Some weeks ago, Garmin announced the Fenix 7 series which succeeds the Fenix 6 series. The new watches welcome touchscreen displays, longer battery life, support multi-band frequency, preloaded maps and a limited version of the Garmin Connect app is now onboard as well as the map manager app that lets you download maps directly from the watch. Just like the Fenix 6 series, the Fenix 7 series comes in three sizes; 42mm, 47mm and 51mm sizes. We’ll be looking at what’s new on the Fenix 7 Series and if it’s worth upgrading to the new flagship of premium GPS smartwatches.
All Fenix 7 Series Models and Prices
The Fenix 7S comes in three models, Fenix 7S standard, 7S Solar and 7S Sapphire Solar.
Similarly, the Fenix 7 comes in Fenix 7 Standard, 7 Solar and 7 Sapphire Solar.
Meanwhile, the Fenix 7X is only available in two models, the Fenix 7X Solar and Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar.
The Sapphire Solar models are the most expensive. This is because they have the most durable build, higher storage, more preloaded maps, support multi-band GPS as well as always-on solar.
Features New to the Fenix 7 Series
Before we proceed, here is what’s new to the Fenix 7 Series.
- Every model in the Fenix 7 series has a touch-sensitive display unlike their respective predecessors.
- User interface has been revamped to a great extent.
- Fenix 7X units feature a flashlight that suports SOS mode, strobe mode, and running white/red mode.
- Although a limited version, the Garmin Connect app is now available on-wrist in all models.
- Heart rate sensor have been optimized on all models.
- Health Snapshot that lets you log a 2 minute session of your heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration, blood oxygen and stress is now available in all models. This feature will be added to the Fenix 6 series.
- Free downloadable worldwide TopoActive maps is available in all models. Only Sapphire models come with preloaded Topo maps.
- Free downloadable road/trail maps are also available. Only the Sapphire models come with preloaded road/trail maps.
- Preloaded Ski and Golf maps are also available in all Fenix 7 series models. Moreover, SkiView now contain slope and resort names. This also will come to Fenix 6 series.
- Added Cross Country Ski Trails to maps. Will also come to Fenix 6 series.
- Added RealTime Stamina – A feature that is used during runs and rides. It helps to track and manage exertion through a run or bike activity.
- Added the ability to configure activity profiles and data fields from your phone.
- Added a new Sleep Manager Settings that lets you customize what the device does while you sleep.
- Added automatic graphing for run/walk/stand during a workout.
- There is now a map manager app that lets you manage and download maps directly from your wrist.
- Added Up Ahead – This feature provides awareness for relevant map or course information that is coming up ahead.
- Multi-band satellite positioning is available in only Sapphire Solar models.
- Added more sport profiles such as kiteboard, windsurf, snowshoe and hunting. These profiles will come to Fenix 6 series.
- HIIT has been added to the list of available gym activity profiles. This will also come to Fenix 6.
- Added HIIT workout. This will come to Fenix 6.
- Each model in the Fenix 7 series has a longer battery life that its Fenix 6 series predecessor.
- Always-on Solar is now available in Sapphire models.
