Will the Epix smartwatch help you be epic? We can’t tell you that, but it’s worth a try. The Garmin Epix Gen 2 was released on January 18th, 2022 with many upgrades from Garmin’s first-gen version released back in 2015. For some, the thought of spending $799 or more on a watch might be intimidating. However, if you have the money to shell out, it’s worth taking a look at the advanced features of the Epix.
In a nutshell, the watch can be described as a slick-looking smartwatch with AMOLED screen capability and all the sports features you love from the Fenix model. Let’s take a closer look to see what you get with the Garmin Epix smartwatch.
Garmin Epix Design and Capabilities
Appearance
The overall look of the watch and hardware gets an A+, though your size options are limited to a single size. With a 47mm case and a 33mm touchscreen, the size of the Garmin Epix is similar to the Fenix 7. What’s different is the fact that this screen is AMOLED, which allows for a brighter picture and a better touchscreen function.
If you want to spend $999, you can choose from their black or white titanium options, and for $899, you can opt for Slate Steel which is an overall grey look. Regardless of which of the three you choose from, none feature any solar panel capabilities due to the AMOLED screen. All of their models can be paired with any of their QuickFit bands.
Features and Software
While the Epix is especially good for activity tracking, there are all-around software features that make the watch an everyday smartwatch too. One of the things fans were originally worried about was battery life. Surprisingly, the battery life of the Garmin Epix is very solid. Garmin reports six days with Always On mode or 16 days when you choose the Raise to Wake option.
For those who are going to be using GPS and active modes, you can get 30 continuous hours with Always On with GPS or 42 hours in Raise to Wake mode. Another important feature for those who love the water is that this smartwatch is waterproof up to 10ATM.
Other main features:
- Call, texts, emails, and other notifications.
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Spotify
- Garmin Pay
- Power manager
Incident Detection
Garmin recognizes that active people need to have safety features in place. That’s why when your phone is paired up with your Epix, your live location is sent to your emergency contacts in the event of an incident. You can choose incident detection manually or set up automatic detection during certain activities.
Sport Specific Tracking
The bread and butter of this watch is in its sports tracking features. It also has advanced metrics for those who like to be, well, epic! Let’s take a deeper dive into what this watch offers.
You can only perform as well as your body will allow. This is why several tracking metrics are offered. Hydration tracking as well as body stress tracking through heart rate variability will let you know how ready you are to perform. Your sleep score and the quality of your sleep also play a major role in your performance, and the Epix offers an improved (over Garmin’s previous watches) sleep-tracking feature.
When it comes to training, Epix helps you track metrics for all kinds of sports activities. Whether it’s counting weightlifting reps, running, open water swimming, cross-country skiing, HIIT, or rowing, the Epix can provide you with data to track your performance. If you simply want a basic workout, the Epix lets you watch instructional videos to ensure your form is correct. Some workouts have coaches to help keep you on pace and predict your results in real-time.
GPS Accuracy
Part of the reason why Garmin sports tracking is so good has to do with their updated GPS tracking. The Epix 2 makes use of several global navigationsatellite systems, including:
- GPS
- GLONASS
- Galileo
Epix Sapphire editions (a step up from the regular Epix, with a more scratch-resistant face and a titanium case, among other perks) have satellite capabilities that were previously only available to the military. Garmin went the extra mile incorporating navigation technology here for GPS accuracy.
Some of their other important features include maps for hikers, climbers, skiers, and alike. With multi-continent topographical maps integrated, you can explore different terrains, elevations, and coastlines.
Is the Garmin Epix Worth The Big Bucks?
The Garmin Epix 2 is no doubt a huge upgrade from the 2015 Epix model, which frustrated some with its bugs and the steep learning curve required to learn how to use it. With major technology advancements, you can have super-detailed typography maps right on your wrist available to you in live time. With it only coming in three opinions and no size adjustments for smaller wrists who don’t like a bigger face, this isn’t the watch for everyone.
This is the type of watch for someone who is truly a fitness enthusiast and will take advantage of being in the mountains, water, and all in between. With its durability and AMOLED display it certainly has a leg up on some of the other models out there. It also has many similarities to Garmin’s other new release, the Garmin Fenix 7. A few differences: the Epix has a higher resolution screen, AMOLED instead of the Fenix’s transflective MIPS screen, a brighter screen in general (see: AMOLED), and unlike the Fenix, the Epix does not have a dedicated flashlight feature.
So what’s our conclusion in this Garmin Epix review? We think Garmin has made a lot of improvements on the last Epix, and this latest model definitely ranks among the best Garmin watches available in 2022.
Last Updated on February 3, 2022
Brittany Collens is one of our top sports writers. She is also a professional tennis player which helps her authority on subjects such as health and fitness.
She has a degree in journalism and has previously written for well-established sports magazines in Massachusetts.
Brittany lives in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States.