Garmin has introduced Pro models for its Fenix 7 and Epix 2 series, which help to simplify the lineup as well as introduce new options. The new Epix 2 Pro models remain at the same price as the originals, the Fenix 7 Pro got pricier. The good news is that the Garmin Epix 2 Pro comes in three sizes (the Epix 2 was available in 47mm only). This means can pick up a 42mm, 47mm or a 51mm model with 1.2”, 1.3” or a 1.4” display, respectively.
The Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro
are fairly similar in their capabilities, the key difference is the display.
The Epix line uses an AMOLED display, while Fenix uses Memory-In-Pixel (MIP)
displays, that are more power efficient, especially in Always On Mode. That
said, the difference has shrunk between the two and the AMOLED display has
better fidelity.
Looking at the 47mm models,
the Epix 2 Pro can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, 6 days if you have
Always-On Display mode enabled. GPS tracking will deplete the battery in 42
hours or in 32 hours if you enable the more accurate multi-band mode. The Fenix
2 Pro promises 22 days of battery life, 73 hours of GPS tracking or 48 hours
with multi-band enabled.
We mentioned that Garmin
simplified the line-up, here’s how – all models have a solar cell on the front,
it’s not a separate option anymore. Also, all models have 32GB of storage,
which can be used for offline maps as well as offline music. Plus, multi-band
GPS is available on all models. Multi-band and 32 gigs of storage used to be
exclusive to the Sapphire tier.
You can still pick the fancy
Sapphire edition, which changes both the front glass and features a titanium
bezel (the body is mostly made out of fiber-reinforced polymer in both cases).
Whether that’s worth the US$ 100 upgrade is up to you.
Another change is that now all
models have a flashlight, even the 42mm ones. It has two white LEDs and one red
LED. This can be used as a flashlight, of course, but also as a strobe light if
you go running at night. The flashlight is something that was previously
available only on the large Fenix 7X 51mm.
Other notable changes include
a brand new optical heart rate sensor (Elevate V5) and there is unconfirmed
info that there is ECG hardware on board. However, this hasn’t been certified
and Garmin is legally prohibited from talking about it until it gets a
certification, so file this one under “maybe”.
There are some software
changes too, like shaded-relief maps, weather overlays, “split-screen mode”
(showing both a map and performance metrics), new Endurance and Hill scores and
so on. The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro now starts at US$ 800 for the 42mm and 47mm models,
up US$ 100 compared to the Fenix 7/7S. Do note that this is comparing against the
non-solar 7/7S, the solar versions cost the same. The 51mm watch is US$ 900 and
the Sapphire upgrade for all three is US$ 100 extra. Check out the Fenix over at
Garmin.com.
The Garmin Epix 2 Pro starts
at $900 for the 42mm and 47mm models, the 51mm is US$ 1,000, just like the non-Pro
version. The Sapphire upgrade is a US$ 100 extra again.