Garmin Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches were unveiled in May 2023. These watches comprise the Pro series smartwatches in the Fenix range of smartwatches.
We look at the Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches below.
There have been new products released in the Fenix 7 Pro Solar range and the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar range of watches.
For this document, we will talk about the Fenix 7 Pro Solar watches. We bring the main features and capabilities of the Fenix 7 Pro Solar range of watches.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar range
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar range of smartwatches comes in three different sizes.
- Fenix 7S Pro Solar is the 42 mm variant
- Fenix 7 Pro Solar is the 47 mm variant
- Fenix 7X Pro Solar is the 51 mm variant
The basic functionality of all these watches remains uniform.
We look at some important facts about the Fenix 7 Pro Solar range below.
Feature additions
When compared to the previous generation Fenix 7 Solar watches, the Fenix 7 Pro range smartwatches have added the following improvements:
- LED Flashlight is a standard feature of the Fenix 7 Pro Solar range.
- Multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology have been introduced in all the Pro series smartwatches. In the previous generation watches only the Sapphire edition had the multi-band GPS offering.
- Endurance score has been introduced in the Pro series models.
- Hill score has been added in the Pro series models.
- We can see a better display experience in the Pro solar range because of the next-generation MIP (Memory in pixel) display.
- The next-generation optical heart rate sensor comprises 6 sensors that are spread out for continuous heart rate monitoring. However, the ECG feature was not available on the Pro Solar range of Fenix 7 smartwatches at the time of launch.
- The support for the Garmin ECG app was enabled on the Fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches in October 2023.
- The device storage on all three variants has now been upgraded to 32 GB storage space for offline music and mapping.
Display
The Pro Solar range of Fenix 7 watches are solar watches. These watches make use of Power Glass in the display glass.
Power Glass comprises a thin layer of Photovoltaic cells (PV Cells) that is superimposed over the Corning Gorilla Glass.
The PV cells play a part in converting solar energy into battery charge.
The display specifications of Fenix 7S Pro Solar, Fenix 7 Pro Solar, and Fenix 7X Pro Solar are identical. The difference in the size of these three variants results in changes in the display resolution of each variant.
All the display specifications of these watches are shared hereunder.
| Display specifications | Fenix 7S Pro Solar | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Fenix 7X Pro Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display lens | Power Glass | Power Glass | Power Glass |
| Display size | 1.2″ or 30 mm | 1.3″ or 33 mm | 1.4″ or 36 mm |
| Display shape | Round | Round | Round |
| Display type | Next generation MIP (Memory in Pixel) | Next generation MIP (Memory in Pixel) | Next generation MIP (Memory in Pixel) |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels | 280 x 280 pixels |
| Color display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Flashlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
One of the improvements in Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar smartwatches is the next generation MIP display. The display on new Pro series smartwatches has seen an upgrade in terms of the following:
- improved screen brightness
- improved readability experience while indoor
- better screen contrast ratio
You can actually check the display brightness and contrast and you will find it much better than the previous generation Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches.
LED Flashlight gets added to the Fenix 7 Pro Solar smartwatches in all sizes compared to the previous generation Fenix 7 Solar range of smartwatches.
Physical specifications
The physical specifications of all three variants in the Pro Solar range of Fenix 7 smartwatches are almost similar. There are obvious size differences.
These size differences translate into different weights and different battery backups for each variant.
All the physical specifications of the Fenix 7 Pro Solar range of smartwatches are displayed below in a side-by-side comparison for quick reference.
