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Garmin fenix 7S/7/7X Pro | Everything You Want to Know and More!

We answer all your questions! 2023 Garmin fēnix 7 Pro multisport GPS watch featuring new training tools & LED flashlight—plus unbeatable solar battery life.

With solar-power and an LED flashlight on every smartwatch in the Garmin fēnix® 7 Pro lineup, you’ll be unstoppable wherever you go, whenever you want.

New running and fitness features give you greater personal insight into your effort and progress.

And, of course, this advanced GPS outdoor watch is maxed out with Garmin’s deep feature set of health-monitoring, sports activity profile, training tools, top-notch navigation, and smart features.

In this article, we’re answering all your questions about the fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro, so you’ll know if it’s the right Garmin watch for what you want to do better!

When did this Garmin Watch come out?

On May 31, 2023, Garmin released the fēnix 7 Pro series of watches

If you’re serious about running, training, fitness, or outdoor adventure—this Garmin GPS watch was created to help you do more of what you love.

What’s the difference between fēnix 7 and the fēnix 7 Pro?

So, what’s new on the 2023 Garmin fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro (see image below) premium multisport watch?

  • With the previous fēnix 7 series, only the 7X had a flashlight. The built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes gives you greater awareness of your surroundings while you train at night and provides convenient illumination when you need it. And now it’s available on every fēnix 7 Pro size and model.
  • In the previous Garmin fēnix 7 lineup, the standard models for the 7S and 7  were not solar-powered. Now, every watch in the fēnix 7 Pro family of advanced multisport GPS watches features solar-charging technology.
  • To enhance your training, this running watch includes the new Hill Score feature that measures your running strength and endurance during ascents and gauges your progress over time.
  • Additionally, the new Endurance Score feature combines training data from all your athletic pursuits to help you understand how training impacts your overall endurance.
  • Next-generation MIP display: Redesigned pixels, backlight and solar panel improve indoor readability, providing increased brightness, power efficiency and adaptability to different lighting conditionsall without sacrificing the exceptional sunlight performance of the MIP display. 
  • Heart rate sensor: Enhanced optical sensors and sport-specific algorithms offer improved performance tracking for a wider variety of activities, making it easier to gain a better understanding into how the body is responding to exercise.
  • Up Ahead: View certain running POI (point of interest) checkpoints, like aid stations, right on a map to get a better understanding of what’s ahead.
  • Weather map overlays: More easily view upcoming weather conditions.
  • Relief shading: Quickly read topographic maps for glanceable awareness.
  • Additional preloaded activities: Whitewater rafting, motocross, overlanding and dozens of other new activities help users stay active.

Gold Garmin fenix 7S Pro Solar premium multisport GPS smartwatch with new hill score feature on the display

What’s the difference between epix Pro (Gen 2) and the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro premium multisport watches?

Because it’s made with maximum durability in mind, the fēnix 7 Pro puts a bit more bulk on your wrist. While it still has a sleek design, the fēnix lineup will weigh a bit more. 

But the biggest difference is the eye-catching AMOLED display on the Garmin epix Pro 2 series, followed by battery life. The entire Garmin fēnix 7 Pro series offers built-in solar-charging technology, so you can go a lot longer between charges.

Check out preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide; use TopoActive maps to keep your explorations on track, and never miss a turn with Up Ahead navigation prompts.

Should I get a fēnix 7 Pro or a new Garmin Approach S70 golf watch?

If you are a golfer looking for a top-shelf multiport watch or an athletic type looking for some first class golfing features—you may find yourself in a conundrum about which new Garmin watch to get:

Garmin Approach S70 vs fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro?

To break it down quickly, if you get any new fēnix 7 Pro Solar or Sapphire Solar, you're going to get all of the golf features that you get on the new Approach S70, EXCEPT Swing Temp. That's right! You get all of Garmin's best golf features on all of the 2023 fēnix 7 sport GPS watches—and with any new epix Pro, for that matter. This includes Virtual Caddie, Green View, PlaysLike Distance—and all the basics! You'll get a veritable golf watch in your workout watch!

However, with the new Garmin fēnix line, you won't get the bright AMOLED display that comes on the S70.

