General about Garmin Fenix 7
have long been known as the absolute best multisport and outdoor watches, and this is no exception with the 7 watches. You get the market's best quality materials and many of the most advanced features you can put in a watch. Including first-class topographic maps, a new stamina calculator - so you can estimate how much energy you have left -, improved GPS, and much more. Of course, you also get the usual training features plus Garmin Pay and Garmin Music.
Garmin Fenix 7 – the different models
It has become standard to have different versions of the Fenix – and Fenix 7 is no exception. The watch is generally available in three different sizes; Fenix 7, Fenix 7S, and Fenix 7X.
- Fenix 7 S is the smallest size, primarily targeted at women. It measures 42 mm in diameter
- Fenix 7 is the “regular” size. It measures 47 mm in diameter.
- Fenix 7X is the large size. It measures 51 mm in diameter and is aimed at those who want a large screen.
Each size also comes in several editions: Standard, Solar, and Sapphire Solar
- Standard is the regular version of Fenix 7. You get all the advanced features of the Fenix 7 watches, except for Multi-Band GPS (discussed later in the article) and preloaded Topo maps (also discussed later). Additionally, you get Garmin's regular Corning Gorilla Glass on the screen.
- Solar edition has the same features and exceptions as Fenix 7 Standard. However, you get a screen with built-in solar panels for solar charging when in sunlight, extending battery life. The watch also comes with other colors on the case.
- Sapphire Solar is the top model. It has all features including Multi-Band GPS and preloaded Topo maps. Additionally, it comes with options for titanium bezel or other colors. Lastly, it has an upgraded screen. Sapphire Solar features both a screen with built-in solar panels and scratch-resistant sapphire glass, which is extremely durable.
New features in Garmin Fenix 7
- Battery life
- Solar + Sapphire
- Design update
- Multi-continent maps and option for direct download
- UP-AHEAD
- Race Pace Predictor Trend
- Stamina
- New optical heart rate monitor
- Tracklog filters
- Walk Detection
- Multi-Band GPS
- New setup via the app
- Flashlight
- Other updates
Battery life
One of the biggest news in Fenix 7 is the improved battery life. All watches in the Fenix 7 series have received solid upgrades. Especially in GPS mode, most runners will notice a significant difference. A Fenix 7 of regular size holds 72% better battery in GPS mode than a Fenix 6.
Sapphire Solar
Another feature that will excite many Fenix fans is the option for both solar panels and sapphire glass. Moreover, all solar panels in Fenix 7 are larger, now covering the entire screen, harvesting more than 300% more solar energy than in Fenix 6 Solar.
Design update
Fenix 7 has undergone several design improvements. The watch maintains its robust style and reliable performance, but there are certain enhancements that make it even more durable, yet also more practical. For example, the watch has a button protector around the start/stop button, the most used button on the watch.
The screen has also been updated. In Fenix 7 there is a touchscreen, making it easier to use the built-in topographic maps. As previously mentioned, the watch also has more solar panels behind the screen. A design improvement not visible to the naked eye, but makes a big difference when using the watch.
Fenix 7 and Fenix 7X have also become thinner than previous versions. The 7 is 0.5 mm thinner and the 7X is 2.1 mm thinner.
Multi-continent maps and option for direct download
On Garmin Fenix 7, if you buy the Sapphire Solar edition, you get a preloaded topographic map with optimized map details over Europe. On all editions, as a new feature, you can download new maps directly to the watch via Wi-Fi. You also get golf and skiview maps, now with cross-country ski trails – both classic and skate.
UP-AHEAD
If you load the route you plan to run before a run or competition, Garmin Fenix 7 with the new feature Up-Ahead, can tell you what's coming up on the route. It can show you when to turn next, when the next water station is, how steep the next hill is, etc.
Race Pace Predictor Trend
On many Garmin models, you get an estimate of how fast you can run 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon. On 7, you now get a trendline showing your current estimate, but also how it looked earlier. You can thus see if your fitness curve is going up, down, or stagnating and use it to evaluate your training.
Stamina
Most who have run or cycled a lot have experienced hitting the wall. With the new “Stamina” feature, gives you a better overview of your energy levels in your various energy systems, so you hopefully avoid burning out too quickly. Here your Fenix 7 watch considers your creatine consumption, anaerobic and aerobic metabolism, giving you an overview of your total energy consumption. You get a clear view of how much you have left in the tank and it calculates how long you can keep running at a given speed.
