The Fenix 7 series is the most advanced Garmin smartwatch. It comes in three sizes; 42mm, 47mm and 51mm just like the Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 series with the smallest size being the 7S and the biggest is 7X. The 42mm and 47mm sizes come in three models, while the 51mm size comes in two models. The new set of smartwatches come with new features such as a touch-sensitive display, a revamped interface, a slightly longer battery life than their respective predecessors and a limited version of the Garmin Connect app is now onboard the watch. New health tracking features have also been added as well as preloaded maps and more sports profiles. We’ll be taking a look at the features of the Fenix 7 series and the differences between the Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X units to help you decide which model is right for you.

All Fenix 7 Series Models and Prices

The Fenix 7S comes in three models, Fenix 7S standard, 7S Solar and 7S Sapphire Solar.

Similarly, the Fenix 7 comes in Fenix 7 Standard, 7 Solar and 7 Sapphire Solar.

Meanwhile, the Fenix 7X is only available in two models, the Fenix 7X Solar and Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar.

The Sapphire Solar models are the most expensive. This is because they have the most durable build, higher storage, more preloaded maps, supports multi-band GPS as well as always-on solar.

Features New to the Fenix 7 Series

Before we proceed, here is what’s new to the Fenix 7 Series.

1. Every model in the Fenix 7 series has a touch-sensitive display unlike their respective predecessors.
2. User interface has been revamped to a great extent.
3. Fenix 7X units feature a flashlight that suports SOS mode, strobe mode, and running white/red mode.
4. Although a limited version, the Garmin Connect app is now available on-wrist in all models.
5. Heart rate sensor have been optimized on all models.
6. Health Snapshot that lets you log a 2 minute session of your heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration, blood oxygen and stress is now available in all models. This feature has been added to the Fenix 6 series as well.
7. Free downloadable TopoActive maps is available in all models. Only Sapphire models come with preloaded Topo maps.
8. Free downloadable road/trail maps are also available. Only the Sapphire models come with preloaded road/trail maps.
9. Preloaded Ski and Golf maps are also available in all Fenix 7 series models. Moreover, SkiView now contain slope and resort names.
10. Added Cross Country Ski Trails to maps.
11. Added RealTime Stamina – A feature that is used during runs and rides.
12. Added the ability to configure activity profiles and data fields from your phone.
13. Added a new Sleep Manager Settings that lets you customize what the device does while you sleep.
14. Added automatic graphing for run/walk/stand during a workout.
15. There is now a map manager app that lets you manage and download maps directly from your wrist.
16. Added Race predictor in all the models.
17. Multi-band satellite positioning is available in only Sapphire Solar models.
18. Added more sport profiles such as kiteboard and windsurf.
19. HIIT has been added to the list of available gym activity profiles.
20. Each model in the Fenix 7 series has a longer battery life that its Fenix 6 series predecessor.
21. Always-on Solar is now available in Sapphire models.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X: Specifications Compared

Fenix 7S Standard vs 7S Solar vs 7S Sapphire Solar – Differences

The difference between the respective models in the 7S series comes in the materials used, battery life, maps, storage capacity, price and colors. All the models are available in the same 42mm case size. While the Standard and Solar units have a storage capacity of 16GB, the Sapphire unit comes with 32GB storage. It also comes with preloaded topo maps, trail and road maps and ski resort maps. Moreover, it supports multi-band GPS.

With the Standard and Solar models, you only get preloaded ski resort maps. However, you can still download the map of your choice using the built-in map downloader app.

The 7S Sapphire Solar has a titanium bezel with a titanium rear cover and Sapphire glass protects the display. While 7S Standard and 7S solar have a stainless steel bezel that extends to the rear. Corning Gorilla Glass DX protects the display on these two.

As per the battery life, you can get up to 11 days with the Standard model, it’s up to 2 weeks with the Solar and Sapphire Solar models.

The available colors also differ as shown in the table above. The Fenix 7S Standard is the cheapest, while Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar will cost you a little more.

