After many rumors (and after leaks of images), Garmin officially unveiled its newest
Fēnix 7
and
epix
. Two devices so similar to each other but also so different. Not mere evolutions of previous models but real evolutionary leaps, both in technology and functionality.
What stands out most is how-in the essence of Garmin’s intentions-there is a desire to come alongside the athlete by putting him or her in a position to get to know themselves better, as well as to have a device designed and dedicated to their needs and activities.
Let’s take a closer look in detail at what new features are presented and start – I can read your mind: I know you’re thinking it! – From the Garmin Fēnix 7.
Garmin Fenix 7
Anyone who runs, perhaps even frequently and frequently off-road, and engages in outdoor activities has put the Fenix on their wish list at least once. The U.S. brand’s flagship model was born to be abused, to accompany you everywhere, to have a battery that lasts a long time, and to provide you with all the data that helps you improve in your workouts. It is a premium product through and through. And, even in its version 7, the Fenix confirms its reputation-obviously going beyond its limits.
Three sizes are confirmed:
Fenix 7S
(42 mm),
Fenix 7
(47 mm) and
Fenix 7X
(51 mm); but, compared to the previous model, the thickness of the cases decreases. The range of different models is, as always, very comprehensive. They start with the standard (without solar, with Corning Gorilla Glass DX glass) and Solar (with Powerglass glass) versions, both with steel cases; and then the Solar Sapphire (with Power Sapphire glass) with a titanium case. Just staying on the “solar” compartment, compared with the previous model, the new Garmin Fenix have more surface area and efficiency. Which means, as you might imagine, longer battery life. Duration, which of course varies depending on the device and active features but, in percentage terms, is two to three digits higher than previous models.
What’s new
The new model introduces a number of new features that it is literally impossible to tell you about and describe them all in a single post (we will certainly do this in more detail in the coming weeks), so I will tell you about the “juiciest” ones.
STAMINA
Undoubtedly, in terms of functionality, the most important is STAMINA (active for running and cycling profiles). Described in very simple words, it works a bit like therange you read in the dashboard of your car.
When you start a race or training, the Garmin Fenix 7 has the ability to tell you what your range is, that is, how long or how many miles you can run. As you go along and based on your pace and heart rate changes, the system updates the mileage and time prediction. Obviously, when you accelerate, you “consume” more, and when you get back below the threshold you increase your range. The interesting side is that you are given two pieces of data, one in real time and one “potential,” which allow you to figure out at a quick glance what your “energy condition” is and, consequently, determine your strategy.
This allows you-to put it in a nutshell-to always give it your all, avoiding running out of energy before the work or race session (and thus incurring problems and injury risks), but arriving at your goal by giving it your all.
Clearly, this feature was created in collaboration with Firstbeat Analytics, and before using it, the new Garmin Fenix 7 needs to learn and get to know you. It generally occurs after a minimum of 12 to 15 workouts and evolves over time. Yes, simply put, the device is always in autolearning.
As you may have guessed, this is an extremely useful feature and, by itself, is worth the purchase of the Garmin Fenix 7. Personally, I am looking forward to trying it out; we will definitely talk about it in the near future.
Touchscreen
In addition to the traditional physical buttons (the “start” button now also has a protection that reduces the risk of accidental pressure), the new Garmin Fenix 7 can now also be used with touchscreens. The system is fast and useful, especially for scrolling through data and maps, customizing screens, and typing text. Of course, you can decide whether and when to activate it, or to use the traditional physical buttons.
Real-time settings from Garmin Connect
You will now be able to manage all Fenix settings directly from your smartphone with the Garmin Connect app. Which means we will also be able to set task field screens directly from the app without having to navigate through the buttons. It is a minor feature, I know, but it represents the integration and ever-evolving software evolution of Garmin devices.
Multi-band GPS
This feature, available only for Sapphire models, greatly increases GPS track accuracy especially in urban canyons and mountains. Receiving the additional L5 frequency ensures greater accuracy even in poor sky conditions and minimizes positioning errors due to the multipath effect (the abnormal reflection of the satellite signal in the presence of obstacles or reflective surfaces such as water or mountains).
Flashlight
The U.S. company also takes another step forward in the area of athlete safety: in fact, the Garmin Fenix 7X also has a light. LED, very powerful, it allows us to illuminate the road or paths as needed, and-most important for safety and functionality dedicated to runners-you can activate it so that when we run, the device follows the movement of the wrist and emits white light when the arm is forward, red when the arm is backward.
New 4th generation cardio sensor
The Garmin Fenix 7 also introduces a new cardio sensor on the wrist. Totally revised in design with sensor placement aimed at better optical reading, it is now even more accurate and efficient. In addition, the bottom of the case has been redesigned to protect it from solar infiltration.
Map management
To facilitate map management and optimization of internal memory, some models do not have the maps preloaded but give you the option of downloading via wi-fi only those of the areas you are interested in. While, in the case of the Sapphire versions, the maps are all already contained in the 32 GB memory of the device.
And lots of other news
As I told you, going into detail about all the new features is virtually impossible without running the risk of writing a treatise. However, it must be added (and we will talk about it again) that race prediction, recovery time, and recommended workouts have also been improved. Lots and lots of stuff, in short. ;)
The price
As you can imagine, a premium device such as the Garmin Fenix 7 comes at a premium price, with the list starting at 699.99 euros for the “standard” (no-Solar) version and going up to 1,199.99 for the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar with titanium bracelet.
For details of the features and prices of the different versions, find everything at
garmin.com
.
Garmin epix
Have you ever thought of putting an AMOLED display on a Fenix instead of its traditional MIP? Garmin did, and it came out
epix
a very different product from Fenix in terms of its soul and intended use.
It is a robust device with an ultra-high-definition screen that takes the smartwatches we know to a different level. In fact, battery life in “smartwatch” use is up to 16 days and up to 40 hours in the case of uninterrupted GPS activity.
A different soul and purpose, I said. In fact, in my opinion, the Garmin epix is less “extreme” and suitable for those who experience the outdoors in a more urban dimension. Not surprisingly, due to the presence of the AMOLED display, it is not possible to have it in Solar version.
It is available only in a 47 mm case version and brings with it all the main features and functionality of Fenix that you read about above.
The price ranges from 899.99 euros for the model with a steel case to 1099.99 euros for the Sapphire version with a titanium case and Chestnut leather strap.
Again you can find all the prices and details at.
garmin.com
.