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro vs 7S vs 6 Pro vs 7: Full Specifications Compared
| Product Info |
 Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Specifications, Features and Price |
 Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar Specifications, Features and Price |
 Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Specifications, Features and Price |
 Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Specifications, Features and Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $799.99 | $234.99 | $463.89 |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | Garmin Fenix 6S Pro | Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar | Garmin Fenix 6 Pro | Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar |
| Device type | Fitness/Sport smartwatch | Fitness/Sport smartwatch | Fitness/Sport smartwatch | Fitness/Sport smartwatch |
| Gender | Women | Unisex, Women | Men | Men |
| Release date | September, 2019 | January, 2022 | September, 2019 | January, 2022 |
| Predecessor | Garmin Fenix 5S Plus | Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Sapphire | Garmin Fenix 5 Plus | Garmin Fenix 6 |
| Successor | — | — | — | — |
| Versions | — | Fenix 7S, Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar, Fenix 7S Solar | — | Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, Fenix 7 Solar, Fenix 7 Standard |
| BODY | BODY | BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Dimension | 42 x 42 x 13.8 mm | 42 x 42 x 14.1 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.7 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm |
| Weight | 61 grams | 58 grams | 83 grams | 73g |
| Shape | Circular | Circular | Circular | Circular |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer, Titanium rear |
| Strap material | Nylon, Silicone, Suede | Silicone | Leather, Nylon, Silicone, Titanium | Silicone |
| Bezel material | DLC, Stainless steel | Titanium | DLC, Stainless steel, Titanium | Titanium |
| Strap size | 20 mm | 20 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Interchangeable strap | 20mm, Yes | 20mm, Yes | 22 mm, Yes | Yes, 22mm |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass DX, Sapphire glass | Sapphire glass | Corning Gorilla Glass DX, Sapphire glass | Sapphire glass |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Durability test | MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color | Black | Carbon-gray case/black-band, Cream-gold case/light-sand band, Dark-bronze case/shale-gray band | Black | Black case/black band, Carbon-gray case/black-band, Mineral-blue case/whitestone band |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | 1.2 inches | 1.2 inches | 1.3 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Display type | LCD, Memory-in-pixel (MIP), transflective | LCD, Memory-in-pixel (MIP), transflective | LCD, Memory-in-pixel (MIP), transflective | LCD, Memory-in-pixel (MIP), transflective |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 px | 240 x 240 px | 260 x 260 px | 260 x 260 px |
| Pixel density | — | 283 PPI | — | 283 PPI |
| Always on | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | 5 Physical buttons | 5 Physical buttons, Touchscreen | 5 Physical buttons | 5 Physical buttons, Touchscreen |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth | ANT+, Bluetooth | ANT+, Bluetooth | ANT+, Bluetooth | ANT+, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No | No | No |
| GPS | Galileo, GLONASS, GPS | Galileo, GLONASS, GPS | Galileo, GLONASS, GPS | Galileo, GLONASS, GPS |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | — | — | — | — |
| ROM | 32GB | 16GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Technology | None | None | None | None |
| SIM type | None | None | None | None |
| Band | — | — | — | — |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reply to Notifications | - | - | - | - |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | No | No | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No | No | No |
| Camera | No | No | No | No |
| Radio | No | No | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| Sensor(s) | — | — | — | — |
| ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Pressure | No | No | No | No |
| Calories | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | No | No | No | No |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim-tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater heart rate tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On-screen workout | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sport modes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | non-removable Lithium-polymer | non-removable Lithium-polymer | non-removable Lithium-polymer | non-removable Lithium-polymer |
| Battery capacity | — | — | — | — |
| Battery life | Battery saver mode: 34 days, Expedition GPS mode: 20 days, Smartwatch mode: up to 9 days | Battery saver mode: Up to 38 days (87 days with solar), GPS only mode: Up to 37hrs (46hrs with solar), Smartwatch mode: Up to 11 days (14 days with solar) | Battery saver mode: 48 days, Expedition GPS mode: 28 days, Smartwatch mode: up to 14 days | Battery saver mode: Up to 57 days (173 days with solar), GPS only mode: Up to 57hrs (73hrs with solar), Smartwatch mode: Up to 18 days (22 days with solar) |
| Charging type | Charging dock | Charging dock | Charging dock | Charging dock |
| Charging time | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Solar charging | No | Yes (Solar model) | No | Yes (Solar model) |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Chipset | — | — | — | — |
| CPU | — | — | — | — |
| GPU | — | — | — | — |
| Operating system | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| MISC | MISC | MISC | MISC | MISC |
| Companion app | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect |
| Compatibility | Android 5.0+, iOS 11.0+ | Android 7.0+, iOS 13.0+ | Android 5.0+, iOS 11.0+ | Android 7.0+, iOS 13.0+ |
| Payment system | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Voice command | No | No | No | No |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Charger, Garmin Fenix 6S Pro, Manual, Straps | Charger, Garmin Fenix 7S, Manual, Straps | Charger, Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, Manual, Straps | Charger, Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, Manual, Straps |
Fenix 6S Standard vs 6S Pro vs 6S Pro Sapphire vs 6S Pro Solar vs 7S Standard vs 7S Solar vs 7S Sapphire Solar
Before we continue, it’s important you know all the available units in both the Fenix 6 and 7 series. We have three sizes; 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. We start with the smallest, the 42mm sizes. There are four 42mm units in the Fenix 6 series and three in the Fenix 7 series as you can see in the table below.
