screens will be a matter of minutes, as you can do it all directly with the speed of your mobile phone, rather than pressing buttons on the watch.
But remember, we also have a touchscreen, so if you prefer to do it directly on the watch, it will be faster than before because you can tap on the data you want to change and then select the chosen option from the list of different options.
Maps
Garmin has also not forgotten the main attraction for which the vast majority of users buy this model: navigation.
Until now, their watches with maps included the map of the region where you purchased the watch (for example, a Australia map for australian watches), and if you wanted another area, you had to buy it from Garmin or adapt another one through OpenStreetMaps.
For the first time, the Fenix 7 features offline map storage across its entire range.
This way, you can save city maps or routes directly onto the watch, so you can see where to go even in remote areas or mountains.
Integrated Flashlight (Exclusive to Fenix 7X)
The integrated flashlight is the standout feature within the Fenix 7X. At first, it might seem like an unnecessary or filler function, but once you start using it, you begin to appreciate it more and more, especially because it serves various purposes and goes beyond simple illumination.
This flashlight is located on the front of the watch, and when it’s turned off, it’s not immediately apparent.
It consists of a total of three LEDs: two white LEDs and one red LED. The white LEDs allow for brightness adjustment, while the red LED has a fixed intensity.
As for the actual light intensity, it’s true that at its brightest setting, it provides considerable illumination, similar to how a smartphone’s flash can light up an area. It’s quite useful if you’re running at night in poorly lit areas and want to see where you’re going.
It’s not just a light to make yourself visible; it’s also suitable for seeing. Of course, it’s not a dedicated headlamp, and you won’t be allowed to use it as such in a competition, but it’s an interesting addition for specific moments, whether you’re heading out for a training session or simply as a backup in case your main light runs out of battery.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this section, it might seem trivial on paper, but once it’s integrated into the watch, you find yourself using it more often.
Stamina Feature
The Fenix 7’s innovations have also extended to the realm of software and sports algorithms. Stamina is the latest addition from Firstbeat and serves to visually display an estimation of the ‘remaining battery’ in our body while we’re engaged in a training session.
It’s available for running or cycling profiles and provides insight into the energy available to reach the finish line or complete the workout, all based on the exercise intensity measured through the heart rate sensor (integrated or external via Bluetooth or ANT+). If you activate the Stamina screen, this is what you’ll see on the watch.
Real stamina can decrease significantly during intervals or sprints and will rise again during recovery. Meanwhile, potential stamina will gradually decrease as the training session progresses.
Connectivity
The Fenix 7 has an internal storage capacity of 16 GB, which also allows you to store music. This means you can listen to music even without an internet connection. This feature lets you enjoy your favorite tunes right from your wrist, without the need to carry the weight of a phone.
It’s compatible with services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. The Fenix 7 Sapphire model boasts 32 GB of storage.
In various product reviews, analysts have noted the absence of a speaker and microphone for listening to messages, responding to calls, and using it for calls, as is the case with other competing models.
Like the best smartwatches, it also features intelligent notifications for text messages and alerts. In the 7X model, it even includes a flashlight, which might seem unnecessary for many but definitely stands out.
It’s not just a light that makes you visible; it’s also useful for seeing. Obviously, it’s not a dedicated headlamp, and it won’t be recognized as such in a competition, but it can be handy for heading out to train or simply as a backup in case your primary light runs out of battery.
Sports
Let’s finally delve into the cornerstone of the Fenix 7: its utility for sports enthusiasts.
The Garmin Fenix 7 encompasses almost as many sports as you can imagine: Hiking, indoor climbing, bouldering, rock climbing, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, paddle surfing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, hunting, golf, jumpmaster activities, tactical exercises, kitesurfing, windsurfing, swimming, snowshoeing, and much more.
Within these sports, there are corresponding sub-modes like strength training, HIIT, cardio, elliptical workouts, stair climbing, floor climbing, rowing, pilates, yoga, indoor cycling, mountain biking, triathlon, pool swimming, open water swimming, swim/run…
With GPS and GLONASS, it can track routes, trails, hiking, skiing, climbing, and much more. It’s also adept at popular sports such as running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, rowing, golf, surfing, and offers advanced features for winter sports like ski touring and cross-country skiing.
If you lack a training partner, the PacePro feature even serves as a virtual coach. It’s an integrated virtual coach capable of suggesting training sessions based on past activities, offering race predictions, or alerting you about the appropriate pace.
Price
The price of the Garmin Fenix 7, like most gadgets of this kind, will be expensive for some and affordable for others, depending on individual budgets and usage requirements. The most affordable model starts at 1199 AUD, and the price increases based on the strap, watch finish – such as sapphire glass or others – so you can go beyond 1800 AUD and beyond.
Conclusion: Garmin Fenix 7
My only real objection with the Fenix 7 range is the price. With each new iteration, Garmin increases the starting price.
Overall, everything the Fenix 6 does, the Fenix 7 does better and faster. It’s clear that it’s a superior device in every aspect.
Two things stand out: the most obvious is the new touchscreen, which in daily use, you may not need or use too much. However, the moment you start interacting with maps, you’ll wonder why you didn’t have this earlier. The second is the battery life, which now truly makes solar charging a differentiating factor by adding hours of real battery life.
In any case, it’s a decision you can make for yourself: choose between battery life (Fenix 7 in any of its versions) or the ‘elegance’ of the Garmin Epix.