Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Recently, Garmin has been on a run, releasing updated versions of its most popular sports smartwatches. Now, its best adventure watch, the Fenix 7 Pro, has been upgraded with next-generation technology and new features.
The new torch-equipped, go-anywhere watch costs £750, placing it alongside Apple’s £849 Watch Ultra and the £800-plus Epix line. This is £150 more than the least expensive Fenix 7, but roughly comparable to the price of previous solar-charging variants. Then, what else do you receive for your money?
Garmin employs its “Pro” models to introduce new technologies to its watch lineup while retaining the original Fenix 7’s rugged design. It is available in 42, 47, and 51mm sizes to accommodate various wrist widths and appears to be a serious timepiece.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review
The 7 Pro features the latest generation of Garmin’s low-power LCD touchscreen, which is noticeably sharper and simpler to read indoors than previous solar-charging models. It is not as attractive as its most recent OLED models, but it is simpler to view in direct sunlight, has solar charging capabilities, and consumes significantly less energy. Models made of sapphire glass and titanium are available for those who require the most durable materials.
The LED light on the top edge of the watch, which debuted last year exclusively on the enormous Fenix 7X and is now on all sizes of the 7 Pro, is one of the finest additions. It is bright enough to be used for navigation, similar to a phone torch, and is incredibly useful in the mundane tasks of daily life, such as rummaging through cupboards or taking out the garbage at night.
The LED can also function as a strobing running light, illuminating white when the arm is moved forward and red when the arm is moved backward. It won’t supplant a headlamp or chest light, but anything that increases your nighttime visibility to motorists is beneficial.
All 7 Pro models include Garmin’s best-in-class multi-band GPS, which substantially improves tracking accuracy in challenging environments such as dense forests and around tall buildings.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Specifications
- Display: 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4in MIP transflective LCD
- Case dimensions: 42, 47, or 51 mm
- Case thickness: 14.1 to 14.9 millimetres Band width: 20, 22 or 26 millimetres
- Body weight: 42 to 68 grammes
- 32GB of storage and 100 metres (10ATM) of water resistance.
- Multiple-band GNSS (GPS, Glonass, Galileo), compass, altimeter, heart rate, and pulse sensors. Ox
- Bluetooth, ANT+, and wifi connectivity are supported.
- The Garmin Elevate 5 HR sensor on the Fenix 7 Pro’s rear.
The rear of the watch features Garmin’s new fifth-generation optical heart rate monitor, which is wider and noticeably different in design, making it more reliable when the wrist is in motion or at an angle. This should facilitate tracking during vigorous or arduous exercise, such as weightlifting or cycling. Otherwise, the sensor is the most responsive and accurate optical monitor available, and for the majority of people, it is nearly as effective as a chest strap.
The 7 Pro monitors virtually every activity imaginable, with an additional 30 sport profiles added to the Fenix 7’s already extensive list. Few competitors offer offline mapping on the wrist for both pre-planned and impromptu routes, in case you get disoriented. Similar to smartphone radar weather maps, enhanced steepness markings and weather conditions can now be overlaid on your location.
Two new metrics, hill score and endurance score, are exclusive to the 7 Pro, but will be rolled out to other models through software updates.
Hill score is a measurement of your ability to run, walk, or trek up inclines of 2% or greater. It is comprised of hill endurance and hill strength, which indicate your endurance or speed.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: Advantages of Buying Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
The endurance score is more intriguing because it allows for sport-independent comparisons. It measures the duration and intensity of every activity, allowing football players to compete with runners and skiers. Other platforms, such as Fitbit, have provided activity-agnostic competitions as one of their primary social selling points for some time.
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Durable batteries and solar recharge
Having a low-power LCD screen is advantageous because it has a very extended battery life. The Fenix 7 Pro easily lasts 16 days when used as a smartwatch with notifications from my phone, general activity and sleep tracking, setting routines, using the torch multiple times per day, and other functions. If you use the torch less frequently or add several hours of solar charging per day, the battery will last closer to 22 days, which is quite impressive.
The battery life for running and other sport tracking features is similarly impressive, lasting up to 136 hours in its most energy-efficient mode or up to 40 days in its special “expedition mode.” With daily solar charging, its lifespan can be extended.
For more consistent running, the watch consumed approximately 6-7% of its battery in 80 minutes in its default automatic GPS mode without audio or 12% with Spotify offline music. This equates to at least 22 hours of precise monitoring, which is sufficient for the majority of activities.
Sustainability
The Fenix 7 Pro can typically be repaired. The battery is rated to maintain at least 80% capacity for at least a few years despite frequent charging cycles. The watch does not include any recycled components. Garmin guarantees at least two years of security updates from the date of release, but its devices are typically supported for much longer. It offers trade-in programmes for certain lines and complies with WEEE and other local electronic recycling regulations.
Price
The cheapest variant in the Fenix 7 Pro series costs £749.99 ($799.99/A$1,349) and the most expensive model costs £1,099.99.
The Fenix 7 begins at £560, the Epix Pro at £830, the Apple Watch Ultra at £849, the Corps Vertix 2 at $599, and the Sunnto Vertical at £545.
Verdict
The Fenix 7 Pro is all about solidifying Garmin’s position as the market leader in adventure watches by adding its next-generation heart rate sensor and screen technology to the already highly capable Fenix 7.
Solar charging on all models, enhanced maps, and the most precise multi-band GPS are all welcome additions. As are the software additions to Garmin’s industry-leading sport tracking, extremely extended battery life, and support for Android and iPhone. You may only utilise 5% of this watch’s capabilities, but everyone’s 5% will be unique.
The Fenix 7 Pro is the finest adventure smartwatch on the market, despite being only marginally superior to its already excellent predecessor. It is expensive, but for some, it will be worth every peso.
