Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is one of the most sold Fenix 7 smartwatches. Enduro 2 continues to be loved by endurance sport enthusiasts.
We take a look at both watches and compare the main features and differences between the two watches.
Main differences
The main differences between Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2 smartwatches are shared below:
- Enduro 2 is pricier than Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar by $200.
- Both watches are solar watches. Enduro 2 has a marginally better battery backup than Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. This may not be a deal breaker though for most people.
- Enduro 2 is marginally thicker than Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
- Enduro 2 includes a Rest timer as part of your training programs.
In essence, there are not too many significant differences between the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2 smartwatches.
Display specifications
Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2 are solar watches. Both watches have a Power Sapphire display lens.
Power Sapphire glass is a Sapphire glass coated with a thin layer of Photo-voltaic or PV cells. These photo-voltaic cells help in tapping sunlight to convert solar energy into battery charge.
Solar charging, therefore, is a good incidental charging source for Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2. The physical wired charger provided by Garmin remains your primary source for charging both smartwatches.
A side-by-side list of display features is listed below.
| Display specifications | Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar | Garmin Enduro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display lens | Power Sapphire | Power Sapphire |
| Display size | 1.4″ or 36 mm | 1.4″ or 36 mm |
| Display type | MIP or Memory-in-pixel | MIP or Memory-in-pixel |
| Display resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 280 x 280 pixels |
| Color display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient light sensor | No | No |
| LED Flashlight | Yes | Yes |
Physical specifications
Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2 have a premium finish and titanium bezel. There is hardly any difference between Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2 hardware attributes.
| Physical specifications | Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar | Garmin Enduro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Watch size | 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm | 51 x 51 x 15.6 mm |
| Weight | 61 g | 64 g |
| Thickness | 14.9 mm | 15.6 mm |
| Bezel | Titanium | Titanium |
| Watch body | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover |
| Band size | 26 mm | 26 mm |
| Band material | Silicone | Nylon |
| Band material options | Silicone, Metal, Fabric and Metal | Silicone band and sport loop |
| Water rating | 10 ATM or 100 Meters | 10 ATM or 100 Meters |
| Device storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Multi-band GPS | Yes | Yes |
| NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
The core physical attributes of both watches are almost similar. Enduro 2 is marginally thicker.
You will, however, like the nylon loop of Enduro 2. It is softer on the skin and looks better than the default silicone band.
Battery
Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2 offer good battery life. Enduro 2 has a slightly longer backup than Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. We list the battery backup of both watches in detail below.
| Watch modes | Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar | Garmin Enduro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 28 days/37 days with solar | Up to 34 days / 46 days with solar |
| GPS mode | Up to 89 hours/122 hours with solar | Up to 110 hours / 150 hours with solar |
| All Satellite Systems | Up to 63 hours/77 hours with solar | Up to 78 hours / 96 hours with solar |
| All Satellite Systems + Music | Up to 16 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| All Satellite Systems + Multi-band | Up to 36 hours/41 hours with solar | Up to 68 hours / 81 hours with solar |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 213 hours/578 hours with solar | Up to 264 hours / 714 with solar |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 62 days/ 139 days with solar | Up to 77 days / 172 days with solar |
| Battery Saver Watch Mode | Up to 90 days/1+ year with solar | Up to 111 days / 550 days with solar |
The battery backup of Enduro 2 is exceptionally long. However, Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar also offers extended battery backup. It is highly unlikely that you will be left in a precarious situation due to poor battery life with either of these smartwatches.
About Solar charging
Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Enduro 2 are shipped with a wire charger. The traditional wire charger remains the primary battery charging source for both watches.
Solar charging is a good secondary source of charging.
For solar charging to add any noticeable impact on battery charging, you will need to spend considerable time under bright sunshine every day.
- The solar watch needs to be exposed to the bright sunshine of 50000 lumens or higher brightness every day
- The solar watch needs to be exposed to sunlight for at least 3 hours a day.
Unless you are spending upwards of 3 hours under bright sunlight every day, solar charging will not contribute much to the battery charge on the smartwatch.
Costs
Garmin Fenix 7X Saphire Solar costs $899.99 while the Enduro 2 comes at a list price of $1099.99. The difference in cost is $200 between the two watches.
Final verdict
Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar was released in January 2022 and Enduro 2 was released in August 2022.
My money rides on Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. It offers everything that Enduro 2 does. And, I save $200 on the watch.
The hook and nylon loop of Enduro 2 may be of interest to some people. Barring that exception, I think I am fine with a Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar any time of the day.
Suggested smartwatch comparisons
You may like to read more smartwatch comparison studies below
- Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar vs Enduro 2
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- Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar vs Fenix 7 Solar
- Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar vs Fenix 7 Pro Solar
- Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Enduro 2
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Enduro 2
- Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro Solar
- Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar vs Fenix 7 Solar