| Specifications | Fenix 7S Pro Solar | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Fenix 7X Pro Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watch size | 42 x 42 x 14.1 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm |
| Thickness | 14.1 mm | 14.5 mm | 14.9 mm |
| Weight | 63 g | 79 g | 96 g |
| Bezel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Band material | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone |
| Band size | 20 mm | 22 mm | 26 mm |
| Band material options | Silicone, Fabric, Metal, and Leather | Silicone, Fabric, Metal, and Leather | Silicone, Fabric, Metal and Leather |
| Recommended wrist circumference for Silicone bands | 108-182 mm | 125-208 mm | 127-210 mm |
| Device storage | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
| Swimming profile | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Swimming/Running | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Swimming/Running | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Swimming/Running |
| Wireless connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric altimeter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thermometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Elevate Sensor 5th generation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox sensor for SpO2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Primary charger | Garmin wire charger | Garmin wire charger | Garmin wire charger |
| Secondary charging | Solar charging | Solar charging | Solar charging |
| iOS compatible | iOS 15 or higher | iOS 15 or higher | iOS 15 or higher |
| Android compatible | Android 7 or higher | Android 7 or higher | Android 7 or higher |
| Garmin Golf | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The primary improvements in terms of hardware in the Pro Solar range of Fenix 7 smartwatches have to be:
- The next-generation optical heart sensor
- Upgraded device storage of 32 GB
- Solar charging has become a standard feature in the Pro Solar range of Fenix 7
GPS
Fenix 7S Pro Solar, Fenix 7 Pro Solar and Fenix 7X Pro Solar watches support the GPS, GLONASS and Galileo networks.
The major improvement in GPS feature is the addition of the multi-frequency positioning sensor in all the Pro Solar watches.
Multi-frequency positioning sensor has enabled the multi-band GPS feature in all these three watch variants.
Multi-band GPS is also called the dual-frequency GPS mode. Multi-band GPS improves GPS accuracy and reliability.
With multi-band GPS enabled, you can fetch GPS data from multiple satellites at the same point in time. The feature is very useful in remote areas with poor GPS coverage.
When the GPS signals are weak, you can use multi-band GPS to get GPS data from multiple satellites.
The feature is inherently practical and useful when you are in remote areas or dense areas with less than standard GPS coverage.
The downside to using the multi-band GPS has to be the significant battery drain while using it.
To go around the heavy battery usage, Garmin has also added the SatIQ technology sensor in the Pro Solar range of Fenix 7 smartwatches. We discuss the SatIQ technology in more detail below.
Multi-mode GPS is a standard feature in Fenix 7 Pro Solar smartwatches. The previous generation Fenix 7 Solar watches did not have multi-mode GPS or dual-frequency GPS.
SatIQ technology
So, Garmin has added the SatIQ technology sensor in the Pro Solar Fenix 7 smartwatches. Fenix 7S, Fenix and Fenix 7X Pro Solar watches have the SatIQ sensor.
SatIQ is an intelligent technology. To put it other words, it is a thinking technology that manages the multi-mode GPS.
SatIQ automatically turns on or turns off the multi-band GPS mode.
If the GPS signal is of a poor quality or strength, Garmin SatIQ technology will turn on the multi-mode GPS.
When the GPS signal assumes good strength or quality, SatIQ will turn off the multi-mode GPS and use the simple mode GPS instead.
In doing so, multi-mode GPS is activated and deactivated automatically. The underlying deciding factor is the quality of GPS connectivity.
Together with the multi-mode GPS, SatIQ becomes a defining piece of new technology for the Pro Solar Fenix 7 smartwatches.
SatIQ is a useful addition in the Pro Solar watches as it optimizes battery usage by managing multi-mode GPS.
Health tracking and ECG
There have been some suggestions around the ECG feature in Fenix 7 Pro Solar smartwatches. ECG feature was not available on the Fenix 7 Pro Solar watches during the launch.
We have had a new optical heart rate sensor that has been added to the Pro Solar watches. The ability to take ECG readings is an inherent part of the new sensor in the Pro Solar smartwatches.
However, the feature for the Garmin ECG app was added to the Fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches in October 2023.
For now, it is safe to conclude that the ECG functionality is now available on Fenix 7S Pro Solar, Fenix 7 Pro Solar and Fenix 7X Pro Solar smartwatches.
It may be pertinent to mention that the Garmin ECG app received FDA approval in January 2023. It was rolled out to the Venu 2 Plus series smartwatches before any other Garmin watch.
The Garmin ECG app helps in taking electrocardiogram readings. It is useful in detecting Atrial Fibrillation and irregular heart rhythm conditions.
