Garmin Epix (Gen 2) vs Fenix 7 | Which should you buy?
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- Garmin launched a slew of new watches for 2022, but two of the leading models are the new Fenix 7 and Epix (Gen 2). But which of the two should you go for? Cam runs over the differences in this video.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Styles and models
01:38 - Design
02:44 - Displays
04:30 - Battery
05:31 - Health, features, tracking and performance
06:24 - Verdict
07:19 - Bye!
Shot, presented and edited by Cam Bunton
Twitter: / cambunton
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I've had my share of Garmin watches, the Fenix 5s, Fenix 5, Fenix 6x solar, Fenix 6 Sapphire, Epix 2 and just ordered the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar - my personal preference. All of them were awesome and still work really well. Most I just gave away to folks like myself who would benefit from a device like this. The Epix 2 has been awesome - the only one I have right now! This is my daily driver and can keep up with a busy week, if you keep a small battery pack and cable you can take this on any hike or outdoor activity along side your basic map. Battery life doesn't matter because any one of these will last a week on its own with a couple hours of satellite usage. Let's face it, having a GPS device with on board maps of the world will have you more focused on enjoying the great outdoors plus piece of mind in unfamiliar territories. This watch has gotten me out of sticky situations more than once. The Epix 2 is a nice balance and is easy on the eyes, charge once a week with always on is not much to ask given that we charge our smartphones almost everyday. You want battery life- Fenix 7 Solar all the way.....
A presentation very well done.
You clarified exactly what I needed! Cheers
Great review. I bought Epix 2 and have zero regrets. I ran a half marathon this weekend and screen was beautiful and easy to see. Also, with gestures battery will last for about 2 weeks depending on GPS usage.
Have you owned in the past any of the Garmin other type of screen? I can't decide right now, it seems the Fenix may be better when in bright conditions, but not sure...
@@alexdubois6585 Same headache here... Can't choose between both.
if you are a runner the 965 is the better watch for that kind of training
For my needs I would pick Epix 2 . I’m using as golf range finder watch functionality and brighter details on the screen will help me easier to look at the data .
Thank you for the great review!
Solar or AMOLED?! DAM YOU GARMIN, JUST DO BOTH!!!!
I don't believe amoled is compatible with the type of solar Garmin uses for their watches
Yes this is crazy 😔
why do reviewer insist in not comparing the same maps during this segment. These views are from different locations at different zoom levels so it’s impossible to compare apples for apples.
I went with the Fenix 7 Solar. For me, battery life is more important than a pretty screen. No regrets either, it has been incredible. I've been getting about 3 weeks per charge- even in winter with limited sun. I'm looking forward to summer when I am outside all day because I will be getting lots of sun and I want to see what it will really do!
Right!!
I agree, charging every 12 days is such a chore.@@konradkarczewski6030
Battery life 2 weeks with a nicer screen, Epix for the win
You did the right thing. The epix no good for running. You can't see the numbers in high sunshine, you have to get the right angle. I don't want a physics project, I just want to see my times and distance easily. So I returned the epix for the fenix 7 solar i hope this will be better.
Excellent review! Thank you!
Thanks man. That actually helped me make a decision
Wow, just by the looks of the maps shown here in this comparison, I will go for the epix. Even on long multiday treks with lots of satellite services on, a proper powerbank can keep me save I guess.
I'm based in Colwyn Bay, noticed you were running local to me. Just bought a Fenix 7. Thanks for the heads up.
Both, but it’s the 6 Pro for me from a deal, for when I know it’ll be sunny (ski, vacation in Spain). Epix for days predominantly in the dark (office). Also, two colors to match attire.
Great video! I’ll be getting a Fenix 7. I have no issue reading the screen of my Instinct Solar so the AMOLED tech would be lost on me
Great video, this is the first time that I can really observe the details of the epix and see the differences with the fenix. Thanks a lot ! Since I bought the epix and I can confirm that its screen is super comfortable.
Question: where did you find the watchface mark / expedition that we see on your epix? I find it cool!
Thank you 😉
I like the Fenix but I live in the north with long dark winters. I'm scared ill be trying to figure out whats on the screen constantly.
