With the smartwatch industry getting a little more crowded each year (more than a dozen new smartwatches were released in 2021), finding the right one for you can be overwhelming. With most watches offering similar functions, it’s even more difficult to choose. Figuring out which smartwatch will best accommodate your fitness and work lifestyle is not easy. Today, we’re comparing the Garmin Fenix 7 vs Suunto 9 Peak. If you’re in the market for a smartwatch, you may be relieved to know that while they are both great watches, the Suunto 9 Peak is very different than the Garmin Fenix 7. This makes the choice a little easier. So, let’s dig in.
Garmin Fenix 7 & Suunto 9 Peak- Prices, Models, and Specs
When you buy a smartwatch, understanding what you pay for, the options you have, and how it’s going to look and feel on your wrist is important. That’s why we want to start by comparing prices and basic measurements.
Suunto 9 Peak
The Suunto 9 Peak base price comes in at $569 and can be upgraded to $699 when you choose one of their Titanium options. In total, you can choose from 4 different looks and qualities in this model.
| Measurements | 43 x 43 x 10.6 mm / 1.69 x 1.69 x 0.42 “ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 52 g / 1.83 oz |
Note that because of the sensors it includes, the Suunto 9 Peak tends to sit a little higher up on the wrist than the user might naturally wear it.
Fenix 7
Regarding the Fenix 7, your options can become overwhelming, as you have size choice, quality choice, and even solar power options. The base price for this watch starts at $699 but can work its way up over $1000 with the Sapphire editions and solar power options.
| Measurements | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 79 g (case only: 56 g) |
It’s worth noting that the Fenix 7 is quite a bit larger and bulkier than the Suunto 9 Peak (unless you look at the S model). With the Suunto 9 Peak being Suunto’s thinnest watch, in terms of looks, this becomes a battle of sporty vs. business casual.
You may also want to consider the Garmin Epix which is essentially a Fenix 7 with a brighter AMOLED screen (and slightly less battery life).
Take a look at our favorite merchants currently selling the Garmin Fenix 7
| Model | Merchant | |
| Garmin Fenix 7X Solar | Amazon | View Offer |
| Garmin Fenix 7 Silver | eBay | View Offer |
| Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire | Best Buy | View Offer |
| Garmin Epix Gen 2 | Amazon | View Offer |
Functionality
The Garmin Fenix 7 and Suunto 9 Peak don’t look all that similar, but how do they measure up in terms of functionality and features? Let’s take a look at how the major categories compare.
Display
While both watches have a touchscreen, making it easy for users to navigate the watch, their displays hold up differently. While both watches have a 1.2-inch screen, the Fenix 7 has a transflective MIP display with 260 x 260 resolution. The Suunto 9 Peak has a 240 x 240 resolution and LED backlight.
GPS
Both watches offer GPS capabilities but contain slightly different computing technologies.
Fenix 7
The Fenix 7 has an incredible map and GPS system. The device supports all major satellite systems to help you get out of tricky situations. Regardless of what model you have, you can download TopoActive maps from all over the world. This is a major plus for those who spend a lot of time hiking, running, skiing, and generally being out and about in nature.
Suunto 9 Peak
GPS was one of the major improvements to the new Suunto Peak. GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BEIDOU (types of satellite-based navigation technologies) are all offered in the Sony-manufactured chip to help you keep tabs on your position on a map. You can find some good deals currently running on the Suunto 9 – see below
Battery
The Suunto 9 Peak offers 25 hours of battery life when using its GPS mode. While this is certainly not bad (especially for such a slim watch), the Fenix 7 comes out ahead here with 40 hours on GNSS.
Sports Features
Garmin has been known to bring some serious game where it concerns their smartwatches and sports modes. The Fenix 7 offers a running coach, several workout modes, and a plethora of metrics, from heart rate monitoring to blood oxygen levels and Garmin’s sleep monitoring tech.
The Suunto 9 Peak doesn’t skimp out either. You can expect the following with your smartwatch.
- 50 different sport modes
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Weather notifications for safety
- Variometer for vertical speed
- Speed and distance trackers
- Training logbook and exercise summaries
Garmin Fenix 7 Vs Suunto 9 Peak: Who Is the Winner?
While the Fenix 7 is sportier and more rugged-looking, the Suunto 9 Peak offers someone who isn’t a fitness junkie (read: who doesn’t need to collect data on every aspect of every workout routine) the best of both worlds. It provides good battery life, a readable display, and great activity features while offering a stylish look that works both in and out of the office. (Pro tip: if you like the sound of the Suunto 9 Peak but want a more pared-down version, take a look at the Suunto 5 Peak).
So in the battle of the Garmin Fenix 7 vs Suunto 9 Peak, who comes out on top? As with other comparisons we’ve done, it all depends on what is most important to you. The Suunto 9 Peak is a definite upgrade over previous models and offers plenty of features in a sleek and versatile package. The Garmin Fenix 7, on the other hand, has an unmissable, sporty look and all the features we’ve come to expect from Garmin smartwatches, like extensive data collection and sports features. Also as we’ve come to expect from Garmin, the Fenix 7 is quite similar to other Garmin smartwatches, so if you like what you’ve heard about the Fenix 7, you might want to check out our Fenix 7 vs Epix 2 comparison.
Last Updated on December 9, 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.