Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review
Garmin is adding a Pro version to its 7th series of smartwatches. Alongside the 7, 7X, and 7S, the 7 Pro, 7X Pro, and 7S Pro are now being introduced. In this blog, we’ll explore the battery life, features, performance, and more of the Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Fenix 7 Pro. With various case sizes and multiple versions to consider, we’ll help you determine which suits you best.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Key Specifications
| Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro |
| 163 hours battery with GPS on | 18 days battery life |
| Supports wireless charging | 32 GB internal memory |
| Measures blood oxygen levels | Sapphire glass screen |
| Offers detailed sleep reports | Features a solar battery |
| Supports contactless payments | Includes a wind speed sensor |
| Has a training logbook | Supports GPS map uploads |
Choosing between these similar watches can be challenging to pinpoint what sets them apart. The Fenix 7 Pro is new and outperforms the Fenix 7 in several areas, but the Fenix 7 holds its own against the Fenix 7 Pro.
Read on to discover which one suits you best.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Design and Screen
The design of the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro is highly similar. Both models feature a touchscreen, typical of most smartwatches. During sport mode, the touchscreen is automatically disabled to start and stop your training. Navigate the watch menus using five buttons—three on the left, two on the right. The 7 Pro includes a flashlight, a handy addition.
Both watches have a MIP display, ensuring clear visibility even in direct sunlight. The standard Fenix 7 screen is made of Gorilla Glass, offering strong protection against drops and impacts. Solar edition screens use Power Glass, enabling solar charging.
| Fenix 7 Pro – Solar Series | Fenix 7 - Sapphire Solar Series | |
| Case Size | 42, 47, or 51mm | 42, 47, or 51mm |
| Screen Size | 1.2 inch, 1.3 inch, and 1.4 inch | 1.2 inch, 1.3 inch, and 1.4 inch |
| Screen Material | Standard edition: Power Glass Sapphire edition: Power Sapphire |
Power Sapphire |
With the launch of the new Fenix 7 Pro, Garmin introduces new strap colours like red, cream, and orange. Our range includes many more Fenix 7 straps, which are compatible with the Fenix 7 Pro.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Features
With the release of the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, Garmin has introduced several new features. Among them are two new running features: a hill score, which shows how easily you can run uphill by measuring your running power on steep slopes and endurance, and an endurance score, which indicates how long you can maintain a specific workout intensity using short- and long-term training load data.
Additional activities like motocross and whitewater rafting have been added. The new heart rate sensor enhances activity tracking accuracy. All new Fenix 7 Pro features will later be available for the Fenix 7 via a future software update, after which both watches will offer the same capabilities, eliminating any advantage in this area.
Both smartwatches support Garmin Pay for contactless payments, though not all bank cards are compatible. We previously wrote a blog about this—check it out for compatible banks with your Garmin watch.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Battery Life
| Fenix 7 | Fenix 7 Pro | |
| Maximum Battery Life | 14 days | 18 days |
| Maximum Battery Life with GPS | 46 hours | 73 hours |
The surface area of the mini solar panels on the Garmin 7 increased by 54% from the Garmin 6 to 7. Larger watches last the longest between charges. If battery capacity is a key factor for you, the Fenix 7 Pro is worth considering.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Availability
The Garmin Fenix 7 starts at £499.99, ranging up to £799.99 depending on whether you choose the standard, solar, or sapphire/solar edition. The Fenix 7 Pro is available from £799.99, with the premium version costing £999.99.
| Garmin Fenix 7S | Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Fenix 7X | Garmin Fenix 7S Pro | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro | Garmin Fenix 7X Pro | |
| Solar Glass | £699.00 | £699.00 | Not available | £799.00 | £799.00 | £899.00 |
| Sapphire Solar Glass | £799.00 | £799.00 | £899.00 | £899.00 | £899.00 | £999.00 |
| Titanium Sapphire Solar Glass | £899.00 | £899.00 | £999.00 | £899.00 | £899.00 | £999.00 |
Conclusion
Both watches are well-suited for intense sports like triathlons or marathons, offering good battery life to last several days.
However, there’s a difference: the improved heart rate sensor on the Fenix 7 Pro ensures accurate data collection, and the flashlight is a useful addition. Otherwise, the Fenix 7 Pro doesn’t offer groundbreaking features to justify upgrading from the Fenix 7. To truly convince Garmin users to switch, Garmin needs to introduce more innovative enhancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Sapphire Solar?
The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is an advanced multisport smartwatch on the market. Garmin smartwatches bridge the gap between smartwatches and sports watches.
Can Garmin Handle Saltwater?
If your Garmin watch has been exposed to chlorine, salt, sunscreen, cosmetics, etc., rinse it thoroughly. Exposure to one or more of these substances can damage the casing.
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