If you choose the Garmin Approach S70, you should know that you'll only get about half the training tool that the fēnix 7 is. You'll have all of Garmin's top activity and health tracking, as well as smart features. You'll have excellent sport profiles. You'll even have Training Status, Training Load, and PacePro. While you will have some Swimming features, you will not have any advanced Cycling features.

You will not have Training Readiness, Realtime Stamina, Endurance Score, Daily Suggested Workouts, Running Power, Performance Condition, Hill Score, or Grade-Adjusted Pace. And—here's a biggie—you won't have any navigation. No topo maps. Not even a bread crumb trail.

You also won't get the LED flashlight on the S70.

Check out this page for a full Garmin Approach S70 vs fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro series vs epix Pro (Gen 2) series comparison.

Which is better, Garmin fēnix 7 Pro or epix Pro 2?

These high-performance Garmin watches have a very similar deep feature set and many users would be beyond pleased with either. BUT there are some key differences that make them completely different experiences for some people. 

The biggest is battery life. Initially, when we sold the first epix (Gen 2), there were a few who bought it for the AMOLED display, but exchanged it for a fēnix 7, because they trained with and used their watches 24/7, and they expected to go several days to weeks before having to charge it.

However, there are some who don’t put an extreme drain on their watch and who really value that stunning AMOLED. It really is an amazing look on the wrist.

It all comes down to the user.  

White and silver Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) multisport GPS smarwatch with HRV status report on the watch face

Is the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Solar a touchscreen GPS watch?

Yes, all of the fēnix 7 Pros—7S, 7, 7X, Solar and Sapphire Solar editions—have a color touchscreen. These Garmin watches also have traditional 5-button operation for when that’s a more optimal way to navigate your watch—like during rain, with gloves on, or when it’s not convenient to look down at your watch. 

Can I wear this Garmin Watch in the shower?

Yes, you can! The new fēnix 7 Pro series has a water rating of 10 ATM. This means it can withstand pressure at a depth of 100 meters. Plus, it can take splashes, rain, snow, showering, swimming, diving, and snorkeling. 

Is the fēnix 7 Pro Solar series military grade?

Yes! All Garmin fēnix 7 Pro are tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance.

Is the Apple Watch better than a Garmin fēnix 7 Pro?

The Garmin fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro provides you with a depth of usable data during and after your workouts that's simply not found in any other GPS smartwatches in the fitness, sports, and adventure segments. 

True, an Apple Watch shines in some specific areas—especially for dedicated iPhone users. But overall, the fēnix 7 Pro is a superior specialized training and exercise tool.

Can Garmin fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro answer calls?

When you receive a phone call on your connected phone, the watch displays the name or phone number of the caller. 

NOTE: To talk to the caller, you must use your connected phone. To decline the call and immediately send a text message reply, select Reply, and select a message from the list.

Why do runners prefer Garmin watches over Apple?

The short answer is: battery life. A Garmin running watch, especially one with solar-charging technology like the fēnix 7 Pro series, is ideal for marathon, triathlon, trail, and ultra runners. 

And, as we mentioned above, no other running GPS watch offers the personal metrics that a Garmin watch does, using that information to give you loads of performance analytics, training suggestions, and recovery recommendations. It’s a valuable motivational training partner! 

Fog and ember orange Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar premium multisport GPS watch

Which fēnix watch is best? 

The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is likely the candidate for “best” because aside from the depth of data, training, and other unparalleled Garmin features, this watch has the largest color touchscreen (1.4”) and get the longest battery life with a Sapphire Power lens for even more durability. 

The  fēnix 7 and 7S Pro Sapphire Solar GPS watches are an extremely close second, as they still have an amazing amount of battery life.

Is it worth upgrading to fēnix 7 Pro?

If you are in the market for a new premium multisport watch that has all the sophistication of a Garmin watch with even more ruggedness, then the answer is probably yes. 

However, if you already own a Garmin fēnix 7, you already have most of what this watch has to offer. Just maybe not the flashlight (which was only on the previous 7X) and the new running and training features (but these will likely be on future firmware updates).  

Which Garmin fēnix 7 Pro size should I get?

The  fēnix 7 Pro lineup of GPS watches is created for every wrist.  

Is a fēnix 7 Pro too big?

These Garmin watches are a bit bulkier because they are designed to be rugged outdoor watches. If you prefer a lighter, sleeker wearable on your wrist, you may want to check out the Garmin Forerunner collection or maybe even the new epix Pro (Gen 2).