New optical heart rate monitor
The built-in wrist heart rate monitor in has been revamped. has a new construction, making it even more accurate than previous versions. You still get PulseOx, allowing you to measure blood oxygen saturation, and the monitor can still function underwater. The heart rate monitor is 1.3 mm high.
Tracklog filters
After finishing your run, you can easily get an overview of the trip with the new Tracklog filters. The watch shows your route with different colors, symbolizing your performance during the run. You can choose what to read; whether it should be pace, , altitude, cadence, etc.
Walk detection
Fenix 7 can detect how much you've walked when out on a trail. Even the best trail runners have to walk when hills or mountains are too long and steep. With Walk detection, you get a quick overview of how much you've walked on your trail run or during other activities.
Multi-Band GPS (only on Sapphire Solar)
This might get a bit technical, but what you need to know is that with Multi-Band GPS enabled, you can achieve much better GPS accuracy than before.
Normally, you can enable GPS on the watch. You can typically also enable other satellite systems like Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS, and QZSS. The more you enable, the more precise measurements you typically get.
In the traditional GPS system, two lines have originally been sent; L1 and L2. L1 has been for private consumers (GPS watches, car GPS, etc.), while L2 has been exclusively for the US military.
In 2009, the GPS system launched a new line, L5, which is more precise. When you combine signals from L1 and L5, you get a more precise signal because the receiver in your watch continuously selects the best line. Both Galileo and BeiDou have lines similar to L5, and when combined, you get a more precise and reliable system than before.
New setup via the app
In addition to giving Fenix 7 an exterior design upgrade, also gave Fenix 7 an internal design upgrade. It's easier to set up this for the first time, and as a new feature, you can now change the watch's screen settings and activity profiles in the Garmin Connect app, instead of only being able to change it on the watch. Therefore, you can quickly adjust the watch's settings and appearance to get it exactly how you want it.
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Flashlight
In Fenix 7X, a built-in flashlight is now included in the watch case. It can be turned on with a double press on the light button, ensuring visibility in the dark. It's useful for everyday situations and when running. You can use regular white light or switch to red, and even create strobe light. If you need to signal SOS, the watch can send the signal in Morse code to show you need help.
Other updates
Additionally, Fenix 7 supports wind- and kitesurfing, and has a new training feature for strength training, including AMRAP (As many rounds as possible), EMOM (Every minute on the minute), TABATA, and a custom function.
Garmin Fenix 7 - other features
Garmin has maintained popular features from their other watches. Here are some of the most popular:
Garmin Pay
With Garmin Pay, simply link your payment card to your Fenix 7, allowing you to use it at all contactless payment terminals. Read our article on how Garmin Pay works here: Search for "GARMIN PAY - PAY WITH YOUR WATCH - HOW IT WORKS" in our inspiration universe.
Garmin Music
With Garmin Music, you can listen to music via Spotify or Deezer on your watch, without needing your phone. Download a playlist, connect wireless headphones, and you're off. This feature requires a Spotify Premium or Deezer subscription. In our inspiration universe, find the article "Garmin Music - Spotify - How to do it!"
Barometric pressure and compass
In you also find a 3-axis compass and a barometric altimeter. This way, you can always be sure you have precise info about your position and direction.
Sport profiles
On Fenix 7, you get a wealth of sports features. Including: Running, Trail Running, MTB, Cycling, Triathlon, Fitness, Strength Training, Sailing, Golf, Swimming, Ski, Snowboard, Cross-country skiing, Rowing, Outdoor, Hiking, Climbing, Tactical, and more.
Additionally, Fenix 7 includes Kite- and Windsurfing and the ability to perform HIIT, including AMRAP (as many rounds as possible), EMOM (every minute on the minute).
Activity tracking and smart notifications
functions as a smartwatch tracking all essential data, giving you precise insight into your current state. Fenix 7 measures stress levels, steps, heart rate, calories, and sleep quality. With the new optical heart rate monitor, these data are even more accurate than before.
On Garmin Fenix 7, you can also view notifications from your smartphone, such as calls, messages, emails. You can also receive notifications from social media, weather alerts, traffic warnings, calendar reminders, and much more. All this can be turned off, and the watch can be set to "Do Not Disturb" if you need full attention on something.
Garmin Epix
Along with Fenix 7,
is also released. Garmin Epix shares the same features as Fenix 7. The difference lies in the screen. Instead of solar panels, Garmin Epix features an Amoled screen, sharper than the one in Fenix 7.
has additional updates.
