The most desired! Garmin Epix 2 Screen: Amoled |
Our favourite! Garmin Fenix 7 Screen: Transflective |
If you are here it is because you are looking for excellence and you are willing to pay for it. A Garmin watch is much more than a simple smartwatch, it is an adventure companion, a tool to improve your sports performance and get to know your body.
But when you browse the Garmin catalog, doubts have begun to arise. A multitude of models that offer similar, although not the same, features that have led you to make comparisons to find out which one is best for you.
You want the latest, right? Well, we are going to introduce you to two of Garmin’s most recent devices: the Garmin Epix 2 and the Garmin Fenix 7, two models that appear to be more different than they really are.
Same functionalities, materials, satellite technology, the main difference lies in the AMOLED screen. Which of the two models will have taken the plunge? Do not miss this comparison to find out.
To make this comparison we have put the Garmin Epix 2 Steel and the standard 47 mm Garmin Fenix 7 face to face.
Garmin Epix 2 vs. Garmin Fenix 7 – Comparison Table
In the following comparative table you will find the main characteristics of each watch broken down and you will be able to convince yourself of how little separates one from the other.
Garmin Epix 2 |
Garmin Fenix 7 |
|
Weight | 76 grams | 79 grams |
Dimensions (Millimeters) | 47x47x14.5 | 47x47x14.5 |
Lens material | Corning Gorilla Glass DX | Corning Gorilla Glass DX |
Bezel material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Shell material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Screen type | AMOLED (Always On) | transflective |
Screen size | 1.3″ | 1.3″ |
Resolution | 416x416px | 260x260px |
Touch screen | Yes | Yes |
Sensors | GPS + GLONASS + GALILEO + Heart rate monitor + barometric altimeter + compass + gyroscope + accelerometer + thermometer + pulse oximetry acclimatization | GPS + GLONASS + GALILEO + Heart rate monitor + barometric altimeter + compass + gyroscope + accelerometer + thermometer + pulse oximetry acclimatization |
Map display | Yes | Yes |
Health Snapshot | Yes | Yes |
Autonomy | 16 days | 18 days |
Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
Compatibility | Android + iPhone | Android + iPhone |
Music storage | Up to 2000 songs | Up to 2000 songs |
Music playback | Yes | Yes |
Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
Design
Have you seen the photographs of the two watches? Now imagine if I suddenly threw them at you and gave you a couple of seconds to tell me which one is which. Complicated, right?
Garmin has decided to continue in the same line as far as image is concerned. Both the Epix 2 and the Fenix 7 have a more conservative and up to a certain point elegant design. The same thing you can take them to do Trail that to a distinguished event.
By looking at the comparative table, you will have seen how both are made of stainless steel, have the same dimensions and are only separated by a couple of grams (the Fenix 7 reaches up to 79 grams). Nothing decisive.
The lens material, Corning Gorilla Glass, ensures resistance for any type of activity in the Epix 2 and Fenix 7.
Everything oscillates around the screen
We have already mentioned it in the introduction. The AMOLED display on one of these watches is pretty much the big difference between the two Garmin models.
In this case, it is the Epix 2 that uses the AMOLED screen, which will offer you the possibility of leaving it always on with the Always On system. The Fenix 7, on the other hand, uses a transflective screen more common in Garmin watches.
But beware! Because the use of an AMOLED screen by the Epix 2 has a consequence that we will reveal later.
Another relevant difference is found in the resolution. While the Fenix 7 offers a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels, the Garmin Epix 2 reaches up to 416 x 416 pixels, which allows it to have a much higher image quality.
Both models have the option of using the screen by touch, although it is an option that you can activate or deactivate to your liking.
Finally, we close this section talking about water resistance. Both the Garmin Epix 2 and the Garmin Fenix 7 have a resistance of 10 ATM, more than enough to enjoy diving or surfing.
Sensors
In terms of performance or options in terms of body monitoring, both watches offer us the same thing.
They have the same sensors integrated and fulfill their mission with the same efficiency. With both the Epix 2 and the Fenix 7 you will be able to have an exact and practical geolocation system, since they go beyond GPS technology by incorporating GLONASS or GALILEO.
In addition, these watches have the ability to perform heart monitoring, measure blood oxygen values, measure stress level or prepare sleep reports among many other functions. Identical in this sense, little more needs to be said.
However, we want to mention a curious function present in the Epix 2 and the Fenix 7 and it is called Health Snapshot. Using this function you will be able to obtain a complete analysis of your state of health thanks to the numbers of records collected.
As for the map display, it is available on both models.
Autonomy: the price to pay for the AMOLED screen
It was clear where the Garmin Epix 2 was going to be affected. An AMOLED screen means more power, but still the Epix 2’s battery life is fantastic.
For example, with normal use, the Fenix 7 reaches 18 days of continuous operation, while the Epix 2 stays at 16 days. If you decided to activate the GPS, the Fenix y will offer you up to 57 hours of use, however the Epix 2 drops to 42 hours.
Therefore, the Garmin Fenix 7 has a greater autonomy than the Garmin Epix 2.
Memory and connectivity
From here, the two Garmin watches are mirrors to each other.
Both have a storage capacity of 16 GB, which is acceptable considering the use for which these types of devices are intended. In terms of connectivity, both the Epix 2 and the Fenix 7 offer bluetooth, ANT + and Wifi connection.
By the way, if that ANT+ thing sounded a bit strange to you, don’t worry. It is a wireless sensor network technology.
Other functions
We have already exposed the features with the most weight when choosing a smart watch, but perhaps these added functions will end up convincing.
The Garmin Epix 2 and Garmin Fenix 7 can store up to 2,000 songs. In addition, they are compatible with both Android and iPhone.
Both Garmin watches are compatible with Garmin Pay technology, to make contactless payments.
AMOLED screen. In favor or oppossing?
The question is focused on this point if you are doubting between the Epix 2 or the Fenix 7. Our opinion in the following.
Taking into account the price of each watch (we are talking about premium-range watches), without a doubt we opted for the Garmin Fenix 7. It is true, its screen is of lower quality, but greater autonomy prevails on these devices. The rest of the specifications are similar, so we are talking about almost the same watch but at a lower price.