How tight should I wear a fēnix 7 Pro GPS sport watch?

The band on your Garmin smartwatch or fitness tracker should be worn loosely enough that it can move back and forth on your wrist. However, a watch that features a wrist-based heart rate sensor benefits from a snug but comfortable fit during an activity. Wear the band two finger widths above your wrist, and remember to loosen it after a workout.

Is the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro heavy?

These durable multisport GPS watches are slightly heavier on the wrist. Here’s the weight of each model:

  • Garmin fēnix 7S Pro – Solar Edition Silver with Graphite Band – 63 g
  • Garmin fēnix 7S Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition Soft Gold with Light Sand Band – 65 g
  • Garmin fēnix 7S Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition Carbon Gray DLC Titanium/ Black Band – 58 g

  • fēnix 7 Pro Solar Edition Slate Gray with Black Band – 79 g
  • fēnix 7 Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Band – 73 g
  • fēnix 7 Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition Titanium with Fog Gray/Ember Orange Band – 73 g
  • fēnix 7X Pro – Solar Edition Slate Gray with Black Band – 96 g
  • fēnix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition Titanium with Fog Gray/Ember Orange Band – 89 g
  • fēnix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Band – 89 g

Does the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Solar have maps? 

Yes! Topo maps come preloaded on any of the fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar models. This is because this more expensive model has more memory (32 GB compared to the 16 GB on the Standard Solar). However, you can download topo maps to the Standard Solar edition. 

Advanced navigation sensors combined with multi-band reception technology delivers more accurate positioning and multi-GNSS with SatIQ™ technology delivers improved coverage in challenging environments while also optimizing battery life. 

Check out preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide; use TopoActive maps to keep your explorations on track, and never miss a turn with Up Ahead navigation prompts.

How accurate is the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro heart rate?

Our running watch review partner, Dave from Chase the Summit, has said many times in his reviews that the latest Garmin heart rate sensor is very accurate. He is an ultra runner and has tested many Garmin watches against other brands and heart rate monitor chest straps.

Black Garmin fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar with solar-charging on the display

How long does Garmin fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro Solar last?

Garmin fēnix 7S (42 mm):

  • Smartwatch: Up to 11 days/14 days with solar
  • Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 38 days/87 days with solar
  • GPS Only: Up to 37 hours/46 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems: Up to 26 hours/30 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 15 hours/16 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 7 hours
  • Max Battery GPS: Up to 90 hours/162 hours with solar
  • Expedition GPS: Up to 26 days/43 days with solar

Garmin fēnix 7 (47 mm):

  • Smartwatch: Up to 18 days/22 days with solar
  • Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 57 days/173 days with solar
  • GPS Only: Up to 57 hours/73 hours with solar
  • All Satellte Systems: Up to 40 hours/48 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 23 hours/26 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 10 hours
  • Max Battery GPS: Up to 136 hours/289 hours with solar
  • Expedition GPS: Up to 40 days/74 days with solar

Garmin fēnix 7X (51 mm):

  • Smartwatch: Up to 28 days/37 days with solar
  • Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 90 days/1+ year with solar
  • GPS Only: Up to 89 hours/122 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems: Up to 63 hours/77 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 36 hours/41 hours with solar
  • All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 16 hours
  • Max Battery GPS: Up to 213 hours/578 hours with solar
  • Expedition GPS: Up to 62 days/ 139 days with solar

How accurate is fēnix 7 Pro GPS?

According to our partner Dave from Chase the Summit YouTube Channel, the chip in the Garmin fēnix 7 made all the GPS modes on the watch even more accurate. He compared these to previous Garmin watches like previous fēnix  and Instinct watches. It’s safe to say, that Garmin’s positioning capabilities, whether multi-GNSS or multi-band, is among the very best on the market. But, really, we wouldn’t expect less. 

Does fēnix 7 Pro measure temperature?

The Garmin fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro has a temperature sensor. However, it is not used for taking the temperature of your skin. It’s used when measuring barometric pressure.

Other sensors on this Garmin watch include: GPS, Elevate Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitor, Barometric Altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Sensor.

See more of the fēnix 7S/7/7X Pro series.

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