Apple Watch 9 vs. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar – Which smartwatch do we recommend?

Apple is one of the most exclusive and innovative technology brands on the market, while Garmin leads the sports smartwatch sector. Therefore, every time both brands launch models that are very competitive with each other, it is worth comparing them to see which one comes out on top. Now that Apple has recently announced the new smartwatch in the Apple Watch series, the series 9, it is the perfect time to compare it with one of the undisputed kings, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro in its Solar version.

The Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro is one of the smartwatches with the best quality-price ratio, although it is fair to say that it has been on the market for longer. However, Apple has taken another step in its series of smartwatches with the Apple Watch 9. In reality, it has implemented small improvements compared to the Apple Watch 8 that make the company perfect its smartwatches a little more. What’s more, it wanted to take an important leap in sustainability, betting on a design with carbon-neutral products.

In terms of functionality, the Apple Watch 9 has introduced some important improvements in terms of health metrics, especially highlighting the programs to promote mental health that it includes. On the other hand, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro remains the king when it comes to sports performance, although we must say that the Apple Watch 9 also has some interesting issues in this regard, such as the level of detail it has in the metrics related to heart rate and, in general, interesting metrics for athletes.

But, as we always tell you, the best way to check which of the two is the most interesting smartwatch is by analyzing them in detail. And that’s what we’re going to get to next, so take note!

Apple Watch 9 vs Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro Solar – Comparison Table

In the following table, we summarize the main characteristics of the two latest generation smartwatches, to make it easier for you to compare them at a glance:

Two completely different aesthetics

The first thing we notice when we see both smartwatches is that they have a totally different aesthetic. The Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro features a design that reminds us more of classic watches, consisting of a round dial topped with a stainless steel bezel and five side buttons. For its part, the Apple Watch 9 has a rectangular dial, which already makes an important difference. In fact, the screen size of the Apple Watch is 1.9 inches, while the full size on the Garmin is 1.3 inches.

In addition, the Apple Watch does not have such a thick bezel around it, which gives it a more delicate and sophisticated look, although perhaps less robust than the Garmin.

What screen does each smartwatch have?

We have already told you that the size of the screen is one of the characteristics that varies the most between the two watches that are the subject of this review, and it is the most obvious. However, it is not the only difference in terms of screen. The Apple Watch 9 has an always-on Retina OLED LTPO display, while the Garmin Fenix ​​has a transflective display visible in sunlight. In addition, the fact that the Apple Watch 9 screen is larger also means that it has better resolution.

Processor and operating system

At this point, we are going to talk more about Apple than Garmin, because this brand does not give as much information about the processor that its smartwatch has as Apple. In fact, one of the main new features of the Apple Watch 9 is the introduction of the SiP S9 processor, the same one that the Ultra 2 has.

In general, it is 30% faster than the Apple Watch 8 processor when interpreting data. In addition, it makes the screen double the maximum brightness compared to its predecessor, and has a more updated interface design.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch 9 includes the watchOS 10 operating system, an update to Apple’s operating system in which, above all, we see new design proposals designed in a more practical way. It is not that it is a fundamental update in itself because it entails a major change in performance, but it improves what was already there.

New controls and features

The Apple Watch 9 introduces several new features in terms of controls and functionalities. For example, with two touches of the index finger and thumb it is possible to activate the screen and start executing actions. In addition, it has a more precise smartphone finding function than the previous model had. All this is due, fundamentally, to the new processor that the Apple Watch 9 has.

In the case of the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro, it combines the use of the touch screen with the 5 buttons on the sides, with a more traditional proposal but which, for many people, is still more comfortable. In addition, it does not have the function that allows you to detect if a person falls, as happens with the Apple Watch 9.

Sports measurement

If we look at the analysis of physical exercise, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro is more complete, because it covers a broader spectrum of sports than the Apple Watch 9. In fact, it is a smartwatch designed specifically to measure sports performance.

Proof of this is that the Garmin Fenix ​​has a water resistance of 10 ATM, which is equivalent to about 100 meters of depth, unlike the 5 ATM that the Apple Watch 9 has. Thus, it is a watch valid for both sports and cycling, athletics or swimming, as well as for more demanding others, such as skiing, surfing or mountain sports.

For its part, the Apple Watch 9 also has a multi-training function, but it is not as precise as that of the Garmin. In fact, if you practice outdoor sports that require more advanced measurement, it is preferable to opt for the Garmin. However, we must recognize that the Apple Watch 9 has improved training for cyclists, incorporating more interesting metrics, and the Fitness+ app. Thus, now it will be easier for you to carry out exhaustive control of your sporting activity.

Health functions

When it comes to measuring health functions, Apple has taken an important leap with the Apple Watch 9. This smartphone has improved some sensors such as the one that measures heart rate or blood oxygen saturation, as well as the capacity to analyze and measure sleep phases. In addition, it is now capable of even recording your mood, placing more emphasis on mental health.

Although, to tell the truth, one of the health aspects where this smartwatch has improved the most is in relation to the control of the female menstrual cycle, to the point that it can calculate ovulation periods. In the case of Garmin, it can measure these parameters, but it does so less accurately. Or, at least, there is less evolution from one model to another than what we see in the case of Apple.

Which smartwatch would I choose?

It depends on what my priority was when choosing, since each one has better performance in a different area. I explain. The Apple Watch 9 is a smartwatch designed to be used at different times of the day, with a more versatile use in that sense. On the other hand, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro is more oriented towards top-level sports performance, but, overall, it does not reach the same level of innovation and technology as the Apple Watch 9.

Basically, and to understand us, it is as if Apple has clearly surpassed Garmin when it comes to design and multifunctionality, whether for athletic people or not. For its part, the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro is a smartwatch that is very worthwhile if what you want is to analyze your sports performance in detail and check your own sports-related achievements.

Therefore, think about how much you usually use your smartwatch. And, above all, think about what you use it for, because the choice between the Apple Watch 9 and the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro will depend on it. Of course, keep in mind that the Apple Watch 9 has a higher price than the Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro, which has been on the market for longer.