Garmin's has finally announced the Fenix 7 series of smartwatches, and they come with new features and a not-so-pocket-friendly price tag. The Fenix series is Garmin's line of high-end smartwatches built for athletes and adventurers, especially those who favor outdoor sports. It is usually available in multiple variants that differ from one another based on size and features. Garmin Fenix smartwatches don't run Wear OS but on a proprietary operating system with its own app store.
The smartwatch market is a very competitive one. While Apple and Samsung are among the popular brands, Garmin is also a leader in the market. It tries to distinguish itself from other brands by offering unique features such as the ability to load maps for different topographical areas and golf and ski courses. Its app store also has popular apps such as Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music alongside many sports apps and watch faces.
The Garmin Fenix 7 series comprises three different models — the 42mm Fenix 7S, the 47mm Fenix 7, and the 51mm Fenix 7X. These three are further classified into Standard, Solar, or the premium Sapphire Solar version, which ditches the Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens and stainless bezel used in the standard and Solar version for a Power Sapphire lens and a titanium bezel. Each version also comes in a variety of color options. Garmin can cater to a broader market by providing several options for buyers.
Fenix 7S, Fenix 7, and Fenix 7X Specs
The Fenix 7S has a 1.2-inch 240 x 240 transflective display, the Fenix 7 takes it up to 1.3 inches with a 260 x 260 resolution, and the Fenix 7X gets a 1.3-inch 280 x 280 screen. Unlike the Fenix 6 series, the Fenix 7 series can be operated via the new touchscreen alongside button controls. However, touch input will be disabled while an activity is in progress. The standard and solar versions of the smartwatches have 16GB of storage, while the sapphire solar version has 32GB of storage. Features common to all three models include a heart rate sensor, Pulse Ox blood oxygen level monitor, Garmin Pay, multi-GNSS support, and 10 ATM water-resistance rating. The smartwatches can also track stamina in real-time, and Garmin has added a feature called "Up Ahead" that shows upcoming key trail points (water, first aid).
There are some significant differences, and one of them is a new multi-LED flashlight that Garmin has made exclusive to the Fenix 7X. The flashlight can be used to provide illumination when it is dark, and users can switch the brightness level or color. Battery life is another distinguishing factor. The Fenix 7S has an 11-day battery life in smartwatch mode that goes up to 14 days for those who pick up either of the two solar versions. In battery saver mode, the battery can last up to 38 days (87 days for the solar versions). The Fenix 7's battery life will last up to 18 days (22 days for the solar versions) in smartwatch mode, while battery saver mode takes it up to 57 days (173 days for solar models). The Fenix 7X has a 28-day battery life in smartwatch mode (37 days with solar), while battery saver mode takes it to 90 days (up to 1 year with solar).
Garmin has set a starting price of $699 on the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S, and it increases by $100 or $200 for the Solar and Sapphire Solar versions, respectively. Unfortunately, the Fenix 7X isn't available in a standard version, so it starts at $899 for the Solar version and goes up to $999 for the Sapphire Solar edition. All three models are already available for purchase on the official website but their shipping time varies depending on the option chosen.
Source: Garmin