Fenix 7 comes in Fenix 7 Standard, 7 Solar and 7 Sapphire Solar – Differences

All three models in the Fenix 7 series come in 47mm case size. The 7 Solar and Standard have cases made of fiber-polymer materials with a stainless steel bezel and stainless steel rear cover while the 7 Sapphire Solar has a titanium bezel with a titanium rear cover. It also weighs a little less than the other two units.

The Sapphire unit comes with preloaded topographical, road/trail and ski maps. The Standard and Solar models only come with preloaded ski maps. You will need to download maps with the maps manager app if you need more. The Sapphire model also has 32GB compared to 16GB of the other two.

The Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and Solar have a battery life of up to 22 days, it’s about 18 days with the Standard model. The colors and prices also differ with the Sapphire model being the most expensive.

Fenix 7X Solar vs 7X Sapphire Solar – Differences

The Fenix 7X models are available in two units, Fenix 7X Solar and Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. The Sapphire model comes with a higher 32GB storage, titanium bezel, titanium rear cover, preloaded maps and supports multi-band GPS. The Fenix 7X Solar has a stainless steel bezel and stainless steel rear cover.

The colors also differ as well as the prices. The battery life of both models is the same. You can expect up to 28 days on the normal and up to 37 days with Solar activated.

Even more, is that the Fenix 7X models are equipped with a flashlight feature that can come in handy in helping illuminate a little dark space and can also mimic your cadence as you run or walk.

In summary, the Sapphire Solar units of the Fenix 7S, 7 and 7X have a more durable material, feature more preloaded maps, support multi-band GPS and weigh a little less than their Standard and Solar counterparts. This is why it’s priced higher than the other units.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – General Features Compared

Beyond the specific differences between the respective models, let’s take a look at a general difference between the models.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – Design Compared

Each model in the Fenix 7 series is durably built with tough materials. All the models have cases made of the regular fiber-polymer material. However, while the Standard and Solar models have stainless steel bezel, stainless steel rear cover with Corning Gorilla Glass DX protecting the display, the Sapphire Solar models have a titanium bezel, titanium rear cover and Sapphire glass.

The Sapphire models also weigh a little less than their Standard and Solar counterparts. All the models are rated 10ATM, so you can actually wear this to the pool ocean, shower and otherwise (diving from a very tall height might subject these devices to intense pressure).

In terms of compactness, the Fenix 7X with a case size of 51mm has the biggest case size while the Fenix 7S has the smallest case size at 42mm. Meanwhile, the Fenix 7 has a case size of 47mm. In other words, the Fenix 7S is the most compact. The Fenix 7X also weighs more than the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S.

The Fenix 7S is no doubt the most comfortable to wear out of this three. However, it’s suitable for individuals with a slim wrist size.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – Display

Furthermore, the display on all Fenix 7 series is powered by the regular transflective memory-in-pixel display. It’s quite colorful at 283 PPI, and it’s also very bright to read.

Navigation has been enhanced as for the first time, all models are touchscreen. This is in addition to 5 physical buttons that make it easy to navigate the new revamped interface. There are lots of watch faces to choose from on the Garmin Connect app which is now available on the watch.

The Fenix 7X which has the biggest case size has a 1.4 inches display size which is bigger than 1.3 inches of Fenix 7 and 1.2 inches of Fenix 7S. In other words, you get to see a little more with the Fenix 7X. Nonetheless, the Fenix 7S display is still very easy to read except perhaps for visually impaired individuals.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – Activity Tracking

Like their respective predecessors, the Fenix 7 series are fully equipped to track your daily activities. Each model is equipped with a heart rate sensor, Spo2, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, accelerometer and thermometer sensors. This enables these watches to track your sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, calories, steps, floors climbed and many more.

The Health Snapshot feature that lets you log a short session of your heart rate, blood oxygen, respiration and stress is also available. Onscreen animated workout modes are also available as well as incidental fall detection that lets the watch call preset emergency contacts when it detects a hard fall and your phone is nearby.

Newly added activity tracking features include HIIT workout, kiteboard and windsurf sport profiles. Real-time stamina, race predictor, SpeedPro and the new sleep manager that lets you customize what the watch tracks when you wear it to sleep.