Fenix 6 Standard vs 6 Pro vs 6 Pro Sapphire vs 6 Pro Solar vs 7 Standard vs 7 Solar vs 7 Sapphire Solar
While the 42mm size is indicated by an “S” in the name and the 51mm size is indicated by an “X”, the 47mm size doesn’t have any letter attached to the number. And just like the 42mm units, there are four units in the Fenix 6 series and three units in the new Fenix 7 series. The differences between the different models are shown in the table below.
Fenix 6X Pro vs 6X Pro Sapphire vs 6X Pro Solar vs 7X Solar vs 7X Sapphire Solar
There are only three 51mm units in the Fenix 6 series and two units in the Fenix 7 series. These units have an “X” in the name that indicates they are the biggest in size and also the most expensive as they have more features. The differences between the respective 51mm units in Fenix 6 and 7 series are shown in the table below.
Fenix 6 vs 7 – Design
- Fenix 6S vs 7S
- Fenix 6 vs 7
While the Fenix 6S is available in four units; Fenix 6S, 6S Pro, 6S Pro Sapphire and 6S Pro Solar, the Fenix 7S is only available in three units; Fenix 7S Standard, 7S Solar and 7S Sapphire Solar.
Nothing much has changed in the design, it’s the same 42mm case size. The Fenix 7S is slightly thicker at 14.1mm compared to 13.8mm of the Fenix 6S series. Only the Fenix 6S Solar is a little thicker at 14.2mm. It will make a lot of sense to see a slimmer design within the 10mm and 12mm range.
The regular fiber-polymer material with a metal rear cover has been used on all the watches except for the Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar which has a titanium rear cover. Corning Gorilla Glass DX glass covers the display on all models with a bezel made of stainless steel.
Only the Fenix 6S Pro Sapphire and Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar feature Sapphire glass. However, while 6S Pro Sapphire has a DLC coated steel bezel, it’s titanium for the 7S Sapphire Solar.
Just like the Fenix 6S, the Fenix 6 comes in four units, while the Fenix 7 comes in three units. All units have a fiber-polymer case with a metal rear cover except for the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar which has a titanium rear. The Fenix 6 Pro Sapphire has a DLC coated steel bezel while the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar has a titanium bezel. Sapphire glass protects the display of the Sapphire models while Corning Gorilla Glass DX protects that of all other units.
It’s the same 47mm case size for all the units, although, the Fenix 7 units are slightly slimmer at 14.5mm compared to 14.7mm of the Fenix 6 units. Meanwhile, the Fenix 6 Pro Solar is the thickest at 15.1mm and has a Power glass.
The Fenix 6X Pro is available in three units while the Fenix 7X is available in two units. All units have the same dimension of 51mm x 51mm x 14.9mm. The case of all the units is made of fiber-polymer material with a metal rear cover. Although, Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar has a titanium rear cover. The bezel material also differs with the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar having the most durable bezel which is made of pure titanium.
Fenix 6 vs 7 – Display and Navigation
Like the Fenix 6 series, the Fenix 7 series have the same display sizes that are powered by the regular transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP). It’s 1.2 inches for the 42mm sizes, 1.3 inches for the 47mm sizes and 1.4 inches for the 51mm sizes.
Five physical buttons are present in both Fenix 6 and 7 series. However, Garmin deemed it worthwhile to add touchscreen support to the Fenix 7 series which certainly makes these units easier to navigate. Moreover, the interface has been revamped significantly which leaves these units with a cleaner interface compared to the Fenix 6 series units. You have the option to change watch faces on all models. You can do this from the Garmin Connect app which is now available on the Fenix 7 series, thus making it even easier to customize the watch face.
Fenix 6 vs 7 – Activity Tracking
Like the Fenix 6 series, the Fenix 7 series are fully equipped with sensors that enable a whole lot of features.
You get all the regular activity tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking in all four stages with a sleep score, as well as blood oxygen and stress measurement.
All the Fenix 7 units also feature respiration, hydration tracking and fitness age that tells if you are older or younger than your age. Body Battery Energy Monitor that estimates when you will be ready for your next workout is also available as well as incidental fall detection that lets the watch initiate a call and sends your location to a preset emergency contact when your phone is nearby.
Advanced features like animated onscreen workouts, ClimbPro and PacePro are also available in all units across the Fenix 6 and 7 series.