Most health features on the Pro Solar smartwatches remain uniform across all the variants.
| Health features | Fenix 7S Pro Solar | Fenix 7 Pro Solar | Fenix 7X Pro Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Respiration tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hydration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Women’s Health | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygenation tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stress monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Body Battery scores | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Endurance score
Garmin has integrated a new feature in the Pro Solar watches. Endurance score measures your tenacity for performance. It looks into training data, heart rate data, and your fitness to find the endurance score.
Endurance score is a dynamic number that goes up or down. It reflects your capacity for longer performance.
Fenix 7S, Fenix 7 and Fenix 7X Pro Solar watches come with endurance score levels that keep on changing based on performance preparedness.
You can read more about endurance score on Garmin website.
Hill score
The Hill score is a dynamic number that is calculated to find your ability to run or go uphill. The score is calculated based on training data, VO2 max, and other heart rate metrics.
The Hill score will rank you in different categories, based on your ability to climb or run uphill.
You could be rated an elite if you have a high score. On the bottom most rating, you are treated as a recreational runner.
You can read more about Hill score on this page.
Battery
There are obvious battery backup differences between different variants in the Pro Solar range of Fenix 7 smartwatches.
The difference in backup times is on account of the different sizes of the smartwatches.
Let us compare the battery backup of the Pro Solar watches in different watch modes below.
| Watch modes | Fenix 7S Pro Solar backup | Fenix 7 Pro Solar backup | Fenix 7X Pro Solar backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 11 days/14 days with solar | Up to 18 days/22 days with solar | Up to 28 days/37 days with solar |
| GPS mode | Up to 37 hours/46 hours with solar | Up to 57 hours/73 hours with solar | Up to 89 hours/122 hours with solar |
| All Satellite Systems | Up to 26 hours/30 hours with solar | Up to 40 hours/48 hours with solar | Up to 63 hours/77 hours with solar |
| All Satellite Systems + Music | Up to 7 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| All Satellite Systems + Multi-band | Up to 15 hours/16 hours with solar | Up to 23 hours/26 hours with solar | Up to 36 hours/41 hours with solar |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 90 hours/162 hours with solar | Up to 136 hours/289 hours with solar | Up to 213 hours/578 hours with solar |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 26 days/43 days with solar | Up to 40 days/74 days with solar | Up to 62 days/ 139 days with solar |
| Battery Saver Watch Mode | Up to 38 days/87 days with solar | Up to 57 days/173 days with solar | Up to 90 days/1+ year with solar |
Fenix 7X Pro Solar offers the highest battery backup while the smaller sized Fenix 7S Pro Solar offers lower battery backup.
Music
Fenix 7 Pro Solar smartwatches have full music features. This implies that all three variants of the Pro Solar range can offer the following music functionality:
- You can use the device storage to download audio content on the smartwatch.
- Audio content can be directly managed from the smartwatch.
- You can use the smartwatch to control and play music on the paired smartphone.
You can also use Spotify and Deezer apps for music streaming.
Spotify and Deezer can be downloaded from the Connect IQ store. You will need to be a premium member of Spotify or Deezer to stream music through the Fenix 7 smartwatch.
Solar charging
Fenix 7 Pro Solar smartwatches are solar watches. Solar charging is used to replenish the battery charge on the watch.
For solar charging to be effective, you will need to understand the following two conditions:
- You need to expose the smartwatch to bright sunshine for at least 3 hours a day.
- The sunlight should have a luminosity of 50000 lux or more.
Solar charging is useful when you spend a considerable part of the day under the sun.
However, the primary charging method for Fenix 7 Pro Solar watches remains the Garmin wire charger.
Costs
- Fenix 7S Pro Solar has a list price of $799.99.
- Fenix7 Pro Solar has a list price of $799.99.
- Fenix 7X Pro Solar has a list price of $899.99.
Closing thoughts
Fenix 7S Pro Solar, Fenix 7 Pro Solar, and Fenix 7X Pro Solar are the Pro series variants that have come with additional features. A summary of these features is reiterated below:
- Multi-band GPS has been added to the Pro Solar watches.
- Garmin ECG app is compatible with the Fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches.
- Pro Solar watches have better battery backup
- Hill score and endurance score have been introduced in the Pro Solar watches.
- Next-gen display experience on the MIP (Memory in Pixel) display,
- Next-gen optical heart rate sensor.
Suggested reading
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