Another fine feature is the preloaded maps. The Sapphire Solar models come with preloaded topographical, road/trail and ski maps. The Standard and Solar models only come with preloaded ski maps. However, there is now a map manager app right on the watch that lets you download specific maps over WiFi according to your region and needs. These maps are gigantic in size, so will likely take time to download.

In more words, the Fenix 7 series are perhaps the very best as far as outdoor activity tracking is concerned and fitness tracking in general.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – Media Storage

As mentioned earlier, all Standard and Solar units come with 16GB storage capacity, while Sapphire Solar models come with 32GB storage. You can add your personal music as well as download your playlists from supported services such as Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music. Then pair your Bluetooth headphone to listen to music offline as non of the units has a speaker.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – Notifications and Payment

All models in the Fenix 7 series will allow you to manage notifications received on your phone when it’s nearby. Once notifications is enabled on the Garmin Connect app, you get a vibration when there is a new SMS, Calls, WhatsApp, Gmail notification, or notifications from other apps installed on your phone. You have the option to reply to notifications with preset quick replies (Android only).

Each of the units also supports Garmin Pay – a non-contactless payment system that lets you make payments directly from any of these units with your debit card.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – Battery Life

Due to its size, the Fenix 7S has the shortest battery life which is still very long when compared to other high-end GPS smartwatches. It has up to 11 days, it’s up to 18 days with the Fenix 7 while the Fenix 7X has the longest battery life of up to 28 days. Meanwhile, the respective Solar models have longer battery life.

Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X – Which is Model and Size is Right For You?

Clearly, each unit in the Fenix 7 series is well designed with top-notch materials as well as equipped with lots of features.

The right unit for you depends on your wrist size and budget. The Fenix 7S unit which is the most compact is best recommended for women and individuals with a smaller wrist, while the Fenix 7 and 7X models are recommended for men and individuals with a moderate to fat wrist size.

The Fenix 7 series are generally not cheap, these are some of the most expensive smartwatches in our catalog. So, if you have a bigger budget, you can go for the Solar models which offer longer battery life than their Standard counterparts.

And if you want more durable materials, more preloaded maps (you can always download maps with other models), 32GB storage and multi-band GPS for increased location tracking accuracy, then the Sapphire Solar models are no doubt the very best in the Fenix 7 series.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a Fenix 7 and 7X?

The differences between the Fenix 7 and 7X comes in the sizes, prices, battery life and available units. The Fenix 7X has a bigger case size than the Fenix 7. It also has a 1.4 inches display compared 1.3 inches of Fenix 7. Moreover, the Fenix 7X has a longer battery life of 28 days compared 18 days with Fenix 7.

Finally, the Fenix 7X is only available in Fenix 7X Solar and Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar while Fenix 7 is available in Fenix 7 Standard, Solar and Sapphire Solar.

Which Garmin Fenix 7 is best?

The Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar model is the best. Although the Fenix 7 is available in Standard, Solar and Sapphire Solar editions, the Sapphire Solar model has a more durable build, bigger storage capacity, more preloaded maps and supports multi-band GPS for increased location tracking accuracy. Thus, the Sapphire Solar model is a more comprehensive smartwatch. However, it will cost you more.

How big is the Fenix 7X?

The Fenix 7X measures 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm, so it’s a bulky smartwatch. However, it has the longest battery life out of all the Fenix 7 series units.

Does Fenix 7 have touch screen?

Yes, all the Fenix 7 series units all have touch-screen support. This is the first Fenix smartwatch to have a touch-sensitive display which in addition to 5 physical buttons and the revamped interface makes navigation a lot easier.

Can you answer calls on Garmin Fenix 7?

No, you can’t answer calls on the Fenix 7. The Fenix 7 lacks a loudspeaker and microphone, as a result, it can’t make nor receive calls. You can only receive call notifications which you can answer on your phone.

Does Fenix 7 have maps?

Yes, every unit in the Fenix 7 series has preloaded maps. Although, while the Sapphire units come with preloaded Topo maps, road/trail and ski resort maps, the Standard and Solar units only come with preloaded ski resort maps. However, you have the option to download more maps using the built-in map manager app.

Fenix 7 Best prices