In-depth comparison of the new Garmin Epix Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro covering the display differences, battery life, and more between Garmin’s best sportswatches yet.
You can get the Epix Pro here: https://geni.us/GarminEpixPro
You can get the Fenix 7 Pro here: https://geni.us/GarminFenix7-Pro
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Related videos:
Garmin Epix Pro In-Depth Review: https://youtu.be/1AD8XCHc9I8
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro In-Depth Review: https://youtu.be/f0lB_4Kii6o
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37 Comments
Make sure to check out my full in-depth reviews of both these watches!
Garmin Epix Pro Review: https://youtu.be/1AD8XCHc9I8
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: https://youtu.be/f0lB_4Kii6o
In performance kayak community (eg surfski, icf kayak racing, etc) mips screen watch is the only option. You’d place your watch in front of you on the hull + hr strap on you. While on the water epix screen becomes unreadable bc of direct sunlight + black background + dimmed backlight + drops of water. I’ve got both watches and only take Fenix on water.
While the amoled display attracts me a lot because my main use is also maps, I don't think I will switch over. I don't like bright displays and I notice that during night the display can already feel bright to me. I have my fenix 7x for a little over a year, so I won't buy another one soon, I'll wait at least until the next release.
I guess they would also need a handle bar mode on the epix versions before I can even consider an epix. I've read multiple times that the screen goes very dim or off when on handle bars or similar and I do use the watch that way while cycling longer trips (I don't have a bike gps).
I must say I'm curious about the usage of the solar for the backlight on the fenix, that might be a very good option for me.
Epix pro for me! Been wanting the epix but was a but disappointed it missed out on the flashlight feature. Now it's got that feature it's an absolute no brainer! As soon as I've saved up enough I'll be going to get it 🔥
Nice review once again, and a good idea to focus on this specific topic separately.
I much prefer MIP in the sunlight, and in darker environments when night vision is important. I also appreciate a watch display that isn’t distracting.
Does Phoenix's map have no shadow effect? Is the map feature very useful? I'm worried about Instinct 2x.
I have a Fenix 6 and a Epix. You cannot beat the MIP display on the Fenix under the sun. The Epix comes close but not close enough. I still purchased the Epix. Damn you pretty amoled!
Thanks, Des.
Great review! I just ran a race in BRIGHT sunshine and the Amoled on the Epix Pro was perfect for me. Having been a HUGE Fenix fan for many years, I can't see that model even lasting now. The Epix is now the flagship Garmin IMO. The market for the Fenix is going to be so limited going forward – the vast majority never got close to using it's full functionality and bought it because it was "top model" – now it's not.
okey hear me out, i do not recommend an oled dispaly for this type of watches at all….why? because is a daily use, and for exercise you DONT want to be flipping your arm every time you want to see your watch in an intense trail run or marathon, you just want to see your info and not to do those kind of movements EVERY time you want to see your watch info, oled are great ( i have an oled tv, cellphone, switch,) i use everything oled but for an EXERCISE watch i will never ever use an oled, i preffer to see my info 24/7 and have more battery all the way. and add that OLEDS ARE NOT FOREVER, yes they burn (not like in the past) but they do and for a watch that you will be using 24/7 that is a very good point to consider, and they are not good for long use at all, ESPECIALLY in direct sun light!! worst enemy for oleds, so if you are going to use your watch especially for exercise i recommend you the fenix. the epix is more like….ok i look good but not an option for a real sport watch.
I have an Enduro 2 and considering the new Fenix 7X Pro solar. Is the flashlight on new pro as strong as in the Enduro? It is not equal to the Enduro 2 on the Fenix 7 non Pro model. Thanks.
To me the MIP display is just better, I can just glance at my watch to see the time without any gesture (plus I like the way it looks without back-light). With an Amoled I'd have to turn on AOD and walk around with a flashlight on my wrist (and consume more battery).
Epix pro or F965? 🤔🤔🤔
I just wondered why Garmin can't improve the resolution of MIP. I have a epix 2, previously had a Fenix 6 and really liked that specially outdoor. Im sure they could improve the MIP technology. I like the new watch faces on epix pro I hope mine will get some update soon. I was jealous to seeing the flashlight on new epix pro but still happy with my epix 2 . Thanks for good review as usual, regards .
