Epix 2 and Fenix 7 are two premium smartwatches made by Garmin. We look at these two standard edition watches to help you pick the one that is best for you.
Both watches were released by Garmin in 2022.
You will find that the Epix 2 and Fenix 7 are identical in most aspects, functionality, and attributes. We look at some core features below.
Main differences
- The biggest difference between Epix 2 and Fenix 7 is the AMOLED display of Epix 2. Fenix 7 uses a MIP or memory-in-pixel screen.
- Epix 2 has an ambient light sensor while the Fenix 7 standard edition lacks it.
- Epix 2 supports Always-on-display mode.
- The battery backup of Fenix 7 is marginally better than that of the Epix 2 smartwatch.
- Epix 2 comes at a list price of $899.99 and Fenix 7 standard edition costs $699.99.
We feel that Epix 2 and Fenix 7 are very close to each other in terms of size and features.
Display
Epix 2 has a much better display than Fenix 7. The display type for Epix 2 is AMOLED. Because of AMOLED display technology, the display brightness and clarity are higher.
The two distinct advantages of AMOLED display on Epix 2 are:
- Improved display resolution. Epix 2 has a display resolution of 416 x 416 pixels and Fenix 7 has a display resolution of 260 x 260 pixels.
- Epix 2 supports Always-on-display mode. The downside to using Always-on-display is the heavy usage of battery.
The display specifications of Epix 2 and Fenix 7 are shared below for ready reference.
| Display specifications | Epix 2 | Fenix 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display lens | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Display size | 1.3″ or 33 mm | 1.3″ or 33 mm |
| Display type | AMOLED | MIP |
| Display resolution | 416 x 416 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
| Pixel density | 350 ppi | 200 ppi |
| Color screen | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| LED Flashlight | No | No |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes | No |
Epix 2 has better display performance that Fenix 7 due to its AMOLED display. The display screen is brighter on Epix 2.
Physical specifications
The size and hardware specifications of Epix 2 and Fenix 7 are identical. Even the thickness of both watches is equivalent.
We look at the hardware specifications of Epix and Fenix 7 below.
| Specifications | Epix 2 | Silicone, Metal, Fabric, and Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Watch size | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm |
| Thickness | 14.5 mm | 14.5 mm |
| Watch weight | 53 g (watch case weight) | 56 g (watch case weight) |
| Watch body | Fiber-enforced polymer with passivated stainless steel rear cover | Fiber-enforced polymer with stainless steel rear cover |
| Bezel | Passivated stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Band size | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Band material | Silicone | Silicone |
| Band options | Silicone, Metal, Fabric and Leather | Silicone, Metal, Fabric, and Leather |
| Recommended wrist circumference (silicone) | 125-208 mm | 125-208 mm |
| Recommended wrist circumference (metal) | 132-215 mm | 132-215 mm |
| Recommended wrist circumference (fabric) | 132-210 mm | 132-210 mm |
| Recommended wrist circumference (leather) | 132-210 mm | 132-210 mm |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi® | Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi® |
| Water rating | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
| Swimming profile | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Swimming/Running | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Swimming/Running |
| Device storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPS Support | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS |
| Garmin Golf and Golf support | Yes | Yes |
| NFC Support | Garmin Pay | GPS, Galileo, GLONASSSS |
The subtle difference in bezel coating for Epix 2 needs to be understood. The bezel of Epix 2 is made of passivated stainless steel while the bezel of Fenix 7 is made of stainless steel.
Steel passivation is a coating technology that is used to improve the corrosion and rust resistance of stainless steel. So, the bezel of Epix 2 has a higher rust and corrosion resistance than Fenix 7.
The hardware specifications of Epix 2 and Fenix 7 are identical, including the size and thickness. Epix 2, however, has a better bezel coating. It has a higher resistance to corrosion and rust.
Battery
The battery backup offered by Epix 2 and Fenix 7 is quite decent. The backup is above average when you compare it against the battery backup offered by Google Pixel, Apple Watch 8, or Fitbit Sense 2.
On a comparative basis, Fenix 7 has a marginally higher backup.
On different watch modes, the battery backups of Epix 2 and Fenix 7 are shared below.
| Watch mode | Epix 2 backup | Fenix 7 backup |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 16 days (6 days always-on) | Up to 18 days |
| Battery Saver mode | Up to 21 days | Up to 57 days |
| GPS mode | Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on ) | Up to 57 hours |
| All Satellite Systems | Up to 32 hours (24 hours always-on) | Up to 40 hours |
| All Satellite Systems + Music: | Up to 10 hours (9 hours always-on) | Up to 10 hours |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 75 hours | Up to 136 hours |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 14 days | Up to 40 days |
Fenix 7 has a marginally higher battery backup than Epix 2. Although the backup is almost similar on various GPS modes, the backup on battery saver mode for Fenix 7 is almost 3 times the backup of Epix 2 watch.
Final verdict
The difference in cost between Epix 2 standard edition and Fenix 7 standard edition is $200. For the additional money spent, the Epix 2 gives you AMOLED display and a much improved display experience than Fenix 7.
It may be a good idea to keep both watches side by side to experience the difference in screen display quality.
For all other factors, there are hardly any substantial differences between the Epix 2 and Fenix 7 smartwatches.
So, it all boils down to your personal liking for Epix 2 or Fenix 7 smartwatch.
Suggested reading
You may like to find more information about smartwatch comparisons for other watches below.
- Garmin Epix 2 Sapphire vs Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
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- Garmin Epix 2 vs Epix 2 Sapphire
- Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar vs Epix 2
- Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar vs Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
- Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar vs Fenix 7 Solar
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Fenix 7 Solar
- Garmin Fenix 7 vs Fenix 7S
- Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Forerunner 745