While you get access to maps on all units, the Fenix 7 series now feature a map manager app that lets you download specific maps of your choice. Moreover, the Sapphire Solar models come with preloaded worldwide topographical maps, road/trail and ski resort maps. Meanwhile, the Standard and Solar models come with only preloaded ski maps. The Fenix 6S Pro, 6 Pro and 6X Pro all come with preloaded Topo (regional), road/trail and ski resort maps. The base models of the Fenix 6 series all lack preloaded maps.
New activity tracking features on the Fenix 7 the Health Snapshot feature that lets you log a short session of vital data such as heart rate, blood oxygen, stress and respiration has been added to the Fenix 7 series. This feature will also come to Fenix 6 series.
Other features include HIIT workout, kiteboard, snowshoe, hunter and windsurf outdoor sport profiles. These profiles will be added to Fenix 6 series. There is also the new ultra and track running profiles both of which will be added to Fenix 6.
Also new on Fenix 7 are real-time stamina, Up Ahead and automatic walk/run/stand graphing during a workout.
Obviously, the main difference between the Fenix 6 and 7 series as far as activity tracking is concerned is the multi-band GPS support of the Fenix 7 Sapphire units that enables increased location tracking.
Fenix 6 vs 7 – Media Storage
Unlike the base models of the Fenix 6 series which lack onboard music storage, all units in the Fenix 7 series come with 16GB for the Standard and Solar models, while the Sapphire models come with 32GB storage. Meanwhile, the Fenix 6 Sapphire and Solar models all come with a 32GB storage capacity.
Supported music services include Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music. You can download your playlists from any of these services to the units then pair a Bluetooth headphone to enjoy music offline. Note that downloading from these services might require payment.
Fenix 6 vs 7 – Notifications and Garmin Pay
All units on both Fenix 6 and 7 series will allow you to manage notifications received on your phone. You also get the option to reply to messages with any of these models via preset quick replies.
Garmin Pay, a non-contactless payment system that lets you make payments without your debit card is available on all the units in the Fenix 6 and 7 series.
Fenix 6 vs 7 – Battery Life
With a new ELEVATE GEN 4 heart rate monitor and a revamped solar panel and GPS mode, the Fenix 7 units have longer battery life than their respective Fenix 6 predecessors.
- Fenix 6S vs 7S
- Fenix 6 vs 7
- Fenix 6X Pro vs 7X
The 7S has up to 11 days of battery life compared to 9 days of the Fenix 6. With Solar models, it’s up to 2 weeks and 10 days for the Fenix 6S Pro Solar models. In GPS-only mode, you can get up to 37 hrs with Fenix 7S. It’s up to 25hrs with Fenix 6S.
Similarly, the Fenix 7 has a longer battery life than the Fenix 6. It offers up to 18 days compared to 2 weeks of the Fenix 6. The Fenix 7 Solar models offer up to 22 days of battery life compared to 16 days of Fenix 6 Pro Solar.
The Fenix 7X offers up to 28 days of battery life and up to 37 days when Solar is activated. This is far longer than the Fenix 6X Pro models which offer up to 21 days, and 24 days when solar is enabled.
Garmin Fenix 6 vs 7 – Should You Upgrade?
Even though all the Fenix 6 units are durably built and are some of the very best GPS smartwatches with the longest battery life, the Fenix 7 units offer longer battery life, preloaded worldwide Topo maps with the ability to download more using the map manager app. Even more is the touchscreen display, more durable build, revamped UI, and the Garmin Connect app which is now on board the watch, allowing you to do more without reaching out for your phone. These new additions are worth upgrading to if you wish to enjoy all the latest features.
Otherwise, the Fenix 6 models remain one of the very best out there.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Fenix 6 and 7?
The difference between the Fenix 6 and 7 is that the latter comes with an improved heart rate sensor, has a longer battery life and is slightly more durable build than the Fenix 6.
The Fenix 7 also has touchscreen support which isn’t present on Fenix 6. Moreover, the Fenix 7 has a revamped interface and comes with more preloaded maps.
Can the Fenix 7 answer calls?
No, the Fenix 7 can’t answer calls. The Fenix 6 lacks both a microphone and speaker, so it can’t answer calls. However, you will be able to see incoming calls which you can answer on your phone.
Does Fenix 7 have ECG?
Unfortunately, the Fenix 7 lacks ECG measurement. It however features a whole lot of health and fitness tracking features that makes it one of the best fitness smartwatches.