Fancy screen is fun for the first few weeks - in the long run just want a solid watch that does not need to be charged often - went with Fenix 7 but I do wish they could get more out of the screen technolgy they use in it
How is it outside in bright sunlight, or while you swim (if you do)? thanks...
@@alexdubois6585 I've got the Fenix 7x Solar, it's perfect outside in the sun, and anywhere else really. The battery, ahhhh, the battery, it feels like it never dies! Love this watch!
"Wish they could get more out of the screen technology they use in it" --- They do........ Wait for it..... It is called the EPIX 2. Same GPS with better screen Doh..
Good review. Is that a stock watchface on the epix? The one that says expedition
I went with a Fenix 7s because I have a tiny wrist, but if the Epix came in a smaller footprint that’s what I would’ve gone for.
I wish they could say like, Epix for city runs up to hm and fenix for long runs in trail… from this video the only thing difference is how well you see the screen 🙃. I dont know, maybe fenix for ultra and epix for asphalt marathon.
Good grief I'm so torn. I really like that LED light option on the F7x, along with the battery life of course. But that AMOLED display looks beautiful on the Epix 2.
I agree the LED light is really a nice feature, also there is a "light" via bright display of white bands on the EPIX.
will be using it for golf also so i assume the epix Gen 2 would be a better display for it ? trying to decide between the two plus also the Garmin Approach s70....your thoughts ? want an all in one watch... that i can wear for every occasion ....cheers from Canada
I just bought the apix gen 2 cuz it was 387 all in for a brand new one. I love it
hello is it possible to swap background colors of the epix 2 like it is in the fenix 7?
Thank you, great review. I would go with the Fenix 7 for the better battery life
Solar does sod all. I had mine in bright sunshine all day and it increased battery by 1%.
I’ve had the denim 735xt for years and I want one of these but I don’t know which one I want
I like the Epix looks way much better and brighter. Thinking about getting the Apple Watch Ultra and a Garmin to see how I like it. See which one I like better I was going to get fenix 7x what just happened to come across your video tonight and the Epix 2 I like it because it seems like the screen is more brighter and you’re able to read it better, so hopefully I’m not losing anything if I don’t get the fenix 7X lol
I like the Epix display, but I like the 7X solar size and battery. I'm not really sure yet. I properly go for the Epix due to the display. After having a smartwatch I'm not sure I would like the display in the 7X.
I loved my fenix 5 plus, but want to upgrade. The samsung watch just doesn't do it for me for training.
I've got the Fenix 7X Solar, great screen and I really wasn't looking for the fancy look and the battery is just so solid! You can go over a month without charging sometimes.
I got the same one and loving it. I like how u can see the screen even without the back light
We are back country canoeing and camping for up to a week. Will always bring a small powerbank. The screen is a pain on the Fenix, a quick glance is often not possible. I'm sure the Fenix 8 will have the amoled. But for now it's the Epix.
could anyone recommend me which i should choose between 7x and the epix i dont know which one is better or whats the difference.
I just got the Fenix 7x sapphire solar. Night and day compare to both featured.
On the maps you had the fenix on 500m and the epix on 300m.
I bought Epix2 ☝️ once seen Epix2 never go back dot matrix screen
I just got the Fenix 7 and love the look. Wish you could get the same silver bezel with solar and not sapphire. If I'm spending the money I want the watch to look the way I want 🤷
Me also i want silver with solar
I went with the 7X Sapphire Solar Mineral Blue. I am impatiently waiting for it to be delivered. Battery mattered to me most. I have a phone for a sharp screen if I need it.
@Coach Lee Show I received a message from Garmin saying they were back-ordered a few months so I canceled my order and purchased a New Fenix 6X Pro off amazon for half the price and have no regrets.
Fenix 7 Solar, no doubt about it
I got both Epix for everyday use adn Fenix for anything outdoors
Yeah, right? Epix at 100% will last 30hrs, but how likely is it you have it always charged close to that.
Nice and brief, to me we live in a world full of colors and high tech, I don’t think I can have a cellphone with 60Mil colors and a wrest watch with only 64 colors especially with $700 starting price. If I am getting one I would go with the Epix don’t you agree?
