Do you own a Garmin Smartwatch? If so, you’re probably wondering if the new Fenix 7 is better than your Epix 2. The Garmin Fenix 7 and the Garmin Epix Gen 2 are both GPS watches that can be used for a variety of activities, from running to hiking to navigation.
However, there are some key differences between the two models. In this article, we’ll compare and review these two watches to help you decide which one is right for you. Both of these watches are extremely popular among Garmin users, so it’s important to know the differences before making a purchase.
Table of Contents
What are the similarities between Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix 2?
Though they may seem different at first glance, the Garmin Fenix 7 (Standard Edition) and the Garmin Epix Gen 2 actually have quite a few similarities. Both watches are designed for outdoor use, with tough cases that can withstand knocks and scrapes. They also both have full color touchscreens, so you can easily view maps and other data.
In terms of navigation, both watches come with GPS and GLONASS support, so you can be sure of getting accurate readings even in difficult conditions. Finally, both watches offer a variety of features that will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, including altimeter, barometer and compass functions.
So if you’re looking for a tough and capable outdoor watch, either the Fenix 7 or the Epix Gen 2 would be a good choice. They similarities are strap material, Physical Size, Display Size, Weight, Internal Memory, Sensors, Daily features, Activities tracking etc.
Garmin Fenix 7 Other Editions:
Garmin Fenix 7 has many editions which offer different features, different display type and different battery life with solar. But Epix (Gen 2) has only one edition. We will only compare with the Fenix 7 Standard edition. You may find differences if you compare with solar and sapphire solar editions. Here are the different editions of Fenix 7:
- Fenix 7 Standard Edition
- Fenix 7 Solar Edition
- Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Edition
- Fenix 7S Standard Edition
- Fenix 7S Solar Edition
- Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar Edition
- Fenix 7X Solar Edition
- Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Edition
Major differences between Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix Gen 2?
The biggest difference is in the display and price. The Fenix 7 has a MIP display, while the Epix Gen 2 has an EMOLED display. The EMOLED display is higher resolution, so it’s easier to see what’s going on. Because of the maximum resolution and display type, Epix Gen 2 has higher price than the Fenix 7 Standard Edition. The price differences is around $200.
The Fenix 7 also has a longer battery life, up to 18 days where Epix 2 has up to 16 days. The Epix Gen 2 has some extra sensors, like an ambient light sensor and a multi-frequency positioning sensor. And finally, the Epix Gen 2 can preload topographical maps, so you can see them even when you’re offline.
Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Epix (Gen 2) | |
---|---|---|
Lens Material | Corning® Gorilla® Glass | Corning® Gorilla® Glass Sapphire Editions: sapphire crystal |
Bezel Material | stainless steel | passivated stainless steel Sapphire Edition: carbon gray DLC titanium or pure titanium |
Case material | fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover | fiber-reinforced polymer with steel rear cover Sapphire Editions: fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover |
QuickFit™ watch band compatible | included (22 mm) | included (22 mm) |
Physical size | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mmFits wrists with the following circumference: Silicone band: 125-208 mm Leather Band: 132-210 mm Fabric Band: 132-210 mm Metal Band: 132-215 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mmFits wrists with the following circumference: Silicone band: 125-208 mm Leather band: 132-210 mm Fabric band: 132-210 mm Metal band: 132-215 mm |
Display Size | 1.3” (33.02 mm) diameter | 1.3” (33.0 mm) diameter |
Display Resolution | 260 x 260 pixels | 416 x 416 pixels |
Display Type | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | AMOLED (always-on) |
Weight | 79 g (case only: 56 g) | 76 g (case only: 53 g) Sapphire Editions: 70 g (case only: 47 g) |
Battery life | Smartwatch: Up to 18 days Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 57 days GPS Only: Up to 57 hours All Satellite Systems: Up to 40 hours All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 10 hours Max Battery GPS: Up to 136 hours Expedition GPS: Up to 40 days | Smartwatch: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on) Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 21 days GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on ) All Satellite Systems: Up to 32 hours (24 hours always-on) Sapphire Editions: All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 20 hours (15 hours always-on) All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 10 hours (9 hours always-on) Max Battery GPS: Up to 75 hours Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days |
Memory/History | 16 GB | 16 GB Sapphire Editions: 32 GB |
Multi-frequency Positioning | No | Yes (Sapphire Editions only) |
Ambient light sensor | ⛔ No | ✅ Yes |
Rest timer | ⛔ No | ✅ Yes |
Preloaded topographical maps | ⛔ No | ✅ Yes (Sapphire Editions only) |
Preloaded road and trail maps | ⛔ No | ✅ Yes (Sapphire Editions only) |
So the key differences are:
- Price
- Display type
- Display Resolution
- Battery Life
- Lens Material
- Bezel Material
- Case Material
- Display Size (Almost same)
- Weight
- Memory
- Multi Frequency Positioning
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Rest Timer
- Preloaded topographical maps
- Preloaded road and trail maps
Why Garmin Fenix 7 is better?

First, the Fenix 7 is less expensive than the Epix 2. Second, it has a longer battery life. Third, if you don’t mind sacrificing resolution, the Fenix 7 is a good choice. So, when deciding between Epix 2 and Fenix 7, keep these things in mind.
Why Epix Gen 2 is better?

The Epix Gen 2 has an EMOLED Always ON display which has a resolution of 416×416. This makes it easier to see in all lighting conditions. Additionally, the Epix Gen 2 has some extra sensors that the Fenix 7 doesn’t include, such as a rest timer for cyclists and a preloaded topographical maps feature. These extra features make the Epix Gen 2 a more versatile and user-friendly watch, making it the better choice for some people.
Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix 2: Features Comparison
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Fenix 7 vs Epix Gen 2 Video Comparison
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Final Thoughts
So, if you are looking for a good quality outdoor smartwatch with all the necessary features and at an affordable price, Garmin Fenix 7 is your best bet. However, if you want a watch with an even higher display quality and some additional features that Fenix 7 doesn’t have, then go for Epix 2. Whichever model you choose, I am sure you will have a great time using it outdoors.
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