Garmin fenix 7 GPS Watch Review
Published: January 25, 2023
Our Full Review for the Garmin Fenix 7, 7S, 7X Series
Likes
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Incredible battery life
- Variety of sizes available
- Loads of advanced features
- Durability
Dislikes
- Bulky
- Heavy
What's New
The Garmin fenix 7 watch series is a top choice for both triathletes and ultramarathoners thanks to its top-of-the-line technology and unbeatable battery life. Coming in 3 different sizes, the fenix 7S is the smallest at 42mm and has up to 11 days of battery life that extends up to 14 days in the solar version. The fenix 7 sits in the middle of the sizes at 46mm. It features 18 days of battery life with the non-solar version and 22 days of battery life with the solar version. Finally at a whopping 51mm, the fenix 7X is definitely a large watch, but if you are looking for a long battery life, it is hard to beat. The fenix 7X has a battery life up to 28 days that extends to an outstanding 37 day battery life in the solar version.
In addition, the fenix 7 gets several useful new features including an enhanced tracking system that easily collects all daily biometric data to help maximize your health and training efforts. Interface functionality is simplified with the help of touchscreen capabilities along with customizable real-time setup from the convenience of your phone. Preloaded TopoActive maps give runners access to downloadable maps from around the world, while Up Ahead offers at-a-glance insight on important trail checkpoints and markers. Also, the fenix is reinforced with U.S. military-grade materials to protect against anything the trails throw its way.
The Bottom Line
For this review, Garmin sent our experts their most current models for a few weeks of daily wear and testing. In that time they were able to get familiar with each product and share their experiences. If you are still stumped about whether this is the right watch for you, check out our article How to Choose the Best GPS Watch for Running.
Our In-Depth Look
Qualityi
Grace: "Garmin sent me the fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Edition in the Mineral Blue / Titanium & White color and all I can say is this watch is FANCY. You can really feel the quality of the build and the high-end materials used. The scratch-free Sapphire lens is a comforting feature for someone like me who isn't the most graceful on the trails. Not to mention, the battery life is unbeatable. You can go weeks to over a month before it's time to charge."
Technologyi
Grace: "It seems like you could spend hours playing with this watch's features and feel like you just scratched the surface of the capabilities of the fenix 7X. Every day I found a new feature or new way of doing something that would have a positive effect on my workout. Some of the most notable features I enjoyed using were the performance metrics such as VO2 Max which adjusts when you are exposed to heat or altitude, Recovery Advisor which gives you suggestions on how long you should rest between hard efforts, the Wrist-Based Heart Monitor to tell you how hard you're pushing, Smart Notifications to receive info instantly from your watch, and so much more. I also really enjoyed uploading a route, course, or segment from my Strava onto my watch; from there it will notify you if you go off course, or if you are trying to PR a segment, it will let you know what your fastest time is and how you are comparing while on the segment. The last feature I will mention (because this one to pretty sweet in my option) is Up Ahead, which lets you see checkpoints around you such as water, food, aid stations, etc. Up Ahead is a super helpful feature for racing or even just a long run that you maybe didn't plan well for; just check the watch and see what's up ahead!"
Ease Of Usei
Grace: "Garmin is one of the easiest watch brands to use. Whether it is navigating through features or downloading and syncing data, the whole system is very intuitive."
Comfort and Stylei
Grace: "I currently run in the Garmin fenix 6X which also has a 51-mm case size, so the feel was very similar to what I'm used to. I am not someone who typically wears a watch all day; I put my watch on for my runs and then take it off when I am done. While testing the fenix 7X, I tried to wear it all day to get a feel for it, but it was just not working out. This is a big watch, especially for my small wrist. If I were to choose a watch I would wear all the time, I would definitely size down to the 42-mm or 47-mm case so it wouldn't feel as heavy and bulky. However, for wearing just on my runs, I had no issues. I didn't experience any sliding or shifting while running in this watch, and the silicone band had a lot of adjustability that was easy to dial in comfortably."
Valuei
Grace: "Yes, this watch is pricey. For the quality and durability of the materials, I think it is well worth it. You get an incredible battery life and so many features you can use to improve your performance whether it is for running, swimming, biking, cross-country skiing, or more, along with additional features for improving your hydration and sleeping schedule. This watch does it all and it's durable as all heck!"
Individual Thoughts
Grace Overall Score: 9.5/10
The Garmin fenix 7X is close to my perfect watch. The performance of the fenix is superb. I used this watch for trail runs ranging from 5 to 30 miles, track workouts, and lap pool swimming, and I thought that it performed incredibly for all these activities. It does everything I need from a GPS watch and then so much more. If you are someone who likes a techy watch with tons of features and performance stats then the fenix is definitely one to look at. The quality of the build is high with a scratch-resistant Sapphire lens, and it can go for an extended period of time thanks to the long-lasting battery with solar-powered charging properties. (You can get up to 37 days of battery life with solar charging in smartwatch mode!)
As for the weight, it does feel pretty heavy. Right now I am using the Garmin fenix 6X titanium which is 82 g with the silicone band (54 g case only), and the Garmin fenix 7X is 89 g with the band (61 g case only). As I said before, I don't like this size for everyday wear, but it works fine for my runs. This watch does it all, and with how long it will last and how much it can do, I really do think it is worth the money. I am happy with my fenix 6X, but if I ever need to upgrade I will definitely be picking the Garmin fenix 7.