I think 65,000 different colors (epix) on display can show way more details than 65 different colors (fenix). If you are doing it for the maps, seeing the maps in more detail is worth it.
I wish the Epix had both solar and sapphire. Having to pause on the move to squint and see the Fenix screen is a pain.
Amoled plus solar please!!
Fenix FTW!
Not an easy choice !! Ideally would need to test them both for a day !
Easy choice I have the Epix.
Are you good with battery life?
@@betopicotto yep 6 days with everything on and an hours gps a day.
What is the map quality like? I use 1:25k in Lake District UK. How would map quality be on the Epix?
I like Garmin round dials, but am no sports pro. Which one should I go for killer garmin looks without spending too much.
It might be worth looking around for an older model like the Fenix 6. They’re pretty heavily discounted these days, look similar and still do a lot of the same sports tracking (if you decide to use those features)
Epix with ABSOLUTELY zero regrets !!!
whats the difference between the 7x sapphire and the epix?
@@vincecool72 seriously? Watch the video
@@seekdiscomfort4746 your profile says be ”be nice to others” but your behaving is different
For those who are bot familiar with models, maybe mark which one is which?!!
I am an Apple Watch user and I am very tempted by either Fenix 7 or Epix 2... it seems to be a huge difference in the maps display between Fenix 7 and Epix 2, right? Also, from this video, the processor does not seem to be very quick to process and refresh maps... I am right? The Apple Watch S5 (an old version now) using WorkOutDoors can navigate maps much faster...
Unless you're active (working out daily and across multiple sportss) then it's not worth it. The Fenix/Epix aren't smartwatches, they have very limited phone connectivity, you cant check emails or reply, or make calls. They are solely designed for sports.
My wife had the apple watch and switched to garmin and never looked back. The fenix and epix both offer garmin pay, if you are more athletic and play sports you wont regret the switch.
I got the 7X sapphire solar for the battery and solar (and the flashlight). I really prefer the amoled display in the Epix 2, but I need battery life…😑
The epix 2 last for 1 week
I'd go with the Epix. I have a Venu 2 Plus and love the display. I also have the Vivoactive 4 for longer battery life.
I just wish it'd come in the larger size.
@@enkrypt3d Update: I returned the Venu 2 Plus. Software not baked well enough. The speaker/mic are not even close to the Apple watch. Turns out I actually prefer the luminescent display over the AMOLED display. It is easier to view in the daytime sunlight and doesn't consume as much battery. The Epix 2 is 1.3" and the largest Fenix 7 is 1.4". Not a big difference IMHO.
@@bilbothejust the 7x is the big one
Hey Bill ! Did you see any screen burn in issues with your venu 2 plus? Concerned that garmin is stll relatively young with their amoled watches and i do know that this issue plagued the first venu.. Have heard that epix uses the same screen tech as venu 2 series.. so was curious..
@@saurabhdwivedi3566 I didn't have Venu long enough to notice if there was any screen burn in. I still prefer the luminescent display though. I only have the VIvoactive 4 and an Apple watch now.
The map bit is a bit misleading. You can clearly download maps with much higher detail on the Fenix 7 too, right on the watch. You make it seem like this is all the map detail you’re going to get.
It’s more about the screen resolution. The Epix will show more of the detail.
So the map detail can be the same except for the lower resolution? It seems to me even the lower resolution on the Fenix should be enough to show the detail we see in the video on the epix. Then I think I would go for the Fenix because the low detail map in the video was the only real disadvantage to me.
@@tobiaskpunkt3595 The "problem" with Fenix 7 is that resolution of its screen is only 60% of resolution of Epix 2 screen, so, when you have the same size of map on both screens, Fenix 7 shows less details, compared to Epix 2.
When you zoom in on Fenix 7, you will get the same details as Epix 2 shows, but now you will see less of a map, and when you zoom in Epix 2 to see the same amount of map (as on now zoomed in screen of Fenix 7) you will again see more details on Epix 2 screen.
Am I the only one who want amoled with solar ring?
