Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Epix Gen 2 vs Garmin Fenix 6
New: Garmin Fenix 8
Garmin has released the Garmin Fenix 8. As a result, the older models are less readily available. The Fenix 8 is more powerful, has more functions, and is available in 3 sizes.
Comparison Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Epix Gen 2, and Garmin Fenix 6
Comparison Garmin watches
Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Epix Gen 2 | Garmin Fenix 6 | |
---|---|---|---|
Screen type | OLED touchscreen | AMOLED Always On touchscreen | OLED, no touchscreen |
Battery life | Up to 18 days | Up to 16 days | Up to 14 days |
Maps | Download extra maps | Download extra maps | Preset maps |
Performance readings | Real-Time Stamina | Real-Time Stamina | No Real-Time Stamina |
Health measurements | Optical heart rate technology | Optical heart rate technology | Optical heart rate technology, older version |
Sizes | 42mm | 47mm | 51mm | 47mm | 42mm | 47mm | 51mm |
Screen type
Fenix 7: OLED touchscreen
You can control the Garmin Fenix 7 with the touchscreen. That way, you can easily select all functions on your watch. You can also still use the buttons on the side to use the smartwatch. On the OLED screen, the colors look vibrant.
Fenix 6: OLED without touchscreen
The Fenix 6 doesn't have a touchscreen, unlike its predecessors. You can control this watch via the buttons on the side. The Fenix 6 has an OLED screen, which shows bright colors.
Battery life
Fenix 7: up to 18 days
The Fenix 7 lasts a lot longer than the Fenix 6, without sacrificing functions. In GPS mode, the Fenix lasts at least 2 days or up to 57 hours. Do you want to go on a long hike? Put the watch in expedition mode. In this energy-saving mode, the watch lasts up to 40 days. The Fenix 7 series also has a solar version. These watches lasts longer, because you can charge them via solar cells.
Epix 2 Gen 2: up to 16 days
The Epix lasts up to 16 days, which isn't as long as the Fenix 7. It's still pretty long, especially for a watch with an AMOLED display. With the GPS mode, the watch lasts up to 42 hours. The watch lasts less long if you use the Always On function. It also depends on how bright your screen is.
Fenix 6: up to 14 days
You can use the Fenix 6 for up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. The Fenix 6 also has an expedition mode, which allows you to use it up to 28 days. The Garmin Fenix 6 has a solar version, just like the Fenix 7. The watch charges itself via solar cells on the bezel. This improves the battery life of the Garmin watch.
Maps
Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2: download maps
You can download extra maps and store them on your Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2. You can download maps from all over the world via TopoActive maps. That's useful if you want to make a long trip. You can see all sorts of useful geographical features on the maps, like height, mountain tops, and coastal lines. With the Up Ahead function, you can see waypoints on your route so you know where to go.
Fenix 6: preset maps
On the Garmin Fenix 6, there are several maps set up. For example, there are topographical maps so you always know where you are during a hike. You can't see the map on the watch itself, but you do see the directions. This way, you can use the Fenix 6 to navigate to your destination.
Sports and performance readings
Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2: Real-Time Stamina and HIIT
The Fenix 7 and the Epix Gen 2 mostly have the same functions. For example, you can keep track of your efforts with the Real-Time Stamina function. This allows you to get an insight into how your stamina changes during workouts or other activities. You can see your energy level, for example. This way, you don't overexert yourself at the start of a marathon. The Fenix 7 also has many activity profiles, like HIIT workouts. Set up a few rounds yourself and create a workout that suits you.
Fenix 6: VO2 max and PacePro
The Fenix 6 doesn't have Real-Time Stamina or HIIT in the sports profile. You do get an insight in your stamina with the VO2 function. This measures how much oxygen you can take in. If you can take in more oxygen, you can work out at a higher intensity. Use the PacePro function to determine your speed while you walk. It'll tell you what your pace is. This way, you know if you need to step it up or can take it easy. The Fenix 7 and Epix have these functions as well.
Health reading
Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2: newest generation heart rate sensor
The Fenix 7 and Gen 2 have the newest optical heart rate technology. This allows you to keep track of your heart rate and your health more accurately. You can measure the intensity of your activity and heart rate variability, for example. This allows you to see your stress level. It even measures your heart rate under water, so you can keep track of your health while you swim. In addition, you'll get an insight into your health with the Body Battery, pedometer, sleep function, and oxygen intake.
Fenix 6: Body Battery and Energy Monitoring
The Fenix 6 doesn't have the latest heart rate sensor, so it's a bit less accurate. You can still keep track of your health with this watch. You can measure your stress level and keep track of your sleep, for example. Use the Body Battery to get an insight into your energy level. This way, you know when to take it easy and when you can work out again.
Sizes
Fenix 7: 3 sizes
The Fenix 7 series is available in 3 sizes and in solar versions. The Fenix 7S has a 42mm watch case, which makes it suitable for a wrist circumference of 17 to 19cm. The solar version has the same size. The Fenix 7 is available with a 47mm watch case. This makes it a large watch. The screen is 1.3 inches. The largest version is the 7X, with a 1.4-inch screen. This watch has a 51mm watch case, so it's suitable for a wrist circumference of 18 to 22cm.
Epix Gen 2: 1 size
The Epix Gen 2 is available in 1 size with a watch case of 47mm. This watch is large, so it's best suited for wrist circumferences of 18 to 22cm. Do you have a smaller wrist? Choose the regular or S version of the Fenix 7 or 6 series. The screen of the Epix is 1.3 inches.
Fenix 6: 3 sizes
The Fenix 6 is available in 3 sizes. The 6S is the smallest, with a 1.2-inch screen and a 42mm watch case. It's suitable for smaller wrists. The Fenix 6 is medium-sized, with a larger 1.3-inch screen. This watch is suitable for a wrist circumference of 18 to 22cm. The watch case is 47mm. The largest version is the Fenix 6X, which is only available in a Pro version. This one has more storage and a longer battery life. The watch is relatively large, with a 51mm watch case
Conclusion
The Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix Gen 2 are very similar, they only differ in screen type. The Epix has an AMOLED screen, so the battery doesn't last as long as the Fenix 7. All 3 watches have many activity profiles and advanced health readings. You can always accurately keep track of your performance. The Fenix 7 and Epix also measure your stamina with the Real-Time Stamina function. With the Fenix 7 and Epix, you're better prepared for a trip because you can download your own specific maps on the watch.