Garmin Fenix 7X Quick Review

Garmin Fenix 7X (51mm) Introduction

The long-awaited, long-anticipated Garmin Fenix 7S, 7, and Fenix 7X are finally here. But how could Garmin improve after their other latest releases like the Epix (Gen2), the Forerunner 945, or the Fenix 6? While the Fenix 7 does not come with a ton of extra features in comparison to those other Garmins, this multisport watch does come in a neater, brighter, and overall better-looking package.

Overall, the Fenix 7 Series offers the Garmin variety of options to which we’re accustomed with the watchmaker: the base model, the Fenix 7 Sapphire, or the Fenix Sapphire-Solar. Between the three Fenix 7 sizes and the three make-options, there are 16 ways to wear this multisport smartwatch.

But we’re here to speak specifically on the Fenix 7X, which still offers two variations. The 51mm case can come in Solar or Sapphire Solar.

Fenix 7X Features

The Fenix 7X has a Flashlight!

To some, this LED light might not be the most attractive feature on a smartwatch. But I think we can all agree it is the coolest. If you are a camper, a hiker, boater, or hunter, you will appreciate ALWAYS having a light source on you. If you are buying a multisport

Health Monitoring & Fitness Features

Several activity and workout profiles are included with the 7X, but an especially large number of running profiles like basic Running, Track Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Trail Running, Virtual Running, or Ultra Running. This is an improvement from the Fenix 6X, as are the 7X’s regular activity profiles which now include HIIT training. Wait, there are more! You can even track many outdoor activity profiles, plus extra features included for golfers and swimmers.

One other significant improvement in the Fenix Series’ health features is you can now get the Connect IQ store right on your Fenix 7X, rather than doing so on your phone. And beyond these, you can expect all the features you loved on the earlier Fenix models on the 7X: music controls and storage, Garmin pay, an energy monitor, sleep scores and insights, women’s health insights, and heart-rate monitoring.

Safety & Assistance Features

The Fenix 7X is a multisport watch with multiple helpful features for your workouts, as well as a considerably reliable GPS. These alone are superb features to have and to take advantage of on your smartwatch. Still, Garmin takes these features further with their enhanced safety features, assistance, incident detection, and tracking capabilities. These are the same you will get from the 7X’s predecessor but are not the same as you’ll get on all Garmin watch models. The Fenix and the Forerunner series usually have robust safety features.

On your 7X, you get:

• LiveTrack      
• Group LiveTrack      
• Live Event Sharing 
• Incident Detection During Select Activities         
• Assistance

Each work with the emergency contact list you can build in your Garmin Connect app, as well as GPS locations.

Garmin Fenix 7X Design

Solar vs. Sapphire Solar?

The Solar variety of the Fenix 7X offers only one color option: slate gray with a black band. It is also about $100 less than Sapphire Solar due to its slightly less durable Power Glass. Sapphire Solar varieties from Garmin get their name from the screens made of Power Sapphire, making them insanely durable.

The Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar offers more design options with carbon grey, titanium blue, or black titanium bezel options.

A Large Smartwatch, but not a Bulky One

Garmin took everything we love about the Fenix’s original designs, like durability, GPS quality, and overall sportiness, and put it all in a slimmer watch. Even on this largest model, the Fenix 7X with a 51mm case, you still see a slight shift in design from Garmin.

The Fenix 7’s buttons stick out less, the user interface on your screen is cleaner looking, and the bezel is relatively thin. This thin bezel does not make room for more screen or display but rather more solar charging power. Even the band looks a bit cleaner on the 7!

New User Interface

In line with Garmin creating this more minimalistic version of the Fenix 6X, the watchmaker also introduced a new UI on all Fenix 7 models. Your display looks slightly simpler with the new UI but can be endlessly customized with added watch faces.

Battery Life

The long-life your watch gets from the solar charge is an excellent addition to this multisport watch. Not only does the watch offer battery-saving modes, but there are many ways in which to customize these watch modes. You can choose a low-power watch face, disable music features, or turn off your heart rate monitor, for example.

But with the constant solar charging, possibly a lot of outdoor use (since it is a multisport watch), you may not ever need to plug in the USB charger. And when you use solar charging power, you give your battery an extended life.

Smartwatch mode: up to 28-days or 37-days with solar

Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 90-days or 1-year with solar

GPS Only: Up to 89-hours or 122-hours with solar

GPS on the Fenix 7X

Garmin is well-known for stellar multisport watches due in part to their reliable GPS. In addition, you can also access multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), the maps of 42,000+ golf courses around the world, 2000 ski hill maps, and multi-continent topo maps. Each of these navigation features on the latest Fenix enhances its multisport capabilities. But none do so more than Gamin’s Up Ahead Feature.

Up Ahead can notify you of what is to come on your workout in terms of terrain or elevation changes- a super handy feature for runners, cyclists, cross-country skiers, or hikers.

Is the 7X for you?

This is the ultimate question when spending over $1000 on a smartwatch. Is this the right smartwatch for me specifically? We believe the Fenix 7X is suitable for you if:

• You are outside a lot: whether from water sports, casual activity, winter sports, camping, etc.
• You hate getting lost while working out or on an adventure: the GPS and navigation features are one of the 7X’s biggest selling points. And when you combine these with Gamin’s Safety and Assistance features, you can see the Fenix 7X as an incredibly useful adventure companion.
• Want to invest in a durable, long-lasting smartwatch: if you spend the money on the Fenix 7X, you probably won’t need another smartwatch for a long time. It is a state-of-the-art model, at a premium price. So, while it is a large investment, it could be the right place for an outdoorsy type to put their money.

While you’re here, take a look at our full Fenix 7 review.

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Last Updated on December 23, 2022