I'm loving the fancy display I've a Fenix 6 pro and the maps are slow and not always easy to use. I've yet to see a reviewer say if the map drawing is faster in these new models. I'm assuming that they must be!
Map draw speeds are great on 7's and Epix. Plus you get touch.
From the reviews I've watched mapping is much better in general on this generation. My Fenix 6 is great for "at a glance" determining where I am, or routing me to something nearby, but if I where trying to view the next town over, or a couple towns away the actual proces of holding a button, waiting for the map to draw, holding a button, so on is incredibly tedious.
7 for sure
its not even worth upgrading from the Fenix 6 to the 7, very disappointed in Garmin for this not one feature makes me want to have other then the flashlight lol and don't even wear the X models :( disappointing just needed to express my frustration. great video though
If you are a runner? Forget the Epix. If you are a hiker or a walker or some other activity it will be fine. Out running in bright sunshine you can't see the numbers you have to get the right angle. Because it is amoled display you only get a black background available. Runners be warned!! Cyclists too, have same issue.
Perhaps time to switch from my 6x sapphire to the Epix 2, I like bright displays and touch screen, but toys like the apple watch that depend on the phone and run out of juice in less than a day were out of the question.
Big sale on Epix 2 now if you skip the Pro . Same thing without the flashlight.
Which do you prefer Cam?
I have epix titanium gen2 best smartwatch type I've had expensive and smartwatch don't hold value like a rolex or tag so a 1000 pound watch will end up a 100 pound watch if u lucky
I wish the Epix 2 was bigger as the Fenix 7X is,!! with that bright screen that would be a full package for me ;)
Agreed . In the same boat . Want a 51 but with epix screen . Hence will go with 7x SS or the solar
I think 99% of people will be happier with the Epix. I currently have the Fenix 5 plus and I'm lucky if I get a week of battery life out of it anyways.
Really? I get a solid 2.5 - 3 weeks out of mine
why 99%?
@@leszekwnuk5020 I say 99% because IMO most people would rather have the better OLED screen of the Epix versus the 1% who prioritize, or need, a longer battery life. I mean look at everyone with their Apple watches that barely last 24 hours, and you don't see them complaining about having to charge their watch every day.
I dude , 7 solar sapphire o epix 2 sapphire. 7 more batery ans better vision under the sun. Epix amazing screen!!
Disappointed with the Epix. A screen like that calls for a data-rich watchface. But data-rich watchfaces will be shut down and replaced with a much stripped-down version until reactivated by gesture. This is also the case in always-on mode! And a data-rich watchface takes even more time to display with gesture mode than a standard watchface.
So, the Epix only works +/- fine with standard watchfaces, but then you don't have fancy things that you can have with custom watchfaces.
It's like... having a Ferrari in the garage, but not being able to drive it, because you can't afford the fuel. Or something like that...
During activity, when the sreen is really always on, it's great. But in general smart-watch use, it's not cutting it for me. I like to be able to glance at all the data on a watchface from any angle, without having to raise my wrist. I thought it was a matter of getting used to, but I didn't, unfortunately.
Thanks for this reply. I hadn’t quite realize that and was close to getting an Epix. I think I’ll go with a Fenix 7 for that reason. My wife has a Venu 2 and I’m jealous of her screen (I have VA3) but what I love is being in the car or working at my desk and I can see all my data fields with just a glance. Having to flick my wrist up to see them seems well a bit pointless and not really always on.
I also heard the display doesn’t get dim enough on the Epix. Meaning it can be distracting when on when in the dark. I watch a lot of movies like that so another reason to go with Fenix.
I do wish for $700+ they had a reflective display with a bit more colors and higher pixel density. That would honestly be the best of everything.
your comment is very helpful! I am the same type of data-rich lover, and the display logic you explained for Epix will drive me crazy.
Does the Amoled display dim after some time? Does it show different content? I tried the Venu Plus 2, and I didn't like that it dimmed the screen after a few seconds, and showed a simplified watch face.
yep, same on epix :(
Due to this I skipped epix 2 . What is the use of that screen when it shuts out lol
Just got the epix 2 for $325 off ebay
I like the Pheonix. The E-pix is too much for me.