Thanks for the review ! All I wanted as an upgrade for my Fenix 7 was a brighter MIP display and a better HR sensor for weight training, it looks like Garmin could have easily called this the Fenix 8 since those are some of the most important components in a smartwatch. As for the MIP vs AMOLED, I tried both options over time and after the initial wow factor is gone, the MIP is simply much more usable, just glancing at the watch without a gesture is simply natural and a screen continuously emitting light becomes distracting for me and those around me especially indoors where I do spend most of the time.
Looks like the epix for me. Would like the flashlight on it. But the maps have sold me. Thank you for the comparison!
None of both will tick all your boxes. Both have advantages and disadvantages. At the current state of technology, no watch can be build that has unites the best aspects of both watches for every scenario.
You will have to make a choice and accept compromises, unless you buy both (but you'll never wear both at the same time).
My take is that of you're a person with an active lifestyle, go Fenix. If you're more of a fancy-watch-person, or like to have the most bright and shiny stuff available, and occasionally do some sports activities, maybe go Epix.
To me the only real advantage of the Epix might be the map. But then, if I really need a super detailed map, I'll take my phone with a much bigger screen anyway.
At the current state of technology, I chose MIP for my watch.
I returned my Epix Gen 2 before getting the Fenix 7, and never looked back.
To be honest, I still don't understand the main difference between Epix Pro and Fenix Pro besides the bright screen and pixel clarity. Could you please describe what other differences and which watch is better?
Maybe my English is bad and I didn’t understand everything, since I’m from Ukraine, but now I’m trying hard to improve the language. 😁
Hello Brother,
It is good to change from Fenix 7x sapphire solar to Epix pro gen 2 51mm sapphire? I think amoled is easy to read but I do not know in direct sunlight of epix is easy to read or not?
I’m new in Garmins and i would like to buy a new one, im coming from an Apple watch 3, do you suggest me the epix pro 47mm or the fenix pro 47mm ? Ty so much
Thank you for the video! Instead of clicking back to the Homescreen you can touch the touchscreen with you whole hand (cover up the screen) and boom your are at the homescreen again.
What is the difference between the 7s pro and the enduro 2?
Just got the 7x pro SS for $850 on sale
The start of the end for the Fenix..
what is the scale above the altimeter on this watch face: https://youtu.be/ypiQybI64RA?t=737
Been using the Epix for a year. It's a great watch but I've now switched back to MIP with the Fenix 7 pro now and very happy with it. Amoled is awesome when you're looking at your stats sitting on your couch 🙂 but the wrist gesture was a real pain to me when running (and riding !). I find the improved, always on display on the F7 pro fills the gap and is more flexible in all use cases – even if less contrasty and saturated. So I guess I'm not an amoled guy after all 😀
I really hope Garmin can improve the MIP tech. I like a watch to look like a watch. Watch with AMOLED display look like a toy to me. That's why I like Kindle rather than Tablet.
j.adore l’epix mais pour un usage sur un guidon de velo (cartographie) la carte s’estompe trop vite et devient illisible. Donc ca sera f7 pro
why is no one talking about battery capacity? With frequent charging, this will drop to 80% very quickly with such a small battery.
When are they gonna make an actual smart watch?? Phone calls text etc
Epix look so dump with amoled
good review, but so hard to keep up with you talking that fast and going back and forth between these two similar devices…
Fenix for me
Epix Pro 51mm as 11 days always on and proper torch make it a no brainer IMO!! (along with the far superior display)
I was thinking of getting the garnim 955 solar but considering that the fenix 7 SS is on sale and only 100$ more than the 955 solar would it be better go for the fenix 7 SS or the 955 Solar? (I do a lot of section hikes so solar and battery life is important to me)
Very nice review 👍🏼
Hello from France ✌🏻
Did you tested how much time is required to fully charge epix 2 pro vs fenix 7 pro? Does any of them have fast charging?