The Garmin Fenix 7 is rightly regarded as a top-tier sports watch, possibly the most advanced to date. Naturally, this comes with a hefty price tag. In this Garmin Fenix 7 review, we’ll examine all the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth the cost.
Specifications
| Garmin Fenix 7 | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 42mm, 47mm, or 52mm x 14.5mm |
| Weight | 79 grams |
| Display | 1.3 inch Always-On |
| Resolution | 260 x 260 px (283 ppi) |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB |
| Battery | 350 mAh (~20 days) |
| Sports Modes | 70+ |
The Garmin Fenix 7 is available in various models with slight specification differences. Details on these models are covered later in the review.
Sensors of the Garmin Fenix 7
- Heart rate monitor
- Global Positioning System
- GLONASS
- Galileo
- Barometric altimeter
- Breathing rate (24/7)
- Compass
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Thermometer
- Acclimation pulse oximeter
The Garmin Fenix 7 comes with a comprehensive list of sensors, as expected in this price range. It includes everything imaginable, affirming its status as a sports watch for dedicated athletes. With so many detailed sensors, casual exercisers might find a beginner watch like the Garmin Forerunner sufficient.
Tests show the heart rate monitor, a seemingly basic component, underperforms compared to the Apple Watch or even budget alternatives like the Mi Band 7. The notable weight of the Garmin Fenix 7 contributes to less accurate heart rate readings than some competitors.
The Multiband GPS performs well in tests, offering high accuracy. You can precisely track hiking, running, and cycling routes on the map. Combined with the accurate altimeter and accelerometer, these provide valuable training analysis.
Overall, the Garmin Fenix 7 is highly versatile for sports, packed with sensors, apps, and features to optimally analyze and represent your sports experience.
Design & Display
The design of the Garmin Fenix 7 aligns with Garmin’s expectations: a large, robust watch with multiple buttons for control. The size is necessary to accommodate all functions, making it a bold and noticeable watch rather than a discreet one.
You can personalize your Fenix 7 purchase by customizing case colours and selecting various straps. Personalization can affect the price, with most straps costing extra. Check our range of Garmin Fenix 7 straps, Fenix 7s straps, and Fenix 7x straps for alternatives.
Perfect for the Gym
The Garmin Fenix 7 offers numerous features, making it an ideal sports watch for gym enthusiasts. It includes multiple sensors and sports modes to support your workouts, such as profiles for strength training, HIIT, cardio, cross-training, step aerobics, stair climbing, indoor rowing, Pilates, and yoga.
You can use Garmin’s animated workouts, which guide you through exercises. Yoga, Pilates, cardio, and strength training are conveniently displayed, showing workout duration instantly.
The animated workouts on the Garmin Fenix 7.
With the Garmin Fenix 7, you can determine recovery time, measure VO2-Max, and monitor training load, optimizing your gym sessions. It comes with about 70 sports modes, with more downloadable as needed, ensuring your sport is always covered.
Garmin Fenix 7 Models
|
42mm |
47mm |
52mm |
|
Fenix 7S |
Fenix 7 |
Fenix 7X |
|
Fenix 7S Solar |
Fenix 7 Solar |
Fenix 7X Solar |
|
Fenix 7S Solar Sapphire |
Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire |
Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire |
The Garmin Fenix 7 is available in various sizes and editions. You can opt for the Solar version, which uses solar panels to significantly extend battery life, though it costs more with noticeable benefits. The price varies by model, edition, and customization options.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Garmin Fenix 7 is very impressive, especially considering its extensive features. The larger sizes also have a larger battery. If long battery life is key, the 7 or 7X is better than the 7S. Below is a table of Garmin’s stated battery life.
|
Usage |
Fenix 7S |
Fenix 7 |
Fenix 7X |
|
Smartwatch |
up to 11 days |
up to 18 days |
up to 28 days |
|
With GPS |
up to 37 hours |
up to 57 hours |
up to 89 hours |
|
Battery Saver |
up to 38 days |
up to 57 days |
up to 90 days |
|
Expedition GPS |
up to 26 days |
up to 40 days |
up to 62 days |
With the Garmin Fenix 7 Solar (or Solar Sapphire), you can significantly extend the battery life thanks to integrated solar cells, offering 25% longer endurance than the standard version. Charging is still required but much less frequently. If you’re often outdoors or active, the Solar version is worthwhile.
Garmin Fenix 7 Price
The price of the Garmin Fenix 7 depends on your customization, model, and size. Below is an overview of the base prices, which may vary by colour or strap. Choosing a different colour or strap can increase the price.
|
Standard |
Solar |
Solar Sapphire |
|
|
Fenix 7 |
£699.99 |
£799.99 |
£899.99 |
|
Fenix 7S |
£699.99 |
£799.99 |
£899.99 |
|
Fenix 7X |
£699.99 |
£799.99 |
£899.99 |
Should I Upgrade to a Garmin Fenix 7?
You currently wear a Garmin Fenix 6 and wonder if an upgrade is worth it? In our view, yes—provided you can afford it. The Fenix 7 outperforms the Fenix 6, not just in sensors and features but also in daily use. The new button protection, though an adjustment, is a welcome addition. The interface design feels more refined and operates more smoothly.
Conclusion
The Garmin Fenix 7 is truly the crème de la crème of sports watches. Are you a dedicated athlete, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast? Or do you simply want a quality product? The Garmin Fenix 7 has it all. The price is high, but the delivered product is a highly capable high-end sports watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Garmin Fenix 7 released?
You can identify the model by checking the "About" or "Device Information" section in the watch settings, or by viewing the model details in the Garmin Connect app on your phone. The Garmin Fenix 7 has been available since 18 January 2022 and can be purchased directly from the Garmin website.
Is the Garmin Fenix 7 waterproof?
The Garmin Fenix 7 is waterproof, suitable for swimming and water sports, but not for diving.
Where can I buy a Garmin watch?
You can purchase a Garmin watch from the Garmin website.
How long do Garmin watches last?
Garmin watches are high-quality products, expected to last at least 6 years.
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