I wish epix 2 had smaller size
So the Epix 2 has a more detailed map?
Maps are equally detailed on both watches, but Epix 2 has twice better resolution, so it will show the same map with more details.
For example, on the same magnification you will be able to observe finer details (a creek or a trail) on Epix 2, while you will have to zoom in on Fenix 7 to see it.
Had both the 7x and epix. Don’t buy into the epix hype. It’s getting pumped up to much. The 7x is the better watch for me. I actually prefer the 7x screen.
Is the maps really that bad on the fenix 7x as majority of reviews say it is?
@@ibby81ae the epix is bullshit. I absolutely hated the epix’s screen and it’s size wasn’t for me. Feels like a gimmick toy on your wrist. The people who buy the epix don’t use maps and if they do the battery doesn’t last to use it that much. I like the screen on the 7x better, looks better to me honestly. The 7x is perfection. If someone uses maps as a reason they are just trying to justify their purchase to me.
I’ve currently got a fenix 6s and an Apple Watch 6. Thinking of selling both and getting the fenix 7… or Epix🤷🏻
how much thicker is the fenix than the apple watch. I've been eyeing a Fenix but it looks super thick
@@joshdavis2836 it’s thicker by a couple of millimetres, I would say.
I don't care about shiny screen, I care more about max battery life so I got Fenix 7 Solar
Had the Epix and changed to 7 Solar and happy with it.
@@foetor interesting...Why did you change? Battery life?
@@foetor what made you change? I like the looks of the epix for general visibility, but I don’t really like the attention an amoled display gets when wearing one in dim light. I remember being out for dinner & the waiter was wearing one- I found it kinda distracting! I’d imagine the display would be a much easier read during workouts, though. I think I’d use the flashlight on the Fenix & the battery life would be handy when camping. I travel a bit, so one less charger is always a good thing too!! UV exposure when on hols (or in summer, even in Ireland lately!) is interesting too… Decisions decisions!!
@@kaliw4998 fantastic reply and this is one of the main reasons I really dislike the AMOLED display options for any smart watch. It's SO much easier to be discreet and just use your watch with the reflective screen technology. I hate being at a movie (or a dinner as you've said) and seeing the light glowing off my watch just to display the time. You can see this at night as well when in bed. No thanks!
@@kaliw4998 Yeah sure....your waiter was wearing a $1,000 Garmin multi-sport watch. Where was he waiting at? The Whitehouse?
I love the epix… but do I want to Pay that much more :-(
Fenix 100%
I think This was inaccurate!!!!!
The always on feature can be turned on for both watches - and in the same way can be turned off for both.
The Epix has the same amount of battery power as the fenix 7
Lol??? Where do you get your info? 😆 🤣 😂
@@seekdiscomfort4746 lmaooo I think I must have been sleep walking when I wrote that because it is NOT true ^
Well.. will go with AMOLED! Lol
This is ridicules, fancy screen is a complete turn off... I need battery on my run/hike, not contrast and uber nice colours on 30+km
Who cares about battery life i would charge the epix every 2-3 days if i had to. it looks the business. the screen is clear as day or have a dim looking watch in the fenix 7x no sun in the uk to charge it anyway so its pointless 🤣
Actually fenix 7 performs better under the sun with tests. In some tests even with amoled screen you could barely see epix while you clearly saw fenix. The more i watch this review the more i lean towards fenix. I think if you go for epix you are not much into sports etc so its waste of money. But if your buisness is sports and activity and not fancy colors then fenix is the deal.
I think Fenix is more for type of people that also go for travels and adventures like hiking, or biking or something else idk. That needs long battery and solar charge.
@@Stockfish1511 Fenix 7 display or any transflective display without sunlight is trash.
@@votdfak tbh after more research i did buy epix and dont regret it. The screen of fenix is not that great without sunlight.
@@Stockfish1511 I did too, Epix Ti White, and it is awesome, proper replacement for my AW6 Stainless Steel.
Comparing the epix to fenix is like a girl wearing a bikini in fenix 7 🤓 and a girl completely naked in the epix 2 🙂 wich one will you be looking at 🤔
First