The Garmin Fenix series has long been renowned for its exceptional performance and rugged design, making it a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. With the release of the Garmin Fenix 7, it's time to compare it to its predecessor, the Fenix 6, and explore what new and improved features the latest iteration brings to the table. From enhanced design elements to advanced fitness tracking capabilities, the Fenix 7 aims to set new standards in the world of multisport GPS smartwatches.

In this blog post, we will delve into the key areas of improvement and highlight the notable upgrades that make the Fenix 7 a compelling choice for those seeking the ultimate wearable companion for their active lifestyle.

Design and Display

Design and display are crucial aspects of any smartwatch, and the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 6 offer notable improvements in these areas. The Fenix 7 boasts a sleeker and more refined design, featuring a slimmer profile and lighter weight compared to its predecessor. It incorporates premium materials and offers customizable watch faces and interchangeable bands, allowing users to personalise their device to suit their style.

In terms of the display, the Fenix 7 introduces a larger and higher-resolution screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The improved display offers better visibility in various lighting conditions, ensuring that users can easily access information and navigate through menus, even in bright sunlight or low-light environments.

Performance and Battery Life

Performance and battery life are key considerations when comparing the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 6. The Fenix 7 is equipped with the latest hardware advancements, including a more powerful processor and increased RAM, resulting in smoother operation and faster response times. This allows for seamless navigation through menus and quick access to features.

Additionally, the Fenix 7 offers improved GPS and tracking accuracy, enabling users to track their activities with greater precision. When it comes to battery life, both models offer impressive endurance, but the Fenix 7 introduces optimised power management features that extend its battery life even further. This means users can rely on their Fenix 7 for extended outdoor adventures or longer fitness sessions without worrying about frequent recharging.

Sports and Fitness Features

Sports and fitness features are at the core of the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 6, catering to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Both models offer a wide range of preloaded sport profiles, including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and more.

However, the Fenix 7 takes things a step further with the introduction of additional sports modes and improved performance metrics. It includes advanced training features such as PacePro, which offers grade-adjusted pace guidance for various terrains. The Fenix 7 also incorporates enhanced performance monitoring tools, including advanced heart rate tracking, VO2 max estimation, recovery advisor, and training load balance.

Moreover, the Fenix 7 integrates the latest health and fitness sensors, providing more accurate data on metrics like sleep quality, stress levels, and body energy monitoring. These improvements make the Fenix 7 a comprehensive and reliable companion for tracking and optimising performance in a wide range of sports and fitness activities.

Health and Wellness Features

Both the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 6 prioritise the health and wellness of their users by offering a range of features to support overall well-being. However, the Fenix 7 introduces several enhancements in this aspect.

It incorporates advanced sleep tracking technology, providing detailed insights into sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep, as well as monitoring oxygen saturation levels during the night. The Fenix 7 also introduces new stress tracking features, including a stress score and relaxation exercises, which help users manage and reduce stress levels.

Additionally, the Fenix 7 includes a body battery feature that analyses heart rate variability, stress, sleep, and activity data to provide users with a comprehensive understanding of their energy levels throughout the day.

This allows users to optimise their activities and rest periods for improved performance and overall well-being. The Fenix 7's enhanced health and wellness features make it an invaluable tool for those seeking to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Navigation and Mapping

The Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 6 excel in navigation and mapping capabilities, making them ideal companions for outdoor adventures. Both models offer built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems for accurate positioning and navigation.

However, the Fenix 7 introduces several improvements in this area. It features enhanced mapping functionality with topographic maps, allowing users to navigate trails, explore new routes, and view terrain details directly on their wrist. The Fenix 7 also includes turn-by-turn navigation, which provides step-by-step directions during activities.

Furthermore, the Fenix 7 offers improved route planning and trackback features, enabling users to create and follow routes easily. With these enhancements, the Fenix 7 ensures that users can confidently navigate through challenging terrains and explore the great outdoors with precision and confidence.

Connectivity and Smart Features

Connectivity and smart features are essential aspects of the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 6, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience. Both models offer Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, allowing seamless pairing with smartphones, sensors, and other compatible devices.

Users can receive smart notifications, such as incoming calls, messages, and app alerts, directly on their wrist, keeping them connected even during workouts. The Fenix 7 introduces additional smart features, including onboard music storage and streaming capabilities, enabling users to listen to their favourite tunes without the need for a smartphone.

It also offers Garmin Pay, a contactless payment solution, allowing users to make convenient transactions on the go. With these connectivity and smart features, the Fenix 7 provides users with added functionality and convenience, enhancing their overall wearable experience.

Price and Availability

The pricing and availability of the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 6 can vary based on factors such as region and retailer. Typically, newer models like the Fenix 7 are priced higher than their predecessors upon release.

The Fenix 6, being an older model, may see price reductions or discounts compared to the Fenix 7. It's important to check with authorised Garmin retailers or the official Garmin website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Availability can also vary, with newer models often being more readily available than older ones.

It's recommended to check the official Garmin website or contact local retailers to determine the availability of the Fenix 7 and Fenix 6 in your specific location.

Protectivity

Protecting the screen of your Garmin Fenix 7 is essential to ensure its longevity and usability. Investing in a reliable screen protector is a wise choice to safeguard against scratches, smudges, and potential damage.

Numerous third-party manufacturers offer specifically designed screen protectors for the Fenix 7, offering a layer of defence without compromising touchscreen responsiveness or clarity. These protectors are typically made from durable materials like tempered glass or high-quality film, providing impact resistance and fingerprint resistance.

Additionally, some screen protectors offer anti-glare properties, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. Ensuring the protection of your Fenix 7's screen with a dedicated screen protector helps preserve its pristine condition and enhances its overall lifespan.

Conclusion

The Garmin Fenix 7 surpasses its predecessor, the Fenix 6, with notable improvements across various aspects. It features a sleeker design, larger and higher-resolution display, improved performance, extended battery life, advanced sports and fitness features, enhanced health and wellness tracking capabilities, superior navigation and mapping functionality, and convenient smart connectivity options. To ensure its longevity and protect the screen, investing in a dedicated screen protector designed for the Fenix 7 is highly recommended.

Overall, the Fenix 7 sets a new standard as a comprehensive and advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness aficionados.